Newbie looking for a 3.0 E85 - now found

[Mr Tidy]

Well I collected my 2003 3.0i E85 today. Perfect day for a drop top, though it was slightly marred by my discovery of the dreaded sticky steering. It wasn't apparent on the test drive but wow, what an unpleasant experience Cue a load of time researching/lubing/drilling to see if I can fix it.

Not the best start to my ownership experience, but here is the car. It has 107,000 miles on it and a few marks around the bodywork but I've bought it more for the "go" than the "show". Guess I'll be spending some time in the problems forums for a while!

So the good was slightly tempered by the bad - I hope you can get the steering sorted.

Lovely photo by the way.

[wonkydonkey]

So the good was slightly tempered by the bad - I hope you can get the steering sorted.

Lovely photo by the way.

I'm afraid it was, but I've just found the superb thread in the E85/86 Problems forum that has given me hope (eccentric adjustor on the column). Can't wait to get stuck in.

Thanks - the Wiltshire countryside was on fine form on my drive home

Thanks to the rest of you for the welcomes, too. These BMW folks aren't as bad as people say

[cmaza]

So the good was slightly tempered by the bad - I hope you can get the steering sorted.

Lovely photo by the way.

I'm afraid it was, but I've just found the superb thread in the E86/86 Problems forum that has given me hope (eccentric adjustor on the column). Can't wait to get stuck in.

Thanks - the Wiltshire countryside was on fine form on my drive home

Thanks to the rest of you for the welcomes, too. These BMW folks aren't as bad as people say

Can you link me to the thread please? i had a good drive over the weekend and the steering seems to feel sticky also. I have a 2004 E85 - whill the E86/89 thread be applicable?

Cheers

[wonkydonkey]

Can you link me to the thread please? i had a good drive over the weekend and the steering seems to feel sticky also. I have a 2004 E85 - whill the E86/89 thread be applicable?

Yep, please click below. I had a typo in my post above. It should've read E85/86, not E86/86, so the thread will apply to your car. Be sure to reply to the thread with your findings I hope it works for us!
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=100725

[cmaza]

Thanks buddy, let me know how you get along...

Can you link me to the thread please? i had a good drive over the weekend and the steering seems to feel sticky also. I have a 2004 E85 - whill the E86/89 thread be applicable?

Yep, please click below. I had a typo in my post above. It should've read E85/86, not E86/86, so the thread will apply to your car. Be sure to reply to the thread with your findings I hope it works for us!
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=100725

[wonkydonkey]

Thanks buddy, let me know how you get along...

I did mine straight away. Took hardly any time and the problem has disappeared! Over the moon Feel free to get in touch if you need any help.

[Z4 COUPSTER]

WP_20180513_09_35_04_Pro.jpg (155.37 KiB) Viewed 757 times

Welcome. You can't beat Sterling grey

[Andy-M]

Sterling grey but then i have one to.

[wonkydonkey]

Z4 COUPSTER and Andy-M it was the only colour for me!

Jobs I've completed in my first 6 days of ownership:

1. Sticky steering resolved.
2. Carpets shampooed and brand new mats fitted.
3. Interior thoroughly cleaned, Magic Tree binned.
4. Engine bay degreased and dressed.
5. Tired steering wheel replaced with a tidy original.
6. Front left damper spacer blocks removed (!!).
7. Both doors soundproofed.
8. Sound generator foam removed.

Jobs to do:

- Fit my new rear springs
- Wheel alignment
- Fit ZHP (copy) gear knob
- Relocate roof motor
- Replace discs and pads all round
- Many more minor tweaks

I have had an absolute ball in this car since resolving its major handling issues. It's excelling itself and of the 400 recreational miles I've already covered in it, only 20 have been with the hood up. I'm in love!

[Z4 COUPSTER]

Don't forget pics of all the little upgrades!! And for me it was sterling first. Tbh I.wanted a Stratus coupe but could not find one in budget, so had to settle for Titanium... But I love it to.

[wonkydonkey]

Don't forget pics of all the little upgrades!!

I need to look at how you guys document your cars on here. On previous forums I've had my own thread in the owners' gallery and updated it as I go along. Hopefully it's similar on this forum.

It sounds like you've ended up with a good compromise there. The grey suits the Z4's lines really well. The Z4C looks stunning in black though, I must say!

[Z4 COUPSTER]

Don't forget pics of all the little upgrades!!

I need to look at how you guys document your cars on here. On previous forums I've had my own thread in the owners' gallery and updated it as I go along. Hopefully it's similar on this forum.

It sounds like you've ended up with a good compromise there. The grey suits the Z4's lines really well. The Z4C looks stunning in black though, I must say!

Black look good but it's a pain in the arse to keep clean...My poor Z3 never looks clean..well in my eyes.

[Marlon]

Nice looking Zed - congrats
Hope you sort out the sticky steering.

As for a thread documenting your car, start one in the E85 / E86 Z4 discussion section.

[wonkydonkey]

Nice looking Zed - congrats
Hope you sort out the sticky steering.

As for a thread documenting your car, start one in the E85 / E86 Z4 discussion section.

Thanks I sorted out the sticky steering the day after I bought the car, thanks to info on this forum Okay, will do. Thanks for the pointer.

[Marlon]

Nice looking Zed - congrats
Hope you sort out the sticky steering.

As for a thread documenting your car, start one in the E85 / E86 Z4 discussion section.

Thanks I sorted out the sticky steering the day after I bought the car, thanks to info on this forum Okay, will do. Thanks for the pointer.

Ah yes, I need to read threads before posting - nice one