New owner of an ols BMW Z3

[lawtonbmw]

Hello,

I just bought a lovely 1997 Z3 in next to perfect condition. 67,000 kms stored in winter. Previous owners were BMW bigots. I'm looking for some advise. The only complaint I have is that the car does not seem to have much torque of the start. I'm looking for some ideas to rectify this. As an aside, the how can I get a richer exhaust note? If I were forced to describe this car I would have to say it was just a "little too subtle'.

David David K. Lawton

[Monolith]

[lpcapital]

"does not seem to have much torque of the start" is a synonymous of 4 cylinder. If that's the case the best solution is to stuff two extra pistons under the bonnet...
---------------------------------



1998 Z3 1.9 - few modifications here and there
1999 Z3 2.8 - individual edition (British Traditional)
2003 Z4 2.5i

[prdz3]

Some guys have added a supercharger. And if I got a new muffler, I think I'd get the Remus; supposed to have good sound at a reasonable price. Or you could just mellow out...
Phil '97 1.9 Montreal Blue

[Monolith]

for an automatic. Too much drone with the automatic.

[scottpettit]

A few thoughts and a question:

Magna Flow exhaust.

DASC Downing Atlanta Super Charger
http://downingatlanta.com/downingatlanta/da_superchargers_info_new.htm

What the heck is a BMW Bigot?

and finally...

Check out the BMW Z Series Car Club of America:

www.zscca.org

They are hosting the national event, ZFest 2010

www.zfest.com

Where are you located?

Scott Pettit
President
BMW-ZSCCA

Chairperson
ZFest

[jtp]

JTP
'00 Bright Red II, Black, Black 2.3

PERFORMANCE: Dinan Stage II suspension, Dinan strut tower brace, Porterfield R4S brake pads, Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 tires, UNGO MS8300 alarm, Doug Whalen Seat Bushings, Sylvania Silverstar headlights and fog lights. MAINTENANCE: Peake Research R5/fcx-II and SRS Reset Tools, Mity-Vac oil evacuator w/ brake bleeder, BMW Battery Tender. COSMETICS: Dinan Badge, OEM chrome exhaust tips, Magnetic stone guards, Roundel valve stem caps, Trunk-mounted Dragon sticker, WI plates: RES IPSA. COMFORT: Premium Package, Heated sport seats, “Z3 Roadster” heated vest (for wife), In-dash CD, LeatherZ MarkII armrest, OEM mesh windscreen. CAR CARE: Porter Cable random orbit buffer, Meguiars car care products, NOAH car cover, Plexus, Raggtop. EXTRAS: Z3Solutions warning triangle.

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[lawtonbmw]

Hi Scott,

A BMW bigot is a humorous way to describe a person who is extremely and happily biased towards BMW's. I have a brother who describes himself as a VW bigot.

I live in Newfoundland Canada. East coast. Thanks for the heads up on the car club.

What would you think about installing a cold air intake?

DavidDavid K. Lawton

[lawtonbmw]

Hi,

My car is a 2.8.David K. Lawton

[lawtonbmw]

Hi

Sorry I forgot to mention some important details. 1997 Z3 2.8 Manuel. I should have included that info.

David David K. Lawton

[rustyh]

As I'm sure you already realize, a CAI won't give you that improved exhaust note you're looking for, but if you get a good one, it will give you an improved sound from under the hood. And they're generally not a huge investment, so you're not really risking much.

As far as an aftermarket exhaust, a lot of people have different favorites (typically based on nothing more scientific than what they dropped a few bills on! lol). Personally, I love my Supersprint. Just the perfect tone to my ears.

Congrats on the new ride. But I am a little confused. I have an S52 M Roadster (1999), but I used to have a 2.8, and to me it was plenty peppy. Maybe you need a tune-up? Or maybe you were just expecting too much. I can't say. But no, even my ///M probably couldn't keep up with any number of general commuter type cars out there these days (the one time I took someone up on a little run up the road, I was pretty much left in my tracks by a newish Maxima). We're in that hp wars thing again, and many new cars are quicker than the roadsters we're driving, save for the S54 (2001-02) model ///M's. Hell, there are a number of standard pickups I couldn't win a race against. On the upside, I'm not concerned with 0-60 or quarter mile times. So AFAIC, I still win. :)

Scott

[prdz3]

test drive a 1.9. You'll think your 2.8 is a rocket!
Phil '97 1.9 Montreal Blue

[scottpettit]

The exhaust is a personal choice just like stereos and speakers. The sound is in the ear of the beholder. The same is with the sound produced by the CAI. If you are looking for a power increase, the CAI may give you a bit more response in a 1.9 but a 2.8 will probably not see a difference.

A DASC will make the 1.9 a bit more fun but I doubt that it will improve a 2.8 enough to make it worth the investment.

I drive a 2.8 and did not do the CAI or SC.

I did do a Magnaflow exhaust and love the sound. You can hear my car coming from a block away NOT because of a volume increase but because the tone. It's a nice, deep, throaty sound.

Scott Pettit
Northern California

[TexZan (Dover, DE)]

We stop in there for gas all the time after crossing the pond. The coastline is beautiful.

[DaneKane]

1)CAI's are not worth the $$..specially since you can get the same or better by: 1)installing K&N panel filter,in oe box...2)opening up box for better airflow-easiest is just add a half dozen 5/8 inch holes on fender side of box(stealthy and works well)-or open front of box a la Shawn fogg...or more exotic like my '97 2.8(a la Z-KANE!)...Exhaust note is very muted stock:benefits from cat-back systems..I've got the Supersprint set-up..It's fantastically classy, mellow, but burbly..lovely classic roadster tones!..Magnaflow is cheap, throaty..good bang for buck, but many have tired of the Loudness(some love it, though)...Want Torque?..turn off your ASC!(it really limits the lead foot at take-off!)Welcome to the Best Bimmer Board! Z3Cheers! dk '97 2.8 bg R (don't forget:"2.8's RULE!")

[smcmanusx]

If it is a 2.8 I'd take it to a good BMW mechanic or even a BMW dealer for diagnosis. A '97 2.8 in proper tune has too much power.

Good Luck
Steve