Solving a problem for final year project

Connor

Connor

Zorg Guru (I)
British Zeds
Joined
Jan 10, 2015
Points
92
Location
Sheffield
Model of Z
3.0 Z5
Afternoon everyone.

For my final year project (design engineering) at uni we have to find a problem and come up with a solution through R&D, research and other ways. So I was wondering if I could be of any use on here. I know there's a few niggling issues with the Z3 so any ideas of a problem I could attempt to solve?

Connor.
 
Hey the Zeds are perfect in every way! lol. Ok, just joking.... I will see if I can think of anything but nothing springs to mind atm. :)
 
Boot Wiring Loom and central locking problems should fill a few pages;)

Suggest you have a look through the Knowledge base (Articles) - you should be able to find a topic in there which covers project requirements.
 
The rear diff mount rivets in the boot floor on the more powerful engines tend to fail. Expensive repair. Sort that one out and will all give you a £5 each!!
 
Hard top fitting kits would be an interesting project for you. Now no longer available, real shortage due to demand and so on.
 
I think he really needs a design problem.... It is going to be tough finding something on the Zed due the time and effort the engineers put into the design however, wouldn't it be nice if there was a way to do without [replace with something better] the sub-frame that goes under the oil pan! Is there a better way to do this so we can get access without having to pull the bottom of the car apart? I mean a reto-fit.

There are some clever ideas already such as the brace bar that goes in the hood storage area, those seat bushes that lift up the front to give under leg support, the seat belt guides developed by @Southernboy and there are a few others I am sure. Those solve design issues and are relatively simple.
 
GazHyde said:
Hard top fitting kits would be an interesting project for you. Now no longer available, real shortage due to demand and so on.
Click to expand...

Now that could be a good idea. I would probably have to get my hands on some of the originals to try and figure out a new way. They look quite straightforward from what I can see...

Cooper said:
I think he really needs a design problem.... It is going to be tough finding something on the Zed due the time and effort the engineers put into the design however, wouldn't it be nice if there was a way to do without [replace with something better] the sub-frame that goes under the oil pan! Is there a better way to do this so we can get access without having to pull the bottom of the car apart? I mean a reto-fit.

There are some clever ideas already such as the brace bar that goes in the hood storage area, those seat bushes that lift up the front to give under leg support, the seat belt guides developed by @Southernboy and there are a few others I am sure. Those solve design issues and are relatively simple.
Click to expand...

It's a design engineering course, so anything involving design or engineering can be done as a final project. I could do anything, it could be the things you mention as well as the mechanical things, such as the hard top fitting kit. If I can make a good project out of it it's a goer.

Connor.
 
Connor,

If your project doesn't have to be car related I'm sure I could find you a project (or two) that would fit the needs perfectly. We are an Engineering company based on the Sheffield/Barnsley border so you could always pop in to discuss.

PM me if you're interested.

Are you at Sheffield or Hallam Uni?

Colin.
 
Chipper3 said:
Connor,

If your project doesn't have to be car related I'm sure I could find you a project (or two) that would fit the needs perfectly. We are an Engineering company based on the Sheffield/Barnsley border so you could always pop in to discuss.

PM me if you're interested.

Are you at Sheffield or Hallam Uni?

Colin.
Click to expand...
That's very nice of you Colin. I do like the commentary on this forum. :thumbsup:
 
Chipper3 said:
Connor,

If your project doesn't have to be car related I'm sure I could find you a project (or two) that would fit the needs perfectly. We are an Engineering company based on the Sheffield/Barnsley border so you could always pop in to discuss.

PM me if you're interested.

Are you at Sheffield or Hallam Uni?

Colin.
Click to expand...

Great offer Colin :thumbsup:
 
My vote goes out to the rear diff mounting point brackets redesign/reenforcement, maybe in combination with bracket for the boot welding points problem.

Regards, Koen
 
I can think of a few things that would make life better with a Z3:

A redesigned soft top that can work with a glass rear window would be great.

Redesigned rear suspension to have coilovers.

Redesigned spare wheel housing so it doesn't get covered in road grime (and easier to actually get out).
 
Dino D said:
I can think of a few things that would make life better with a Z3:

A redesigned soft top that can work with a glass rear window would be great.

Redesigned rear suspension to have coilovers.

Redesigned spare wheel housing so it doesn't get covered in road grime (and easier to actually get out).
Click to expand...

+1 for redesigned soft top with glass window.

...or even a convertible hardtop like the E89.
 
David said:
+1 for redesigned soft top with glass window.

...or even a convertible hardtop like the E89.
Click to expand...
A convertible hardtop would be incredible, however I think it may be beyond my capabilities at this stage. Maybe after a bit of research it could be feasible.

Connor.
 
I like the classic look of a soft top, just the plastic window is chore if you use it a lot (which I do at every opportunity).

I believe there is a company working on one in the US but shipping over will be prohibitive.

We have some good soft top suppliers here in UK (the one in Croydon for example at just £350 fitted).
If the new window design was just adapting the current material/frame then it could feasibly make into production as I believe the soft top supplier makes the hood himself so could work a new window shape.

A large number of Z3 needs hoods now so numbers may be there..

I would be happy with even a glass letter box as a rear window, I use the side mirrors anyway.
 
Dino D said:
I can think of a few things that would make life better with a Z3:

A redesigned soft top that can work with a glass rear window would be great.

Redesigned rear suspension to have coilovers.

Redesigned spare wheel housing so it doesn't get covered in road grime (and easier to actually get out).
Click to expand...

Exactly those three items are a mission imposible for anybody, including BMW...
We have to live with as the compromise of any vehicle.
 
A glass rear window is possible as per MX5, Z4 and many others. The window may need to be smaller and or the frame modified but it's possible.

Rear coilovers have been done and one UK member on here has them on his racing Z.

I cannot see why a better spare wheel compartment cannot be designed (cost aside..)

I see these ompromises are challenges for us to improve on, if we just accepted them then cars would never progress. We all have different tastes and for some of us tweaking the car to the way we want is a lifelong hobby. I'm happy there are many out there with the ability to design and engineer and market solutions to these 'compromises'. The good amount of aftermarket parts available to customise our cars how we wish add to the ownership experience for me and I applaud any effort to engineer out such compromises and make them how we wish.
 
Grumpy said:
The rear diff mount rivets in the boot floor on the more powerful engines tend to fail. Expensive repair. Sort that one out and will all give you a £5 each!!
Click to expand...
We who were sensible enough to buy the M44 don't have that problem so I will put my £5 into purchasing a Guinness to enjoy while not having to fret about broken welds!! lol JIM not the least grumpy!!
 
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