Which guide do you use?!

[Tom W]

Hey Fellow Zeders!
(Catching on with the lingo! )

Just after a basic bit of advise which mechanics/technical guide to buy and use for maintenance and general upkeep. I've got a 2001 (Y Reg) 2.2i Z3, and looking to push myself into broadening my knowledge; changing brakes and doing my own services etc.

I've seen a few options Haynes manual which seems is for a variety of BMW models, a chilton guide? And also TIS BMW cd's!?

Thought I'd ask the pro's and see which one is the most popular and best suited for what I need before I purchase.

Thanks for your help in advance!
Tom

 

[oldcarman]

I personally have the Bentley addition put out by BMW in manual for as well as Disc for my computer that covers a whole range of years and models. I primarily use the book because I'm old and still like to read off an actual page of paper. I read it from cover to cover over and over but I'm retired and have the time. JIM

 

[t-tony]

I think I'm correct in saying that Haynes didn't do specific Z3 manual, although a lot is covered in the E36 3 Series manual. If I'm mistaken I'm sure someone will correct me?

Tony.

 

[oldcarman]

If I recall Haynes is a dual purpose and does cover a lot of the common proplems but if I'm wrong I'm sure someone will correct me! JIM

 

[Brian4]

The z3 shares a lot with the E36 and the front suspension is E36. The rear is based on the E30 but the same as the E36 Compact so the basics are the same. Obviously wiring diagrams are different and body work fitting but similar.

The TIS cd is the BMW workshop manual and quite good. I haven't tried it on windows 7 yet as I think they may only work with XP. I understand windows 7 Pro has a built in converter or something which allows XP to work with 7.

Hope this helps

Brakes are the same as any car of the same age.
tools 7mm allen key for caliper removal and lever to push back pistons.

Oil . Big socket to remove oil filter cap and container to drain oil into.

Loads of help on here and you are no far from the best Z3 repairer on here @Lee

 

[Lee]

Thanks @Brian4 no pressure. I have the Bmw z3 bentley manual in hardback which i would say is about 90% accurate.

I also have the said manual on a usb stick (shhhh) I see your down the road from me so feel free to pop round and pick my brains.

As brian said i've pulled apart and rebuilt lots of zeds now mostly done on engineering knowledge rather than manuals.

If you buy yourself a large socket set with female torx sockets a 7mm allen key your sorted for any job on the z3s

Welcome mate.

Lee

 

[Shelly]

Alan normally look on the Internet for advice
It's helped us a lot

 

[mwpe]

I have the Bentley manual which seems to cover most things but is quite expensive. TIS is good if you can work your way around it, I still prefer a book for maintenance. I generally find Haynes manuals as much use as a chocolate fire guard, OK until you really need some information and the they say take it to the dealer.

 

[POG]

I don't have a manual... I have Zroadster.org for all my technical know how...

 

[Tom W]

Thanks all, a lot of help.

@Brian4 @Lee looks like I'll get the the BMW Z3 Bentley manual then.

You maybe regretting saying that Lee haha I've already got a tool set etc from when I had my first car (saxo) self explanatory really! Want to take better care of this one!