1998 Z3 head gasket gone.

[Barry Gadd]

Hi
The oil is creamy white...... I've just bought the car and need to change the headgasket.
A few questions:-
1) Can I download a workshop manual (or details of the head gasket change procedure) off this website?
2) I believe I need cam clamps but don't want to buy new ones. Would someone please confirm if I do need these and if so does anybody living in Surrey (or not too far from Woking) have them and would let me borrow or hire them?
3) The previous owner put a battery isolation switch in the earth line so he could cut off the supply as a security measure. I've not started the engine as the headgasket needs replacing but will I have a problem with the ECU when I try to start up? If so is there a way to reset the ECU?
4) Are there likely to be other reasons as to why the headgasket went in the first place? A friend suggested blocked breather pipes.
Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome Barry,

We have plenty of 1.9 owners on here, affectionately referred to as the [USERGROUP=12]@M44 Massive[/USERGROUP]. I'm sure one or two will be along soon to answer your questions.

In the mean time I'll add you to the M44 group!

Cheers, Gary

 

[zedonist]

Hi Barry,

1) Manual - http://workshop-manuals.com/bmw/3_s...ta/1_si__modified_change_intervals_e9x-m3-us/ Gaz can add a link in the Wiki please

2) I have never changed a head gasket on the M44, but it is best to follow instructions, so if it says use them I would.

3) best way to reset ECU is disconnect battery for a period of time.

4) Over heating usually main cause in an M44, I would check the cooling system out, fit a new pump and thermostat etc. I would probably have the head refurbed while off, valve seats etc with a skim if it has warped.

Hope it helps, keep us posted on your progress, always good information incass it happens to another member.

 

[jonco]

Hello.
I think the Haynes 3 series manual covers the head gasket change. I will need to check later to confirm.
There are a number of videos on Youtube for this job example

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxB-TNF37Pw

Edit - Zedonist just beat me to it on other links.

 

[GazHyde]

1) Manual - http://workshop-manuals.com/bmw/3_s...ta/1_si__modified_change_intervals_e9x-m3-us/ Gaz can add a link in the Wiki please

I'm trying to find some kind of link directory at the moment... Let me see what I can think sort for now.

 

[jonco]

TIS shows this is required but there may be another way.

 

[oldcarman]

Hi Bentley book says cams must be locked using special tool so can't see any way around it. Perhaps t-tony could comment?? JIM

 

[Barry Gadd]

Hi,
Many thanks to all.
Just bought a 3 series (with Z3) CD workshop manual, so hope this will answer most of the questions.

Also just bought tube of Silicone Sealant hoping to seal the leaking boot lid rear light unit.

The spare wheel is naff.Very rusty. Does anybody know if a skinny wheel for another car (BMW?) will fit the wheel plus underbody carrier?
I nearly bought a Volvo spare wheel off ebay but realised all dimensions were fine except the central hole diameter (Z3 70mm Volvo 65mm !!!)
Wheel size 15inch 195 x 90 x R15 5 stud. I'm hoping to get one that's been kept inside the boot so avoiding rust.

Lastly does anybody know if I can buy a suitable black dye to coat my hood? Mine is the original (as far as I can tell) and has been left under trees etc and although I have scrubbed hard the stains are very persistent.
I've got a can of waterproofing but want to restore the black colour first.

Hope you can help.

Barry

 

[hard top]

Hi Barry, for the hood.........

http://zroadster.org/forum/threads/bmw-z3-hood-clean-with-autoglym-fabric-hood-cleaning-kit.4225/

 

[GazHyde]

This for the spare wheel size - http://zroadster.org/forum/threads/z3-spare-wheel-size-space-saver.2670/ In addition they are 120pcd 5 stud

www.renovointernational.com make a hood dying kit which plenty of Zed owners have used before!

 

[Barry Gadd]

Again many thanks for the replies. I'm so glad I joined.

Here's a teaser for you...... I found the boot lid mounted rear light lens was letting in water and this has caused the 12v 5W plug in bulb holder contacts to rust through.
4 out of the 7 holders are still ok but I'd like to replace the 3 duff ones. I've searched ebay etc but can only find leaded much bigger holders but not he push and twist fit ones needed.
Does anyone know where you can buy replacements?
Thanks

 

[hard top]

This might be some help?

http://zroadster.org/forum/threads/...lver-z3-many-parts-available.3897/#post-51729

 

[Barry Gadd]

Hi Hard top,
Many thanks for your link. The man breaking Z3's is only a few Km from where I live.....
I have fond memories of Holland as I worked for Philips for 36 years. The factories I visited were in Stadskanaal,Zwolle ,Nijmegen and of course,Eindhoven. I never learned to speak Dutch but after being in the country for a couple of days it's surprising how much of the spoken language you can recognise (so long as people don't speak too fast)
Hope all is well with you.
Tot Ziens
Barry

 

[hard top]

Hi Barry, glad to be of some help.
It would not have been easy to pick up Dutch at those different locations, small country but lots of different dialects