Z3 Problems

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   If the member who asked questions in the BMWCC magazine about his 2.2 litre Z3 is reading this, rest assured that the answers given were inaccurate! 

The answer to the query about VANOS gave the impression that they fail at about 70,000 miles - they last for ever, except on the S50 B32 M3 engine. Don't worry about your VANOS, but if you care for it (and the engine) change the engine oil every 8 to 10,000 miles, or annually if you are a low-milage driver.

The force needed to move the gear lever to the reverse slot is not a symptom of clutch drag, but that of the protective spring loading, which is excessive.  Why BMW lacked the wit to have a 'lift' or 'press' reverse protection - or even a weaker spring -  is beyond me.  Perhaps they were protecting the Americans from themselves.

Don't worry - your left arm will get stronger, and regular sessions with weights will help too!  

Serioulsy though, technique can help - do not attempt to bash the lever into reverse, or push it - try hooking your thumb around the lever, at the base of the knob, with your fingers on the side of the console - now squeeze thumb and fingers together, and the laver will move painlessly into position.  My gear lever is shortened by one and a half inches, yet I can get reverse easily with this technique.

Changing the so-called 'Lifetime' gearbox oil will probably help too - and while you are about it, change the final drive oil too - you can get the necessary oils delivered to your door from Opieoils.com, at very reasonable prices.  

You will need 2 X one-litre containers of Castrol SAF-XJ 80w-140 for the final drive, and 2 X one litre containers of Fuchs Titan Sintofluid  75w-80  (the original factory fill) for the gearbox..

The door mirrors do need a firm push to swivel them, but before doing so, for the next few months make a habit of dripping some thin oil (WD-40 evaporates too quickly to be any use)  into their pivots.

You only need to swivel the mirrors for removal - if the doors are going to be painted etc, so don't worry overmuch about them.

Edited by Mike Fishwick - 03 Feb 2009 at 10:50am

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Mike Fishwick Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 04 Aug 2006 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 2753	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mike Fishwick Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Z3 Problems Posted: 03 Feb 2009 at 10:47am
	If the member who asked questions in the BMWCC magazine about his 2.2 litre Z3 is reading this, rest assured that the answers given were inaccurate! The answer to the query about VANOS gave the impression that they fail at about 70,000 miles - they last for ever, except on the S50 B32 M3 engine. Don't worry about your VANOS, but if you care for it (and the engine) change the engine oil every 8 to 10,000 miles, or annually if you are a low-milage driver. The force needed to move the gear lever to the reverse slot is not a symptom of clutch drag, but that of the protective spring loading, which is excessive. Why BMW lacked the wit to have a 'lift' or 'press' reverse protection - or even a weaker spring - is beyond me. Perhaps they were protecting the Americans from themselves. Don't worry - your left arm will get stronger, and regular sessions with weights will help too! Serioulsy though, technique can help - do not attempt to bash the lever into reverse, or push it - try hooking your thumb around the lever, at the base of the knob, with your fingers on the side of the console - now squeeze thumb and fingers together, and the laver will move painlessly into position. My gear lever is shortened by one and a half inches, yet I can get reverse easily with this technique. Changing the so-called 'Lifetime' gearbox oil will probably help too - and while you are about it, change the final drive oil too - you can get the necessary oils delivered to your door from Opieoils.com, at very reasonable prices. You will need 2 X one-litre containers of Castrol SAF-XJ 80w-140 for the final drive, and 2 X one litre containers of Fuchs Titan Sintofluid 75w-80 (the original factory fill) for the gearbox.. The door mirrors do need a firm push to swivel them, but before doing so, for the next few months make a habit of dripping some thin oil (WD-40 evaporates too quickly to be any use) into their pivots. You only need to swivel the mirrors for removal - if the doors are going to be painted etc, so don't worry overmuch about them. Edited by Mike Fishwick - 03 Feb 2009 at 10:50am

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