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

[Ala5dair]

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...

 

[mr wilks]

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 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
Car looks well though welcome to the forum

 

[Crazy Harry]

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.

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/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]

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...

 

[jabber]

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

 

[philbo909]

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/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

 

[buzyg]

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

Here's a link to a thread on the roof drains. http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=7782&hilit=roof+drains

 

[Crazy Harry]

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.

 

[firebobby]

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

 

[Ewazix]

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/garage-equipment/breakdown-essentials/halfords-4-in-1-tyre-tool

 

[Ala5dair]

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...

 

[jamie_z4]

I've just lifted a 6 speed gearknob in the for sale thread with no ring damage if your interested!

 

[mr wilks]

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

 

[firebobby]

Where are you based

 

[Crazy Harry]

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

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=95812&hilit=drain+cleaning

all the photos load and explains what to do

 

[Ducklakeview]

The "big" grommet at the rear of the battery compartment can leak if it gets dislodged or torn, allowing water straight into where you have it..

Mike

 

[Ala5dair]

I've just lifted a 6 speed gearknob in the for sale thread with no ring damage if your interested!

Thanks, Jamie, but I think I will go for a ZHP. It seems there is a noticeable improvement over the OEM version.
But, according the market place, chrisgreen was looking for an OEM unit on 1/11...

 

[Ala5dair]

Where are you based

Droitwich Spa, WORCS.

 

[Ala5dair]

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

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=95812&hilit=drain+cleaning

all the photos load and explains what to do

That’s brilliant, thanks. I have it printed now.

 

[Ala5dair]

I must just say, this being my first day as a member, and my first post, that I am delighted that I joined this forum. The number, and quality of responses has been amazing, and I am genuinely amazed at the knowledge that has been shared, and the depth of experience that is available to draw from. I look forward to using the forum and, hopefully contributing as much as I get....