# \#z3 **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/tag/z3/1898.md [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) --- ## [Should I change my BMW's oil even if the quality indicator doesn't say so?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-change-my-bmws-oil-even-if-the-quality-indicator-doesnt-say-so/135089)
**Author:** [@DavidBeitzel](https://community.cartalk.com/u/DavidBeitzel)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2019, 10:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-change-my-bmws-oil-even-if-the-quality-indicator-doesnt-say-so/135089 "2019-02-22T22:38:39Z")
My Z-3 has oil quality indicators (green bars). Since I drive the vehicle few miles I may go two years before the indicators show that the oil should be changed. My mechanic, who is very trustworthy, said that the indica… --- ## [Replacing convertible top for 2001 BMW Z3](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replacing-convertible-top-for-2001-bmw-z3/119939)
**Author:** [@WilliamBernard](https://community.cartalk.com/u/WilliamBernard)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2018, 2:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replacing-convertible-top-for-2001-bmw-z3/119939 "2018-06-27T14:12:11Z")
Anyone have experience with replacing the convertible top? Stitching is going and back window is loose. --- ## [Adhesive for bmw z3 ragtop vinyl](https://community.cartalk.com/t/adhesive-for-bmw-z3-ragtop-vinyl/109098)
**Author:** [@ca\_steve](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ca_steve)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2017, 3:32am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/adhesive-for-bmw-z3-ragtop-vinyl/109098 "2017-11-04T03:32:14Z")
On my Z3, the plastic rear window is sewn onto the convertable fabric. The cosmetic/weatherproofing vinyl ring around this seam is popping off. What’s the best adhesive to use, keeping in mind a ragtop repair place may e… --- ## [Maintenance needed for low mileage/yr BMW Z3](https://community.cartalk.com/t/maintenance-needed-for-low-mileage-yr-bmw-z3/94758)
**Author:** [@ca\_steve](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ca_steve)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2016, 10:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/maintenance-needed-for-low-mileage-yr-bmw-z3/94758 "2016-08-23T22:40:40Z")
These days, I only put 1000-1500mi per year on my '97 Z3 and most of those in the California dry season\* (May - Oct). If I followed the maintenance minder I'd change the oil every 5 years and the other fluids every 10 ye… --- ## [Clutch doesn't work the low on gas light is on?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/clutch-doesnt-work-the-low-on-gas-light-is-on/75867)
**Author:** [@KapohoJim](https://community.cartalk.com/u/KapohoJim)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2012, 5:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/clutch-doesnt-work-the-low-on-gas-light-is-on/75867 "2012-12-02T05:42:16Z")
My wife and I drove our 1998 BMW Z3 from Kapoho, the easternmost point of the big island of Hawaii to volcanoes national Park. This is about a 30 mile drive and you're going from sea level to 4000 feet. We were going up … --- ## [Bmw 1996 z3 transmision problem or air mass mater](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-1996-z3-transmision-problem-or-air-mass-mater/70542)
**Author:** [@viabello](https://community.cartalk.com/u/viabello)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2012, 7:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-1996-z3-transmision-problem-or-air-mass-mater/70542 "2012-01-21T07:58:10Z")
whats up everyone i have a 1996 bmw z3 and theres bunch of problems with it one the transmission makes makes a loud noise when switching gears usually first, also you press the gas and it takes couple seconds for the c… --- ## [Do BMW frames really crack?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-bmw-frames-really-crack/67979)
**Author:** [@boilerman2601](https://community.cartalk.com/u/boilerman2601)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2011, 12:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-bmw-frames-really-crack/67979 "2011-09-18T12:24:54Z")
Hello all !! It's been a while. My last item was getting opinions on what small sports car I should buy. Well other things came up and I had to put this on hold. I am looking again and I have it down to Mazda Miata, B… --- ## [I want a sports car!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-want-a-sports-car/46918)
**Author:** [@boilerman2601](https://community.cartalk.com/u/boilerman2601)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2011, 8:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-want-a-sports-car/46918 "2011-04-28T08:50:09Z")
OK, call it a mid life crisis, but I'm thinking of getting a sports car. I'm looking used and under $10,000. I want stick and convertable. Fast would be good, but not necessary. So.. I'm thinking of a BMW Z-3. Somebody… --- ## [Water in pan, water in cylinder and a tiny bit of oil in the intake manifold](https://community.cartalk.com/t/water-in-pan-water-in-cylinder-and-a-tiny-bit-of-oil-in-the-intake-manifold/63553)
**Author:** [@bknmkr](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bknmkr)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2011, 2:57am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/water-in-pan-water-in-cylinder-and-a-tiny-bit-of-oil-in-the-intake-manifold/63553 "2011-04-11T02:57:57Z")
Bought a car last weekend. Blown out radiator. Driver said she drove about a mile after seeing the cloud of steam behind her. Plastic end of radiator has a 4 inch split-had to dump coolant fast. I have removed the hea… --- ## [Z3 ABS light](https://community.cartalk.com/t/z3-abs-light/60917)
**Author:** [@keithm](https://community.cartalk.com/u/keithm)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2011, 5:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/z3-abs-light/60917 "2011-02-06T17:28:12Z")
96 Z3, 80K mi. ABS light came onin Oct 2010. Code scan says stuck valve in ABS pump. Have replaced pump and ABS ECU, but code will not clear. Checked K10 (ABS) relay in fuse panel, but still will not clear. Has mech… --- ## [All dashboard gauges not working](https://community.cartalk.com/t/all-dashboard-gauges-not-working/52626)
**Author:** [@PeeDee](https://community.cartalk.com/u/PeeDee)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2010, 2:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/all-dashboard-gauges-not-working/52626 "2010-07-29T14:52:25Z")
I have a 2002 Z3 and all the gauges have stopped working. The onboard computer still works, radio, windows. No turn signals, odometer, tach, speedometer, temperature or fuel. Is this a fuse or bigger problem? --- ## [Bmw z3 catalytic converter problems](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-z3-catalytic-converter-problems/51224)
**Author:** [@laura.steckler](https://community.cartalk.com/u/laura.steckler)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2010, 5:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-z3-catalytic-converter-problems/51224 "2010-07-03T17:13:23Z")
Hi I wonder if anyone can think of why i am on my 3rd catalytic converter in the last 2 years? I have a 1998 bmw z3. could it be because i am not using premium fuel? or could there be something wrong with the engine? … --- ## [Raido on bmw](https://community.cartalk.com/t/raido-on-bmw/49841)
**Author:** [@steveen44](https://community.cartalk.com/u/steveen44)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2010, 6:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/raido-on-bmw/49841 "2010-06-05T18:34:08Z")
car battery was disconected while doing body work. raido says "code wait" book reads enter anti-thief code. any help would be appericated --- ## [BMW sexy only skin deep?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-sexy-only-skin-deep/48330)
**Author:** [@togacut](https://community.cartalk.com/u/togacut)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2010, 3:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-sexy-only-skin-deep/48330 "2010-05-05T03:49:13Z")
2 questions: 1. I would like to know if the horror stories about the 1999 BMW Z3's alleged sucky sub-frame are true? 2. If they are true, does the lawsuit for the E46 (BMW 3 series - which covers the same type of … --- ## [Service engine soon light](https://community.cartalk.com/t/service-engine-soon-light/42375)
**Author:** [@gregerdos](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gregerdos)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2010, 6:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/service-engine-soon-light/42375 "2010-01-12T18:45:18Z")
I have a 2001 BMW Z#. The "Service Engine Soon" light has come on. What does that mean. What would they do if I could afford to take it to the dealer --- ## [Engine Light on 1999 BMW Z3](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-light-on-1999-bmw-z3/41003)
**Author:** [@DesignLLC](https://community.cartalk.com/u/DesignLLC)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2009, 3:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-light-on-1999-bmw-z3/41003 "2009-12-20T15:40:25Z")
Hello -- the code P1188 and P1189 appeared on the diagnostic device - the car has 110K miles and knock on wood - runs just fine. Any suggestions so repair economically ? --- ## [Bmw z3](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-z3/34764)
**Author:** [@tuckerboy12](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tuckerboy12)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2009, 4:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-z3/34764 "2009-08-20T04:45:03Z")
have read code p0340 replaced cam postion sensors cleared code .but the code has came back.had car checked at bmw dealer but found nothing but 150.00 bill.car does fine at times but it misfires at start and the ck engi… --- ## [BMW Z3 2000 2.5L camshaft sensors](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-z3-2000-2-5l-camshaft-sensors/35137)
**Author:** [@farmall1957](https://community.cartalk.com/u/farmall1957)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2009, 11:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-z3-2000-2-5l-camshaft-sensors/35137 "2009-08-16T23:05:12Z")
Where is the camshaft position sensor A - Bank 1 located? And what is it, intake or exhaust? --- ## [Engine won't run](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-wont-run/33273)
**Author:** [@ruckerml](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ruckerml)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2009, 11:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-wont-run/33273 "2009-07-15T23:01:09Z")
The car stopped running while waiting for a light. No problem with overheating, the starter turns the engine fine, the battery is new. The clock also reset to 00:00. --- ## [How difficult to replace thermostat in Z3?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-thermostat-in-z3/15199)
**Author:** [@kellymcd](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kellymcd)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2008, 12:33am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-difficult-to-replace-thermostat-in-z3/15199 "2008-06-18T00:33:18Z")
Hi, The thermostat on my 2002 z3 is leaking. Dealership wants ~$400 to replace. How hard would it be for a moderately handy person to do it? Where could I find instructions? Thanks, Kelly --- ## [HELP! Loss of Power in my BMW Z3!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-loss-of-power-in-my-bmw-z3/5447)
**Author:** [@jpollan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jpollan)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2007, 10:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-loss-of-power-in-my-bmw-z3/5447 "2007-10-03T22:39:05Z")
I have a 1999 BMW Z3 with the 2.3 five speed and 6 cylinder engine. about 2 months ago the engine seemed to be running rough and lacked the normal power and fuel economy i've been used to getting. I replaced the ai… --- ## [Bmw z3 convertible top](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-z3-convertible-top/4085)
**Author:** [@flakjerr](https://community.cartalk.com/u/flakjerr)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2007, 4:37am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-z3-convertible-top/4085 "2007-09-28T04:37:58Z")
how to add fluid to bmw z3 convertible top