JUST JOINED!

POPPET

Newbie
Joined
Jul 15, 2025
Points
1
I have been advised that joining this owner's club is a lot of fun, so here I am based down on the south coast of England in the New Forest.
My chariot is quite a Classic going back to 1997 & is a narrow body & pre-face model. Because of this age, I am finding it more & more difficult to find genuine parts whether new or 2nd. hand. Right now, I need a pair of replacement sills for her to pass an MOT. I am told this specific part is a common problem for cars of my age.
So does anyone know a good resource for breaker's yards that would specialise in breaking them? I'll try 2nd. hand parts 1st.
Many thanks in advance,
Simon C. in Lymington
 

Pond

Zorg Guru (III)
British Zeds
Joined
Dec 26, 2016
Points
144
Location
Spaldingski, Lincs
Model of Z
Z3 project
Hi and welcome.
I would not put your mobile number and email address on a public forum. Anyone can access this site and you never know who is watching and why.
 

POPPET

Newbie
Joined
Jul 15, 2025
Points
1
Hi and welcome.
I would not put your mobile number and email address on a public forum. Anyone can access this site and you never know who is watching and why.
Oh really? I assumed it was membership only. In that case, maybe I should leave it if it's a "free for all". Thanks for your advice anyway.
 

Smudgemanuk

Zorg Legend
British Zeds
Joined
Dec 1, 2024
Points
73
Location
Bicester, Oxford
Model of Z
2.8l TU pre-facelift z3
Welcome!

As you said, many people who own z3's are looking for outer sills (sill covers), so they are reasonably hard to come by. I would use the search function to search this forum to try and find places to get them.

I have placed some parts links for you below :

https://www.sytnerstevenagebmwparts.co.uk/ - Brand new genuine Bmw parts, its the main central distributor

https://www.autodoc.co.uk - Brilliant site for aftermarket parts, many trustworthy brands on there, Lemforder, Meyle, Bosch, all for a much reduced price compared to genuine. Only downside is the 5-10 days delivery time. I would search on a part number only basis, I dont trust the "this will fit" thing on any site

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select - A brilliant site to find the part number for ANY part on your z, and all the part diagrams, goes hand in hand with the links above as you can put the part number straight into them

It may also be helpful to add your location and z model to your profile so it appears when you post, as it stops you having to repeat it every time. This can be done (on computer) by clicking on your username at the top and then "account details"

Good luck
 

POPPET

Newbie
Joined
Jul 15, 2025
Points
1
Welcome!

As you said, many people who own z3's are looking for outer sills (sill covers), so they are reasonably hard to come by. I would use the search function to search this forum to try and find places to get them.

I have placed some parts links for you below :

https://www.sytnerstevenagebmwparts.co.uk/ - Brand new genuine Bmw parts, its the main central distributor

https://www.autodoc.co.uk - Brilliant site for aftermarket parts, many trustworthy brands on there, Lemforder, Meyle, Bosch, all for a much reduced price compared to genuine. Only downside is the 5-10 days delivery time. I would search on a part number only basis, I dont trust the "this will fit" thing on any site

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select - A brilliant site to find the part number for ANY part on your z, and all the part diagrams, goes hand in hand with the links above as you can put the part number straight into them

It may also be helpful to add your location and z model to your profile so it appears when you post, as it stops you having to repeat it every time. This can be done (on computer) by clicking on your username at the top and then "account details"

Good luck
Great stuff & thx for your kind advice.
My best,
Simon C.
 

ExMX5owner

Moderator
Staff member
Global Moderator
Supporter
Australian Zeds
Joined
Aug 31, 2022
Points
129
Location
Queensland, Australia
Model of Z
99 2.0
Hi Simon, and welcome as @Pond said , phone number and email in public forum...I fixed it for you...:thumbsup:
 

colb

Zorg Guru (V)
British Zeds
Joined
Nov 25, 2012
Points
178
Location
Newport, South Wales,UK
Model of Z
Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.0i (2007)
Be aware the sills consist of two parts, the outer sill which is simply a bolt on panel and is not a structural panel, it is simply a cosmetic cover over the inner sill which is the structural sill. The outer sill should not be failed in an MOT test unless it was rusted through and has sharp edges that could injure pedestrians in a collision. If it was failed for rusty inner sills then that will be a big problem, to repair you would need a section of sill in good condition and have that welded into your car after cutting out the rusty section. If you need replacement sections then one of our resident Breakers may have what you need.
BMW still sell outer sills and there is a company that makes fiberglass versions, old posts on here with all the info if you do a search.
 

Shelly

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
East Anglian Crew
Joined
Jul 9, 2013
Points
201
Location
Norfolk
Model of Z
Z4 2.0 20i M Sport sDrive
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