My 21yr old topless model 2.2

[Jam03]

That's much better... what did they think was wrong ?

The guys just assumed the new wheel had a 1 stage airbag and that it wouldn’t fit before they removed the old one to look at it properly. They clearly have experience of people thinking anything will fit. Probably also assumed I was an idiot, but when I explained where I had got all the bits from, the boss had a look and it was done in 5min.

 

[AntStark]

I can understand the caution when you are dealing with an explosive safety device .. especially on a 20+ year old car.

 

[Jam03]

So today, I splashed out on an inspection II service, brake fluid and new front shocks and top mounts. Should have done full front end refresh, but as it is, it’s the most I’ve ever spent on a car in one go, so it’ll have to do for now.

 

[Jam03]

MOT day today. This is the 3rd under my ownership. A few advisories, but got through easily enough.

 

[AntStark]

Yeah not much that isn’t easily fixable there

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

Another year on the road mate

 

[t-tony]

Always nice when it's in the rear view.

Tony.

 

[Jam03]

Yeah not much that isn’t easily fixable there

Yes, it’s easy to forget that running a Z3 is a rolling restoration project. I keep getting caught out and needing to do things urgently before I’ve thought about it properly.

 

[AntStark]

If you’ve not posted on the ‘what have I bought’ thread at least weekly then you are heading for trouble

 

[Jam03]

So having spent my maintenance budget several times over this year, I’m now having my hand forced on tyres. Having just commented on the fact that my 2yr old rear tyres were cracking, one of them has now suffered a puncture that cannot be repaired. With the wheel off I measured the wear. Remaining tread depth on the outside shoulder 5.5mm, centre, 3.5mm and inside shoulder 4.5mm. This is after 16k miles. So my conclusion is that the wear is biased towards the inner edge, which is not surprising, but also that I must have been overinflated most of the time. This is strange, because I have been maintaining the recommended 2.3 bar on the rears, so maybe this is just a bit too much. Anyway, the search is now on for a set of tyres.

 

[Jam03]

30th POTM Entry today

 

[Jam03]

Had 2 new Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres fitted on the rear. Had a drive around the Surrey Hills to test them. Performance on some familiar roads is very pleasing. I will be changing the fronts over as soon as funds permit. Interestingly, the front tyres are Toyo Proxes manufactured in 2015. I don’t know their history, but they have done 16k miles since I got them with my wheels in 2022. They still have 7mm of tread depth.

 

[Ianmc]

MPS my choice also. Excellent tyres.

 

[AntStark]

The Pilot 3s that were on mine were well over 10 years old with no sign of wear or cracking..again had almost 6mm left on them. They did tramline though which maybe due to the age of the rubber. Once my Avons disintegrate (next year then) I fancy trying Rainsports next.

 

[Jam03]

The Pilot 3s that were on mine were well over 10 years old with no sign of wear or cracking..again had almost 6mm left on them. They did tramline though which maybe due to the age of the rubber. Once my Avons disintegrate (next year then) I fancy trying Rainsports next.

With lower mileage you may have better luck than me with the Avon’s. I never felt that they were bad, but MPS5’s just feel a bit better. I also looked at all the available options, and having experienced MPS5’s on a few wet road trips in a Porsche Spyder, I didn’t think the price premium was significant. I did shop around though and was quite surprised at the range of prices you can pay for the same tyre.

 

[Jam03]

I’ve always been annoyed that the paint code sticker in the engine bay of my car was missing. I recently found a place called Zen Graphics that makes replacements, so ordered one. Seemed expensive at £16, but it’s no longer available from BMW and made to order. They sent me two, so doesn’t feel too bad. Happy with the result.

 

[Jam03]

Mileage milestone today.

 

[AntStark]

I’ve always been annoyed that the paint code sticker in the engine bay of my car was missing. I recently found a place called Zen Graphics that makes replacements, so ordered one. Seemed expensive at £16, but it’s no longer available from BMW and made to order. They sent me two, so doesn’t feel too bad. Happy with the result.View attachment 319873View attachment 319875

That’s got to add at least 10hp! Looks good quality

 

[Jam03]

3 year ownership update

Start mileage 97,527 Feb 2022
1yr mileage 103,927 Feb 2023
2yr mileage 110,202 Feb 2024
3yr mileage 116,650 Feb 2025
6448 miles this year
30 fill ups
Ave consumption for the year 27.2mpg
3,5l of top up oil used this year

Total costs for the year;
Parts, accessories, repairs and maintenance: £2155
Insurance and tax: £785
Fuel: £1800
Running Cost: 74p per mile

Another fun year of Z ownership. Undoubtedly the highlight was a weekend trip to Wales in April 2024. I was pleasantly surprised at how well she performed. I was also able to spend some time giving my son driving lessons in it.

I did have a few understeery moments on the Wales trip and although handling was fine over the summer, more recently she’s been tramlining quite badly, so a new set of front tyres is on the menu. They’re still hardly worn, but they’re 10 yrs old, so I’m not surprised.
I might also get the lollipop bushes done this year and I’m thinking about having the wheels refurbished. I clearly haven’t been cleaning off salt regularly enough and there’s corrosion setting in.
Another worry is the roof. The trim and stitching around the back window is starting to look a bit suspect, but maybe that can wait another year.

 

[Pond]

Running Cost: 74p per mile

I only ever take mileage into account when looking at 'running costs', so thanks for that.

My wife does around 9,000 miles per year now just commuting. I keep telling her that the cost equates to 20% of her wages, but she doesn't believe me.
I am going to use your figures to show her it's actually more like 30%. Just to get there and back!