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#1. Re: IFG A5 Wheels - from Bryan Watts
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Date: Sun, 8 Oct 2000 16:16:27 -0400 From: "Bryan Watts" <wattba02@wfu.edu> Subject: Re: IFG A5 Wheels > Has anyone out there bent an IFG A5 wheel?? > > The reason I ask is that I am looking to replace > the stock wheels on my '95 M3 which are > as soft as butter! I just bent my fourth > wheel (in 10k miles) coming back from Ofest... How the HECK do you people bend wheels? I'm just wondering? I've never bent a wheel and I can't come up with a situation in my mind outside of a wreck that would bend a wheel. The only wheel I have ever seen bent was a Fikse, and it occured to my dad's LTW on the racetrack thanks to a moron in a Camero. Inquiring minds want to know... -Bryan Watts 95 M3...never bent a wheel in 75,xxx miles
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#2. [E36M3] E46 M3 -- first review! - from Jay Sala
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Date: Mon, 09 Oct 2000 21:50:25 +0800 From: Jay Sala <jsala@mist.com> Subject: [E36M3] E46 M3 -- first review! There was a great driving test/comparison of the E46 M3, Audi RS4 and Porsche 911 Carrera in the Sept issue of Autocar. Here are excerpts of what the writer, Peter Robinson, said about the new M3. It's long, so I apologize for taking up so much bandwidth in case this isn't of interest to everyone. There is more detail in the article, and the comments on the other cars are interesting as well. "Screaming Tuetonic performance is just the start of it with BMW's latest M3, a coupe so versatile it bears comparison with Audi's supercar estate and Porsche's enduring icon." "BMW counts the 911 as a direct rival to the M3 - in fact, its closest competitor. On the other hand, Munich rather disparagingly refers to the RS4 as 'that turbocharged tourer.'" "In reality, there is nothing between these three - all are indecently, blindingly fast. Each is capable of blasting to 100 mph in less than 11.0 in less than the time it takes to read this sentence. Sub-5.0 sec to 60mph and around 11.0 to 100mph are effortlessly achieved." "But for an audacious blend of achievements that brings unrestrained performance and brilliant driver appeal, with a layer of luxury and refinement, look no further than to the M3." "Fundamental to the BMW's allure is a superb engine. A smooth 850 rpm idle imparts nothing of its potency, at least inside the cabin. Outside, a snarling burble rich in implication reveals far more. You quickly learn that it doesn't pull cleanly below 2000rpm in the higher gears. That still leaves an operating range of 6000rpm. It's effectively one long, drawn-out and near-linear thrust of acceleration that almost instantly twists the rev counter needle to 8200rpm in the three lowest gears, and barely slows until it reaches 6th. By then you are over 150mph and wondering if the constant roar from the engine might prove tiring on long motorway journeys. In Germany, that is." "The hollow metallic induction note that rises and falls as desired by the driver's right foot is inspired and matched by a slick gearchange that's so swift you never tire of snap-changing it up or down. Fourth to fifth at 8000rpm, engine howling, ought to be bottled and sold. The pedals are perfectly set so that the sole of the foot can operate brake and accelerator together to facilitate blipping the revs on the way down through the box." "In fact, the relationships between major controls are so right you know this car was created by engineers who understand the principles and practices of driving fast. Significantly, the driveline snatch that made the old M3 something of a chore in heavy traffic has vanished." "Driving position and controls clearly the work of people who understand how to make an environment that's ideal for fast driving over long distances." "Body control is outstanding, the steering intrinsically fluent and beautifully mated to the chassis.... The communication isn't as overt as the 911, yet that takes nothing away from the M3 for it changes direction brilliantly with near-neutral handling because there's easily enough power to counteract a pushing-side nose in sharp corners." "M3's 343 bhp is easily enough to kick away initial understeer and then hold a sideways slide indefinitely." [Note: This is the DIN hp rating, which is equivalent to the 333 SAE hp quoted in the U.S.] "BMW's variable differential lock provides plenty of traction even when the M3 is in full-blooded power-oversteer stance, a condition that quickly seems intrinsic to the entire car. That sounds laddish, of course, by the M3's sideways behavior is so easy and progressive to control, it's quickly counted among the car's virtues." "There are so many, such as the subtle finish of the roomy, four-seat interior, progressive and powerful brakes, high level of equipment and visuals that strike just the right balance between aggression and elegance." "This is truly a defining car for BMW. It's closer to the original and delivers true supercar performance, yet remains refined and essentially comfortable. Choosing between 911 and M3 would be an incredible difficult task - until you look at their prices." By the way, the E46 M3 ranked first in this comparison, the 911 was second, the RS4 was third. The final verdict on the M3 was, "As quick as the 911 and almost as much fun - but for GBP 20k less." The verdict on the 911 was, "Brilliant in every way. But beaten by the cheaper M3 overall." The M3 is estimated to cost GBP 38,500 (in the U.K.). While 18" wheels & tires are standard, forged aluminum 19" wheels (19 x 8 with 225/40/19 (front), and 19 x 9.5 with 255/35/19 (rear) tires) are optional, in Europe at least. Finally, here are some performance stats for the M3: 0-60 mph: 4.8 sec 0-100 mph: 11.5 sec 30-70 mph through gears: 4.3 sec 30-50 mph in 4th: 4.3 sec 50-70 mph in top: 10.1 sec [6th gear] Standing quarter mile: 13.3 sec/108 mph Standing kilometer: 24.2 sec/131 mph Top speed: 155 mph (limited) It sounds like an awesome car. Those of you early on the waiting list will have a blast. I have to get one, though unfortunately it won't be soon... Jay Sala Currently bimmerless.... :(
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#3. 2001 E46 M3 production figures - from Ben Liaw
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Date: Mon, 9 Oct 2000 10:14:03 -0400 From: "Ben Liaw" <ben@shortshifter.com> Subject: 2001 E46 M3 production figures just heard from our BMW source that 2001 E46 M3 production may be LOWER than originally posted... expect to see around 4000 E46 M3s the first year. again, the problem seems to be the ability to "crank out" the hand built E46 M3 motors to meet demand. ben liaw <-- getting 1 of the 5 allocated at the local dealer http://www.uucmotorwerks.com
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#4. Re: [E36M3] Re: IFG A5 Wheels - from John Van Houten
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Date: Mon, 9 Oct 2000 09:32:36 -0500 From: "John Van Houten" <jvanhouten@ix.netcom.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re: IFG A5 Wheels > How the HECK do you people bend wheels? I'm just wondering? They drive in cities where there are four seasons and therefore potholes. Not everyone lives in the Southeast. I cracked (2" long) the inside lip of a Fikse on a Chicago pothole this spring. Fikse fixed it for free in less than a week, including shipping time. John 95M3 "Ice9" - wounded
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#5. Re: [E36M3] Question For/About Jim C. - from Scott
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Date: Mon, 09 Oct 2000 10:10:47 CDT From: "Scott" <whosez@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Question For/About Jim C. Didn't JimC do customer programming for our own list Mistress (when she had her turbo installed)? Scott ----Original Message Follows---- From: "David Hogg" <springwood@blazenet.net> Reply-To: "David Hogg" <springwood@blazenet.net> To: E36M3 <e36m3@bmwmpower.com> Subject: [E36M3] Question For/About Jim C. Date: Sun, 8 Oct 2000 08:36:32 -0500 Date: Sun, 8 Oct 2000 08:21:15 -0700 From: "David Hogg" <springwood@blazenet.net> Subject: Question For/About Jim C. Yes, Jim does custom programming through certain tuners like TC and Turner for their racing customers. But it does take some major $$$. No surprise. Dave Hogg ************************************************************* List Commands UNSUBSCRIBE - (in subject line) unsubscribes you from the mailing list. ************************************************************* _________________________________________________________________________ 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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#6. Re: [E36M3] Re: IFG A5 Wheels - from Rich Gay
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Date: Mon, 09 Oct 2000 10:57:51 -0500 From: "Rich Gay" <rich_gay@linbeck.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re: IFG A5 Wheels on 10/9/00 9:16 AM, Bryan Watts at wattba02@wfu.edu wrote: > How the HECK do you people bend wheels? I'm just wondering? > > I've never bent a wheel and I can't come up with a situation in my mind > outside of a wreck that would bend a wheel. The only wheel I have ever > seen bent was a Fikse, and it occured to my dad's LTW on the racetrack > thanks to a moron in a Camero. > > Inquiring minds want to know... Come drive the streets of Houston and you'll find out... - Rich
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#7. RE: [E36M3] Re: IFG A5 Wheels - from Rob Jackowitz
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Date: Mon, 9 Oct 2000 12:06:33 -0400 From: Rob Jackowitz <rjme@msn.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Re: IFG A5 Wheels I guess you don't live in the northeast, do you? See, its like this...your driving along on the highway, minding your own business, making good time...and then BAMMM! Never saw it coming...maybe a screwed up expansion joint -or- a bad road patch job -or- just enough unevenness between two slabs of concrete...and you feel your whole front suspension compress into the sock tower. Next thing you know getting vibrations in the steering wheel between 50 and 75 mph and eyeing those IFGs. Rob How the HECK do you people bend wheels? I'm just wondering? I've never bent a wheel and I can't come up with a situation in my mind outside of a wreck that would bend a wheel. The only wheel I have ever seen bent was a Fikse, and it occured to my dad's LTW on the racetrack thanks to a moron in a Camero. Inquiring minds want to know... -Bryan Watts 95 M3...never bent a wheel in 75,xxx miles ************************************************************* List Commands UNSUBSCRIBE - (in subject line) unsubscribes you from the mailing list. *************************************************************
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#8. E46M3 Raffle? - from John Demartino US-Valencia
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Date: Mon, 9 Oct 2000 18:57:02 +0200 From: John Demartino US-Valencia <j.demartino@us.qiagen.com> Subject: E46M3 Raffle? Does anybody know anybody who won an M3? > John C. DeMartino Product Manager QIAGEN Inc 28159 Ave Stanford Valencia, CA 91355 800-426-8157 x507 j.demartino@us.qiagen.com
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#9. Clutch slippage at 19k miles?? - from Paul Elliott
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Date: Mon, 9 Oct 2000 13:34:30 -0400 From: "Paul Elliott" <pelliott@rcn.com> Subject: Clutch slippage at 19k miles?? Can someone maybe explain what's going on? To test the integrity of my clutch, on a slight incline, I will get up to about 35 mph, gas it to about 4000 - 4500 rpms, shift into fifth, and let the clutch out fairly quickly. What usually happens the few times I've tried it is that that the clutch will grab with no slippage. Just now, however, when I did it, instead of grabbing, it started slipping like a bandit, and only stopped when I backed off the rpms....I tried it a couple of more times, using both 4th and 5th at about 4K rpms with the same slipping results. Then, to double check, I tried a couple of agressive first to second shifts to see if it would grab enough to leave rubber , and , under this condition, it did, no problem...I would think that if it were slipping badly enough to need replacement, it would slip too badly for first or second gear rubber as well....But this seems not to be the case. When I got home, the car stunk of clutch, like I only smelled once before, after some 0-60 tests. Now, the clutch is stock, and the car only has 19K miles on it. Aside from some 0-60 tests with my Gtech/pro (under 20 runs in total), I usually shift without leaving rubber, and am pretty easy on the clutch....I do have a Vortech supercharger, but Dinan says the stock clutch is adequate until you produce over 370 ft lbs, which Im easlily 60 under. So, how is it possible that my clutch is gone after just 1.25 yrs of ownership and 19K miles? Or, is it possible this was a temporary condition? I had just come from the car wash....any chance water had anything to do with it? Prior to the test which produced the slippage, I had been doing nothing except driving to the car wash, and around town, with very unagressive clutch activity... Looking forward to your comments. Thanks. _____________________________ Paul Elliott '99 Alpine White M3; <20000 mi; Forged M dbl-spokes; Rotex pads; Dinan Stage II Supercharger; Stygar Short Shift Kit and clutch stop; Skaags pedals
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#10. Squeezing dealer service - from David Forster
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Date: Mon, 9 Oct 2000 11:27:47 -0700 From: David Forster <df@prolifixmedical.com> Subject: Squeezing dealer service Can someone confirm the following. Are dealers required to service a car with one green service light remaining? I have 33,000 miles on my car ('98 M3 cab.) have one light left and would like to have my inspection II performed under the factory 36,000 mile service program. Thank you for your advice David