Hello! I just got my 2000 z3 2.5 convertible... under odd circumstances. My Audi Q5 was totaled last November, and shortly after that I lost my job. No car and no way to get one. My best friend was thinking about selling his z3 because he has two toddlers and it hadn't been driven in a while. So, next thing I know, I'm driving a BMW and paying for it with work-trade. The engine runs beautifully, but there are some issues I need to resolve. Plus, while I plan on getting an AWD before next winter, I also plan on keeping this gorgeous car for the long haul and I want to fix it up right. Luck is on my side: the repairs that need to be done are not at risk of causing drastically worse damage if not fixed immediately, and I have a friend who used to work at a BMW garage who’s offered to help with some of the repairs.
Immediate issues:
- Previous owner said the Instrument cluster needs to be replaced; I think someone did a half-assed electrical re-wiring job at some point. Could that be true or do I need to save up for the cluster?
Note: in the mean time, I’m using a Bluetooth OBD reader so I can see the current speed, temp, rpms, mileage, gas use age etc.
- More janky wiring - the headlights look to be hastily connected to a fuse and only the brights work.
- The windows are slow to get going or they refuse to go down at all. I think I start with replacing the plastic and metal clip sliders (2 per door). Sounds right?
- The lock on the driver’s door just spins when the key tries to turn it. I’ve been using the trunk to lock/unlock the car. Can you point me in the right direction of what to price out? Total latch replacement? Or need a new lock motor? Striker? Actuator?
- I’m taking name suggestions for my 20 year old green beauty. Check my profile pic and share suggestions!
Thank you!
Immediate issues:
- Previous owner said the Instrument cluster needs to be replaced; I think someone did a half-assed electrical re-wiring job at some point. Could that be true or do I need to save up for the cluster?
Note: in the mean time, I’m using a Bluetooth OBD reader so I can see the current speed, temp, rpms, mileage, gas use age etc.
- More janky wiring - the headlights look to be hastily connected to a fuse and only the brights work.
- The windows are slow to get going or they refuse to go down at all. I think I start with replacing the plastic and metal clip sliders (2 per door). Sounds right?
- The lock on the driver’s door just spins when the key tries to turn it. I’ve been using the trunk to lock/unlock the car. Can you point me in the right direction of what to price out? Total latch replacement? Or need a new lock motor? Striker? Actuator?
- I’m taking name suggestions for my 20 year old green beauty. Check my profile pic and share suggestions!
Thank you!
