Really need help...:s

[eonone]

Ok Ive had a little bit of help in here since getting a 3.0 Z3 at the start of July from a main dealer with 1yr warranty.

Anyway Ive had probs since I bought it. Here they are...(sorry this is so long but I dont know who to turn to)

(1)...Squeaky clutch pedal noticed 3 days later - took into BM and had it oiled etc, still there slightly.

(2)...Also noticed a metallic vibration coming from the right rear underside section during slower speeds such as roundabouts, corners, startup etc. Seems worst initially after startup and then seems to lessen after car gets warmer, but its still there. Im not getting a rattle/vibration when hitting bumps etc, its more when driving slowly hitting a certain speed that resonates something if that makes any difference - had this looked at at the same time as (1) but they could not replicate fault as it only does it when moving therefore hard to find on ramp. they also checked the cat apparently which was ok.

(3)...Exhaust seemed to be spitting/popping back at me when lifting foot off accelerator more than it should do (as Im aware that Zeds have a rumble/thunder effect anyway) - had this looked at also when taken in to find vibration and they replaced my rear muffler/backbox/exhaust tips section, as they said "it doesnt sound right and the rattle/vibration could be coming from inside the muffler"

(4)...Ive noticed a small flat spot at 4200rpms that appears every so often when revving hard also, but darent say anything as it would seem like Im a hypochondriac with my car.

Aaaanyway, I picked it up again the other day for the 4th time and noticed the vibration was exactly the same after turning the first corner (so no change there) AND not only that but the Trademark deep exhaust note of the Zed had gone!! It sounds more like a Renault now...

To be honest im a bit gutted as Ive had trouble since I bought and sold my last car because I had misfire probs that couldnt be resolved cheaply. I even took a test drive yesterday of another 3.0 Z3 at a car dealers to be certain that it wasnt in my head and so BM couldnt tell me "it supposed to sound like that" and lo and behold the exhaust sounded DEEP and the revs where smooth all the way up the range, no vibration either.

I also noticed that the exhaust on that one seemed like it was a complete one piece section from back to front, whereas my new muffler/backbox/exhaust tips has been attached so far down with clamps and screws, is this normal, would this affect the sound? (PIC1)

And also noticed a water leak from the section marked on (PIC1) Is this normal?

Also new muffler has small dent in it (PIC2) would this affect the sound?

I actually couldnt sleep last night as its bugging me so much.
Any ideas anyone? I dont know what to say to BM but Im really not happy at all...:(

[JonM]

I can help with 2 of the 4 problems:

1. Common to E36 and most BMWs. Your best bet is to biute the bullet and replace the pedal altogether. Lube is a short term band-aid. There is a guy named Ron who fabricates and sells them. Shoot him an email at ronstygar@aol.com He will know exactly what you want.

2. Sounds like a rear shock mount is shot. Needs to be replaced. There are other possibilities, but this is the first and most likely. How many miles on your car?

[fpa1974]

I will try to help with one issue:

4. The M54 engine intake system (at least on the 330 and I suspect it might be similar on the Z3 3.0) has a flap that opens more air flow at around the rpm that you have the flat spot. There have been several software upgrades for your car. Ask the dealer to update your software and it might take care but probably never eliminate completely the hesitation. It is after all in the design of the motor.

Take a look at the document below around page 37.

Engine management (http://members.roadfly.org/fpa1974/9 part1 engine management.pdf)

Florian

[TurnAround]

Pics didn't come through.

How many miles are on your car?

How many miles were on the test 3.0i car?

I replaced my clutch pedal with one from Ron S. and it has been silent ever since (1 year ago, so far). This is after going through the lube route under warranty. Ron's write up will explain why.. it will never go away. The pedal should be replaced IMO.

Figure out a way to verify that they put on exhaust parts for an 3.0i on there. I realize this could be uncomfortable for you, as you're concerned the dealership will form an ill opinion of you. But you need to find a way to reconcile that with yourself. You are the customer. It's their job to make you happy. I have a great relationship with my dealership, despite several "situations" which required deeper questions and digging. You just have to find a way to do it.. its all in the manner and tone.. to keep at it until you're satisfied with the answers. In short.. I'm suspicious that they used the right parts, and you need to go back and address this one with them.

But I would also add that each 3.0i seems to have it's own flavor of exhaust note. I've got two, and they both sound different. Plus I've heard others, and they sound slightly different. For all of these, this is both riding in the car, and listening to them from the sidewalk.

My Roadster makes this really cool mean sounding burble spit back thing anytime you let your foot all the way off the accelerator. It's awesome. My Coupe won't do it. The Roadster has only 16k miles. Coupe 34k.

If the Roadster has a hole in the exhaust... I'd love to duplicate this with the Coupe! :)

But then the Coupe has more of a low end rumble to it, which the Roadster doesn't have.

The renault thing isn't good. Take it back. Don't feel funny about bringing up the sound your car should make. If they give you crap, find a joking way to give them crap back (but without being insulting.. fine line).

[TurnAround]

I will try to help with one issue:

4. The M54 engine intake system (at least on the 330 and I suspect it might be similar on the Z3 3.0) has a flap that opens more air flow at around the rpm that you have the flat spot. There have been several software upgrades for your car. Ask the dealer to update your software and it might take care but probably never eliminate completely the hesitation. It is after all in the design of the motor.

Take a look at the document below around page 37.

Engine management (http://members.roadfly.org/fpa1974/9%20part1%20engine%20management.pdf)

Florian
That's a great document Florian.

It mentioned, "M52 TU" at the top of that section. That's the 2.8i engine. I didn't read the whole doc though, so I suppose it might have said M54 in there too. Anyhoo.. does the older M52 have the same intake system as the M54?

[eonone]

test car had 49k on it mine has got 41k on it, OEM muffler fitted as it was a dealer warranty job...part number 7 505 643 it seems on the muffler.

All the cars I test drove before buying this had the DEEP exhaust note, even mine before the change, could it need running in?

[firedwg1]

I will try to help with one issue:

4. The M54 engine intake system (at least on the 330 and I suspect it might be similar on the Z3 3.0) has a flap that opens more air flow at around the rpm that you have the flat spot. There have been several software upgrades for your car. Ask the dealer to update your software and it might take care but probably never eliminate completely the hesitation. It is after all in the design of the motor.

Take a look at the document below around page 37.

Engine management (http://members.roadfly.org/fpa1974/9 part1 engine management.pdf)

Florian

I found that if you take off the DSC you will not have the hesitation, If you supercharge it you will power through the dead spots because they will update your software better then OEM will. If your DSC is on the computer will shut down the throttle if it think you might lose traction.Your throttle is controlled by the computer not a cable so there will be some lag time.

What you are describing sounds normal ----> I have a z 3.0 I 2001

I hope this helps

[ARC///M]

Jon ,I was going tell about the pedal and the rear shock mount,good job,flat spot air leaks at the intake mass flow or vacume,Get a chip..C

[firedwg1]

Jon ,I was going tell about the pedal and the rear shock mount,good job,flat spot air leaks at the intake mass flow or vacume,Get a chip..C

Even if he gets a chip he will have the same issues bugging him just not as noticable. Yes vacum leak can cause these so can the belt tentioner but this is unlikely. WHat he could do is check all his intake connections and airfilter but I think BMW would have found something like this already! They have the vacum testing tool he doesnt. Likely enough since a few of us have M54 engines what he describes is normal.

Given all your complaints about this car ask the dealer if he will let you trade out of this monster...

I took my car in to the dealer for this same reason. They said it was normal because of the computer controlled throttle.

[eonone]

Thanks for replies. As for the rear shock mounts, Im not getting a rattle/vibration when hitting bumps etc, its more when driving slowly hitting a certain speed that resonates something if u know what I mean...

But more importantly is the water escaping from that section of the silencer normal? maybe this could be affecting the exhaust note?

[firedwg1]

Thanks for replies. As for the rear shock mounts, Im not getting a rattle/vibration when hitting bumps etc, its more when driving slowly hitting a certain speed that resonates something if u know what I mean...

But more importantly is the water escaping from that section of the silencer normal? maybe this could be affecting the exhaust note?

From your photo you posted I would say those are new pipes and you've got a exhaust leak on the muffler. Get it fixed, water should leak out the tail pipe when started cold not the muffler... It will not affect the note but it will rust

I hope this helps. If you decide to keep the car after all the fixes you will be happy with it. I think we all go over new cars with a fine tooth comb when we first get them.

[eonone]

Is it something that can be 'fixed' if they try, or should I ask for new silencer seeing as its got a small dent in also, would this affect note?

[eonone]

Just occured to me that the metallic resonating from the underside right rear is worse when wet as its been raining a lot recently if that helps?

Also as far as the exhaust note goes, I get something similar to what it SHOULD be with the engine on, standing still and my foot all the way down on the clutch. Take foot off and exhaust notes quietens again...

Do silencers/mufflers need running in before the true sound appears?

[Mpire]

Make sure your not missing any body nuts. I was missing one and it drove me insane with the rattle.

[FINZ]

I had a similar sound in similar situations from the right rear, and it was finally eliminated by loosening the parking brake cable. Mechanic said the parking brake was too tight. I now need to pull the handle high to engage the parking brake, but the sound is gone. Sorry if I'm technically astute enough to describe it better, but it worked.

[eonone]

Right, took it into BMW and these are the results...

(1)...Gave it some more oil, they seem to not want to change the bushing so no doubt the squeek will come back soon

(2)...THE RATTLE/VIBRATION that had been bothering me since day 3 has now been solved apparantly. The 'exhaust manifold gasket' needs replacing as it was vibrating from the engine all the way down the exhaust which explains why the noise was heard from either underneath to the rear end of the car depending on situatiuon as it was resonating down the exhaust. This is a 4 hour job apparently (seems high for a peice of metal)

(3)...Exhaust free of leaks apparently

(4)...Didnt mention the flat spot, thought I would leave it for now as it isnt bad and I have a whole year of warranty ;)

Any thoughts?

[firedwg1]

whatever you can get fixed under warrantee get it done before it runs out... sounds like they fix everything you asked for.

Good Luck