BMW Z3 Diary

Nigel G Wilcox

Diary

BMW Z3
Maintenance Project On A Shoestring

The Diary of the BMW Z3

To Living the dream...if we are allowed to!

2024__________________Well ! Almost________

Click on Cover For Chapters

BMW Z3

2.2 Straight Six
5 Speed
Manual
Convertible
Titan Silver
2171ccm 170HP
125KW
Petrol

My Diary Of An
BMW Z3

Z3 2002 Engine 2.2
5 Speed Manual

Nigel G Wilcox

click

'Looking Good!

The Positive!

24.04.22 This afternoon has been forecast rain and I was looking for an excuse and couldn't find one. The oil needed changing and it wasn't going to do it on it's own, so up to the garage...

The New Year 2024 - it is now 7 years on with my Z3 Daily Driver and it is still going wellish!
This year the Z3 is ready for a good service with those irritating little things to be cleared up, such as the seat bushing replacements to stop the chair from rocking. I can blame the MOT garage for that last year. I would also like to change the headlight bulbs as they are not so bright at night, sort out some wiring and the list goes on. With changes in Government legislation many of us are uncertain on how long we will have our freedoms to drive our classics without the ongoing abuse of politicians, but we can only guess and see what develops!

09.01.24 - Just waiting on one or two items ordered, such as stronger headlight bulbs, down to Christmas postage backlogs, like most years : (Arrived pm). In the mean time, I have received a new battery isolator that has been on my shelf for a number of weeks. I have just taken it off the shelf to have a look at it.

12V Battery Relay Switch Dual Remote Car Battery Disconnect Relay Anti-Theft Battery Shut Off Switch Isolator Compact Battery Isolator

I have been having to open my Boot/Trunk to isolate the battery using a quick release clamp when storing the car in the garage, I was looking for something better or more efficient and this could be the solution.

As many Z3 owner's know, if one has a full sized battery, there is not much room within the battery well, and anything above the battery will prevent the carpet board covering the battery and tools section this spoils the aesthetics' of the boot compartment. so I really needed to devise a D.I.Y upgrade to make it work:

This is a 'mock-up' of what I came up with.
My battery fills the compartment up to the lighting facia, however there is space under a plastic shelf towards the corner 'bin' as indicated within the image...>>>

With a piece of metal plate extension from the battery connector, (attached with small bolts and nuts) to the the relay (30) the unit can now be tucked under the shelf and this will also prevent anyone tampering with the connection to the relay, it is more time consuming for a potential thief and like with any security, 'time' is the thief's worst enemy. Added to other deterrents this can only make the car a little more secure.

So what does it do? One may well ask. By using a remote, the relay acts as a switch isolating the battery 'on' or 'off', this is a quite a simple concept really and it saves time in manually unlocking the Boot/Trunk remotely or via boot/trunk keys.

<<<Red to Pos Batt Post

earth/Neg

Earth Strap
>>>

Black to Earth/Neg

Mock-up

Blk wire 85 to batt post 30 Neg

batt post 30 to Neg Batt post

Bolt

click Purchase

Workshop click

Whoops! Frustrating
Wrong base connection

Reverse

1 - New Headlight LEDs

2 - New Headlight
or Fogs LEDs

OK, decided to choose two potential headlight LEDs (details listed in purchases) for some reason there is almost a mistake on orders either from my side or their's, this can be frustrating especially when the advertisement is not clear, however, mistake or not; I have them for possible future projects. When choosing bulbs of any kind, check your patterns and spacings of bayonet lugs and soldered connections on the bottom of the bulb, some sockets require a single connection and others require a double connection on the base of the bulb. Check this out, if you can as it is not always clear to identify - what happed to universal standards?:

26.01.24 - Just need to attempt to fit them, that is if they fit...;) (will wait until after the MOT to fit them)

Note: Check you bayonet lugs on the sides of the bulb and also check the bottom of the bulb for a single or double soldered connections. The lugs can differ on the same light cluster, depending on the bulb functionality. This can cause problems and damage to the bulb when extracting your bulbs.

29.01.24 *** As many of you will know from reading my diaries and comments, there were some problems with the front bumper, it drops about 10mm leaving a slight gap below the bonnet/hood. The consequences to this gap clearance to the road or when going over speed humps can be noticeable. To rectify this problem the bumper will most likely need to come off, to be reinstalled and re-aligned accordingly.

The gap could be down to the attachment brackets on either side of the vehicle, these could either be broken, bumper bolts maybe missing or both. I have sourced two salvaged brackets, (Stored on a shelf for a couple of years now) - They just need to be fitted; that's if this is the cause of the problem, personally after a brief inspection I am doubting it). This just leaves, tightening of bolts, (my initial thought is, a bolt or a couple of them may have been crossed threaded and not extending to the correct tightness, allowing the bumper to drop, this is only speculation until a thorough dismantling and inspection is carried out. That's for another day.

Currently, I have short LED strips wired up and are effective to a point, the running light feature is not working, only the direction indicators, they are held on with cable-ties, not exactly a pretty image as aesthetics goes for those that look carefully...

Once rectified, the new LED strip (China - Temu, paid £4.04 'payday sale', normally priced £15-20, WOW! will they work?) will also help in tidying up the aesthetics of the vehicle .... It may also be a good opportunity to use one of the switches on the switch panel previously purchased (see listings) to illuminate the strip as and when needed and therefore will most likely require an update to or a change in the existing loom/wiring. The LED strip also incorporates amber direction indicators and these will have to be linked into the local indicator circuit, another opportunity to upgrade and add more convenient connector plugs.

An order has been raised, to start this process and to help my motivation into rectifying the problem that has been long awaited.

1- Running Light

3- Running Light

2- Running Light & Direction

Running Light & Direction Indicators

layout examples

Which 2 would you choose?

____________________________________________

___________________________________________

Obviously take away the bike, place an old hammock or strong cargo netting or straps across to both hooks and one can swing the hardtop onto a small frame above the vehicle... hopefully without damaging it. Return back onto the car in winter weather or long trips.
I also have two more small locking pulleys to perhaps add to the other two corners for added support and security. (see purchases for costs)

Up & Down

A net or lifting straps. Will this work? I don't see why not... unless there is a weight issue.

Received 12.02.24

Up & Down

<<<2024>>>

Going back to <<< 2018, the Start of the Renovation and Ownership

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Further details under the 'Tools' section Car roof/garage

This 'defender' prevents the garage door from being lifted and the base plate is bolted inside and outside of the garage. The outside perimeter plate bolts are covered from access - a nice design and robust- this will be fitted soon to replace my current security that has also proven adequate, the new Defender will be fitted without having to spoil the aesthetics of the new door. ...?

I have recently noticed some of my neighbours having the same idea towards having good security - do your research and shop around as the prices will vary. Do also research the vulnerability as well as the quality of other designs that maybe available, before purchase.

04.03.24 - Still waiting for warmer weather in early March, hey! Being optimistic here!

11.03.24 - Wow! New Garage Door has been fitted and looks good. Just waiting for the roof to be replaced, as full of asbestos....the fitters will to be replacing the roof with metal sheeting. (can wire a few hundred volts through that! Another security idea) ...Nice!
- I do have a problem, due to no electricity to this garage and I will have to bring into service my generator or power inverter. The 800W hammer drill as this is required to make holes in to the concrete for the security bolts for the new Defender now received. After testing the inverter of 4000W it only knocks out around 200W of continual power, not enough for the hammer drill. I do have another inverter with 6000W on order and this should knock out at least 1600W, hopefully this should suffice without having to service the generator - Inverter should arrive early April... (Update: arrived 3rd Apr 2024 - tested the inverter with the hammer drill 800W and it seems to work - just leaves finding the time to commence with the job).

31.03.24 - Over the past three years, I have conducted an audit and identified the costs to having to replace tools loaned out or they have gone missing or stolen, have exceeded £1000+ of deficit or having to replace these tools/items are taking time due to financial constraints, this does leave a bitter and disappointing feeling when chasing up these people to whom have blatantly decided to take ownership of my tools, they hopefully will no doubt be conscious to causing animosity, that is if they have a conscience, to date, doubt it. Very sad.

Initially this was down to me being over generous and trusting on my part.... - and these people have exploited me and the situation there will not be another opportunity. 'They Know Who they Are!' So much for the individual moral standards of today....I have re-introduced the following policy, unfortunately, tools are not cheap, unless one steels them and this has been considered the case based on failure of returns - they are out of my inner circle). Note: The New - Or I should say the 're-enforced Policy' in terms of the borrowing of such items from this point on in time, the policy will stand - this generosity has ceased and I 'Don't care if those 'millennials' or 'Z generation individuals' feel offended, tough! I can only say, go out and buy your own!) However; all returns will be welcomed if one does grow a conscience or has any decency.

OK! cooled down, said my piece for now. I think the rain may have stopped....still cloudy, clocks have gone forward, early a.m., so, longer daylight time.... and World War III is just around the corner! That will be nothing if my tools are not returned! (See Policy). Obviously, still cooling down....

08.04.24 -Today looks to be a pleasant day, not too hot, not too cold a typical three bears scenario and an ideal day for sorting out and fitting of the 'defender' security bar at the garage. It is around 2.15pm in the afternoon, I have the Inverter 6000w and two legacy hammer drills, one Maplin 580Watts and the other is my favourite Bosch 800Watts (see drills) with some concrete munching drill bits. I started off with the small drill bits and worked up to the larger ones, (initially with the Bosch) and this worked quite well. The job then required the larger bits, (Too big for the Bosch 'pull-lock' adapter or SDS) This part was not of the best of experiences, as there was rebar within the concrete and the drilled circle, (sort of) was every other shape than a circle. A blister on the right hand, 'Really!' I drilled three holes sortof, I then discovered there were only two bolts available for the plate, 'What!' There were three holes in the plate? I had no idea where the other bolt had walked off to or even if they had even been supplied? Two will have to do. (update: two only supplied? - Come on Suppliers!) I found the Maplin 580w drill more friendlier than the Bosch 800W, (even though the 580W had given me blisters).It did hold the thicker masonry drills (21/2" Chuck). The whole job took about 2 hours or thereabouts, (yes! You heard me right, not the easiest of jobs surprisingly, must have been a good mix of concrete or something?). Another job ticked off the list. As for the 6000W inverter, it performed well and I am pleased with it, it did cut out on occasion when the drill bit became caught up within the concrete and rebar, however; the inverter did reset itself. (without blowing!) The Bosch drill for this particular job was not really suitable without a traditional Chuck and key, (additional attachment, the one I had was broken or worn - I am sure it would have done the job, if working, but not today). As for the Maplin 580w it did prove to be a better proposition, as one could tighten the larger sized drill bits within the chuck using of course, the chuck key, and this was often, as the chuck loosened continually after a rally of drilling attempts; it eventually produced the result that I needed. I still prefer my Bosch for my everyday job scenarios.

22.02.24 - Security is important today and if your garage is a little away from your residence it can also be a problem in the back of one's mind. I have found a good security system for the over-and-under garage doors. I already have one 'Defender' on a storage garage and I have been testing it out and it works just fine. I like it and it does the job well and I have decided to purchase another one for when the new over-and under-garage door arrives to be fitted to the garage that retains my Z3. (the storage garage already has an updated door with the defender lock) bearing in mind the original locks of the old doors of the 60s and 70s were not very secure and one needed to fit a very good padlock on the garage door as well for peace of mind. The latest doors however are a vast improvement on the old style locks of the 60s and 70s and with the Defender Security (2 Keys) it remains a very good time consuming deterrent.

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By using this relay/remote system, it also prevents the car from starting when activated to 'off' via a remote, it also prevents battery drain when the car is stored in the garage over night, (with old or weak batteries) or for any length of time without starting and recharging the battery via the alternator/charging unit. This is a common experience for most drivers with modern cars today, especially through having sophisticated alarm systems and multiple choices of electrical devices such as 24/7 cameras attached and connected to the vehicle and power leakage is inevitable whilst the vehicle is connected to a battery. By pressing the remote 'on' button, activates the battery connection to 'on or live, the car is now ready for 'start-up, using a reasonably full battery.' Many people are reverting back to basics anti-theft practices. Looks and sounds good, I just need to fit it... Ok, a few hours later...all done! It works too....! (Note: Another item made in China). Review: Works Well no problems 22.02.24l! WKShop27

13.01.24 My next job is to sort out my rear lights (n/s), partially working after correcting the (n/s) front angel eyes as they were not working, weird... possibly a bad earth somewhere, never found it. Replaced a fuse as to be on the safe side and adjusted some wires. They seem to be working for now at least.

14.01.24 - The rear lights took about 2 hours today to sort out, Saturday morning, nice, sunny and a reasonably warm day, to sort out, the rear lights, they are now working to a fashion, after wrecking the LEDs, I replaced them with some conventional bulbs I had stored away, however; I will have to order some new bulbs, the 'Chinese' bulbs were a total disaster, many falling apart or locked into their holders. The products were below Western quality standards and some broke when extracted from the holders. Unfortunately, looking on the internet, they all seem to be made in China, makes one think doesn't it, that most of us are paying for just rubbish. Bulbs have been ordered, guess from where? I Don't have much choice as most of the manufacturers here in UK are not manufacturing LEDs and if so, are three times the price. As the adage goes 'you gets' what you pay for'... but today, that is in doubt... we will have to see the next time around.

20.01.24 - The LED Bulbs have now arrived: (TEMU!) - Not Bad for the price, genuine named products can prove more expensive.

Framing is already in place

Job Pending

Jobs I can think of that may need to get done this year:
*1. Fit Bubs (LED) replacements (after MOT 'PASS!)
*2. Replacement Strip LED Lights on front of car to panel switch (maybe linked to *3)
*3. Rewire internal Fuse boxes - (Panel switches)
*4. Replace Motor on Cut-off Exhaust again... as motor has stopped working - possible a wiring check)
*5. Use welder on rear Exhaust, (see previous diaries re cut-off Ex)… (maybe?)
*6. Sort out front bumper (requires a refit) (See Gallery)
*7. Sill paintwork may require a rubdown rust treatment and touch-up?
*8. General Fluid, Service?
- 9. Fit an Amp to existing radio system, would like to upgrade speakers, another maybe?
*10. Repair Leather o/s seat (Drivers leather bolster.) (fit leather patch)
*~~11. Rocking seat bushings need replacing...~~
*12. Fit the Defender Bar at the garage - Done! 08.04.24

* = Have the resources - motivation ah! Debatable...

As one can see, some jobs have been put off and put off...and also (wait for it...) Put off. My poor excuses - waiting for warmer weather and cooler weather, in other words ideal weather in the UK ;), yes, perhaps...?

02.02.24 Ok, received the LED light strip, tested it and it works well, just need to find time and good weather to fit it, after sorting out the front bumper and the existing wiring to the newer internal fuse box... etc.

05.02.24 - So far, a number of suggestions from readers received, are going for option 2. Comments suggest it will keep with the aesthetics of the vehicle without being 'too in your face,' Both options are feasible and I am easy on both of them, it will be down to the fitting and possible unforeseen logistics/hurdles however; with little thought on my part, the reader's usually prove to be correct, so I will bow down to option 2, for now at least! I Thank those participants that took part. I will supply a photo update when the task has been completed.

07.02.24 - Tomorrow is the official MOT day however; I had been trying to book the appointment for over a week now, kept finding the contact number was unavailable, a garage I had been going to since I had, had the E39 and the Z3, WOW! must be nine years! Today I decided to go down to the garage that is a good 30 minutes away, low and behold it was open, with a laugh and a joke as with every time, they did offer to do the MOT there and then for me, nice! Like all my MOTs there was trepidation, anxiety, you know the usual. One of the fitters asked me "if it the Wife or the girlfriend"? I told them it was the wife, thinking it was a trick question and that would get me closer to a pass ;) yep, right!....(the wife being the boss, or was it the car comes before the wife....however; (I am single, seems less hassle, less mind numbing and less expensive) and NO! I am not politically correct or WOKE! I belong to a time when England and morals meant something!

I knew the car was sound and it was tested thoroughly at the garage, more so than previous years, (I say this each year). I had worked out the mileage since my last MOT, it seems I had only done 676 miles in one year, disgraceful!

My Z3 PASSED, (phew!) with flying colours, well it hadn't been anywhere really had it and yes, some can debate 'a still car will deteriorate quickly, locked away in a garage'... my reply is, "must remain positive now and blame the inactivity on fuel costs and the political classes destroying anything that proves to be enjoyable!

Today is not to think of the dumbasses in Whitehall, but a joy to celebrate with a cake and a cuppa. (I even managed to remember to get their new garage contact number)!

Talking about garages! .... (did you see what I did there...;)) I am still waiting for a new roof and door for my garage, being given the run-a-round and three months on, the Z3 may as well be out in the open.... services are definitely not what they used to be.... waiting is currently the game, back to the cake and the cuppa....

17.02.24 As some of you know, the hardtop of a Z3 can be difficult to place on or take off if there is only one of you, (it took me 3/4 of an hour one day before the winter months), and I have been thinking of ways to make my life a little easier. So how do you like the following idea:

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02.05.24 - Now how long have I waited to get a new roof on my garage? Well the process started late last year. Today; after being let down about three or four times, with the proverbial excuses previously, my attitude was 'well, whenever!' Today, I was informed out of the blue, that the roof would be replaced... The date given was 21st June, yes! (the 'carrot and the stick' scenario sprang to mind) Hopefully; it will be this year, 'Proof will be in the pudding' so-to-speak! Well! We shall see! A date is just a date? The novelty of the new garage door hasn't not quite worn off yet and will give me some resolve, for a while.... (see Tools)

05.05.24 - Since the weather has been good this morning it was time for the shed clear-out and to index some of the contents for insurance purposes, checkout the tools section for the additions of a few of the forgotten legacy tools. Mind you as value goes, most of the electrical operated legacy tools are not worth that much compared to today's prices and what one can get technologically-wise, however; simplicity can at times be better and they have proven to last the years and they still work well, this tells me that they can be better than some of the rubbish that is within the market trade places today; only lasting five minutes, (metaphorically speaking). It took around five solid hours to move out and re-situate the contents of the shed, (it was a 'Tardis') some of it will have to be moved to another storage facility, as I still can't enter the shed, fortunately there was not much rubbish and some content would be better off being nearer to the vehicle so they can be used more. Those of you with sheds and tools know what I mean. So! A good and satisfying afternoon's work. And yes! I did consider the missing tools hence the search and clear-out and unfortunately they are still missing....

10.05.24 - Nice Hot day 23 degrees at around 12:30pm a list of jobs to do and the first one to tackle is the driver' chair bushings.

Actual Image

When I had the seats out a few years ago, I was never happy as to the way the drivers seat went back, today I investigated and low and behold found the slider (closer to the passengers side on
the driver's chair) of a much longer length, it was no wonder I was struggling with it. ( I am sure this Z3 was used as a donor car, after the previous owner had damaged the vehicle and bad parts were returned to it).
Fortunately, through many hours, I am pleased to say most of this carnage has been put right through hard work sweat and tears with deep pockets and this continues even today...
This has been over the past seven years. It is a slow process with financial constraints.
The chair breakdown and putting it back together has already been featured within the workshop
section, so there is no real reason to go over it again, the only addition is to do with the replacing of the bushes, that really proved to be a head scratcher for side (R). Being the wrong size also added difficulty, as the slider would not slide off, as to could get access to replacing the bushes. I tried everything, hence taking 6 hours to partly complete the job.
With the one side of one chair out of the equation, all there was left was the the gauging and the balancing of the core screw thread to level both sides so the chair could work effectively.

Actual

The Left plate was fairly non-eventful and straight forward for the side (L), the bushes were replaced.
This only left me the option to reinstall the chair with one side repaired/updated and after lining up both rails, I inserting the bolts and screws and the chair was installed, electrics connected and the bolts secured. Seatbelt anchor point and the test of the chair. Worked better than ever. That is just the way some jobs are dealt... Lose some win some 'great!'

Yes! The floor did get a clean with a vac before the chair was returned to position, I did the passenger floor too. These jobs were all completed by my deadline of 6pm!

Sliders

(R)

(L)

Actual

12.05.24 - Another day, another job, this time I need to sort out the Exhaust cut-off and the need to identify why it is not working. Is it the motor, the switch connections or the live supply to those internal fuse boxes? Again, I have been here before, I have asked myself, (as one does) is it me or are these problems arising through just wear and tear, or worse, incompetence? Probably don't want to answer that in this case, (The Exhaust maybe a little too low to the ground and exposed to everything thrown at it in terms of environment. I will soon see as I start inspecting it yet again. It's another potentially hot day 9:45am and 24c already. This time around, I would like also, to add a relay into the mix, (no not running, those days have gone and it's too hot!) I am talking about a switch relay; in addition to using a five pin switch, hence part of yesterday I was working out how one connects to it, (I have added a

circuit diagram - let me see if it works - for anyone that is in the know with electronics, let me know if this circuit is a feasible solution, it will be appreciated!)
A little while back, I did buy a spare motor from 'Wish', before the world turned upside down politically, good foresight considering world events, this will be used if it is down to the motor being burnt out. I am hoping that this is not the case as this will be the third one now and there's the availability aspect to consider, hence the idea of using a relay to taking the strain off the switch and possibly the motor.