2001 Z3 Garage Recommendations in Scotland

[sakamada]

Hello,

I’ve just joined the forum but have had my 2001 Z3 for 12 years.

My car has recently passed its MoT but has a number of advisories that my usual garage isn’t wanting to repair. I am trying to decide whether to get the repairs done or cut my losses and sell the car for spares/repair.

The advisories are all corrosion related:

• Suspension struts and arms
• Brake hoses
• Fuel tank straps
• Rear brake back plates

The bodywork and interior of the car are in good condition, and the engine never misses a beat, so I’m still tempted to get it repaired but it would depend on the cost.

Are any Scottish members able to recommend a garage in West Lothian or Edinburgh area who might take a look?

thanks in advance!
Stuart.

 

[Duncodin]

There's nothing there that a decent workahop can't do.

Suspension arms at the front can get pretty rusty but they're solid so bit of rust shouldn't be a problem. Wire brush and a bit if paint.

Rear trailing arms on the other hand are hollow and can rust through but if rusted through it would have failed. So, again, wire brush and a bit of paint.

Tank straps. Not easy to replace with genuine ones. But one of our members does an excellent easy fit replacement that any diy-er or local garage could fit in less than an hour.

Brake hoses. Assume you mean the rubber looking ones. Again shouldn't be a problem.

Rear brake back plates. They do rust and, if I'm not mistaken, not easy to get over the hubs in one piece. But some people chop them to get them over the hub. Maybe a garage wouldn't want to do that. I'd start by going at it with a wire brush to see how bad they are. Maybe not too bad. The parking brake shoes attach to the backing plate so if they were too rusty it should have failed.

Mot testers often do advisories for a bit of surface rust which, on a 20 year old car, is quite likely. So, as I said, wire brush to see how bad these advisories really are.

 

[sakamada]

Thanks @Duncodin - I’m even more keen to get a second opinion now. I’m pretty useless myself so would need a garage to do it.

The brakes I think do need sorted as there are noises coming from the back wheels which I think are probably rubbing. My usual garage didn’t want to strip it down in case everything disintegrated…

I had it in mind to get rid but not sure I can bring myself to now!

if anyone knows a good workshop for this I’d definitely give it a try.

 

[andyglym]

to the Forum from West Cumbria. As said, that's basic stuff for any garage to be honest. @Mazza does the tank straps, good kit and sold globally. @Stevo7682 may be able to help if you can get it to him.

 

[Stevo7682]

Shame you are on the wrong side of the country.
I have done work for a few of the local forum members i am also an mot tester so in a good position to say what is good what is not.
As said only proper way to do the rear back plates is to also do the rear wheel bearings ( as the hub flanges need removed which damages the press fit bearings) this is what the alternative ends up like

If you zoom in on the back plate you will see its been cut to allow it to be bent over the flange without removing it.

If you fancy a drive on a dry weekend ( work during the week) be happy to take a look and give you an idea of where you are at just now and what is priority progressing forward.
Got to remember a lot of z3's out there still rumbling around on a lot of original parts that are now nearly pushing 30yr old for the early ones.

Stephen.

 

[Stevo7682]

to the Forum from West Cumbria. As said, that's basic stuff for any garage to be honest. @Mazza does the tank straps, good kit and sold globally. @Stevo7682 may be able to help if you can get it to him.

Thanks Andy was writing a message as you tagged me there

 

[Mazza]

Tank Straps available if you need a set.
Just send me a PM

 

[Ianmc]

Mazzas tank staps are highly recommended. Easy to fit and great value!

 

[Stevo7682]

Agreed i have a set great solution to the issue of removing and refitting the long strap.
Stephen.

 

[sakamada]

Thanks @Mazza @andyglym @Stevo7682 for your help.

Stephen I am happy to drive it through one weekend. Let me know where you are… no desperate rush so let’s find a day that suits us.

Stuart.

 

[NeRo]

Garages I can think of in/around West Lothian, whose names have cropped up on various social media

1. Ratho Auto Services https://www.facebook.com/RathoAutoServices/?locale=en_GB
2. M3 Motor Co ~ it's between Bathgate and Livingston (on second thoughts, just read the reviews, seems to be a mixed bag of good and bad)

 

[IainP]

If you want to come up to Perth, Elite BMW is run by guys who used to work for Grassicks.

The advisories are all corrosion related:

• Suspension struts and arms
• Brake hoses
• Fuel tank straps
• Rear brake back plates

Advisories are just that, anything over ten years old gets “corrosion to the ferrules”.

From what you’ve written only the back plates need done soonest, the noises will be because the handbrake shoe locating pins have pulled through the backplates. Stainless washers, nyloc nut and Allen bolt are the standard fix. Probably needs a new set of shoes too. Doesn’t really need backplates until they actually start to disintegrate.

Iain

 

[t-tony]

I have some Allen bolts, nuts etc. if you need them.

Tony.