BMW Z3

• 1997 BMW Z3
• 1998 BMW Z3
• 2000 BMW Z3
• 2001 BMW Z3

BMW Z3

BMW Z3 questions and answers

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Q: bmw Z3????
My mom is thinking about buying me a BMW Z3 for my first car. She found a used one that was in really good condition. It's a '98 but it has 124,000 miles on it. Will the miles affect it at all??

A: I owned a BMW and drove it for 5 years, sold it to my niece and she drove it for 5 years, she sold it to her brother and he drove it until he totaled it. The car had almost 400,000 miles on it. BUT... They are VERY expensive to fix. The lightbulb in my ashtray went out. To replace the lightbulb was going to cost me $847 (and this was years ago) because they were going to have to remove the whole dash just to get to the light to replace the $5 bulb. I said FORGET IT! Back in the early 90's, my mechanic told me I should expect to pay at least $1,000 a year for maintenance on it. I'm sure that price has tripled by now. But no...the miles won't effect it, if it has been taken care of. Have you priced insurance on a BMW for a new driver yet?

Q: How to reset the keyless system in a BMW Z3 after battery went dead?
I had to change the battery in my 1999 BMW Z3 and it seems like the keyless system lost its memory. When I try to turn the keyless system on, the alarm starts after a few seconds. Any clue of what I should do? Thanks.

A: This is what I found : Use remote key to unlock car. Get in car and close door. Switch ignition on and then off. Press and hold unlock button. Keep pressing unlock button and press lock button briefly three times within 10 seconds. Release unlock button. Either the LED light on the key will flash slowly for ten seconds or the car will lock and unlock quickly to show that programming has worked. Good luck.

Q: How do I manually lower a power top on a 2000 bmw z3?
I have a 2000 bmw z3 2.8 and it has a power top that is currently not working for some reason. Does anyone know how I can manually lower the top? Thanks a lot for any help I can get.

A: It's easy. Open the trunk and reach behind the left (driver's side) trim panel. The hydraulic motor and pump are located there (sort of under the radio antenna). On top of the pump, there is a "T" shaped handle, maybe an inch long. Unscrew that handle about 2 turns. The convertible top should now operate just like a manual top. If you can't feel the handle, you might have to pull the trim panel out slightly and look, using a flashlight to see it.

Q: How do I replace BMW Z3 Fog lights?
Recently a stone flicked up and smashed the passenger side fog lamp on my 1998 BMW Z3. I can get a replacement but does anyone know how to replace the fog lamp unit? There seems to be some sort of panel underneath the car that you need to go through to get the broken lamp out. Any advice would be appreciated!

A: There should be a small finish panel just to the left or right of the fog light (depending if it's the driver or passenger side fog lamp.) Pry off the finish panel with a flat blade screw driver. there are two screws which hold the fog light in place. Remove the two screws and pull out light. Disconnect wire, reconnect to new light and reinstall.

Q: Is it cost effective to buy a BMW z3 which is 1999-2000 model with 70K miles?
I love BMW Z3, but cannot afford a new one. I am planning to buy a 1999-2000 model. My friends say that it will cost me a lot in repairs, and that I am better off buying a newer model or honda or something, and buy a new Z3 when I can. Are there any Z3 owners who can give me any guidence. Any comments is greately appreciated. Thanks.

A: If you are getting a good price, and you have proof the vehicle has been serviced correctly and all service records yes. Both BMW and Mercedes have areas in the owners manual to have certification stamps. If they are there you can easily know what services have been done.

Q: How difficult replacing rear brake pads BMW z3?
I have never replaced brake pads on a car, much less a BMW Z3. So to avoid high labor costs at a BMW dealer or independent shop, do you recommend a novice take it on? What tools are necessary for the job? So, do it myself or fork out the bucks?

A: you need 17mm 1/2" drive deep socket (for the wheel lug bolts) Big screw driver (to loosen the pad from the rotor) T25 3/8" drive bit (for the pad guide pins) 3/8" ratchet 18mm (might be 16mm) 1/2" drive socket (for the caliper bolts) 1/2" breaker bar 1/2" ratchet. brake pad depresser And some brake quiet spray, so you dont hear them squeak Just put aside a saturday to do it, and start early. AND another thing, don't forget a new brake liner sensor (15 or 20 bucks from pelicanparts.com) actually, they sell OEM pads, and will have the best price. good luck

Q: What is the estimated labor time to replace rear brake pads? BMW Z3?
Actually I have 2 questions. My BMW Z3 needs new rear brake pads. I bought the pads myself but want a repair shop to install them. 1. What is the estimated labor time to replace the rear brake pads? 2. What's the average hourly labor charge by mechanics?

A: The book will probably give it 2 hours actual work time for experienced mechanic.. less than an hour dealer shop rate in st louis..100.00/hr independent shop... 55-100/hr You need to find a reliable independent shop, that works on BMWs... that you can establish a rapport with..

Q: BMW Z3 Mechanics and Owners should I supercharge?
I have a BMW Z3 with a 3.0 straight 6. It's fast but installing a vortech supercharger sounds awesome for this car. Any advice?

A: a supercharger would drastically add horsepower to your car. i have a e36 2dr with m3 motor and a powerdyne supercharger, lots of power!

Q: I have a BMW z3 and it is leaking what shall i do?
I have a R reg BMW Z3 and it is leaking on the drivers side window where the convertible roof meets the 'A frame' window rubber. BMW have already charged me £77.00 to look at it and want another £560.00 more to fix it!! Help!!

A: Some Z3 owners that have had this problem have added a patch of rubber to the end of the rubber seal on the roof, where it joins the A frame. Or you could get gummiphledge at your local bmw dealer , this revitalises the rubber.

Q: can i put a non bmw battery in an 1997 bmw z3?
i have a 1997 bmw z3 and it has a bmw "old fashioned" looking battery with the water holes, etc. I want to put a more higher performance optima or the like because i have stereo amps and other accessories. ive read on some bmw sites that you have to put a bmw battery in it because they are different, is that true? or are they just trying to get you to spend more money?

A: If you can find one the right size with the same terminal placement, sure, why not. but it's not going to help run a lot of accessories. For that you need more output from the alternator. That might be a little tougher.

Q: How do I find out problem about my BMW Z3. power windows, central locking will not work after I jumped the car
After jump starting my BMW Z3, the power windows, central locking will not work. Is this something I can fix myself?

A: This happens from time to time, I believe it's due to a glitch in mechanism, I've had that happen on my 525 and also opening trunk internally, I'd take it to dealer get it checked as soon as your next inspection is due or oil change, I had to bear with it for some time, as I didn't have time to take it in. Problem goes away by itself, it can be at any given time. (Obviously consult your manual) Most likely it'll say to have it checked, (No time) As I said it should go away at any given moment. I didn't fully read your question, very strange you jump started it, you are not supposed to, you would throw off the mechanism, you should've called road assistance, (should be part of the package, for a new car) otherwise could end up voiding the warranty. You might have a problem, you need to call or check for the problem at http://www.bmwusa.com/ By the way, if this is the case, you really don't have a choice but to take it to the dealer or a BMW specialist. I know of one, where are you located? Hope this helped.

Q: What is the fastest BMW Z3 that you know of and what parts did the owner change?
I am looking to buy a car and I really like the Z3 but I dont know if it has the potential to be really fast. I'd appreciate it if someone could confirm that or prove otherwise.

A: go supercharged, maybe a vortec

Q: Thinking of buying a BMW Z3 Roaster - Is it a good car?
I fell in love with the BMW Z3 when I was about 10 years old when I saw it in the movie GoldenEye, and I've always had it on my "buy list." But if I buy a 1997 -2000 Roaster for $6,000-$10,000, am I throwing my money away on a car that is going to break down in 2 years?

A: Despite common belief, european cars in general are more reliable than american cars but are less reliable than Asian. The BMW Z3 and Z4 have a pretty good track record except for the fact that they suffer from engine cooling problems. So, if you live in a hot southern state like Arizona, Texas or New Mexico, I would stay away from it. Also, no matter what car you buy, with time and milage they will need extra maintanace and repairs, and BMW parts and labor can be pricy. A good alternative is the Honda S2000. Stay clear from year models 2000 and 2003. They had trany problems.

Q: Can the electrical system of a BMW Z3 go faulty and cause inaccurate mileage display?
or is there any other problem that could cause a Z3 to show more miles on the odometer than are the actual case?

A: The only problem could be the instrument cluster, it can't be fixed and would need a new one, Andy

Q: why doesn't my stereo on my BMW Z3 work after changing the battery?
my Z is a 1999 with 52,000 miles. The battery recently needed to be replaced. The code does not bring my stereo system back to life even though the bmw dealership says it is the correct code. they don't have an answer why it isn't working. any suggestions?

A: Who replaced you battery? If the terminals were accidentally reversed - even for a second, it could fry some electronics in the car; including the radio. Check your radio manual, there usually is a slip of paper called "radio certificate" with the serial number and code for your radio. But if it still refuses to work, don't worry. You are in the "right season" to be looking for a new radio... your BMW radio is quite basic compared to even sub-$200 aftermarket radios. With Black Friday coming up, this might be a good time to look at a new radio - since your Z3 uses a standard DIN sized radio. Crutchfield.com just sent me an email... they have a JVC HD-radio equipped head unit for $159 that will definitely fit your car! (See link) It is also compatible to both XM and Sirius satellite radio (with an add-on module). I've also listed 2 other interesting choices for you. All name brand manufacturers. These guys will also supply you with the correct wiring harness for your Z3 to make the installation a plug-and-play process. Good luck!