👋 from NY - '98 Z3 2.8L

alinasexotics

Newbie
American Zeds
Joined
Dec 11, 2022
Points
1
Location
New York
Model of Z
Z3
Greetings from New York 👋
I've owned my 1998 BMW Z3 Roadster 2.8L for about four years.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances, it did sit for a majority of this time.
I've enlisted with the forum in the hopes of receiving help and opinions where necessary and getting tips for bringing it back to 100% before the spring.
Appreciate any incoming assistance, and will gladly offer my own.

The only issues I've experienced prior were, what I assume to be, an alarm system issue.
I've been given the advice to pull the alarm relay, since I didn't purchase the vehicle with a key fob, though we are thinking at one point it did have one. No sound comes from the car, but my hazards continuously flash when my battery is connected. I've ruled out any issues with the hazard button itself. I have also been told it's a module for the alarm behind my glove box, which I could remove to resolve the issue.
Also, a broken seal on the driver's side window where the top no longer rest properly, which has been enough for moisture to get in, maul my interior, and I have concerns for anything electrical I have yet to find.

I will look for further information regarding this issue, and try a few things along the way. My priority, as it stands currently, is to bring my car back to proper and healthy running condition and get it moving again, as it should have been. I'm tackling rust on the rotors, oxidation in the engine bay, and mold in the interior.
I've accumulated what I need to tackle these issues, although I've still got a long road ahead of me. Hope you join me on the ride! Thanks for reading!
 

t-tony

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
#ZedShed
Joined
Dec 31, 2013
Points
226
Location
Torksey Lock,Lincoln, England
Model of Z
E89 Z4 23i Auto
Hi Alina?, welcome from me near Lincoln, UK. Mould in the interior suggests that the carpets could well be damp, especially if the "A" pillar isn't sealing properly, very common in Z3s. Also check the Boot (trunk) for damp in the left and right "wells" below the rear lights. Renowned areas for leaking into the interior are the hi-level stop light, both rear light units and the aerial grommet, and sometimes the arear where the soft top is fixed to the car body. Does you car live in a garage?

Tony.
 

alinasexotics

Newbie
American Zeds
Joined
Dec 11, 2022
Points
1
Location
New York
Model of Z
Z3
Thank you! Much appreciation for your welcoming response. My carpets are indeed damp, more so on the driver's side. It's a constant effort to keep them vacuumed, as it is not stored in a garage, so moisture is a constant issue without a properly sealed top. Due to it's state now I'm unable to tell if it began with my A-Pillar, I do know that's a common issue. But, it's primarily an area toward the very top middle of my window where the seal is open about 1 3/4 inches. It's a proper seal everywhere else inside the vehicle it seems. Once I have that repaired, I will definitely go about properly sealing my "A" Pillar. I know some silicone allows an easy fix there. No moisture in the initial trunk, although beneath that bottom cover where the tools, and my battery lay, there is moisture I'm constantly drying up. My speaker covers are rusted in the cab. I keep up regular cleaning so the mold doesn't completely destroy my carpets or leather, but it's an ongoing problem since my Z3 isn't garaged. It's not currently an option. I've considered various different types of covers and tents, but have yet to try anything that remained reliable. Unsure if changing my top will be inevitable, or if I can manage a fix.
 

Nodzed

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
M Power
Joined
Feb 18, 2016
Points
231
Location
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Model of Z
Z3M Imola and Z4 (e89)
:welcome:
 

Shelly

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
East Anglian Crew
Joined
Jul 9, 2013
Points
201
Location
Norfolk
Model of Z
Z4 2.0 20i M Sport sDrive
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