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Have I bought a pup? - Not at all....

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Ala5dair
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Have I bought a pup? - Not at all....

Post by Ala5dair » Sun Nov 05, 2017 3:17 pm

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Hi.

This post was originally intended to be just an introduction to my new zed. I collected it on Tuesday and have already ordered a white third brake light to replace the existing one which is cracked. I had intended to replace the existing gear knob with a ZHP one, and the side indicators with clear ones, but I’ve noticed some issues that I’d appreciate comments on, before I commit to further expense:

1. Both near side wheels are “slowly’ losing pressure. The front has extensive rim damage, and is losing 0.2 bar per day. The rear has no significant damage, but it’s lost 1 bar since last night. I’ve only driven around 10 miles since last night. I’m suspicious that the 18” wheels may be cracked. The tyres (run flats) all look fairly new and have loads of tread left.

2. It rained heavily last night, and the battery shelf has around 2cm of water in it. The carpet in the boot is slightly damp around the ridges either side of the removable floor, but the seal around the opening seems intact. I’m concerned that ingress may be via the wheel arches?

3. The glass rear screen on the hard top has been damaged (presumably by being placed down without sufficient care). Does anyone know of a quick repair? I don’t think a glass repair company will be able to do anything as it’s right on the edge.

And lastly, the previous owner clearly liked rings, as there is some damage to the gear knob and steering wheel. I’ve considered replacing both, but the forum seems to suggest that new steering wheels are very expensive. Does anyone have any suggestions for repairing the damaged portions?

I’d really appreciate any thoughts...
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Last edited by Ala5dair on Tue Feb 06, 2018 12:08 pm, edited 3 times in total.
2004 3.0i SE in titanium silver with clear third brake and side lights. Black interior.
M-Sport suspension, 18” 107 mag ellipsoids, ZHP, xenons, cruise control and stubby

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mr wilks
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Post by mr wilks » Sun Nov 05, 2017 3:23 pm

Aged cars will always have minor issues + flaws to sort out so providing you haven't paid top dollars for one supposedly 100% mint then address them in order of seriousness .
Wheels you need to remove for a look but certainly sounds like you have splits :cry: most likely go for a fresh set of wheels if it was me
Other issues i have not experienced myself but i'm sure others will throw up good advice :thumbsup:
Car looks well though :) welcome to the forum
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Crazy Harry
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Have I bought a pup?

Post by Crazy Harry » Sun Nov 05, 2017 3:32 pm

Hi welcome to the forum - and with a photo so right on it!

Wheels - need to get them off to check but this thread was posted this morning for what I think are the same pattern wheels so if you find cracks this should be a good starting point.

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=101431&hilit=107%27s+gumtree

The drains do block on the roadsters - they are easy to clear use the search function to find the 'how to'. I don't use a hard top and for now I would go back to putting the hood up so you know its more water tight than the broken glass. If the hood motor doesn't work (you have to do it manually) members on here can fix that and move the motor into the dry (normally) of your boot for around £80.

The steering wheel you can refurb yourself (search for info on the site) or try Dietcokeman. To be honest the damp and marked steering wheel aren't as bad as some other faults. You can always use the soft top whilst you get the hard top sorted (its a roadster anyway).

Good luck

Ala5dair
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Post by Ala5dair » Sun Nov 05, 2017 3:49 pm

Thanks very much, Mr Wilks and Crazy Harry, for your responses.

I’ll certainly be visiting a local tyre dealer in the morning, for a full wheel check. If the worst case is confirmed, I’ll be straight on to the breakers, as I do like these wheels.

I appreciate that the other issues are minor, and commensurate with the age of the car. I’d assumed that the drains would be redundant with the hard top fitted, but I’ll get it off and investigate them, and the motor location, in the next few days. Other cosmetic changes will follow...
2004 3.0i SE in titanium silver with clear third brake and side lights. Black interior.
M-Sport suspension, 18” 107 mag ellipsoids, ZHP, xenons, cruise control and stubby

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jabber
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Post by jabber » Sun Nov 05, 2017 6:27 pm

I had a leak into the battery well on my old z4 the boot seal looked to be in good condition but changing it for a new 1 stopped the leak, also the creaked brake light could be the culprit
Z less again
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philbo909
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Post by philbo909 » Sun Nov 05, 2017 6:30 pm

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=101431
if they are cracked and need replacing, there's 107s on this breaker.
the drains are redundant with the hard top fitted so i think that your wet battery might take some investigative work
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buzyg
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Post by buzyg » Sun Nov 05, 2017 7:51 pm

Welcome to the forum. A few niggles to sort them hopefully fun all the way. :driving:

Here's a link to a thread on the roof drains. viewtopic.php?f=25&t=7782&hilit=roof+drains
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Crazy Harry
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Post by Crazy Harry » Sun Nov 05, 2017 7:58 pm

philbo909 wrote: Sun Nov 05, 2017 6:30 pm the drains are redundant with the hard top fitted
Quite so but I suggest sorting the drains because the bottom edge of the rear screen is damaged and any water ingress will find its way into the drains via the folded soft top.

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Post by firebobby » Sun Nov 05, 2017 8:19 pm

Defo worth checking the drains.
I thought 107's were quite strong wheels and didn't suffer from splits?? It may be corrosion on the beads, a quick dunk will tell you.
Steering wheel refurb is easy, I did mine and am well happy with the results
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Post by Ewazix » Sun Nov 05, 2017 9:12 pm

It's always worth checking the tyre valves are tight, I've cured what I thought was a slow puncture a couple of times by tweaking them.
http://www.halfords.com/workshop-tools/ ... -tyre-tool
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Ala5dair
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Post by Ala5dair » Sun Nov 05, 2017 9:17 pm

Thanks, all for the comments. It makes sense that, with the slight glass damage, water is getting under the hard top, into the soft top and then, if the drains are blocked, we have the issue. I’ll check the drains and advise ASAP.
Unfortunately, the posts with the drain cleaning instructions either seem to be obsolete (shipkiller) or the photo’s are removed (sixspeed). As a newbie, I’ve no experience of the car, and so I’d really appreciate it if someone could advise where I can see the photo’s too.
Ref the wheels, they’ll be tested tomorrow, and I’ll update once I know the true situation. Fingers crossed...
2004 3.0i SE in titanium silver with clear third brake and side lights. Black interior.
M-Sport suspension, 18” 107 mag ellipsoids, ZHP, xenons, cruise control and stubby

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Post by jamie_z4 » Sun Nov 05, 2017 9:21 pm

I've just lifted a 6 speed gearknob in the for sale thread with no ring damage if your interested!
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mr wilks
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Post by mr wilks » Sun Nov 05, 2017 9:26 pm

jamie_z4 wrote: Sun Nov 05, 2017 9:21 pm I've just lifted a 6 speed gearknob in the for sale thread with no ring damage if your interested!
"lifted" J :? you've been spending too much time down Merseyside lad :P :rofl: :D
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Post by firebobby » Sun Nov 05, 2017 9:27 pm

Where are you based
BMW Z4 30i 2003 auto 107's Whippy Toledo Blue
Beige M sport seats, wood dash
Toyota MR2 NA 1995
Triumph GT6 1972 (project)
Land Rover Discovery 1994 TDI (Tow car)
Mini 1000 1981

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Crazy Harry
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Post by Crazy Harry » Sun Nov 05, 2017 9:29 pm

Ala5dair wrote: Sun Nov 05, 2017 9:17 pm Thanks, all for the comments. It makes sense that, with the slight glass damage, water is getting under the hard top, into the soft top and then, if the drains are blocked, we have the issue. I’ll check the drains and advise ASAP.
Unfortunately, the posts with the drain cleaning instructions either seem to be obsolete (shipkiller) or the photo’s are removed (sixspeed). As a newbie, I’ve no experience of the car, and so I’d really appreciate it if someone could advise where I can see the photo’s too.
Ref the wheels, they’ll be tested tomorrow, and I’ll update once I know the true situation. Fingers crossed...
Try this thread :thumbsup:

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=95812&hilit=drain+cleaning

all the photos load and explains what to do

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