BMW Z3
BMW Z3 questions and answers
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Q: BMW Z3 battery location - How to find + and - posts for charging?
Hi, I left the light on in the Z3 and now the battery is dead. I can only find a marking for the + post but cannot find the - post. I want to use my battery tender to charge it back up.
PS. Does it hurt the battery to be dead for 2 weeks? Thanks
I don't think the baterry is in the trunk but I do not see it under the hood either. I do see a plastic cover with a + sign. I do not see any - anywhere.
A: put the red clam on the +, then put the - on anything metal on the engine.has to bare metal, no rust, paint or that stuff
Q: My BMW z3 started to overheat in traffic. I turned on the heater and it was fine? Can I still drive the car?
My 98 BMW z3 started to overheat last night in traffic. I turned the heat on and the temp immediately went back to normal. I drove it a few hours later (in no traffic) and it was fine. I had the radiator replaced last year, but now i'm afraid to drive it to work or to the shop which is far and expensive. Is this just a fluke? Is it safe to drive for awhile until I can take it to the shop?
A: you can drive it for a little bit, but i would take it to the shop ASAP!
It could be one of the following problems
Thermostat
low radiator fluid
fan not working
busted hose
Turning the heater on cools down the radiator. You check 3 of those really easy to see if thats the problem. Look at the hose that runs from the radiator to the engine...if its connected and no cuts in it, its fine.
If the fan that is against the radiator is not working, it wont spin when the engine is running(very easy to see)
checking radiator fluid is pretty easy, I dont think i have to tell you how to do that.
But chances are its the thermostat. The part depending on what type of Z3 you have will run you from anywhere from 30 to 65 dollars and if you take it to the dealership add another 200 for labor. Consult your BMW manual and it should tell you how to change it, its really not that hard.
Q: 1999 BMW Z3 2.8 upon turning off my ignition the dash lights behind the speedo remain illuminated, Any ideas ?
The switch does not seem to adjust the brightness of the dash light either ( light to dark ). A bit confusing really since it was fine the other day! This problem caused my battery to die, so lots of fun this morning getting her started. Hope someone can shine some light on the subject so i can shut my lights off haha.
A: Replace the light switch.
Q: How do you get the hood of a 97 Bmw Z3 roadster up?
We can get the hood up enough to feel the latch but it is like something snapped. You can press it down all day. I need to get under there and fix my radiator. If you know any idea as to how to get it off or open please advise. Thank you!
A: should be a hood release in the passenger compartment. If this does not get it up and seems to work, have someone pull and hold and the try banging the hood with your fist to see if you can get it to release enough to get to the safety catch. If this does not work you will need to ge to the catch from under the car. You may need a mechanic to do this. I assume you have this up before and it used to work?
Q: How do you fit a BMW Z3 wind deflector? (Without Roll Bars).?
I'm thinking of buying a wind deflector for my 1998 BMW Z3. Has anyone fitted one? Is it a job that I could do myself or do I have to take it to the dealers?
I've had a look down the back of the seats and I can't see where it might fit. If anyone has a scanned copy of the fitting instructions they could send me that would be superb.
A: BMW sells a deflector, part number 82159407972. It's also available from Bavarian Auto for $214.95
There's an overview of how it works on mz3.net (see link below).
The instructions are on Bavarian Auto's website (see link below)
FWIW, installation is probably a question of your comfort level and experience. I was able to install the roll hoops on my car, for example, and this is definitely easier.
Q: I purchased a BMW Z3 last year, any fellow Z3 owners here?
I'm so proud to own one considering my age, I'm 22 years old, and I feel very accomplished to of bought one. I'm a very hard worker and I've always wanted one. Are there any fellow Z3 owners on here that would like to share their qualities or experiences with this particular car and model? Thanks!
A: Currently im 18, i've owned a E36 '98 M3 which was totaled when I was 16 because of some dumb driver.
Now I own a '00 328ci and an '01 M3. It's how you manage your $$, but no need to flaunt your stuff man... seriously...
like you, I accomplished through hard-work (i.e. Stock Market, although the first M3 was my parent's gift to me) but even billionaires, i.e. Jim Walton, owner of Wal-mart drives an '02 Dodge Dakota... go figure.
but regardless, congrats! Join www.bimmerfest.com community to discuss with other owners if you'd like.
Q: BMW Z3 keyless system reset procedure?
I bought a second hand 1999 BMW Z3 car and had to change the battery. This made the keyless system forgetting about my remote key. I know there is a fancy procedure to reset the whole thing. The car didn’t come with manuals so, I don’t have this information. Can anybody help me with this?
Thanks.
A: The following link has instructions on how to reprogram a key. I don't know if it will work with your car though. The procedures are for a e46.
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=451510
Q: where can i find an on line print out on how to install a radiator on a 97 BMW z3 roadster?
my radiator blew up on me this last sat. i purchased a radiator and will recieve it tommorow. i do not have a owners manual, and it will take to long to order one. I was hoping someone would know a web site that might actually have installation instructions. Thank you for your time... i will reward top answer. please NO negative comments they are a waste of your time.
A: Ahhh crap it's easy, first get a HUGE drain pan and set up underneath, then you remove the hoses (on mine there are 3) and make sure to catch the leak, and the fan shroud and it's all bolts along the top (except the hoses), two more bolts hold the radiator and it should slide right out.
Set the new one in there, secure the two top bolts but make sure it is seated in the bottom bracket(s) first, then re-connect the hoses, and the shroud, once it's all gtg refill with 50/50 and check for leaks before you get too far down the road, lalala.
Takes like an hour or two first time around, I can do mine in 30-45 minutes, seems like about every other repair involves removing this for better access, it's really not that hard just takes time and patience, again most every bolt is along the top except the hoses.
And if it doesn't come right out, you have to look real good as there's likely something you forgot to loosen or take off.
The fan shroud's a bit of a pita (cauz the screws or what not is time consuming) so I used electrical cable ties to re-secure this on mine.
Q: My power door locks on my 96 bmw z3 do not work using the remote.?
The alarms sounds and seems to arm when you push the button on the remote but the doors do not lock or unlock.
I recently had the seats out and recovered and this problem started.
They worked fine before. Anyone know what has caused this and what the solution is?
A: If you lock the drivers side, lets say, with the key, does the passenger side lock as well? If not then check you fuses, chances are your power lock fuse is fried.
If it doesn't lock the other side it is either a fried alarm brain or a bad connection/ wiring problem between the alarm and power lock system.
Q: Can i tint the back windshield of my BMW Z3?
The back windshield is plastic and it folds in the middle of it when i put the top down. can it still be tinted?
A: I think it can be tinted, I just don't theink the tint would last a long time. Get a tint with the highest quality adhesive, and let it fully cure for a week or two before putting the top down. And be prepared to replace the tint after a while.