Top 20 1996 BMW Z3 Roadster Questions & Answers

Now assuming all the parts were correctly installed and the proper parts, are you sure the clutch fluid was bled properly? if there is even a bubble of air in there the clutch wont 100% disengage and cause more issues in 1st/rev. Some clutch systems need to be bled in a specific way and may not be as simple as others.

Hoses wear out , replace it . That hose is under a lot of pressure and heat and everything wears out and has a life. I would say that was a helluva hose to last that long and would suggest you look at all your hoses and belts especially if they have never been replaced.

Do not try and cross any wiring as you can deploy your air bags. You need to have a scan tool that will read air bag codes and make necessary repairs.

Check your EGR valve and system. EGR should not be on when engine is cold, if its on the car will run as you describe.

Check on Bimmerfest,com its a bmw forum, I have gotten alot of great answers and ideas for my 1997 z-3 roadster great site.

the problem is that it has been parked up for 8 yrs, you really need to get a decent mobile mechanic to give it the once over, there are a number of things that it could be, they don't like being left that long & not at least started.

Pedal sinking to the floor is typically a failed master cylinder, failed slave cylinder and maybe both. A failing clutch has different symptoms (hard to shift, engine slips while in gear). So good news because replacing both cylinder is cheaper than replacing the clutch. If you are mechanically inclined you can replace these yourself - I'd give it a medium on difficulty but you will be dealing with hydraulic fluid which can make a mess (and it will ruin your paint any place it touches). On youtube there are dozens of videos on how to replace your master clutch cylinder and slave clutch cylinder (there is also a break master cylinder which is similar but not the same), So watch a few of them and see if you're up for it.

the rear universal is probably gone bad at rear of drive shaft. does it clunk when shifting from park into drive, get under vehicle, when it is turned off. you can leave it in park. grab drive shaft and see if you can wiggle it. if so its the universal joint on drive shaft.put on e-brake before getting under it. if it is bad, its best to change both front and back universals. Good-day!

can i ask why you put a trickle charge on a new battery ? also a trickle charger that is faulty will blow the ecu. its best not to use them on and vehicle from 90's and below as they were not designed to take them. modern cars have overloaders inbuilt into the ecu so lighting strikes etc don't do any damage and the engine will run on.

have you checked the obd2 codes yet? what you describe could be the mass ir flow sensor.does it runs but wont go if you acelerate fast? let me know

There's a problem some where in the starter circuit or starter motor /solenoid etc.Check for bad ground frayed cable loose cable neutral/start switch needs adj. starter pinion jammed.If it started the first time after the new battery and then not the alternator may not be charging.The charging rate should be checked when the battery is replaced.If the headlights are very bright and the radio sounds loud and clear then the battery is not discharged.It should read a full 13volts if tested with a meter.

Hi James, the early Z3 vehicles had a common issue with the ignition switch not recognizing when the key has been removed. You can listen for a definitive click when the key is removed from the switch. There is a gong located under the driver's dash area in the plastic trim panel. It can be unplugged.

Hi Vintilairina, What do you want to know? It is mounted on the inside of the front bumper. Its purpose is to let you know the prevailing temperature outside your vehicle. It is a safety devise to let you know of ice conditions on the road. Regards John

There is no fix you replace the entire mirror assembly about $300.00

You would need a code scanner of reading codes for the airbag system.OBD2 code scanner

Duplicate posting

Getting the code to unlock the radio requires access to the factory data base, that is restricted and we do not have permission. You will need to contact the dealer for help with this. The original owner was given this code.

Fluid Level Checking Procedure for all Transmissions without a Dipstick:

1. The transmission temperature must be between 30°C and 50°C before checking can begin. Use the DIS or the MODIC to determine the transmission temperature.
2. The vehicle must be level and without load. With the engine running, switch on the air conditioning. This will increase the idle speed and ensure that all oil passages in the transmission are filled with oil.
3. Step on the brake firmly, apply parking brake fully and move the selector lever through each gear position, pausing briefly in each gear.
4. With the engine running and the selector lever in Park position, remove the filler plug located on the transmission (see picture for location). If a small stream of oil runs out, the fluid level is correct.
5. If no oil runs out when the filler plug is removed, the fluid level is too low. Add oil until it starts to overflow.
6. With the engine running, reinstall the oil filler plug and tighten to proper torque. (Refer to section below for proper tightening torque)

#1 is the drain and #2 is the filler

With a car like that there should be a well detailed maintance record if not i would not buy it.

The Cam Position Sensor is a common item to fail. However, the cam positioning mechanism can fail too giving that code.

There are two sensors and the Exhaust Cam Sensor is most common to fail. I always replace both.
Te CKP's are on the top front of the engine next to the cylindrical operation solenoids.

Knock sensors fail too and need checked or correct feedback to ECU with a scanner.
Find a shop near you at http://www.iatn.net/shopfinder/

These engines require regular oil changes with quality synthetic oils and OE filter....not a FRAM or WIX !

Buy only BMW sensors ...aftermarket have high failure rate.