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#1. Re: How much negative camber? - from Neil Maller
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Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2000 07:11:25 -0500 From: Neil Maller <neil.maller@gte.net> Subject: Re: How much negative camber? on 9/26/00 5:45, E36M3 at e36m3@bmwmpower.com wrote: > Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2000 21:17:15 -0700 > From: Jim Bassett <jimbassett@home.com> > > At 09:55 PM 9/25/00 -0500, GregKono@aol.com wrote: >> Does anybody have experience with moderate neg. camber (0.5-1 degree) >> to >> help the track "thing" and not ruin the street tires? > > For my '98 M3/4, I found that swapping the front bearing hats L<->R is a > pretty good compromise btwn street & track situations. I have a 100-mile RT > commute and do ~15-20 track events each year. I've tried this a couple of times. Problems: - Gives neg of over 2.5 deg. - Increased inside edge wear of the fronts on the street to the point that I needed to have them flipped on the rims to equalize. - Not quickly reversible - Requires total strut removal and disassembly. The advantage obviously is that it works, and is a no cost option if you can do it yourself as I do. Otherwise you'll pay 3-4 hours of shop time I suspect. Neil 96 M3
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#2. Re: Lightweight - from Carlos Lopez
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Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2000 05:55:35 -0700 (PDT) From: Carlos Lopez <clopez95m3@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: Lightweight Michael Ting wrote: >How light can you make a stock E36 M3 non LTW version?? >If you take out all the unnecessary components, without replacing any >body panels, how light can you go?? >Not that I'm going to do it... Just wondering... :) If my memory is working I remember both Ron K. and Bob T. agreeing that their autox ESP 95 M3's weighed in at ~2900 lbs. No sunroof, with racing seats. Now just for fun I asked one of the A students at Mid-Ohio with a BMod E36 M3 how much it weighed. ~2600 lbs. That was with a Euro M3 motor, stripped interior, carbon fiber hood/trunk/wing, Lexan rear side windows and Lexan rear windshield, + cage. Cool car. Carlos Motor City Chapter ~2700 lb M3 :-) 4 cylinder. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Send instant messages & get email alerts with Yahoo! Messenger. http://im.yahoo.com/
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#3. Foglight removal? - from Richard Sperry
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Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2000 09:09:31 -0400 From: "Richard Sperry" <richardsperry@home.com> Subject: Foglight removal? Ok, I'll give. How do you get the freeking fog light out of the air dam on an E36 M3? The Bentley shows a 325 air dam. That's no help, the cooling duct has two holes, but damn, I can't figure it out. Any help is welcome. Rich 95 M3
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#4. Re: How much negative camber? - from shane.a.kleinpeter@ac.com
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Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2000 09:10:58 -0400 From: shane.a.kleinpeter@ac.com Subject: Re: How much negative camber? Greg, >After my sixth track day, the Yoko AO32R's have said Uncle! The left front >shredded the outside shoulder like a razor blade had cut it up. I run the Yoko's on my car and usually get 2 - 3 times the wear you get. Here's what I do to make them last longer: My car is basically stock (only have UUC sways) so we should theoretically be getting the same wear. I swap the tires front to back at least once a weekend. Then the next school (you have to mark them with a grease pencil when you take them off) I run them on the other side of the car. Yes, the tread will be backwards, but it does not matter as long as it is not raining. Then, once the shoulders start to get low (about 6 to 10 days, depending on the tracks I have been running), I bring them to my mechanic and he flips them on the rims. The shoulder that was on the inside of the tire is practically brand new. Then I repeat the above until they are toast. The key is rotating them throughout the day when you are at a track that is really hard on the left front like you describe at Gingerman. At tracks like VIR, you almost don't have to rotate your tires because the wear is so even. But at a track like Roebling Road, I'll swap them out after 3 sessions. Hope this helps. Shane Kleinpeter Tarheel Chapter <- Currently in Highland Heights, OH, anybody else? Send me an e-mail if you are and we'll get together and tell lies. I know there's M3 owner's here cause there are two within 100 yds of my rental Nissan.
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#5. Buttonwillow pictures - from Jim Powell
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Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2000 06:44:17 -0700 From: Jim Powell <jsp98m3@home.com> Subject: Buttonwillow pictures Ok, I'm waiting for those pictures by email guys. Gleb, you had a digital camera. I know a few others had cameras. Get those prints scanned and send them in! Jim
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#6. it happens, all too often it happens... - from daanesh chanduwadia
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Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2000 14:01:45 GMT From: "daanesh chanduwadia" <daanesh@hotmail.com> Subject: it happens, all too often it happens... thanks to skip for another informative post (i'm going with the hardened retainers rather than Ti, btw.) monday @ 1AM a well driven E39 M5 and i were cruising home spurting btw 85 and 130. when i parked the car, i walked away and thanked her for another swift, safe and oh so painless interstate journey. tuesday my mother arrives in town to visit, and as we're about to go to dinner i hear 'the scrape' which i'm familair with only because the same thing happened when the car was about a year old (@85 mph.) dinner has to wait, take the car to work to assess the damage. don't know what the stealer used the last time to fasten but i can't get 'em out (or rather don't care to try b/c i'm using a floorjack to gain access.) tuck things just high enough, remove fasteners from areas that have pulled through, eat at the cheesecake factory. this morning, walking in I ponder my options: from memory, leaving taking the piece off entirely is not an option (the car seemed floaty and easily buffeted the first time I ran w/o it.) so I’d like to second the notion that if you’re driving around without one, you’re missing out. I wonder how much difference there is between the different designs any fely a discernable difference between the JT+95 style wheel foils and the stock 95 pieces? daanesh p.s. if JTD is wondering who will buy the piece skip suggests, they can count me in. Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2000 15:09:40 -0400 From: Skip Bogard <skip.bogard@alumni.duke.edu> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Monday morning and shit happens > I drive to work and look under the car and see that > a massive plastic shroud (under the radiator area). > First of all, what is the proper name for this so that I can order the > replacement part? It's proper name on the BMW fiche is "air duct". There are at least three types on M3's. On some of them, the part number is actually molded into the part...look on the inside for yours. A summary of the three types I know of: 1. large heavy one on 95/some 96(?) M3's that had a reverse airfoil molded into it. P/N 51 71 2 250 643, P/N molded in. 2. plastic/metal one found on the '95 M3 LTW. Not an exact replacement for the above as it has an extra air slot in it. 3. lighter weight one on some 96 and all later M3's. Don't know if P/N is molded in. This is a nice light piece, about 1/2 the weight or less of the '95 part. >What function does this serve? High performance cars deserve a smooth underside...the purpose of this shroud is to contribute to that. It keeps air from swirling out of control under the engine bay (this is considered to be "not real aero".) Technically then, the purpose is to 1) reduce drag and 2) reduce lift. >Can I go without it? The more important aero devices are the two wedges on either side of the "air duct". If the area you live in is subject to rain & flooding, they you should not drive at high speeds without the wedges....you're more likely to hydroplane without these...more on this below. (Oh, and if you're racing, in theory they will reduce your top end) These parts aren't very expensive...don't sweat it. You'll get through for probably under $100, unless the receiving tabs are torn...if these are torn you'll noticed those tabs are attached to your front wheel fender liners (large plastic pieces). This jacks the price up, but still not outrageous. TIP: The microfiche on these parts is very confusing, even for BMW techs. If you can get ALL PART NUMBERS OFF THE PIECES, YOU ARE BETTER OFF. The trianglular pieces called "LEFT AIR DUCT" and RIGHT AIR DUCT" are also different between #1 ('95) and #3 ('97+) above. However, either can be made to work in a pinch, but some of the plastic details don't quite line up perfectly. Aerodynamically, the '95 setup looks to be more aero than the '97 setup, but it weighs more and hence fails more often. Can we say gravity sucks? Well, gravity and that "reverse airfoil" on the '95 does suck, and it literally pulls the front end down, giving you down force up to the point where the part pulls off. Now aerodynamically, The left/right wedges in front of the tires are very desirable because it diverts stagnant air away from the intersection of the tire/pavement (which creates an inverse airfoil and causes tire lift) The JTD-design replacement (see http://bmwmpower.com/TechProc/jtd.htm and http://www.jt-designs.com/ P/N # 907) looks pretty good and can be used with these '95 wedges (aero devices) or the '97 wedges (which are not really aero devices...just flat plates). I'd like to see 80 people on this digest ask JTD to make their shroud plate an aerodynamic copy of the '95 setup. (but keep in mind that this WILL PULL on whatever they <JTD> decide to attach it to, and if this is the plastic liners for the wheel wells, then.... - Skip _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com.
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#7. Open Driving School Spot - from John Van Houten
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Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2000 09:13:49 -0500 From: "John Van Houten" <jvanhouten@ix.netcom.com> Subject: Open Driving School Spot I have a spot in the "A" group at Grattan Raceway with the Motor City Chapter this weekend if anyone is interested. Needless to say, the car is not fixed and I don't really feel like returning to the scene of the crime just two weeks after in the wifes car ;-) Please let me know if you would like my spot. Thanks John 95M3 "Ice9" - wounded
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#8. Re: M3 feels slower by the day (Over the Hill?!) - from Bryan Watts
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Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2000 11:13:20 -0400 From: "Bryan Watts" <wattba02@wfu.edu> Subject: Re: M3 feels slower by the day (Over the Hill?!) Rob writes: > Two recent "races" have really got me bummed out and wondering what is going > on with my car. After 5 long years of wonderful service and sheer > excitement, I'm afraid that my M3 is over-the-hill. Or could something be > wrong? I don't even know how to respond to this except to say: Rob, you are basing your assessment of your car's performance on two situations that involve SO MANY factors. From RPM, gear selection, traction, driver ability, etc, etc. You want a real test, take a professional race car driver, put him on the track in both cars...thats the only way to REALLY know. I'd be happy to volunteer to perform the tests (even though I'm no pro). Rent the track and the get the cars lined up. I'll gladly show up, just let me know when <g>. -Bryan Watts
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#9. TRACK EVENT - Buttonwillow, CA, OCT 10-11 (w/Celeb Pro - from Bradley J. Otoupalik
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Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2000 08:19:10 -0700 From: "Bradley J. Otoupalik" <otoupalik@pobox.com> Subject: TRACK EVENT - Buttonwillow, CA, OCT 10-11 (w/Celeb Pro Instructors) Hey guys and gals, I wanted to announce our next Driving Concepts ( www.drivingconcepts.com <http://www.drivingconcepts.com/> ) track events. We have two very special events coming up on October 10 and 11 and Buttonwillow Raceway Park, CA (1/2 way between LA and San Jose). Look at the list of Pros and experts included! Advanced Racing/Driving Seminar This special event will be led by acclaimed racing and driving coach, Ronn Langford. In addition to coaching many of the top professional drivers over the years, he is a co-author of the best selling book Speed Secrets. You can see more about Ronn below. This seminar will combine Ronn's nationally praised lecture with track time. We will also be offering on-track instruction by 1999 Porsche GT3 World Champion Cort Wagner and Chevrolet Team Driver Kelly Collins. By reinforcing what is taught in the classroom with immediate implementation on Buttonwillow's fantastic road course, Driving Concepts is offering the most unique learning opportunity available anywhere! Register Now for Only $795.00 (Space is limited to 40) High Performance Driving School Designed for the enthusiast who wants to explore the capabilities of their vehicle in a safe, fun and educational environment. This program is presented by Race Drivers and Instructors, Including Davy Jones, Cort Wagner, Kelly Collins and Belinda Endress, who develop the drivers' car control skills and knowledge of vehicle dynamics. On track driving time is enhanced by classroom presentations focused on driver skill development. You have invested in the car, now learn to enjoy the capabilities and performance of your vehicle with complete driver control. Register Now for Only $495.00 (Space is limited to 40) Common Event Details: This is a full service two day event. Driving Concepts will be offering two full days of instruction and track time. We will also provide all the amenities associated with a four-star event! - October 10 (Tuesday) and October 11 (Wednesday) - Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Full Track 2.64 to 2.8 miles - 3-4 hours of classroom instruction - 3-4 hours of on-track time each day - Ability to learn from professional instructors in your own car - Fully catered BBQ lunch both days (Ribs, Roast Beef and Chicken with all the trimmings cooked while we drive and served on real plates with silverware!) - On-Track instruction by accomplished drivers and instructors including Cort Wagner, Kelly Collins, Davy Jones and Belinda Endress! - Participants provided with certificate of completion and letters of recommendation - Numerous giveaways and Star Performer award Details and registration at: http://www.drivingconcepts.com/schedule.html <http://www.drivingconcepts.com/schedule.html> info@drivingconcepts.com or e-mail me! Thanks, Brad
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#10. M3 feels slower by the day - I agree - from Wayne Miller
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Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2000 11:40:04 -0400 From: "Wayne Miller" <m3@waynemiller.com> Subject: M3 feels slower by the day - I agree I want to start out by saying that I absolutely LOVE my M3. I know that on a track, together we can keep up with cars perceived to be much better and/or faster and I always enjoy driving it. Unfortunately, I have to agree with Rob here. I was on the highway a few weeks ago and I had a plain looking VW Golf behind me accelerating on the highway from about 60 to 125 and he was right on my butt the whole time. I don't think that he could have passed me but he wasn't losing any ground either. I was in the right gears and I couldn't have accelerated any faster. It could have been a VR6 or even had nitrous, I'll never know for sure but I was disappointed. Personally, I am waiting to see if any new turbo or supercharger kits become available in the near future. I had extensive conversations with Corky Bell about his Turbo kit but the progress was slow and I haven't spoken to him in a while. I have never been all that impressed with the AA stuff and would not convert my car back to OBDI. I wasn't all that impressed with the available supercharger systems out there. I even spoke to Turner Motorsport about purchasing one of their (what I found out to be) used Euro 3.0 engines. They were expensive to start with (I think $9,000 was the low end) and required way too many other modifications to get to work in my car - I estimated that it would end up costing me $15,000 minimum for that swap. Now, I am waiting with my fingers crossed for any announcements from well established people and hoping that some alternative arrives to give me (us?) the unfair advantage :-) -Wayne '99 M3/2 with everything