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#1. Can't find MXX3s -- Need tire advice - from David Ripton
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Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000 15:01:25 -0400 From: David Ripton <dripton@wizard.net> Subject: Can't find MXX3s -- Need tire advice Had a blowout. I need one rear tire for a stock 1998 M3, which is currently wearing 225/45-17 Pilot SX MXX3s (the newer MXX3s) on three wheels (one is the spare) and a 245/40-17 Pilot SX MXX3 on the fourth. The wheels are the stock uncleanable 10-spokes, 17x7.5" front and spare, 17x8.5" back. Obviously I need to correct this ASAP. Neither Tire Tack nor Discount Tires have any 245/40-17 Pilot SX MXX3s in stock. Tire Rack says that there's no supply in sight. So does the local BMW dealer's parts department -- not even one-tire emergency allocation from Michelin. They recommend Pilot Sports instead. Which is fine if you're replacing four tires, possibly fine if you're replacing two, but probably not fine if you're replacing one. I was thinking of buying 4 (or maybe 5) 17x8" SSR Integrals or IFG A5s and 235/40ZR17 tires next spring. Haven't budgeted to do that right now. Buying tires twice in a short period would not be optimal -- if the only safe option is to buy four tires, then I should probably stretch the budget now to get the wheels at the same time. Options: 1. Scrounge and find one 245/40-17 SX MXX3 somewhere. I've been trying, with no luck so far. 2. Buy one 245/40 Michelin Pilot Sport. Cost: $250. 3. Buy two 245/40 Pilot Sports. Keep the 225/40 MXX3s in the front and on the spare. Cost: $500. 4. Replace the rear tires with 235/40 Pilot Sports, on the stock 8.5" rims. When I buy new wheels next year, I'll only have to replace 2 tires instead of 4. Cost: $500. 5. Buy four tires. Since I'd have to replace them again next year when I change wheel sizes, this seems like a poor idea. Cost: $1000 for Pilot Sports, but if I know the tires are temporary I'd probably get something cheaper. 6. Buy four tires, and four wheels. Cost: $2200+, more than I want to spend right now. So I guess my questions are: 1. Anyone got one 245/40ZR17 Pilot SX MXX3 with some tread left for sale? 2. Is having mismatched (but similar) tires on an axle as dumb as I think? 3. Is having mismatched (but similar) tires front and back reasonable, assuming the back tires have the better wet traction? Anyone mixed MXX3s and Pilot Sports on an M3? 4. Do 235/40 Pilot Sports fit okay on 8.5" BMW 10-spoke wheels? Anyone tried it? Thanks. -- David Ripton dripton@wizard.net
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#2. Re: [E36M3] Suspension Improvement questions from a newbie - from Bora Akyol
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Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000 12:07:26 -0700 From: "Bora Akyol" <akyol@pluris.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Suspension Improvement questions from a newbie Yes I hear all of you loud and clear. I have had good experience autoXing my 89 928S4 as well as taking the open wheel racing course at Sears Point, so I am not a completely green driver. I will be autoXing my (new) M3 for the first time this weekend, so I will get a feel for the car there I hope. In the meantime, I am getting the X-brace installed today since I like the fact that it protects the oil pan as well. Having seen quite a few busted oil pans on 928s (Thanks Caltrans), I would like to buy all the insurance that I can for the car. Thank you all for the suggestions, (see you on the track !) Bora ps. I am planning to do the drivers ed next year. Apparently my local region has to hold a "lottery" to decide who gets participate, wow! ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Bassett" <jbassett@mayannetworks.com> To: "E36M3" <e36m3@bmwmpower.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2000 11:53 AM Subject: RE: [E36M3] Suspension Improvement questions from a newbie > Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000 11:52:15 -0700 > From: "Jim Bassett" <jbassett@mayannetworks.com> > Subject: RE: [E36M3] Suspension Improvement questions from a newbie > > > I am the newest owner of a 1995 M3 in pristine condition. The car is bone > > stock and I am planning on improving the suspension before I > > start on engine > > upgrades. > > > > What are the best improvements I can do for my car for the money? > > All together now: improve the driver :-) > > Join the BMW CCA and sign up for your local chapter's driver schools. > Depending on the chapter, the schools will cost $300-$500 (possibly more for > some tracks - Hi Mark! :-)) for the weekend, and you'll get great > instruction and learn more about your car and how to drive it than you could > anywhere else, IMO. > > > I am currently planning to do the BMW Motorsport X-brace and the > > strut tower > > brace. I have read pretty controversial statements on several web > > site about > > the strut tower braces. Since I would like to spend the least possible > > amount of money, which strut tower brace provides good results > > for the least > > amount of money? > > Should you go that route, for the '95 M3, the BMW Motorsport strut brace is > the best. > > > What else should I plan on upgrading? > > I'll reiterate Mark's comment: for an improvement in day-to-day drivability, > the JimC chip is well worth the money. > > Cheers, > Jim Bassett > 1998 M3/4 > > > ************************************************************* > List Commands > UNSUBSCRIBE - (in subject line) unsubscribes you from the mailing list. > ************************************************************* >
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#3. Re: [E36M3] Can't find MXX3s -- Need tire advice - from Lee, Peter
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Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000 15:11:49 -0400 From: "Lee, Peter " <plee@mlundy.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Can't find MXX3s -- Need tire advice David, splurge and get the SSR Integrals. They're only $309 a piece, and you're not going to find any better priced forged lightweight wheel around. And lightweight they are! I had to get the BBS RK's because they didn't have any 17X8 SSR's in stock. It's always good to have an extra set of wheels. Wouldn't it be nice if you had another set right now? You could take your time with finding the other MXX3. BTW, the MXX3 is nowhere near the Pilot Sport in terms of quality and stickiness. Personally, I prefer the PP S-02. But it's about $10-20 more per tire than the Pilot Sport. Getting mediocre tires now, & more so if you planned to change them later, is a waste of money. Instead, if budget doesn't allow the 4 new SSR's, simply buy two stock wheels in 7.5 configuration. This way, you'll never have the 8.5 vs. 7.5 dilemma in the unfortunate event of a blowout. >>> David Ripton <dripton@wizard.net> 08/29/00 03:03PM >>> Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000 15:01:25 -0400 From: David Ripton <dripton@wizard.net> Subject: Can't find MXX3s -- Need tire advice Had a blowout. I need one rear tire for a stock 1998 M3, which is currently wearing 225/45-17 Pilot SX MXX3s (the newer MXX3s) on three wheels (one is the spare) and a 245/40-17 Pilot SX MXX3 on the fourth. The wheels are the stock uncleanable 10-spokes, 17x7.5" front and spare, 17x8.5" back. Obviously I need to correct this ASAP. Neither Tire Tack nor Discount Tires have any 245/40-17 Pilot SX MXX3s in stock. Tire Rack says that there's no supply in sight. So does the local BMW dealer's parts department -- not even one-tire emergency allocation from Michelin. They recommend Pilot Sports instead. Which is fine if you're replacing four tires, possibly fine if you're replacing two, but probably not fine if you're replacing one. I was thinking of buying 4 (or maybe 5) 17x8" SSR Integrals or IFG A5s and 235/40ZR17 tires next spring. Haven't budgeted to do that right now. Buying tires twice in a short period would not be optimal -- if the only safe option is to buy four tires, then I should probably stretch the budget now to get the wheels at the same time. Options: 1. Scrounge and find one 245/40-17 SX MXX3 somewhere. I've been trying, with no luck so far. 2. Buy one 245/40 Michelin Pilot Sport. Cost: $250. 3. Buy two 245/40 Pilot Sports. Keep the 225/40 MXX3s in the front and on the spare. Cost: $500. 4. Replace the rear tires with 235/40 Pilot Sports, on the stock 8.5" rims. When I buy new wheels next year, I'll only have to replace 2 tires instead of 4. Cost: $500. 5. Buy four tires. Since I'd have to replace them again next year when I change wheel sizes, this seems like a poor idea. Cost: $1000 for Pilot Sports, but if I know the tires are temporary I'd probably get something cheaper. 6. Buy four tires, and four wheels. Cost: $2200+, more than I want to spend right now. So I guess my questions are: 1. Anyone got one 245/40ZR17 Pilot SX MXX3 with some tread left for sale? 2. Is having mismatched (but similar) tires on an axle as dumb as I think? 3. Is having mismatched (but similar) tires front and back reasonable, assuming the back tires have the better wet traction? Anyone mixed MXX3s and Pilot Sports on an M3? 4. Do 235/40 Pilot Sports fit okay on 8.5" BMW 10-spoke wheels? Anyone tried it? Thanks. -- David Ripton dripton@wizard.net ************************************************************* List Commands UNSUBSCRIBE - (in subject line) unsubscribes you from the mailing list. *************************************************************
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#4. RE: [E36M3] Can't find MXX3s -- Need tire advice - from MDadgar@handspring.com
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Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000 12:13:45 -0700 From: MDadgar@handspring.com Subject: RE: [E36M3] Can't find MXX3s -- Need tire advice David wrote: > Options: > 4. Replace the rear tires with 235/40 Pilot Sports, on the stock 8.5" > rims. When I buy new wheels next year, I'll only have to replace 2 > tires instead of 4. Cost: $500. Don't do this. If you do, you'll have traction control problems (ie the traction control will activate regularly) because you're changing the circumference of the rear tires. > 5. Buy four tires. Since I'd have to replace them again next > year when I change wheel sizes, this seems like a poor idea. > Cost: $1000 for Pilot Sports, but if I know the tires are temporary > I'd probably get something cheaper. I heard everyone talking about how much they like the S-02 Pole Positions and I figured I wouldn't like them (too much emphasis on wet performance). I was wrong - they're totally awesome. Easily the best street tire I've ever tried. - Mark '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!
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#5. Re: [E36M3] Can't find MXX3s -- Need tire advice - from John Van Houten
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Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000 14:32:05 -0500 From: "John Van Houten" <jvanhouten@ix.netcom.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Can't find MXX3s -- Need tire advice > I heard everyone talking about how much they like the S-02 Pole Positions > and I figured I wouldn't like them (too much emphasis on wet performance). > I was wrong - they're totally awesome. > > Easily the best street tire I've ever tried. I concur whole heartedly. I was going to get the AVS Intermediates because of the good price/performance ratio. I ended up ponying up the cash for the S-02s and haven't regretted it in the slightest. John 95M3 "Ice9" - His-many mods-for sale www.netcom.com/~jvanhout/bmw/bmw.html 97M3/4 - Hers-bone stock 93 325is - still looking
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#6. Re: [E36M3] Can't find MXX3s -- Need tire advice - from Lee, Peter
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Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000 15:36:24 -0400 From: "Lee, Peter " <plee@mlundy.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Can't find MXX3s -- Need tire advice Keep in mind that those 2 words, "Pole Position" mean A LOT! The non-PP S-02's are still good, but not as durable and sticky as the PP's. >>> "John Van Houten" <jvanhouten@ix.netcom.com> 08/29/00 03:33PM >>> Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000 14:32:05 -0500 From: "John Van Houten" <jvanhouten@ix.netcom.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Can't find MXX3s -- Need tire advice > I heard everyone talking about how much they like the S-02 Pole Positions > and I figured I wouldn't like them (too much emphasis on wet performance). > I was wrong - they're totally awesome. > > Easily the best street tire I've ever tried. I concur whole heartedly. I was going to get the AVS Intermediates because of the good price/performance ratio. I ended up ponying up the cash for the S-02s and haven't regretted it in the slightest. John 95M3 "Ice9" - His-many mods-for sale www.netcom.com/~jvanhout/bmw/bmw.html 97M3/4 - Hers-bone stock 93 325is - still looking ************************************************************* List Commands UNSUBSCRIBE - (in subject line) unsubscribes you from the mailing list. *************************************************************
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#7. Service Writer question - from Andrew E. Kalman
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Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000 12:52:38 -0700 From: "Andrew E. Kalman" <aek@netcom.com> Subject: Service Writer question For those of you who are chummy with your dealers, what kind of commission / percentage do service writers get? Thanks, -- ______________________________________ Andrew E. Kalman, Ph.D. aek@netcom.com
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#8. Re: [E36M3] Service Writer question - from Lee, Peter
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Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000 16:06:00 -0400 From: "Lee, Peter " <plee@mlundy.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Service Writer question I'm pretty close with mine and he told me that he earns a straight salary, regardless of how many or how few cars come in. My local dealer pays its staff *pretty damn well*, IMO. $48k!!?!?!? >>> "Andrew E. Kalman" <aek@netcom.com> 08/29/00 04:03PM >>> Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000 12:52:38 -0700 From: "Andrew E. Kalman" <aek@netcom.com> Subject: Service Writer question For those of you who are chummy with your dealers, what kind of commission / percentage do service writers get? Thanks, -- ______________________________________ Andrew E. Kalman, Ph.D. aek@netcom.com ************************************************************* List Commands UNSUBSCRIBE - (in subject line) unsubscribes you from the mailing list. *************************************************************
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#9. Re: [E36M3] Can't find MXX3s -- Need tire advice - from Jim Wilcox
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Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000 15:56:41 -0500 From: "Jim Wilcox" <JimShadow1@home.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Can't find MXX3s -- Need tire advice If you are looking for tires on a budget, I'd highly recommend the Yoko AVS Sports. At $161/ea they are a steal!! I still enjoy mine, even after 22K on them. Definetly worth checking into! FWIW<YMMV (usual disclaimers apply) JIM
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#10. electrical prob w/speedo - from Olin, Jason (NIMH)
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Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000 17:06:39 -0400 From: "Olin, Jason (NIMH)" <jolin@mail.nih.gov> Subject: electrical prob w/speedo What is the likely cause for the speedometer, odometer, and mileage based items on the computer to drop out for a few minutes and then come back again? It's happened a few times in the past few days. The car's still under warranty, but I'm curious... Thanks! Jason Olin '97 M3 2-Dr cosmos black