Author Topic: Buying the right Z3.  (Read 7755 times)

OXO

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Re: Buying the right Z3.
« Reply #15 on: November 25, 2018, 09:02:04 AM »
Nice one Steve !   

firefife

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Re: Buying the right Z3.
« Reply #16 on: November 25, 2018, 10:34:43 AM »
Steve (Jaguartvr), I got my windscreen surrounds from Vines of Gatwick, my nearest BMW dealer in Crawley, but any BMW dealer will supply them as they are BMW parts.
Comes in 3 pieces, the two side & top & a small fillet piece. I also bought a 'fixing' kit that I didn't have to use as I fitted after fixing the body on so has to trim off the bottoms.
The part numbers are    P  B51.16.8.398.505    -    SIDE COVER (170574/COVER)    £37.85 + VAT
                                   P  B51.16.8.398.506    -    SIDE COVER (170569/COVER)    £37.85 + VAT
                                   P  B51.16.8.398.507    -    FILLET JOINT(170574/COVER)    £  3.86 + VAT
The bits I didn't use      P  B51.71.8.226.190     -   CLIPS           (170574/CLIP)        £  4.00 + VAT
                                                                                                            VAT         £16.71
                                                                                                         TOTAL        £100.27
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firefife

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Re: Buying the right Z3.
« Reply #17 on: November 25, 2018, 10:45:45 AM »
Graham2, Something to bear in mind is the fuse box access once body is on. I trimmed the 'catch' at the rear down as it won't allow the lid to pivot enough to get it off.
Most people put a strap on to hold it in place but I hadn't & now a bit difficult to fit with body on so I made a swivel bracket up & secured by the near side bonnet bump stop. I have to loosen a 13mm nut each time I need to change a fuse.
Also, there is a vane in front of the rear fuses that I had to dremmel off to get access to the rear (far N/S) bank of fuses. A fiddly job to get at them but possible - I had to change one yesterday).
As mentioned earlier, everything is accessible but some are more awkward with the kit on. Awareness & preparation beforehand goes a long way.
Good luck buddy
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Sir Percival

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Re: Buying the right Z3.
« Reply #18 on: November 25, 2018, 03:37:40 PM »
The wiring ;D but it turned out easy, I had a sparky do it ;D ;D

The wiring....quite a game....because I did it myself.

(touch wires together....if they don't spark or blow a fuse, join em up)
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Graham2

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Re: Buying the right Z3.
« Reply #19 on: November 25, 2018, 05:39:28 PM »
Thanks to everyone for your tips, some of which will make more sense to me when I get the donor car and start removing panels.   I will probably print off, a bit old fashioned I know, copies of the helpful information so as I can refer to them during the strip down and build.    Thanks again, your help is much appreciated. Graham

jaguartvr

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Re: Buying the right Z3.
« Reply #20 on: November 25, 2018, 07:07:58 PM »
Have a look on the madabout forum, in the trobute section, Eric Holms (Andy) build. Different kit but a lot of helpful Z3 information, including wiring (but not the instruments).

Mechman

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Re: Buying the right Z3.
« Reply #21 on: November 26, 2018, 04:54:58 PM »
Hi Graham 2, I agree with most of what the other guys are advised. I went for a 1999 2.8 with ac ,I had the vehicle painted in a blue which is close to the original BMW colour. Check the vehicle service history for a guide to it's general condition.I was lucky enough to find a local car with only a few prior owners and I knocked down the price because of a few small dents and scratch's. I have replaced the lower front arms, fitted adjustable front struts, and adjustable rear springs along with new discs and callipers. I had the vehicle checked out by a BMW specialist and serviced before I started the build but I think I should have replaced the clutch as well.The main difference with my build is I have fitted knock on wire wheels,a bit expensive but I think worth it. I have also fitted steel bumpers again not cheap but they finish the vehicle off. Progress has been a bit slow on my build mainly because I keep driving it! But it's off the road now to do the interior and the electrics which I have been putting off. If you want a chat or to poke around my car I live on the edge of the New Forest near Southampton.

Graham2

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Re: Buying the right Z3.
« Reply #22 on: November 27, 2018, 10:39:13 AM »
Hi Mechman, great to hear from you, I am often in Southampton and know the city well.   I regularly travel on the A31 from Ringwood through Cadnam to Southampton.   The posts are all very interesting and helpful as I am at the stage of getting a donor.    I am currently completing the restoration of a Datsun 260z, about another 2-3 months should see it sorted.     I thought if I get a z3 now and run it around for the 2-3 months, get to know it, I will start dismantling in March'ish.   You know ,of course, what they say about the best laid plans!    Thank you for the offer of looking over your car, I will certainly take you up on that, there is no substitute for actually looking at something and chatting to the person who did the work, that opportunity is much appreciated.     Thanks again Mechman, I will message you to arrange a convenient moment.  Cheers, Graham

jaguartvr

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Re: Buying the right Z3.
« Reply #23 on: November 30, 2018, 08:41:07 AM »
Was playing with my sons 2.2 and this also is black under the bonnet and boot, quite a late one, 2002. So it is not just the 3.0 but probably all late cars but I don't know when they changed to black.

Sir Percival

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Re: Buying the right Z3.
« Reply #24 on: November 30, 2018, 04:32:29 PM »
Hi Graham 2, I agree with most of what the other guys are advised. I went for a 1999 2.8 with ac ,I had the vehicle painted in a blue which is close to the original BMW colour. Check the vehicle service history for a guide to it's general condition.I was lucky enough to find a local car with only a few prior owners and I knocked down the price because of a few small dents and scratch's. I have replaced the lower front arms, fitted adjustable front struts, and adjustable rear springs along with new discs and callipers. I had the vehicle checked out by a BMW specialist and serviced before I started the build but I think I should have replaced the clutch as well.The main difference with my build is I have fitted knock on wire wheels,a bit expensive but I think worth it. I have also fitted steel bumpers again not cheap but they finish the vehicle off. Progress has been a bit slow on my build mainly because I keep driving it! But it's off the road now to do the interior and the electrics which I have been putting off. If you want a chat or to poke around my car I live on the edge of the New Forest near Southampton.

Mechman, out of interest, what wheels did you fit....genuine Borranis?

Just that when I was at a show a bloke who knew a lot about cars mentioned that the only thing he would change on mine would be the bolt on wires for genuine knock ons....but what a price   :o
If Airfix plastic model planes are made exactly to scale, why don't they fly?

MADMAN

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Re: Buying the right Z3.
« Reply #25 on: November 30, 2018, 06:37:58 PM »
my 250 is not finished yet, I have a set of bolt on wires that came with kit as I bought an unstarted kit from a guy who was too busy to build it after DNA stopped selling them.
I have toyed with the idea of fitting Borranis but like you begrudge paying that price for the few people who would know the difference

jaguartvr

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Re: Buying the right Z3.
« Reply #26 on: November 30, 2018, 06:48:21 PM »
Smash on the Tribute forum bought knock ons fron Dayton in Oz. Much cheaper than MWS bolt ons including splines and triple eared spinners.
http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5710&page=6

I have 2 sets of bolt on wires, one set from MWS and one from Dayton. The Daytons weigh almost half as much and have a much smaller central hun so look much better than the MWS wheels.

Sir Percival

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Re: Buying the right Z3.
« Reply #27 on: November 30, 2018, 08:21:38 PM »
These look really great.....but I wouldn't have a clue how to work out which ones would fit.
If Airfix plastic model planes are made exactly to scale, why don't they fly?

Graham2

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Re: Buying the right Z3.
« Reply #28 on: December 01, 2018, 10:40:23 AM »
There doesn't appear to be any consistency regarding the under bonnet area being painted black, other than black cars I've not found any whilst looking locally ish for a 2.8 or 3.0 donor car.

Ian22

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Re: Buying the right Z3.
« Reply #29 on: May 14, 2019, 11:22:57 AM »
Hi all,

I am new to the DNA forum (apologies for not posting in the new member's section, but this thread looked like the right one for me to start on). Like graham2 I am just embarking on a 250 Cal, and looking at getting a donor. I have read literally EVERY post in this section of the forum, so am reasonably up to speed, but I just wanted to clarify on a couple things before buying a donor.


I have heard that the rear clam doesnt fit all z3s (something to do with the boot surrounding needing to be cut away). Does the clam fit any of the Z3's (narrow body, widebody, pre/post facelift) or doesn't it matter which body style is chosen?

Secondly, after reading some posts, it seems that the narrow body rear axle is preferred by some that have finished their car, so as to get wire wheels fitting correctly under the bodywork. Does anyone think this is an issue I should be considering in getting a donor? (I would ideally like to get a 2.8, but just want to know what issues I will be facing if I make that decision)


Thirdly, the chrome windscreen surround looks great, but I understand the BMW fitting kit can only be applied to '98 models and later (I assume by post '98 that means it only can be fitted to post facelift cars). Does that narrow my search down to only post '98 models, or do you think I shouldn't be too concerned about that in a donor.


I am looking forward to cracking on with this kit, and I keep reading through all your amazing build threads are inspiration.