More BMW Z4 trials

[Basil]

As I posted earlier, I finally got the cooling system on SWMBO's Z4 all sorted out (pretty much replaced the entire cooling system, except the radiator). Things have been going smoothly for a couple of weeks, but then the car started misfiring, most noticeably when stopped and when just starting out. It seemed to smooth out a little at speed but still not as smooth as I know it should have been.

I put the code reader on and got a code for a misfire in #3. My first step was something I was going to do anyway, and that was to replace the spark plugs with NKG Laser Platinum. I wasn't really expecting this to fix the issue, but I had this planned anyway. As expected, it was still missing on #3 after plug replacement.

My next step was to swap the ignition coils for #3 and #4 cylinders. I then reset the codes and took it for a drive. I checked the codes again and the misfire code move to #4.

Using my remarkable powers of logic and deduction, I deduced that the culprit was a bad ignition coil pack for the misfiring cylinder. I swapped the coils back and replaced #3 with a new coil and viola - it's fixed! Her car is now running as smooth as ever.

 

[DrEntropy]

Congratulations! Glad you didn't need to resort to dancing around the car performing self-flagellation and tossing chicken bones on th' hood!

 

[Basil]

Congratulations! Glad you didn't need to resort to dancing around the car performing self-flagellation and tossing chicken bones on th' hood!

That was in the queue as the next step!

 

[AngliaGT]

As I posted earlier, I finally got the cooling system on SWMBO's Z4 all sorted out (pretty much replaced the entire cooling system, except the radiator). Things have been going smoothly for a couple of weeks, but then the car started misfiring, most noticeably when stopped and when just starting out. It seemed to smooth out a little at speed but still not as smooth as I know it should have been.

I put the code reader on and got a code for a misfire in #3. My first step was something I was going to do anyway, and that was to replace the spark plugs with NKG Laser Platinum. I wasn't really expecting this to fix the issue, but I had this planned anyway. As expected, it was still missing on #3 after plug replacement.

My next step was to swap the ignition coils for #3 and #4 cylinders. I then reset the codes and took it for a drive. I checked the codes again and the misfire code move to #4.

Using my remarkable powers of logic and deduction, I deduced that the culprit was a bad ignition coil pack for the misfiring cylinder. I swapped the coils back and replaced #3 with a new coil and viola - it's fixed! Her car is now running as smooth as ever.

Wow! - you coulda had a Z8!

 

[DrEntropy]

Wow! - you coulda had a Z8!

...and I know a guy...

 

[LarryK]

Remember, #3 went down, might renew the rest.

 

[billspohn]

It takes a brave man to tackle a modern sports car unless the issue is a basic mechanical one - good job at figuring it out.

My Z4MC (and my other modern sports car, a Solstice coupe behind it).

 

[LarryK]

Had and instructor in a Z4 at a PDE at our local track. He wasn't satisfied with the braking, I asked if I could help. Said it wasn't necessary. Next time out as he reached turn one he did a complete 360 and hit the wall head on. He came out OK, but the Z4 was smaller than my MINI. The brakes ABS had pulled each wheel at differnet time. Later was told he was messing with the ABS relays. In the end, since it was an untimed event, insurance covered it. Lucky!

 

[Popeye]

Nice Z4M

It takes a brave man to tackle a modern sports car unless the issue is a basic mechanical one - good job at figuring it out.

My Z4MC (and my other modern sports car, a Solstice coupe behind it).

Nice Z4M!! Rarer (or at least more valuable) than hen's teeth! When I bought my 328 wagon in 2010, dealers were desperate to get rid of their inventory. Obviously the wagon was significantly more practical, but my heart (and wallet) would have done better with the "shooting brake"! (Maintenance pains be damned!)

 

[billspohn]

Nice Z4M

Nice Z4M!! Rarer (or at least more valuable) than hen's teeth! When I bought my 328 wagon in 2010, dealers were desperate to get rid of their inventory. Obviously the wagon was significantly more practical, but my heart (and wallet) would have done better with the "shooting brake"! (Maintenance pains be damned!)

They made only just under 1700 Z4MCs for North America (ironically manufactured in South Carolina) but only 1270 Solstice coupes - the car behind it in the picture. They are both a lot of fun, but the Solstice is now (after a bit of modding - 375 bhp) quicker).

 

[Popeye]

They made only just under 1700 Z4MCs for North America (ironically manufactured in South Carolina) but only 1270 Solstice coupes - the car behind it in the picture. They are both a lot of fun, but the Solstice is now (after a bit of modding - 375 bhp) quicker).

Cool!

 

[billspohn]

Yeah - I keep thinking about that Solstice engine in an MG........

 

[DrEntropy]

Yeah - I keep thinking about that Solstice engine in an MG........

Well if ya do, use an MGB-GT. With that much torque a roadster chassis would turn into a pretzel, methinks.

 

[waltesefalcon]

So, it seems that BMW misinterpreted the meaning of a "trials car."

 

[waltesefalcon]

Yeah - I keep thinking about that Solstice engine in an MG........

When I was a mechanic we once had a young GI pay us to plant a 350 in an MGB. We had to put a scoop on the hood to clear the air cleaner, and we had a heck of a time keeping the wheels from spinning. It was only a bit of a dog, the front suspension managed the weight okay and it only slightly impacted the handling. Still it was not a car that either of us at the shop would have wanted in our driveway.

 

[billspohn]

I am not a fan of he high output MGB engine transplants. Anything up to about 300 bhp is fine and works well but stick in a 500 bhp monster Chev engine and you can start having real issues - like it being unmanageable.

I showed some restraint on y Jamaican bodied MGA and went the 3.4 GM V6 route, tuned to get c. 200 bhp and it is just fine. It is also dead equal in performance with a friend's MGB with a Rover V8 in it.

Fits under the bonnet, no scoops or ugly humps needed. Sanded off the markings on the GM upper plenum and carved my own on it.

 

[LarryK]

Looks good, and clean.

 

[DrEntropy]

I am not a fan of he high output MGB engine transplants. Anything up to about 300 bhp is fine and works well but stick in a 500 bhp monster Chev engine and you can start having real issues - like it being unmanageable.

I showed some restraint on y Jamaican bodied MGA and went the 3.4 GM V6 route, tuned to get c. 200 bhp and it is just fine. It is also dead equal in performance with a friend's MGB with a Rover V8 in it.

Fits under the bonnet, no scoops or ugly humps needed. Sanded off the markings on the GM upper plenum and carved my own on it.

Elegant as well.

Long ago and far away a pal and I stuffed a Buick Special 215CID V8 into a Bugeye. Cut down rear-end. Dam'd thing would swap ends in an eyeblink. He sold it soon after completion.

 

[billspohn]

When I started racing (back in the 70s) we had a guy with a 215 powered Bugeye race car and he had exactly that sort of handling, although he learned to keep from spinning off too often. Thing sure did scoot on the straight though. Would no doubt have been bad news on the street.

 

[DrEntropy]

although he learned to keep from spinning off too often.

Hmmm... that Bugeye we did was treacherous. It seemed to ground-loop on a whim. Had to be really judicious about throttle application! 1975~'76 time frame. Pittsburgh area.