r/bmwz3

Hey everyone, yesterday I did a couple checks with engine oil and coolant (topped it up) and ran the car was fine. Then I took out (by unscrewing button) the windscreen wiper water bucket and replaced water in it, kept the sensors attached and put it back in the same place. I also unscrewed parts to check the air filter, checked the compartment and intake hose it goes in for any debris, and put it back together. I’ve done all this stuff before and nothing bad happened but when I started my car the next day the engine was super rattling, the sound was aweful and a bad burning smell. I don’t know if it was way air filter was put back in so I changed orientation, checked all together and seems fine but still same issue. I’m not turning it back on since I don’t want to damage anything. I’m not a mechanic, I wanna learn but don’t know if I can figure this out. I don’t know what could’ve happened during the process or if this is something else?

I bought a z2 2.8 97' with 102k miles from the dealership, mechanic owned. Was this a good investment? I had 3 bmws and this will be my first roadster (4th)

now that i got your attention… I joined the club as second owner of this pristine, all original 1999 2.8 beauty and I will keep it as it is.

What half covers are you guys running on your z3s? Want something to cover the softop when I park in the sun, so really no need to be waterproof, just need something with good quality and fitment. Would love one from roadster solutions, but it seems nla and they don't respond to emails... located in Europe

Took a trip and was passing the BMW Zentrum in Greeneville. Had to stop and take a few photos

I finished up my audio install yesterday. I couldn’t take the lack of bass any longer and decided on a more controversial option lol. I don’t care if I get hate for it, I needed some bass , and I wasn’t paying z3subwoofer’s $700 price for a box (which, of course I understand because of the time involved in building them and there bespoke nature). Everything is from my garage (from previous projects, or cars I’ve parted). The alpine unit was a marketplace purchase. Same with the MPars. I could go on. Hope this doesn’t come off as braggy, that’s not what I’m about. A little about me is that this, as well as the countless cars/jeeps are always budget builds that keep me busy and scratch that creative/problem solving itch I can no longer reach because of a disability that put my out of work 3 years ago. Prior to that I worked as a mechanic in the Marines, suffered a brain injury, but was young and ‘recovered’, went to work for bmw for a few years, then used my GI Bill to enter the medical field in Radiation Oncology. Throughout all this, I’ve used my free time to wrench on projects and anything I could. About 150 cars later (actually stat per USAA insurance lol) here we are.

What do you all think?

I'm looking for coilovers now, what are the recommended brands for street/comfort?

Thanks

Stock 208k mile m54b25. First BMW I’ve ever owned. There seems to be a slight rattle/knock at idle but it completely goes away when revved. I drive this car daily about an hour ish in the city and it gives me no issues. I’m up to date on maintenance, just haven’t dug into vanos rebuild or anything internally.

For context, I bought the car in rough shape after it sat for a few years. Been fixing it up since November.

Could I just be low on oil? Does this sound like a vanos issue? Timing chain rattle?
Has about 2k miles on current 5w40 synthetic.

Any suggestions are appreciated😎

1997 1.9. Done the randy forbes thingy.

Heads up to all you Z3 enthusiasts, a 2001 Z3 2.5 will be up for sale on BaT in the near future.

Only 3200km (2000miles), yes you read that right. Stored indoors / climate controlled its whole life, never seen winter, heck I don’t think it’s seen rain.

Underbody mint, body mint, starts and drives perfectly.

Keep and eye out

Does anyone know if these are series 3 or series 5 style 29s? One is bent and I’m trying to order a new one today.

The weird thing is they kept it manual. Not sure how that works.

Apologies if this is a repeat. Saw this at the same car show 2 years ago (Seattle).

My Z3 has been filled with little remnants of the old owner found an old Sony tape recorder under there with a memo about mortgage prices. 😂 Don’t worry I vacuumed before I put the seat back. Not looking forward to the passenger side the rails look a little crusty over there 😅.