I just bought a 2000 Z3 2.0 6cyl 5spd in Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. This video was very helpful. Replaced my door handle gaskets while watching.
I just picked up a 96 with the 1.9 in silver and black with 25K on the odometer. Great shape but will definitely need some sorting out. Glad I found your channel. Thank you for sharing your experience and tips. Agree about the beauty of the Z3. Timeless.
Picked up my original parts today and the difference in quality compared to those from Ali Express is like night and day. Hopefully they’ll last another 30 years.😂
Your videos have literally made me work on cars now thanks for all you do for the Z3 community very informative and great instructional videos. I live in SW Florida.
Alright, a channel for Z3. Your car is the same color as mine. I have a 98 with a 2.8 engine. I have done a lot of work to mine, replaced engine, catalytic converter, seat bushings, radiator, door seal. I am now repainting. I repainted the front bumper cover and currently painting the rock chips on the front of the hood. Oddly enough my door handle gaskets are in pretty good shape.
My goodness, what were those shenanigans in the beginning? I forgot I was about to watch you fix a car. That's talent. You're good. Yes. I guess I'll watch the rest now, before I fix mine. Thanks, that was great.
Thank you. I started by ordering only the gaskets from the link above, once disassembled I realized that one of the bottom plastic catch tabs was old and had sheared off inside the door so I went back and ordered new covers too. Overall it was very easy, took less than 30 minutes and the directions were perfect, looks like new now!
So i was pushing in the wrong place and finally figured it out. Unfortunately the gasket I purchased on Aliexpress was of such poor quality that it tore in my hands while trying to fit it, so will now look again online.
Never noticed this until seeing this video. Mine has just slight cracking on the gaskets. Certainly not bad enough to change but good to know when and if I feel it is needded.
Maybe I misunderstood what you mean by brass rod, but you don’t have to touch anything brass coloured. There’s a tab adjacent to the inside of the door very close to the handle that you just push with a tool such as an Allen Key. It’s wider so easier to push with - hope this helps someone
@@MomentofZed my next project is the seats they are rocking i already get the bushings been watching the video you have made....yes it's my next project
@@minrorotololo good luck! I forgot to put in that you should disconnect the battery before you disconnect the seat wiring harnesses. Reconnect the battery after reconnecting the seat harnesses when you're done.
Great video Mark! I think mine are completely gone so I need to do this as well. I used to own 2 E36s and those handle gaskets were bad too. Good ol Florida sun sure wears out old rubber and plastics. Take care!
The video was well done, thanks. Unfortunately, the little brass colored bars on my rust-free 2000 won't budge. I tried pushing, prying, and pounding and there's no moving them. Both sides are that way, don't know what I'm doing wrong but they simply won't move and the gaskets are solid and won't come out, except for one side that fell apart while prying on it, but the new one won't go in.
Hit it with lubricant and make sure you're trying to move it the right way! Double check everything you're doing before trying to force things. A lesson I've learned the hard way! 😁
@@MomentofZed Thanks for getting back to me. Yes I shot WD40 in there and tried pulling the brass rod then pushing then pulling to loosen it. I don't go ham fisted unless all other options are exhausted, and even then go back and research again. I looked for other brass rods in there and only saw the one.
Not exactly a 5 minute job. It took me about 30 minutes total. I was kind of disappointed in the fit of one of the gaskets. Maybe it will sit down after some time. I might email the company about it. Good video though, and an easy job. Thanks!
Sorry to hear that. That's the first time anyone's mentioned it. Been awhile since I made this. If it's an Amazon link, the return is easy, at least. I'm sure you don't want to dismantle it again though.
I'd hit it with wd40 or something similar and let it soak a little while and try again. Be sure you're pushing the right part. Sorry I couldn't show it better. I have an endoscopic camera now, but this is an old video.
@@andrewszatmari2941 I'd try wd40 or a similar penetrant , with that said make sure you are trying to move the right part. I didn't have my endoscopia camera then and some folks have told me they were trying to move the wrong part
Gave this a try, but cannot get either door handle cover to unlock. I've tried both doors of my 2001 Z3 roadster, on each side I'm pushing hard on the ends of the brass rods but they don't move. Could the mechanisms be seized up? I've even sprayed WD-40 in there, and it doesn't seem to help. Anyone else had this issue? Thank you!
Haven't heard of this; I'm assuming mine were original and the brass rod moved easily. It's only going to move a quarter inch or so. Any others having this problem? Please comment!
@@MomentofZed Thank you so much, I figured it out. The first thing I saw was a rod that I pushed on, but it turns out I was pushing on the wrong thing. In mine it looks more like a tab, and I was doing the passenger door and the color of the tab is black. Weirdly on the drivers side door the tab is brass in color. Leave it to me to make it much harder than it needed to be, but all is well now. Thank you so much for the wonderful Z3 videos!
@@joesofia6875 i was thinking you might have over thought it. Sorry my camera wasnt more up to tbe task! Which i had had the endoscope for that one! Glad it worked out!
I have a 2000 Silver Z3 but the door handles are silver metal, and there is a leather panel on the inside of the door. Your video shows just the metal on the inside of the door so I'm assuming you already removed the leather panel or yours doesn't have one? I already bought the replacement door handle cover and gaskets for both driver's and passengers doors and thought maybe I could replace them myself but I have no idea how to remove the leather door panel that also includes the leather grab bar (not sure what it is called) and the speaker. Is this to complicated to do myself and should I just have my repair shop do it? I have a feeling it's not gonna be easy for me to do or cheap for them to do.
Kathleen, the part I'm manipulating in the video is inside the door jamb (the small side facing rear when the door is closed) and releases the outer door handle cover (you're commenting on the inside door handle). I'm lucky in that my inner door panel/handle are in excellent condition, and I don't plan on removing them if I can avoid it. You can remove the inner door panel; I'll attach some links to help. Many viewers have done it themselves; I don't know your level of experience/confidence. One thing I'd suggest if you try it yourself is to buy a kit of tools to help, sucjh as the one I reviewed here: th-cam.com/video/RqQb2h-UAN8/w-d-xo.html Here's some other folks tacking the inner panel removal: th-cam.com/video/ZKaVItaMWYU/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/CCv-vWho_mU/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/2QaQvxO2_Ek/w-d-xo.html Let us know how/what you did, good luck!
@@MomentofZed hi there!! Thank you for your response. I actually need to replace the handle cover and gasket on the outside of the door so it sounds like we have the same issue. From your video, I just thought that the hole you were accessing to get to the handle was under the door panel. If it’s in the door jam, it should be much easier to do. I actually just went outside and opened the driver’s door and I saw the area I need to access. I don’t have the tools you used so am wondering if I can replace it without them by McGivering it. Lol
@@kathleenperkins6581 The hole is at the top of the door jamb, with a two piece plastic cover as shown in the video. If you don't have "soft" tools, I would use a thin blade regular screwdriver with the tip covered in electrical or duct tape so it doesn't scratch around the hole. This alone will get you to the point where the cover and gasket are off. Then you can use any smallish metal hook shaped object to pull the brass bar to the locked position once you have the new parts on. I certainly wouldn't pay anyone to do this, should be a 20 minute job each side. Good luck!
dude.... "restore to black" you can put on anytime without taking the handle out. As long as you had them out you should have spray painted them with a high quality paint. Same color.
I took the handle cover off to change the gasket; both the handle and handle cover were OK, so I just polished them up a little. But, good advice as they are continuing to fade; I'll have to spray them black again sometime soon. Thanks for watching!
Hi what would happen if i swap the 2.5 in the trunk to 5.2 and make engine noises will the Miata's believe me? thx for ur channel has any issues with the fluid from the roof only works for like 3 uses and it all leak's out .
Need to purchase replacement oval-shaped plastic plugs that had to be removed to replace the door handle cover gaskets.. the originals (1997 Z-3) were dried and cracked when I removed them,e can anyone tell me what these little plgs are called or ID the part number(s)?
@@MomentofZed yeah that was my thought tried that as well so I’m taking a break before I break something and moving on to the seat bushings next lol come back to that I guess
Love the very informative and cool video on this door handle gasket replacement. And, I might add, the convertible top conditioning video, I just finished, as well. I'm a Z3 lover, too! I own an Imola Red 2000 M Roadster, and a 2000 Topaz Blue Z3. Love these cars, like you!! Your DIY repair and maintenance videos are very helpful Thanks bud!!
Les- thank you so much for watching! Sorry for the delayed response. Love to get pics and descriptions of both cars for the next Zed of the Week if you'd like. Check the description of any vid for details.
I just bought a 2000 Z3 2.0 6cyl 5spd in Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.
This video was very helpful. Replaced my door handle gaskets while watching.
Congrats on the purchase! Glad to help and thank you for watching!
I just picked up a 96 with the 1.9 in silver and black with 25K on the odometer. Great shape but will definitely need some sorting out. Glad I found your channel. Thank you for sharing your experience and tips. Agree about the beauty of the Z3. Timeless.
Congratulations and thank you for the kind words! Send it in for zed of the week when you get a chance.
I will definitely submit some pictures when we get a little better weather up here on Ohio.
@@davidhenderson7066 where in Ohio?
Picked up my original parts today and the difference in quality compared to those from Ali Express is like night and day. Hopefully they’ll last another 30 years.😂
Your videos have literally made me work on cars now thanks for all you do for the Z3 community very informative and great instructional videos. I live in SW Florida.
Appreciate the kind words! Thank you for watching!
@@MomentofZed what part of Florida are you in ? And I heard you mention you’re a veteran thank you for your service I am Army. 🫡
@@jordanjaneiro354 im near Orlando. 20 years coast guard. Thank you for your service as well!
Just followed you guidelines and replaced mine. Found that retrieving the bar is much more difficult, especially at age 78. Nice job, Mark!!
Thanks a lot, John! I just think it's cool at age 78 that you are driving a low slung roadster; I hope I can say the same in 25 years!
Alright, a channel for Z3. Your car is the same color as mine. I have a 98 with a 2.8 engine. I have done a lot of work to mine, replaced engine, catalytic converter, seat bushings, radiator, door seal. I am now repainting. I repainted the front bumper cover and currently painting the rock chips on the front of the hood. Oddly enough my door handle gaskets are in pretty good shape.
Chris: Glad you like it, impressive DIY list! Doing the seat bushings soon. Where did you get the paint from, in case I'm ever in need?
The paint had a little too much blue in it. My next batch I got locally from Finish Masters.
My goodness, what were those shenanigans in the beginning? I forgot I was about to watch you fix a car. That's talent. You're good. Yes.
I guess I'll watch the rest now, before I fix mine. Thanks, that was great.
Thank you! I try to do an intro of some variety if an idea pops into my head. Thanks for watching!
Very funny! Good presentation of a topic which otherwise would not be particularly exciting.
Thank You!
Great video and easy to follow, thanks for posting it. Drivers side took me about 20 minutes, passenger was 5 minutes max.
Glad you liked it!
Thank you. I started by ordering only the gaskets from the link above, once disassembled I realized that one of the bottom plastic catch tabs was old and had sheared off inside the door so I went back and ordered new covers too. Overall it was very easy, took less than 30 minutes and the directions were perfect, looks like new now!
Glad to help and thanks for watching!
So i was pushing in the wrong place and finally figured it out. Unfortunately the gasket I purchased on Aliexpress was of such poor quality that it tore in my hands while trying to fit it, so will now look again online.
@@andrewszatmari2941 sorry to hear that, does my link still work?
I decided to order from my local BMW dealer as 60 Francs (about 50 USD) won’t break the bank. Includes gasket and cover.
Great improvement, and tutorial
Thanks and thanks for watching!
So glad I found this video and was so easy to fix with the instructions.
Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!
Excellent DIY video. I need to do this, thank you.
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!
Never noticed this until seeing this video. Mine has just slight cracking on the gaskets. Certainly not bad enough to change but good to know when and if I feel it is needded.
It's easy!
We just made this repair and it was exactly as you described. Thank you so much for your awesome instructions!
Glad it worked out! Thanks for watching!
Maybe I misunderstood what you mean by brass rod, but you don’t have to touch anything brass coloured. There’s a tab adjacent to the inside of the door very close to the handle that you just push with a tool such as an Allen Key. It’s wider so easier to push with - hope this helps someone
Thank you! If I had the endoscope back then, it would have been clearer .
Thanks for this video i bought that tools kit from amazon, i end up changing my door handle gaskets it was so easy to do.
Glad to help, appreciate the purchase!
@@MomentofZed my next project is the seats they are rocking i already get the bushings been watching the video you have made....yes it's my next project
@@minrorotololo good luck! I forgot to put in that you should disconnect the battery before you disconnect the seat wiring harnesses. Reconnect the battery after reconnecting the seat harnesses when you're done.
Do you also have a video that shows the replacement of the two tail-light gaskets? Would be great!
I dont but check out my video about the trunk leak. If i remember correctly i removed the tail ñight as it had water in it.
This is a fantastic video and you made it fun and easy to follow. Great job!
Thank you so much! Glad it helped you; thank you for watching!
@@MomentofZed Definitely agree! Awesome job, thanks.
That was great! You made it look so easy, think I’ll do mine whether they need it or not!
Thanks it is easy!
Yup, just replaced mine old door handle gasket. I thought it would take me more time 😜
It is pretty easy- thanks for watching!
You made it were easy thanks
My pleasure! Thanks for watching!
Thanks I was wondering about that repair. Mine are bad
Just did these today. Thanks for the video!
Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!
Great video Mark! I think mine are completely gone so I need to do this as well. I used to own 2 E36s and those handle gaskets were bad too. Good ol Florida sun sure wears out old rubber and plastics. Take care!
Yep, same ones. Thank God the handle itself is different- or we'd never get in! Appreciate your time as always!
Good job!
Thanks and thanks for watching!
The video was well done, thanks. Unfortunately, the little brass colored bars on my rust-free 2000 won't budge. I tried pushing, prying, and pounding and there's no moving them. Both sides are that way, don't know what I'm doing wrong but they simply won't move and the gaskets are solid and won't come out, except for one side that fell apart while prying on it, but the new one won't go in.
Hit it with lubricant and make sure you're trying to move it the right way! Double check everything you're doing before trying to force things. A lesson I've learned the hard way! 😁
@@MomentofZed Thanks for getting back to me. Yes I shot WD40 in there and tried pulling the brass rod then pushing then pulling to loosen it. I don't go ham fisted unless all other options are exhausted, and even then go back and research again. I looked for other brass rods in there and only saw the one.
Not exactly a 5 minute job. It took me about 30 minutes total. I was kind of disappointed in the fit of one of the gaskets. Maybe it will sit down after some time. I might email the company about it. Good video though, and an easy job. Thanks!
Sorry to hear that. That's the first time anyone's mentioned it. Been awhile since I made this. If it's an Amazon link, the return is easy, at least. I'm sure you don't want to dismantle it again though.
I’m attempting this repair this morning. Started on my passenger door and that brass rod is definitely not pushing forward at all or budging
I'd hit it with wd40 or something similar and let it soak a little while and try again. Be sure you're pushing the right part. Sorry I couldn't show it better. I have an endoscopic camera now, but this is an old video.
I use AT 205 Reseal.. but try finding it now.
Not sure I understand- isn't that an oil additive? Or did I look up the wrong stuff?
Thanks for the great video. My problem is that the rod does not move and I scared to break something. Is there any lubricant that would help this?
@@andrewszatmari2941 I'd try wd40 or a similar penetrant , with that said make sure you are trying to move the right part. I didn't have my endoscopia camera then and some folks have told me they were trying to move the wrong part
so good
Thanks and thanks for watching!
Brill vid 👍
Thanks and thanks for watching!
Gave this a try, but cannot get either door handle cover to unlock. I've tried both doors of my 2001 Z3 roadster, on each side I'm pushing hard on the ends of the brass rods but they don't move. Could the mechanisms be seized up? I've even sprayed WD-40 in there, and it doesn't seem to help. Anyone else had this issue? Thank you!
Haven't heard of this; I'm assuming mine were original and the brass rod moved easily. It's only going to move a quarter inch or so. Any others having this problem? Please comment!
@@MomentofZed Thank you so much, I figured it out. The first thing I saw was a rod that I pushed on, but it turns out I was pushing on the wrong thing. In mine it looks more like a tab, and I was doing the passenger door and the color of the tab is black. Weirdly on the drivers side door the tab is brass in color. Leave it to me to make it much harder than it needed to be, but all is well now. Thank you so much for the wonderful Z3 videos!
@@joesofia6875 i was thinking you might have over thought it. Sorry my camera wasnt more up to tbe task! Which i had had the endoscope for that one! Glad it worked out!
I have a 2000 Silver Z3 but the door handles are silver metal, and there is a leather panel on the inside of the door. Your video shows just the metal on the inside of the door so I'm assuming you already removed the leather panel or yours doesn't have one? I already bought the replacement door handle cover and gaskets for both driver's and passengers doors and thought maybe I could replace them myself but I have no idea how to remove the leather door panel that also includes the leather grab bar (not sure what it is called) and the speaker. Is this to complicated to do myself and should I just have my repair shop do it? I have a feeling it's not gonna be easy for me to do or cheap for them to do.
Kathleen, the part I'm manipulating in the video is inside the door jamb (the small side facing rear when the door is closed) and releases the outer door handle cover (you're commenting on the inside door handle). I'm lucky in that my inner door panel/handle are in excellent condition, and I don't plan on removing them if I can avoid it. You can remove the inner door panel; I'll attach some links to help. Many viewers have done it themselves; I don't know your level of experience/confidence. One thing I'd suggest if you try it yourself is to buy a kit of tools to help, sucjh as the one I reviewed here:
th-cam.com/video/RqQb2h-UAN8/w-d-xo.html
Here's some other folks tacking the inner panel removal:
th-cam.com/video/ZKaVItaMWYU/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/CCv-vWho_mU/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/2QaQvxO2_Ek/w-d-xo.html
Let us know how/what you did, good luck!
@@MomentofZed hi there!! Thank you for your response. I actually need to replace the handle cover and gasket on the outside of the door so it sounds like we have the same issue. From your video, I just thought that the hole you were accessing to get to the handle was under the door panel. If it’s in the door jam, it should be much easier to do. I actually just went outside and opened the driver’s door and I saw the area I need to access. I don’t have the tools you used so am wondering if I can replace it without them by McGivering it. Lol
@@kathleenperkins6581 The hole is at the top of the door jamb, with a two piece plastic cover as shown in the video. If you don't have "soft" tools, I would use a thin blade regular screwdriver with the tip covered in electrical or duct tape so it doesn't scratch around the hole. This alone will get you to the point where the cover and gasket are off. Then you can use any smallish metal hook shaped object to pull the brass bar to the locked position once you have the new parts on. I certainly wouldn't pay anyone to do this, should be a 20 minute job each side. Good luck!
dude.... "restore to black" you can put on anytime without taking the handle out. As long as you had them out you should have spray painted them with a high quality paint. Same color.
I took the handle cover off to change the gasket; both the handle and handle cover were OK, so I just polished them up a little. But, good advice as they are continuing to fade; I'll have to spray them black again sometime soon. Thanks for watching!
Hi what would happen if i swap the 2.5 in the trunk to 5.2 and make engine noises will the Miata's believe me?
thx for ur channel has any issues with the fluid from the roof only works for like 3 uses and it all leak's out .
Thanks for watching! Which fluid from the roof? Not sure what you mean.
@@MomentofZed the automatic roof mechanism . its in the trunk on the left side . by the radio antenna. I all just comes out after 3 or 4 uses.
How about painting the door handles on that beautiful blue? Thinking on doing that on mines Z3 hellrot
What color? Black to darken them up or body color?
@@MomentofZed Body color
@@EdgarGonzalez-uw4ug hmmm... never thought about that. I'd like to photoshop it for a preview I think.
Need to purchase replacement oval-shaped plastic plugs that had to be removed to replace the door handle cover gaskets.. the originals (1997 Z-3) were dried and cracked when I removed them,e can anyone tell me what these little plgs are called or ID the part number(s)?
Check on realoem.com. id run it for you, but can't at the moment.
Are these replacements rubber or plastic? If replacement is plastic, any concern with water entering behind the handle?
Plastic, I haven't had an issue with that.
Yeah this job is not as easy as it looks lol especially if the rod will not budge at all not even a little tried on both sides
Just replied to your previous comment. Keep trying!
Just thought of something. Try pulling first. That might move it a little and loosen it up.
@@MomentofZed yeah that was my thought tried that as well so I’m taking a break before I break something and moving on to the seat bushings next lol come back to that I guess
@jordanjaneiro354 hit it with the wd40 and let it soak as you do the seats. Hey disconnect your battery after you have the seat mounting bolts out.
Lol pretty funny
@jeremycooley7547 thanks for watching!
Love the very informative and cool video on this door handle gasket replacement. And, I might add, the convertible top conditioning video, I just finished, as well. I'm a Z3 lover, too! I own an Imola Red 2000 M Roadster, and a 2000 Topaz Blue Z3. Love these cars, like you!! Your DIY repair and maintenance videos are very helpful Thanks bud!!
Les- thank you so much for watching! Sorry for the delayed response. Love to get pics and descriptions of both cars for the next Zed of the Week if you'd like. Check the description of any vid for details.
@@MomentofZed be happy to send you pics of my cars! Yes. Thanks for replying. I’ll check your descriptions on how to send them over