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#1. Re: M3 recall - from JTJedi@aol.com
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Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2000 23:25:18 EDT From: JTJedi@aol.com Subject: Re: M3 recall Is there any truth to the consumer reports (August mag) statement that there is a recall of all 97 - 99 M3's due to a malfunctioning airbag system that deploys if you hit a curb or large pothole? Also, it states a second recall due to engine shut down. This happens at random and it will not start again. Imagine that happening on the freeway at 80 MPH. Then not being able to start it again to get out of the middle of the freeway. Ouch.. Jamie white M3/4 (news at ten: Pomeranian dies when airbag in M3 deploys when driver goes over a speed bump) Everett, WA
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#2. Re: [E36M3] Auto tranny on a 95? - from Michael Ting
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Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2000 21:26:12 -0500 From: "Michael Ting" <lupin@purdue.edu> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Auto tranny on a 95? These kind of things are always tricky. Did you know that a '95 BMW M3 was offered as both manual and automatic? :) Anyway, about Lowell's comments: "The automatic was only available in '95 with the luxury package. " Mine is not a luxo-package. According to the guy that I bought the car from, there is only 500 of '95 autos in the US. Don't know if that's true. When I sell this car, maybe I can claim something like "Limited Edition". :) Michael Ting --------------------
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#3. Re: [E36M3] Re: M3 recall - from Jim Powell
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Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2000 20:38:22 -0700 From: Jim Powell <jsp98m3@home.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re: M3 recall The dieing is probably the crank sensor recall. Beware of this one if you have some special equipment. haven't fully debugged it yet, but this one may have drawbacks. The airbag one isn't for all of those cars. Took mine in and my S/N wasn't one of the ones affected. Jim '98 M3/4 JTJedi@aol.com wrote: > Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2000 23:25:18 EDT > From: JTJedi@aol.com > Subject: Re: M3 recall > > Is there any truth to the consumer reports (August mag) statement that there > is a recall of all 97 - 99 M3's due to a malfunctioning airbag system that > deploys if you hit a curb or large pothole? Also, it states a second recall > due to engine shut down. This happens at random and it will not start again. > Imagine that happening on the freeway at 80 MPH. Then not being able to start > it again to get out of the middle of the freeway. Ouch.. > > Jamie > white M3/4 (news at ten: Pomeranian dies when airbag in M3 deploys when > driver goes over a speed bump) > Everett, WA > > ************************************************************* > List Commands > UNSUBSCRIBE - (in subject line) unsubscribes you from the mailing list. > *************************************************************
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#4. auto tranny in 95 - from Mike
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Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2000 23:32:54 -0400 From: "Mike" <mike@strictly-german.com> Subject: auto tranny in 95 > -------------------- 9 -------------------- > Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2000 18:53:12 EDT > From: LoweSeaton@aol.com > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Auto tranny on a 95? > > Yep, automatics were available late in the '95 model year. A little trivia. The luxury package, i.e., wood grain, plusher seats, leather on the doors, slat style grill, cup holders, .... was first available late in the '95 model year. I'd guess about 9/95 and later. The automatic was only available in '95 with the luxury package. The '95 automatic came with a 3.23 rear end ratio vs. 3.15 for the '95 manual. > > Then in the '96 model year, no automatic transmission whatsoever was available. But the luxury package could now be had with the manual tranny. Right? > Little more info about the lux package. Offered in 95, my car was built in 8-95, 5spd. the lux package also had M contour wheels, different side skirts which look like standard 328 side skirts. The grill was the same as a 318 compact sport. I would not say the seats are any plusher than the standard M3 seat. I know most people seem to think that but after instructing in many different M3s, they both have about the same lateral support, I would go as far to say that the lux seat has alittle more upper and the standard seat has more bottom support. The lateral supports on the standard seat are actually part of the head rest and they are known to flex some. And given the corning ability of an M3, either seat is lacking in support, suprised I have not pulled some handles off yet. Some early M3s actually had power Darth V seats then they changed them to manual adj. IMO the leather and wood really make the interior not quite so damn plain and cheap looking. I always hated hearing a GF state how nice some co-workers lexus or acura was in the inside compared to the M3, my reply was "but can it do this" Funny they did not want to ride in it much after one of those episodes. Usually Lux cars had every option, think I have the only one without a sunroof and heated seats, atleast I have not seen another one yet. I also think I have seen a 95 auto but was not a lux car, rare but think they do exist Michael Lawrence mike@strictly-german.com www.strictly-german.com 706-658-2458
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#5. Suspension problems - from Joe Dyer
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Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2000 20:54:18 -0700 From: "Joe Dyer" <joedyer@home.com> Subject: Suspension problems For about two months I have been hearing a clunk sound coming from the suspension on bumpy pavement. I finally had a mechanic inspect it up on a lift. (I'm getting too old to lay on the garage floor for this kind of diagnosis). Here's what he found: 1) Body mount bushings in rear trailing arms loose and badly worn. 2) Drive shaft diff bearing wobbly. 3) Left Front Koni insert has about an inch of travel before it activates its valving (this is the source of the clunking sound, I think). 4) Rear Koni's slightly moist, suggesting minor leaks. I think Item (1) needs prompt attention. Any ideas on cost of kits to rebush the trailing links? And is it a do-able home project? (I wish I had paid attention when this was discussed before). Are Koni's rebuildable? Or should I bite the bullet and install Bilsteins? Any good websites where some of these maintenance items are addressed? By the way, these problems did not occur overnight. How come Dinan gave the car an OK rating at the track inspection two days before I spent the day on Laguna Seca? Shoddy inspection, I think! Thanks, friends. Joe Dyer
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#6. E36 M3 Coolant leak - from Rex Tener
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Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2000 20:52:02 -0700 From: Rex Tener <rex_tener@yahoo.com> Subject: E36 M3 Coolant leak I have a 1995 BMW M3 with ~72K miles on it. My technician replaced my water pump (plastic impeller) a few months ago with a new one (metal impeller). This was preventative, since I am driving to Kansas in a few months from California and didn't feel like being stranded. A year ago, Allison BMW replaced the thermostat under warranty because it was stuck in the open position. Okay, that is all the coolant related work other than coolant flushes every two years. The car has never been overheated. Two weeks ago the car developed a coolant leak. It signals this by leaving a 4" wide puddle of coolant on the ground after the car is run and then stopped. My technician determines the leak is coming from the thermostat housing. He replaces the thermostat housing gasket and all looks well. A day later another 4" wide puddle of coolant. He can see, using a mirror, that it is still coming from the thermostat housing. He has seen this before with one other M3 and it was fixed by replacing the thermostat housing, so he replaces the thermostat housing. I get it home tonight, another 4" puddle of coolant. The underbody tray has been off since the first repair attempt, and it is obvious that the coolant is coming from the engine and not the hoses or radiator. It is wet under the thermostat housing. Any ideas on what could be causing this? Is the second thermostat housing bad? Unfortunately, I can't use the metal housing, because I race in a SCCA Solo II stock class which forbids this modification. Thanks, -- Rex Tener rex_tener@yahoo.com 1995 BMW M3, SCCA SFR Solo II A-Stock #173 _________________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
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#7. Remote-lock - from Michael Ting
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Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2000 23:02:26 -0500 From: "Michael Ting" <lupin@purdue.edu> Subject: Remote-lock I just noticed that on my '95 M3, when I lock the car using the remote (top most button), it doesn't lock the gas door. I need to double lock (second button) to lock the gas door. You might want to check your M3s too. I don't want some maniac to fill my gas tank with coke. :) Michael Ting --------------------
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#8. Re: [E36M3] Suspension problems - from Jim Powell
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Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2000 22:05:16 -0700 From: Jim Powell <jsp98m3@home.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Suspension problems http://members.home.com/jsp90325i/RearBushing.html These are $399. If you use stock ones you will need a method to press them in. I believe a few people have the tool if you ask around. Or you can pay King Midas (Dinan) to put them in. Jim Joe Dyer wrote: > Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2000 20:54:18 -0700 > From: "Joe Dyer" <joedyer@home.com> > Subject: Suspension problems > > For about two months I have been hearing a clunk sound coming from the > suspension on bumpy pavement. I finally had a mechanic inspect it up on > a lift. (I'm getting too old to lay on the garage floor for this kind of > diagnosis). Here's what he found: > > 1) Body mount bushings in rear trailing arms loose and badly worn. > 2) Drive shaft diff bearing wobbly. > 3) Left Front Koni insert has about an inch of travel before it > activates its valving (this is the source of the clunking sound, I > think). > 4) Rear Koni's slightly moist, suggesting minor leaks. > > I think Item (1) needs prompt attention. Any ideas on cost of kits to > rebush the trailing links? And is it a do-able home project? > (I wish I had paid attention when this was discussed before). > > Are Koni's rebuildable? Or should I bite the bullet and install > Bilsteins? > > Any good websites where some of these maintenance items are addressed? > > By the way, these problems did not occur overnight. How come Dinan gave > the car an OK rating at the track inspection two days before I spent the > day on Laguna Seca? Shoddy inspection, I think! > > Thanks, friends. > > Joe Dyer > > ************************************************************* > List Commands > UNSUBSCRIBE - (in subject line) unsubscribes you from the mailing list. > *************************************************************
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#9. FS: M3 10 spoke wheels 17x7.5", Schroth Ralleye 3 - from Jeff Lin
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Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2000 22:12:28 -0700 From: "Jeff Lin" <JeffreyLin@worldnet.att.net> Subject: FS: M3 10 spoke wheels 17x7.5", Schroth Ralleye 3 FS: Four (4) 1995 BMW M3 10 spoke wheels 17x7.5", very good condition Includes Yokohama AO-32 with about 2 weekends left. Asking $850, buyer pays shipping. Free Delivery in Seattle, WA area ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- Two (2) Schroth Ralleye 3 Harnesses, includes special bolts for E36 Asking $200, buyer pays shipping. Free Delivery in Seattle, WA area Jeff Lin jefflin@vnw.com or jeffreylin@worldnet.att.net
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#10. Dual Purpose Tires - from SeaUinOC@aol.com
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Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2000 01:34:35 EDT From: SeaUinOC@aol.com Subject: Dual Purpose Tires Hi Everyone! I have been reading the digest for a couple of months now, but this is my first post. I am a member of the BMW CCA National Capital Chapter and active in Autocross and Drivers' School events. I drive a 1999 BMW M3 that currently rides on Michelin Pilot Sport tires. I will be purchasing tires in the near future and I am looking for recommendations for tires that I can drive on the street and track. I have received a lot of input from a variety of sources, but I wanted the opinion of the list members before I make my final decision. So far, these are some of the tires that have been recommended: Yokohama AVS Sport and AVS Intermediate, Kumho Ecsta Supra 712, and Toyo Proxes. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! For those looking for a place to stay near Summit Point, the Ramada Inn in Winchester, VA is excellent. They give a discount for people attending track events at Summit Point Raceway. It is one of the newest hotels in the area, the service is great, and the rooms are clean! About $54-60/Night and 20 minutes from the track. The phone number is 540-667-8894. Thanks for all the great information. Dean Simpkins Ocean City, MD