It’s time for an update on the two cars that I own, being a 1994 BMW M3 E36 and 1990 Nissan 300ZX Z32.
I’ve had to spend some money on repairing both cars since December 2023, and the repairs are listed below:
Repairs on the 300ZX
December 2023
A blown fusible link while out driving resulted in the car having to be towed home. The alternator cable was shorting to ground as the ring terminal had broken off the back of the alternator. A new ring terminal was required, with repairs carried out at Eastern Ranges Motors.
Labour
$357.50
Parts
New ring terminal $5.50
They were able to solder the old fusible link.
TOTAL $363
January 2024
The car was leaking brake fluid from the right-hand front wheel. Custom made brake hoses and ends were required, with repairs carried out at Eastern Ranges Motors.
Labour
$286
Parts
4 brake hose ends and 2 brake hoses $165
Flush and replace brake fluid $87
TOTAL $538
March 2024
While I was rotating wheels, two of the wheel studs were unfortunately cross threaded on the right-hand rear wheel. The car needed two replacement wheel studs, with repairs carried out at Jax Tyres & Auto.
Labour
$139
Parts
2 wheel studs (M12x1.25mm) $26
TOTAL $165
TOTAL REPAIR COSTS FOR 300ZX = $1,066
Repairs on the M3
February 2024
The car had been slightly overheating for a few months and further investigation revealed a faulty thermostat that required replacement. The repairs were carried out at Ringwood Autohaus.
Labour
$455
Parts
Thermostat $183
New coolant $62
TOTAL $700
April 2024
This issue with the M3 could’ve meant having to source a new head or even a new engine for the car. Not far from home, the car suddenly vibrated and felt like it dropped a few cylinders. There was a smell of fuel and a horrible knock from the engine. Luckily, I nursed the car home but discovered that one of the spark plugs had blown out of the cylinder head, destroying the spark plug thread in the head and obliterating the ignition coil in the process. Fortunately, the car was repaired relatively inexpensively, with a new helicoil installed by The Thread Doctor and replacement of one ignition coil and six spark plugs by Ringwood Autohaus.
Labour
$145
Parts
Spark plug thread repair $600
1 ignition coil $200
6 spark plugs $240
TOTAL $1185
TOTAL REPAIR COSTS FOR M3 = $1,885
TOTAL FOR BOTH CARS = $2951
I can now report that both cars are running well and let’s hope it stays this way for a while!
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