#ZedShed Z3M - Save or not to save!

[Lee]

Good info regarding the wire in the sensor, didn’t know that’s how it operates.

Rear spring pads are in and has 10mm each side. You sure it don’t have a top pad, that would leave it metal on metal.

Would have liked some more time to investigate the oil leak, you could very likely be right. There was so much silicone around the sump though.

 

[Pingu]

Good info regarding the wire in the sensor, didn’t know that’s how it operates.

Rear spring pads are in and has 10mm each side. You sure it don’t have a top pad, that would leave it metal on metal.

Would have liked some more time to investigate the oil leak, you could very likely be right. There was so much silicone around the sump though.

Sorry, you are right - there is an upper pad, but it is different. There's something not right with yours, as it shouldn't bend down like yours does.

RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog

BMW parts Z3 E36 Z3 M Single components for rear spring strut

www.realoem.com

If my memory serves, the pads are just like the RealOEM images - the top one has a little cap shape to it, and the bottom one has the top of the cap cut off.

Looking at the image for a second time, I think the problem (if there is one,- which I now doubt) would be solved by rotating the spring.

 

[bertiejaffa]

I'll bet the oil at the rear of the engine is NOT from the rear main, but from the constant pressure valve.

Gary - you beat me to it ! I was just going to tag you.!!

Basically my first M had a little oil leak and my garage couldn't figure out wher it was coming from and then Pingu mentioned this little sensor to me and it turned out to be exactly what he suggested.

 

[S3Graham]

Thanks for the tip on the oil leak. I’ll try and get down in my pit and check it.
Nice to have the car back after a bit of a rollercoaster! Managed to clear out some of the crap in my own Z’s-Shed.

 

[Pingu]

Obviously, it was emotionally worth the cost, but was it finacially worth it?

I've a genuine interest to know how many are like me, and spend far more than they really should. I spent £1200 on refurbing the front suspension last year, and may end up spending double that doing the rear, as that will involve a diff rebuild (possibly with all new internals). Also, there's the Inspection 2 (I'm about to spend £200 on the parts to service it). Thank goodness I don't pay for labour, as a BMW Inspection 2 is well over a grand.

 

[S3Graham]

It’s a tough one. I didn’t do it with any finances in mind at all. I knowingly bought at the lower end of the market with a view that decent cars are around 14-15k, low mileage and S54 cars being 18-20. Mine still needs work so comes in below the 14-15k but where abouts? Who knows. Market is really bad currently for all classics.

Like you though, I do generally take a weird satisfaction from spending way too much on cars. It’s terrible timing for me with house renovations, 2 kids under 3 and my daily driver needing money spent on it!

I did the same on my Corvette, the same on my TVR, the AMG, the RS6 etc etc.

 

[Nodzed]

Sorry, you are right - there is an upper pad, but it is different. There's something not right with yours, as it shouldn't bend down like yours does.

RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog

BMW parts Z3 E36 Z3 M Single components for rear spring strut

www.realoem.com

If my memory serves, the pads are just like the RealOEM images - the top one has a little cap shape to it, and the bottom one has the top of the cap cut off.

Looking at the image for a second time, I think the problem (if there is one,- which I now doubt) would be solved by rotating the spring.

Absolutely a top pad. Its looks like its at an angle because the spring is fully extended, that is correct.