-------------------- 1 --------------------
#1. Re: [E36M3] Calculating the negative impact of warm air temps - from Paul Elliott
Top
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 20:25:06 -0400 From: "Paul Elliott" <pelliott@rcn.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Calculating the negative impact of warm air temps Jay, >Why don't you ask all these questions to the people who you got the supercharger from? I'm sure Steve would love to chat about it. <g> < Judging by the oft heard refrain that Steve doesnt make himself that accessible to his clientele (understatment of the year), I suspect your comment is a bit sarcastic. However, your suggestion isnt all that far fetched...As a matter of fact, I plan to ask him just that, and alot more, like why do they bury that K&N behind the bumper without giving it adequate access to fresh air, which he could do easily by using the brake duct, or the fog lamp insert more effectively. And if he says its not necessary, then I'll simply refer him to his website, to the roadtest section, where, it may be noted, the White M3 with the supercharger which was passed around to all the magazines for praises has a fog lamp sized cutout into the bumper right in front of the K&N! Why should the Magazine reviewers be the only ones able to get full use of the supercharger! I should be able to grill him on this, because, surprise of surprises, he seems to be coming out of hiding. I hear that in 2 short wks, he's making a personal appearance at a tech session at Haaberstad BMW in Long Island, at an event sponsored in concert with the NY Chapter of BMWCCA. Lo and Behold!! _____________________________ Paul Elliott '99 Alpine White M3; <15000 mi; Forged M dbl-spokes; Rotex pads; Dinan Stage II Supercharger
-------------------- 2 --------------------
#2. Dealer/Service Opinion please... - from Aswtguy2c@aol.com
Top
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 20:25:55 EDT From: Aswtguy2c@aol.com Subject: Dealer/Service Opinion please... Hey guys, graduation is around the corner (11 more days to go) and I have taken up a few offers already. I would like to know if anyone here has been to UnitedAuto BMW in Duluth, GA and Bob Smith BMW in Canoga Park, CA. UnitedAuto so far has the best offer but I would like to know about your service experience as there as well and a general view of the area/environment. Bob Smith BMW may come this week and is a lot closer to my hometown (Glendale, CA) but I haven't heard their offer yet. Please email me privately or a simple response on the digest will be fine. Thank you for your time. Jonathan Caldito BMW STEP - Orlando Almost there!!! PS. Dealers I took offers for are Braman BMW @ West Palm Beach, FL, Vista Motor @ Pompano Beach, FL, UnitedAuto BMW Duluth, GA, and maybe Bob Smith BMW @ Canoga Park, CA.
-------------------- 3 --------------------
#3. RE: [E36M3] Calculating the negative impact of warm air temps - from MDadgar@handspring.com
Top
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 18:04:59 -0700 From: MDadgar@handspring.com Subject: RE: [E36M3] Calculating the negative impact of warm air temps Paul wrote: > And if he says its not necessary, then I'll simply refer him > to his website, to the roadtest section, where, it may be noted, > the White M3 with the supercharger which was passed around > to all the magazines for praises has a fog lamp sized cutout > into the bumper right in front of the K&N! Steve's own car has this same cutout. Interesting. Steve, BTW, instructs for the BMW CCA Golden Gate Chapter driving schools. He's a great instructor and a nice, approachable guy. - Mark, no real opinion at all on Dinan products '95 M3 '97 528i 5-spd '88 M3, Hennarot ---- Mark Dadgar - Product Manager, Accessories (650) 230-5037 voice - (650) 230-2100 fax mdadgar@handspring.com - Handspring, Inc. "wide awake on the edge of the world" - Marillion Check out Visor at www.handspring.com!
-------------------- 4 --------------------
#4. 95 vs 96 m3 geometry - from TFRM3@aol.com
Top
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 21:11:36 EDT From: TFRM3@aol.com Subject: 95 vs 96 m3 geometry OK--There has been some well deserved confusion regarding e36 M3 caster, the factory specs are useless and have no correlation to the real world. the 96 M3 has LESS caster than the 95, I know it looks like it has more. The upper bearing is offset rearward 10 mm from the 95, However the lower arm bushing is centered, as opposed to 10mm offset as in 95 and e30 M3 (M coupe is offset 5mm ). Measuring caster is indirect in all modern techniques, but older tools can be accurate with a direct measurement (BTW there is no place to take a direct measurement, but tools have been made). So the 96 is 1 degree more at the top and 2 degrees less at the bottom, net loss of 1 degree. Get out your Trig books: 10mm (upper offset) / 600mm (strut length), take the inverse tangent, almost exactly 1 degree. Then, 10mm (lower control arm bushing CL>CL difference) / 300mm (lower arm length front to rear), inverse tangent is 2 degrees. In 96 you get a car with less caster, shorter wheelbase, less toe-in with bumpsteer. All things the same (rear tire sizes), you should get a car that turns in better, but may run wide in the center of the corner. "When in doubt, toe it out!" signed, Jay Morris
-------------------- 5 --------------------
#5. Re: Wheel Locks - from S Lafredo
Top
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 21:23:52 -0400 From: S Lafredo <slafredo@fast.net> Subject: Re: Wheel Locks On 6/12/00 at 4:02 PM, Andrej Dolenc <adolenc@erols.com> wrote: : They hammer this socket onto the lug & extract it off. If I remember right Steve at the Ultimate Garage sells these kit. Not cheap. : Needless to say, at this point I don't run locking lug nuts, nor do I : ever plan to again. I agree with Andrej the MaGard type of lock is a problem waiting to happen. That said I do like the BMW ones. The non-key version. They have much more bit and drop into the lug like many faceted allen key. : That's what insurance is for. If you carry a rider for the wheels. Remember they are not "stock" and therefore are not covered, just like an aftermarket stereo and other goodies that we put on our cars. :( my 2 cents. Stephen --------------------------------oOo-------------------------------- Stephen Lafredo Philadelphia, PA slafredo@fast.net BMW NCC 97 M3/2 & 89 325ix
-------------------- 6 --------------------
#6. [E36M3] Fikse Wheels for the M3 - from Dave Hogg
Top
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 21:29:14 -0400 From: Dave Hogg <springwood@BlazeNet.net> Subject: [E36M3] Fikse Wheels for the M3 Andrej's post was right on. He thinks my anodized ones aren't as pretty as his. We've eyeballed them side by side, and he might be right. I think he details his with a Q-tip. But I can clean mine with a dry paper towel, and they match the rotors perfectly -- nice look. Let personal taste control here. With 245/40 S-02's, my left rear rubs a little with 2 guys in the back seat, over bumps. Not a big deal. FM5 or FM10, anodized or not, go for it. They're a great product! Dave Hogg 98 M3/4 with anodozed FM10's
-------------------- 7 --------------------
#7. Re: Aluminum Jack Source - from S Lafredo
Top
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 21:42:48 -0400 From: S Lafredo <slafredo@fast.net> Subject: Re: Aluminum Jack Source On 6/12/00 at 12:12 PM, Seth Thomas <porsche993@mindspring.com> wrote: : I thought about getting an aluminum one. Yes I know they are : expensive but this is my dad that is getting it. I need to pay him : back someway or another. I called Steve at the Ultimate Garage and he : no longer sells them. So I need to find another place that sells them. : Do you guys know of where I can get one? I promised Seth this information when I got home and dug it out then thought some others might also want the info. The information is from a 1998 Longacre catalog (read: the prices may not be accurate and yes I'm a pack rat :) I picked it up a local chapter meeting. It also has a sticker from a local shop called VAC Motorsports 215.462.2996 215.462.4666. Usual disclaimer inserted here... In the catalog they advertise 4 jacks. OK everyone sitting down :) 66010 3 pump "Speedway" $ 1195.00 66016 1 pump "Winston Cup" $ 1395.00 66001 6 pump Shop Jack $ 798.00 66004 3 pump Race Jack $ 798.00 66048 dirt skirt $ 89.00 <- $89 side skirts for your jack :) Makes the UG jack look very reasonable doesn't it ;) HTH. Stephen <- please don't ask me to fax you the page. Support the vendor and give them a call for the catalog. You'll want it b/c it has other cool accessories that we cannot live w/o like corner balancing scales and such :) --------------------------------oOo-------------------------------- Stephen Lafredo Philadelphia, PA slafredo@fast.net BMW NCC 97 M3/2 & 89 325ix
-------------------- 8 --------------------
#8. Aluminum Jack - from ERogers005@aol.com
Top
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 21:42:38 EDT From: ERogers005@aol.com Subject: Aluminum Jack Seth .. try Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies (www.intercomp-racing.com). They have a great lightweight aluminum sport jack PN#360080. Reaches a max height of 17.5". Ed Rogers 95 M3 In a message dated 6/12/00 10:23:54 AM Pacific Daylight Time, e36m3@bmwmpower.com writes: > Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 13:18:13 -0400 > From: "Seth Thomas" <porsche993@mindspring.com> > Subject: Aluminum Jacks > > Okay guys I need some help here. My dad needs a new jack for around the > house and then I need one for the track. So to get one that we both can use > I thought about getting an aluminum one. Yes I know they are expensive but > this is my dad that is getting it. I need to pay him back someway or > another. I called Steve at the Ultimate Garage and he no longer sells them. > So I need to find another place that sells them. Do you guys know of where > I can get one? > > Seth Thomas > www.m3power.com
-------------------- 9 --------------------
#9. Re: [E36M3] Front suspension for '95 and '96+ M3's - from Ron Katona
Top
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 21:48:58 -0400 From: Ron Katona <rkatona@bellatlantic.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Front suspension for '95 and '96+ M3's Jim E. wrote: > 3. from 3/96 the 3.2 uses a front spring strut tower reinforcement. Jim, can you elaborate? Is it a matter of a change in the way the strut tower is constructed, or is it a piece that could be bolted or welded to a '95 for added strength in that area? -- Ron "my springs are so stiff I'm surprised they haven't popped right out of the towers" Katona
-------------------- 10 --------------------
#10. Re: [E36M3] Fikse Wheels for the M3 - from Bob Dorchester
Top
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 21:38:25 -0500 From: Bob Dorchester <rjdorche@concentric.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Fikse Wheels for the M3 Marcus, you and I have the same setup (95 M3/H&R 29910/ Bilstein Sports), except I have added K-Mac camber plates up front, so my camber is -2.6F and -2.2R (using stock adjustment). I also run Fikse FM5s, 8.5x17, 37.7ET, front and rear, with R-compound tires. My rear fenders are fully rolled (actually somewhat cut as well) and I have had trouble with the tires rubbing. Last year, 245/40 G-Force R1s were a no-go, and I replaced them with 235/40s, with minor rubs. This year, I am using 225/45 Hoosier RS303s all around with no problems; IMHO they are a much better tire, equal grip, less twitchy, and much better at the limit, as well as 7-8 pounds lighter. To get a proper fitting wheel that you can use without spacers and maximize tire width, you need different offsets front and rear. While the 8.5"W, 37.7ET is great for the front (no spacers), an 8.5" wheel at the rear needs a 40-41ET to avoid rubs with wider tires and a lowered suspension. I believe the 96-99 8.5" wide stock rear wheel is a 41 mm offset. Comparing FM5s and 10s, the FM10s are actual 1.5 lbs lighter. At least they were 2 years ago when a friend bought FM5s and exchanged them for FM10s, due to the FM5s coming in at 20 lbs. I stayed with the 5s due to appearance of strength (of course, I could be wrong) and ease of cleaning. On the anodizing issue, I have heard that it's guaranteed for number of years (10??), which is another big plus. As far as appearance, at Oktoberfest '98 I saw an Avus blue M3 with FM5s, black anodized centers and silver-satin finished (anodized?) rim halves that looked great. I agree with Andrej, don't bother with wheel locks. They're a hassle when you change wheels several times a month, and there is always the threat of rounding when you need them off. Unless you park on the street or an open lot at night, I can't imagine someone stealing your wheels. Of course, there may be stories out there....... Bob Dorchester 95 M3 Houston > Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 12:54:01 -0500 > From: "Marcus Groenig - SAS(Yield)" <MGroenig@SAS.Samsung.com> > Subject: Fikse Wheels for the M3 > > Hi all, > > I'm thinking about buying some Fikse rims for my '95 M3. I know that there > are a number of folks on the list who already have some Fikse's or at least > knowledge on wheel fitment on the E36 M3, so help me out here, please. > > I'd like to keep the wheels all the same width so I can rotate them like the > stock 7.5" that are currently on my car. I also want to stick with 17" > diameter to keep tire costs reasonable. I'd also like to stay away from > spacers, if at all possible. What is the widest rim that I can run without > getting into rubbing issues? I have Bilstein's and H&R sport springs. Will > I have to roll the rear fenders? What is the widest tire I can run on these > wheels? > > I was thinking 8.5" all the way around and 245/40 or 255/40 if they will > fit. My main interest here is to get some wheels that look nicer and are > stronger and lighter than my stock wheels (everyone says that the 95 rims > are soft as butter). I want the widest tire possible for increased handling > and higher cornering threshold. By my calculations, the 245's are 1.3% > greater in overall diameter and the 255's are 2.6% greater than the stock > 235/40's. How much is too much, when increasing overall diameter? I am > suspecting that this will make my speedometer readings incorrect... is there > anything else? > > Now lets talk about the wheels. I'm split between the FM5 and FM10... the > FM10 looks more boss (IMHO) but won't be easy to clean... I might put up > with that since they look so nice, but I'm not dead set on this. Fikse > offers anodization on their wheels. I'm guessing that this is for race > cars. What are your suggestions for a road car which might see a driver's > school and a bunch of highly spirited romps down the Texas Hill Country > roads? Do I need anodization? Will this make cleaning the wheels easier? > Does it look ugly? I'm not into the chrome look at all, but considering the > $$$ spent here, I'd like them to look sharp. I've seen some rims with the > polished look, and I was impressed... > > Now finally, what are the best locking lugs available that match the finish > of the Fikses? I saw an M3 at the BMP Fun Day last year with some nice > FM10's and lugs that looked great. Even though they were large, they > matched the finish well. Anyone know the brand and where to get them? > > TIA, > > Marcus > '95 M3 looking for new feet.