Just bought a z3 with horrific mpg!

Post Fri Jun 28, 2013 9:36 pm

Hi goin to look at a s plate z3 1.8 tomorrow,what should I be looking for on these,are the 1.8 engines m42 derived?

Any input appreciated ,thanks

Post Fri Jun 28, 2013 9:55 pm

I though these were all 1.9s in the smaller engine. Gavin driven one a good few years back there actually on to drive if you can put up with the image they have.

Post Fri Jun 28, 2013 9:57 pm

Actually yes you are right,1.9 it is,

Post Fri Jun 28, 2013 10:06 pm

Haha...yes I have!..but sadly the cars for the mrs....

Post Sat Jun 29, 2013 8:02 am

a z3 needs 6 pots

Post Sat Jun 29, 2013 10:23 am

diable wrote:
macas wrote:Haha...yes I have!..but sadly the cars for the mrs....
Yeah right, I used that excuse when I bought my cabby

Post Sat Jun 29, 2013 11:12 am

pacerpete wrote:
diable wrote:
macas wrote:Haha...yes I have!..but sadly the cars for the mrs....
Yeah right, I used that excuse when I bought my cabby

Hahaha!!!.....cnut

Come on peter,iv to go look at one in about 2 hours,whats to look for on these that will make me walk away.....

Post Sat Jun 29, 2013 12:21 pm

macas wrote:
pacerpete wrote:
diable wrote: Yeah right, I used that excuse when I bought my cabby

Hahaha!!!.....****

Come on peter,iv to go look at one in about 2 hours,whats to look for on these that will make me walk away.....

On the whole,they are good little turds. Check for damp carpets, seats that rock to and fro excessively (sad job to sort and MOT fail ) Engine oil leaks, any leaks around the filter housing / alternator area are usually the filter housing gasket and seals. That's a two hour sadfest.

Be sure to check that the coolant is coolant and not just water and make sure the heater is nice and hot at idle. Cooling system woes are all too common. Obviously if the A/C does not blow cold it WILL need more than gas and a fuse !

Rear subframe mounts are similar to an E30 but sadder to change so be sure to check they are not collapsed.
Z3s have held up well against rust but be sure to have a good look at the sills.

Best of luck and be sure to report back on how sad the turd is !

Post Sat Jun 29, 2013 12:24 pm

z3 hmmm suits youuuuuuuuu lol

Post Sat Jun 29, 2013 12:35 pm

pacerpete wrote:
macas wrote:
pacerpete wrote:

Hahaha!!!.....****

Come on peter,iv to go look at one in about 2 hours,whats to look for on these that will make me walk away.....

On the whole,they are good little turds. Check for damp carpets, seats that rock to and fro excessively (sad job to sort and MOT fail ) Engine oil leaks, any leaks around the filter housing / alternator area are usually the filter housing gasket and seals. That's a two hour sadfest.

Be sure to check that the coolant is coolant and not just water and make sure the heater is nice and hot at idle. Cooling system woes are all too common. Obviously if the A/C does not blow cold it WILL need more than gas and a fuse !

Rear subframe mounts are similar to an E30 but sadder to change so be sure to check they are not collapsed.
Z3s have held up well against rust but be sure to have a good look at the sills.

Best of luck and be sure to report back on how sad the turd is !

Thanks pete much appreiciated

...

Just spoke to the bloke,the rear screen has a split in it,have z3s zipped in screens??,how much for a replacment?

Post Sat Jun 29, 2013 3:56 pm

yes zipped in screens, fiddley to change I bought one off ebay. BMW are about £150 for them. can't remember what the ebay one was but much cheaper and looked great

Post Sat Jun 29, 2013 4:48 pm

Well,she just bought it,it needs a rear screen,spot light and a back box but other than that its spot on,got it for 900 squid,it was up for 1400....so a good day i think....

Post Sat Jun 29, 2013 6:24 pm

macas wrote:Well,she just bought it,it needs a rear screen,spot light and a back box but other than that its spot on,got it for 900 squid,it was up for 1400....so a good day i think....

Leaves you a few quid for the highlights and fake tan,then...

Post Sat Jun 29, 2013 7:35 pm

daimlerman wrote:
macas wrote:Well,she just bought it,it needs a rear screen,spot light and a back box but other than that its spot on,got it for 900 squid,it was up for 1400....so a good day i think....
Leaves you a few quid for the highlights and fake tan,then...

Oiiiii!.you wash yr fookin filthy mouth out young man!........it's low lights I have...

Post Sat Jun 29, 2013 8:09 pm

macas wrote:
daimlerman wrote:
macas wrote:Well,she just bought it,it needs a rear screen,spot light and a back box but other than that its spot on,got it for 900 squid,it was up for 1400....so a good day i think....
Leaves you a few quid for the highlights and fake tan,then...
Oiiiii!.you wash yr fookin filthy mouth out young man!........it's low lights I have...

Wow!
Gordan Bennett,calling ME young....

PM your number!

Post Thu Jul 04, 2013 10:47 am

the mrs is getting about 40 miles for 20 quid.....

What could be the issue,the back box is blowing alittle and there nothing else wrong with it,infact it runs like a dream!

Post Thu Jul 04, 2013 10:51 am

Start by buying your 'er indoors a pair of ballet shoes!

I would look for signs of running rich,check the blue temp sensor and so on.

Post Thu Jul 04, 2013 2:19 pm

It doesnt smell like its running rich?...where is the blue temp thingymejig,how do i test it and what readings should i be getting?

Thanks again daimlerman

Post Thu Jul 04, 2013 5:04 pm

lambda sensor failing is a sign of poor MPG, its probably down on performance - for want of a better word as performance is something those M43 engined cars down have!

Post Thu Jul 04, 2013 7:41 pm

40 miles for £20? Are you sure the fuels getting to the engine?