Thoughts from the Curb

Jun 9, 2008 - 1998 BMW Z3 2.8: Back on the Road

Remember two weeks ago when I said my Z3's battery could only be purchased through BMW? Yeah, that was total horse crap. The dude at Costco Automotive and various keyboard jockeys on the Internet were totally wrong. After the battery trickle charger failed to charge up the battery (it's more of a battery maintainer), I put a quick call into PepBoys who informed me the battery was a Group #48 and they had plenty in stock for $99. Better than the $220 BMW quoted me, the greedy buggers.

I readily admit this shows the limitations in my automotive knowledge. I can tell you the entire Skoda line-up presently sold in England, but when it comes to car mechanicals and repair, I'm pretty hopeless. Vehicle Testing Assistant Mike Magrath subsequently assisted in my battery change since I was thoroughly convinced I'd electrocute myself or spray battery acid on my face, turning to a life of crime hell bent on revenge against Batman.

I watched and learned for the future, but I primarily got to carry the old battery to PepBoys. And I must tell you, if you should ever have to replace a BMW battery, bring an American Gladiator. I couldn't pick it up with one hand -- you'd think it was made of lead or something. I'd swear they could use that old battery for a commercial fishing trawler. The new Bosch battery was easily half as heavy. Probably won't last for 10 years like the old one did, though.

With my Z3 back up and running, I rolled back the top, snapped on the tonneau and wind deflector, grabbed a babe, and took a drive down the coast through Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo beaches. The perfect roadster experience and reason I bought it in the first place. It's good to have it back on the road.

-James Riswick

7:57 am | Categories: my z3 Permalink | Alert Administrator

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