Common Z32 Problems

Some common problems with the Z32 to be aware of:

Interior

If you’ve ever sat in a less than pristine 300, you’ve mostly seen some interior wear in one form or another. The most common areas for wear are the driver’s seat and the driver’s side door upper panel. Seats often blow apart after repeated use, and there is a common wear spot on the door where drivers tend to rest their elbows. Seat covers are easy and (relatively) cheap to come by, but door panels can be a little tougher depending on the color.

Injectors

A common problem on earlier Z32s with Phase I injectors is injector failure. Injector failure causes misfire, and may require the removal of the upper intake in order to fix.

Squeaky Brakes

The Z32 has an awesome brake design, but brake jobs often result in squeaky brakes. Make sure all the proper components are lubricated/assembled. There are anti squeal shims that work for some people. The anti squeal brake components are a necessity on these cars.

Leaky T Tops

If your T tops don’t leak, your car is either in amazing condition, or you’re lying. This is a common problem with older T top cars, but new seals make a big difference.

VTC Rattle

The VG30DE and VG30DETT have variable valve timing, and the springs VTC springs (located at the front of the cams) can sometimes rattle. This can be due to a variety of thing such as worn out springs, oil pressure, or a bad VTC solenoid.