Just bought a z3 with horrific mpg!

[macas]

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

[Rtaylor2208]

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.

[macas]

Actually yes you are right,1.9 it is,

[macas]

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

[Simon13]

a z3 needs 6 pots

[pacerpete]

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

Yeah right, I used that excuse when I bought my cabby

[macas]

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.....

[pacerpete]

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 !

[dazleeds]

z3 hmmm suits youuuuuuuuu lol

[macas]

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?

[Simon13]

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

[macas]

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....

[daimlerman]

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...

[macas]

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...

[daimlerman]

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!

[macas]

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!

[daimlerman]

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.

[macas]

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

[Simon13]

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!

[DanThe]

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