Fixed the Z3

Matt & I were able to fix the Z3 today. The intake boots were a bit difficult to remove at first, but since they were not going to be used again we ended up cutting them out. Installation wasn’t too bad either.

After about 50 miles the performance went up a bit, then the ‘Service Engine Soon’ light went out. I think because of the excess air the car was running too lean and knocking a bit, which caused the computer to pull back some timing. Now the engine is much smoother, plus I don’t get a whistle when at partial throttle from the vacuum leak.

I did discover a new problem though – the thermostat most likely needs to be replaced. It is stuck in the open position which causes the car to run too cold. I’m looking to see if this is covered by a recall or not…

My Z3 needs work

I had been noticing what sounded like a vacuum leak lately when driving the BMW. Also, the colder the weather has gotten, the worse the car has been idling in the morning. Sometimes it would even die after starting up. Eventually it lit up the ‘Service Engine Soon’ lite.

After a little inspection, it was found to have two fairly large tears in the intake ‘boot’ – the tubing that guides air from the air filter down to the throttle body.

This item is separated into two separate pieces, and I found both with a great website (RealOEM).

I will be ordering the parts soon, and replacement should be fairly easy.