1998 BMW Z3

1998 BMW Z3 questions and answers

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Q: Can I change the color of the lights on the instrument panel of my 1998 BMW Z3?
The instrument panel speedometer,fuel gauge etc.. lights are orange I'd like them to be blue or white. Is this possible?

A: I've never heard of changing the color of the lights. I guess I got used to it. Whatever you do to the car, please go to someone who works exclusively with BMWs or take the car to BMW Servicing. There are way too many mechanics who say they know bmws but they have no idea what they're doing.

Q: I just bought my son a 1998 BMW Z3 with 120000 miles on it but performance?
OK this is a car i heard is suitable for him 2 seats 1.9l and good reliable car if taken car of but my question is camshaft sensor needs to be replaced and brakes and tires and this huge leaks from oil and power steering when you fix all this will the performance be better because now i feel it lacks power how can i fix that?

A: well, let's see.... you say a "good, reliable car".... really, you are joking right??? you say the camshaft sensor..... the tires..... the brakes..... oil leaks...... power steering leaks.... and no power??? and you want to know what to do?? first, this is a car for your son? do you love him? maybe you want to kill him? it sounds like the car is a piece of junk. maybe you should get a new car that doesn't need EVERYTHING to be fixed or replaced. be sure to take it to a BMW dealer... they will hook you right up.

Q: Can please someone tell me the noise level measurement in decibel meters for BMW Z3? 1.9cc automatic, 1998?
I am asking if anyone out there can help me regarding the sound Noise level standard measurement in decibel meters for bmw z3, 1998 october, 1.9 cc, automatic. How much is the standard measures?? in decibel...?? thanx

A: I think you would have to have it checked,as every motor has been treated differently....

Q: Questions about the 1998 BMW Z3?
Hi I am 16 years old and am getting a second car to drive since my last one had 188K miles on it and broke down. I am a very responsible driver who pays for gas and will shell out about 4K along with my parents 6K for this car. What concerns should I have about the reliability of this car? What mileage should I buy it at? What mileage is it safe from defects till (approx.)? Is the clutch smooth? I am going to buy a Z3 (1998) 4 cylinder since it is decently priced.

A: What you have to know is they are very expensive car to service if you cannot take care of fix on your own. Therefore I would not be buying 10K BMW. I would get something newer, but less work. BMW maintain schedule is made out of Inspection I and inspection ii. Inspection I would run you around $500, and Inspection II would cost $1200. Clutch job would cost around $1200 (non-dealer) it would run you $1500 in most dealers. And if you happen to strip that oil pan thread, that would cost you $1500. And only place you can get reliable oil change is BMW dealer (or do it yourself). If you don't use proper tool, it would reset both Inspection I and Inspection II lights. At that mileage it would give you trouble? Over 100K miles. least that Bosch Alternator would need new brush around 120K. manual transmission should be good for the life of the car, but ever 100 - 120k or so you need to replace the clutch. Entire suspension have to be rebuild (Thrust arms, control arms, tie-rods, 4 shocks) every 100K miles. The car would need new Guibo, and driveshaft would go around 150K. If you have the balls, tools, and Bentley manual, you should be able to fix everything on your own. If not, it would be never ending repair work.

Q: 1998 BMW Z3 instrument panel light?
Have a used Z3, no book & my mechanic does not know, There is an amber light that is always lit. It is located lower dead center in the instrument light cluster. It kind of looks like a gear but has an exclamation point inside. Any idea what it means? Thank you!

A: Honestly, if your mechanic doesnt know what the light is for, find a new mechanic. It is the Check Control light, aka, Check Engine Light. the exclamation point means its 'urgent". Take your car to an autozone and have them pull the diagnostic codes. They will do it for free, while your mechanic will probably charge you $50, but i would be affraid that a mechanic who doesnt know what a check engine light is, would somehow screw up pulling the fault codes.

Q: what is faster a v6 1998 bmw z3 or a 2002 mercedes c230 kompressor hatchback?
please add comments on the c230 i just bought one, so tell me what you think

A: 1998 Z3 2.8 liter Inline 6, not V-6 189HP, 203lb feet of torque Weight 2690lbs 2002 Mercedes C230, 2.3 liter Supercharged 4, 192HP, 200lb feet of torque Weight 3305lbs You have a nice car but you would lose in a drag race unless the BMW driver missed a shift. You could beat him with a chip that raises the boost on your supercharger and install a K&N fliter, then when you take off slip the clutch to about 4000rpm and get the hole shot on him, good luck.

Q: what causes my 1998 bmw z3 to cut out when it should be idling? An engine diagnostic was inconclusive...
A mechanic suggested a diagnostic as he suspecd a problem with the air flow meter. This turned out not to be the problem. An auto electrician suggested it might be caused by fault with the immobiliser. Does thismake sense to anone? Any suggestions appreciated.

A: assuming this guy checked for intake air leaks, Z3's (with inline 6) have issues with the intake boots breaking apart after a while, a large unmetered air leak will cause your car to stall or run rough. also assuming he did a diagnostic check on the vehicle and there were no codes? another common issue is our cam sensors failing, but they will usually store a code.. if all else checks ok, yes we ocasionally have to replace an idle valve.. if the car cranks and starts there is no problem with the EWS (immobilizer)..

Q: A/C from my 1998 bmw Z3 1.9L?
the fan from the dashboard in my 98 Z3 is always on, and the a/c is coming out a bit warm, can I take it to a regular shop and recharge it or is there any replacement to do?? I just got this car last month with 51k miles.

A: You have a bad final stage resistor probably. This is the thermostat for your A/C, so after you change it, it will blow cold again. You can get the part from the dealer for $110 and replace it yourself IF you are mechanically inclined. Do a search on the internet for how to install a final stage resistor in a Z3. Or just take it to the dealer, it really should not be too expensive.

Q: I'm thinking about buying a 1998 BMW Z3. Does anyone have one? Do you like it...why and why not?


A: I love BMW's and have a 52' plate M3 (limitor has been taken off and it's been chipped and it goes some) Anyway, I've drove Z3's and Z4's and they are a great car if you're not planning on having kids. They'll always hold their value quite well and still look great. I'd just watch out for insurance costs, avoid high mileage and don't buy unless a full service history can be provided

Q: I have a dent from baseball on my rear quarter panel for BMW Z3 1998, should I repair or replace?


A: I really doubt that pos Beemer hurt that baseball. Just keep using it.

Q: Lights for ABS brake, brake light, and air bag are lighted on my dash on a 1998 bmw z3, how do i turn it off?


A: there is a code being set by the computer telling you there is a problem in one of those circuits. To see if it is a soft code, disconect the negative battery cable for approx. 10 minutes then reconnect battery cable. If the warning lights stay off, then it was a soft code (nothing to worry about). If the lights stay on then it has a hard code in the system (problem). Take to autozone, pep boys or advanced auto, they will put the tester on it to diagnosis the problem for you for free. good luck

Q: Which oil for a 1998 BMW Z3 1.9 Engine?


A: that's a nice car, I'd treat it to a nice 5W50 full synthetic for summer and if you drive in cold winter then a 5W30.

Q: BMW Z3 Diagnostic Ports?
Anyone know the location of the OBDII and the 20-pin BMW Diagnostic ports on a 1998 BMW Z3?

A: The OBDII port is under a small cover on the passenger side of the console. The side of a passenger's left knee will probably touch it if he/she sits in the passenger seat. The 20-pin port is in the engine compartment. The exact location depends on the engine size. On the 2.8 it is on the right side of the engine - sort of close to the strut tower. On the 3.2 it is on the left side of the engine between the intake and the strut tower. It is under the black circular cap, about 2 inches in diameter with the the black plastic tether attached.

Q: Rear Speaker Recommendations for BMW Z3?
I recently purchased a 1998 Z3 that is badly in need of rear speakers. (Actually, it's really in need of a completely new audio system, but I'm saving my pennies.) I really don't know where to start. Heck, I don't even know if it can be done. There's not a lot of space back there. Can anyone offer any suggestions?

A: alpine

Q: Z3, 100+++ miles, what should I expect?
I'm considering buying a 1998 BMW Z3 convertible from a car dealer.... automatic. I love the look and all that, not thrilled by the engine though - it's OK but not as powerful and reactive as I tought it would be. What should I expect from it? Timing belt? Longevity? Reliability? Gaz consuming...? Anything special I should be aware of? Please advise me... I'm a girl, don't know much about cars...

A: The z3 was an afterthought by BMW. I would stay away. They werent terribly reliable or fun to drive or fast. Really not that good at anything.