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#1. Re: [E36M3] Not sure what the problem is - from NickG
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Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2000 16:07:36 -0500 From: "NickG" <nikog@MediaOne.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Not sure what the problem is It could be your mass air meter. If you can, connect a DVM to it and look at its output when the leanout occurs. If the output drops, then that's your problem. Nick > Hy all, > Recently I've been having a reoccurring problem. When I'm driving > at a > steady pace, it will feel like the car has no fuel running to the > engine. It > will almost buck and stop running. I can see that it must be the fuel > because > when this happens, my air/fuel meter runs full lean. But its odd that it > will > happen even when cruising at a normal pace whether 50 mph or even 20 > mph. > Also, when this happens, and the meter reads full lean, nothing happens > if I > step on the accelerator pedal. Ill hear exhaust but the car wont go > anywhere > or feel like it wants to pick up. > > Anyone have a clue? > Alex "HyperM3" Demsky > 97 SCM3
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#2. Re: LTW wing question [long] - from Andrew E. Kalman
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Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2000 12:49:17 -0700 From: "Andrew E. Kalman" <aek@pumpkininc.com> Subject: Re: LTW wing question [long] Alan Taur asked me, and I thought I'd respond to the groups: >From: Alan Taur <alantaur@yahoo.com> >To: aek@netcom.com >Subject: LTW wing question >Date: Fri, 17 Nov 2000 23:16:53 -0800 (PST) > >Hi, Andrew. > >I have a few questions that no one seems to have >straight answers on: Does the LTW come from the >factory with a third brake light? If so, is the brake >light itself the same as the ones found in the normal >M-Technic wing? Why do some LTWs have this "normal" M3 >wing installed instead of the Class II wing/spoiler? > >I'm hoping to track down the lower element of the LTW >wing that has the third brake light, but the ones >available from all the major importers do not have it. > >Thanks so much for your time! OK, the LWT comes from the factory with the normal M-Technic wing installed, with its integrated third brake light. Therefore the LWT does not have a third brake light on the parcel shelf behind the rear window. Such a parcel-shelf third brake light would occur in a non-winged M3. So, a LWT's "small wing" = M-Technic wing. This wing has an integrated third brake light. All M3s that come from the factory with this wing do not have a parcel-shelf third brake light. Conversely, those without a factory wing have the parcel-shelf third brake light. I don't know what happens if you _add_ an M-Technic wing to a car that already has the third brake light -- is there a version of the M-Technic wing without a light? Do you end up with two third brake lights (Ugh!) ? The LWTs that have the "big wing" (i.e. the wing that consists of a lower wing with brake light, and upper wing, and two spacers, plus various hardware, what Alan calls the Class II wing), have the wing because the owners removed the M-Technic wing and installed the big wing. Installation requires drilling 5 holes in the trunklid, 4 to mechanically hold the lower wing and one to route the brake light wire to the connector in the trunk lid for a third brake light on a wing. I strongly believe that the actual third brake light element (an LED array, I presume, and made by Hella) is the same for both wings. I say this because if you look at a LWT's big wing's lower wing and third brake light, you'll see that the wing's curvature does not match that of the brake light. Furthermore, I believe that PTG modified the lower wings in-house to accept this third brake light and its wiring harness. Unfortunately, they did this in a manner that is not the same as the M-Technic wing. If they had, one would not have to drill the fifth hole. Also, the mounting instructions w/regard to where to drill the hole are incorrect, but that's just one of a couple of errors in the PTG-supplied instructions. Lastly, the installation they did certainly doesn't look "factory". It looks more "show car". So, I think the reason why you can't find such a wing is that it is not formally a BMW part -- the lower wing without the brake light is a standard (though somewhat exclusive) BMW part, but it was modified by PTG to have a third brake light because the car that it was destined for (i.e. a LWT) definitely had its third brake light on the small wing, which had to be removed to accommodate the big wing. I suspect that the part is either considered a true Motorsport part, which would never need a third brake light, or it's really a BMW Europe part, for the M3 GT, which perhaps also doesn't need a third brake light, at least not in the wing. Now, if the M3 GT has a third brake light behind the rear window, or none at all (since Euro regs are different from US regs), then that would make perfect sense -- only the combination of a US, winged-from-the-factory car and the big wing would require adding a third brake light to the lower part of the big wing. Perhaps Ben Liaw can chime in on his M3 GT and the third brake light situation? Also, I believe Jeff Lin, who's on this list (jeffreylin@worldnet.att.net), had a LWT rear wing with the brake light in it, but he may have sold it by now. So I think the only way you'll find a lower wing with a brake light in it is as part of an original LWT wing kit. I do not think that such a part can be ordered ever again. Maybe PTG still has the fixtures to do the mod -- it looked to me like they set up a jig a routed a hole (perhaps with a simple router) for the brake light element to go inside. It was then screwed (I think) in place, and sealed with sealant. I hope this helps. -- ______________________________________ Andrew E. Kalman, Ph.D. aek@pumpkininc.com
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#3. Car and Driver Review - from Rick Knebel
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Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2000 17:15:34 -0500 From: Rick Knebel <rknebel@uplink.net> Subject: Car and Driver Review Hi, I used to own a 1996 M3 but sold it to buy a used 1995 993. I like the 993 but the M3 was a better all around car. My $500 is holding me the option of buying a new M3 when it comes my turn. I am a little concerned now because I just read a review in the December Car and Driver that said the new M3 suffered from alot of understeer. They said the back tires stayed put but the front tires would slide. I took my 1996 M3 to numerous driving schools and never had a problem. Could someone explain to me exactly what understeer is and is this going to be a big problem in the new M3. Thanks Alot Rick -- Rick Knebel rknebel@uplink.net http://rknebel.uplink.net/~rknebel
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#4. Re: [E36M3] Fooling the seatbelt tensioner - from Andrej Dolenc
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Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2000 17:45:48 -0500 From: Andrej Dolenc <adolenc@erols.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Fooling the seatbelt tensioner > I will soon be removing the factory seats and installing racing shells. > I need to know what to do about the plug for the seat tensioner. I > don't want the SRS light coming on. Does anyone know what type of dummy > plug I can install to fool the system into thinking the tensioner is > still plugged in? This is for a '98. Not quite the solution you're after, but I can attest to the fact that 2 layers of electrical tape will mask out the idiot light very well. Mine's been on for several months due to a busted seat belt sensor (suspected), just haven't gotten around to getting it fixed. Andrej '97 M3
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#5. Re: [E36M3] winter tires too soon? - from Gerry Miranda
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Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2000 15:07:18 -0800 (PST) From: Gerry Miranda <gerry_miranda@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] winter tires too soon? I also live in Chicago...Mid November is when i usually put on the snow tires. just did monday last monday..... Remeber they also stick better than hi-perf tires when it's 30's out... G --- Ariel Jimenez <ariel@megapathdsl.net> wrote: > Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2000 10:44:02 -0600 > From: "Ariel Jimenez" <ariel@megapathdsl.net> > Subject: winter tires too soon? > > Hello list- > > Just wondering of when, in your opinion, is the best > time to put on winter > tires? I'm in Chicago, and we're starting to see > some light snow flurries. > I'm more concerned that the temp is staying steady > in the 30's and is > dropping below freezing in early morning and evening > (when I'm coming to and > from work). Do you think putting them on now would > be too soon? TIA, this > is my first ever set of winter tires. > > -Ariel Jimenez > 99 Silver M3 > > > ************************************************************* > List Commands > UNSUBSCRIBE - (in subject line) unsubscribes you > from the mailing list. > ************************************************************* > > ===== Gerry 97 M3/4 __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Calendar - Get organized for the holidays! http://calendar.yahoo.com/
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#6. Re: [E36M3] Yet another M3 for sale... - from Thomas E. Tice
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Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2000 10:52:47 -0500 From: "Thomas E. Tice" <tetice@worldnet.att.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Yet another M3 for sale... What I found even more impressive at Road Atlanta was that Auberlan passed all but the front two cars in the first lap of the race. So much for warming up the tires! Tom Tice '98 M3/4 '99 540/6 Chester Wong wrote: > Date: Thu, 16 Nov 2000 22:02:27 -0800 (PST) > From: Chester Wong <chester_p_wong@yahoo.com> > Subject: Yet another M3 for sale... > > Wow...a few pages later in Autoweek (p. 63). Here's your chance to buy BMW > history. > > The old #10 PTG E36 M3 is for sale. This is the car Bill Auberlan drove at the > BMW Club race during Oktoberfest where he didn't do qualifying so he started > dead last. After three laps on the Road Atlanta circuit...he was in first. > > This was the beautiful white/yellow car that I saw them backing out of the top > level of the trailer. I would have taken a picture, but I was in shocked with > awe. > > $100k. Where do I send my other check? LOL! > > Chester > > ===== > > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Yahoo! Calendar - Get organized for the holidays! > http://calendar.yahoo.com/ > > ************************************************************* > List Commands > UNSUBSCRIBE - (in subject line) unsubscribes you from the mailing list. > *************************************************************
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#7. Re: [E36M3] Inspection Light - from Thomas E. Tice
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Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2000 11:10:36 -0500 From: "Thomas E. Tice" <tetice@worldnet.att.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Inspection Light The inspection lights do vary some however. Mine Inspection II came on at about 34,000 miles (and 3 months under the 36 month limit) so I got it for for free as well. An interesting point on this was that my bill showed an actual amount (charged to BMW NA) of $376.11 for the Ins. II. Literature in the waiting room was advertising the Ins. II as costing $650. I wonder exactly what extra I would get for my $275 if I was paying myself??? Tom Tice '98 M3/4 '99 540/6 Robert Jackowitz wrote: > Date: Fri, 17 Nov 2000 17:39:37 -0500 > From: Robert Jackowitz <RJackowitz@HARVPART.COM> > Subject: RE: [E36M3] Inspection Light > > 18,000 sound just right for your Inspection I. Should be free of charge. > Inspection II comes at about 36,000 or so. > > Rob > > -----Original Message----- > From: Will Gilbert [SMTP:will@zim.com] > Sent: Friday, November 17, 2000 3:26 PM > To: E36M3 > Subject: [E36M3] Inspection Light > > Date: Fri, 17 Nov 2000 14:52:04 -0500 > From: will@zim.com (Will Gilbert) > Subject: Inspection Light > > Is 18,000 miles normal for the inspection light to come on? > When I called > the dealer to schedule a appt they said "I bet you have > about 35,000 miles > on it". When I said no, actually 18,000 they were very > surprised. Is there > any cost for this inspection or is that inspection 2? > > Thanks, > > Will > 99 M3 > > > ************************************************************* > List Commands > UNSUBSCRIBE - (in subject line) unsubscribes you from the > mailing list. > > ************************************************************* > > > ************************************************************* > List Commands > UNSUBSCRIBE - (in subject line) unsubscribes you from the mailing list. > *************************************************************
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#8. Alignment specs for E36 - from Peter Guagenti
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Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2000 20:27:27 -0800 From: "Peter Guagenti" <peter@guagenti.com> Subject: Alignment specs for E36 I need to drop off my '96 328i for an alignment and was wondering if there's a "better" alignment spec than stock that I should consider (I take that back -- I'm sure there's a better spec, I want to know what it is ;-). The suspension _was_ modified, but now it's the wife's street car so it's only got Koni adjustables with factory sport springs and sways. How much adjustability does the stock suspension have any way? I'd love to dial out a bit of the understeer, so any advice in that direction would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. -peterg
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#9. Re: [E36M3] winter tires too soon? - from Carlos Lopez
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Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2000 20:48:41 -0800 (PST) From: Carlos Lopez <clopez95m3@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] winter tires too soon? Jim Powell wrote: >Yes. >When you absolutely certain its time to have snow tires, it will be too >late. And I agree. This weekend I was debating mounting the snows on my xtra rims but decided, "nah" wait 'til Monday. Tonight, coming home from my brother's house I must have passed 9 to 10 accidents on three separate highways and anytime I went on an overpass or on a bridge, "weeeee" sideways boogey and praying I didn't hit any guardrails. Stupid me I should've stayed home, I lucked out this time. Carlos Motor City Chapter <---slicker than snot this evening __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Calendar - Get organized for the holidays! http://calendar.yahoo.com/
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#10. winter tires too soon? - from Paul Elliott
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Date: Sun, 19 Nov 2000 01:10:33 -0500 From: "Paul Elliott" <pelliott@rcn.com> Subject: winter tires too soon? Ariel, I live in metro NY, and last year I put them on Dec 10. Look at it this way.....Putting on those snows will not only make you prepared for your next snowfall, which if your in Chi town, seems always iminent this time of year and later, but in addition, think of all those miles you'll be saving off your expensive summer meats! _____________________________ Paul Elliott '99 Alpine White M3 <25000 mi Forged M dbl-spokes; Rotex pads; Dinan Stage II Supercharger; Stygar Short Shift kit and Clutch Stop; Skaggs Pedals; X-brace; Sound by Kenwood Excelon, Polk, JL Audio
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#11. Re: [E36M3] Fooling the seatbelt tensioner - from Sean Hester
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Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2000 23:52:44 PST From: "Sean Hester" <seanh_race@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Fooling the seatbelt tensioner > > I will soon be removing the factory seats and installing racing shells. > > I need to know what to do about the plug for the seat tensioner. I > > don't want the SRS light coming on. Does anyone know what type of dummy > > plug I can install to fool the system into thinking the tensioner is > > still plugged in? This is for a '98. > >Not quite the solution you're after, but I can attest to the fact that 2 >layers >of electrical tape will mask out the idiot light very well. Mine's been on >for >several months due to a busted seat belt sensor (suspected), just haven't >gotten >around to getting it fixed. why not remove the tensioner from the seat (easy) and leave it secured in the car somewhere? (under the seat, or beside the seat, etc...) that seems like the easiest way to go. if you don't want to do that, contact recaro. they have a whole line of "dummy plugs" you can buy to fool the computer for various cars. the one i bought for my S4 works great. _________________________________________________________________________ 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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#12. Re: [E36M3] Fooling the seatbelt tensioner - from Sean Hester
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Date: Sun, 19 Nov 2000 00:00:13 PST From: "Sean Hester" <seanh_race@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Fooling the seatbelt tensioner > > I will soon be removing the factory seats and installing racing shells. > > I need to know what to do about the plug for the seat tensioner. I > > don't want the SRS light coming on. Does anyone know what type of dummy > > plug I can install to fool the system into thinking the tensioner is > > still plugged in? This is for a '98. > >Not quite the solution you're after, but I can attest to the fact that 2 >layers >of electrical tape will mask out the idiot light very well. Mine's been on >for >several months due to a busted seat belt sensor (suspected), just haven't >gotten >around to getting it fixed. i forgot to say this in my other message. that seat belt tensioner serves a VERY IMPORTANT function if you still have the stock seats and seat belts. i would NOT drive around in a car with stock seats with that system not working. in fact, i'm 99% sure, none of the clubs around here will allow a car on the track sith that system not functioning. not only will the seat belts not hold you in place very well, but they won't release that tiny bit at just the right time to soften the secondary impact ALOT. not to mention the fact that with the SRS "idiot" light on, the airbag system doesn't have any data on how far back your seat is adjusted so will probably deploy at full strength. (not so bad if you sit far back, but if you sit close to the wheel, OUCH!) when you have a racing shell, with 5 point harness, the tensioner system doesn't do much for you. so electrical tape is on ok solution. (though i'm WAY too anal to have tape on my dash, so i'd fix it "right") but if you're in stock seats, with the relatively worthless 3 point belt system, you REALLY REALLY want that tensioner system working for you. unless of course, you're one of those people that won't ever crash. _________________________________________________________________________ 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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#13. Re: [E36M3] Car and Driver Review - from Sean Hester
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Date: Sun, 19 Nov 2000 00:09:56 PST From: "Sean Hester" <seanh_race@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Car and Driver Review >I used to own a 1996 M3 but sold it to buy a used 1995 993. >I like the 993 but the M3 was a better all around car. >My $500 is holding me the option of buying a new M3 when it comes my >turn. I am a little concerned now because I just read a review in the >December Car and Driver that said the new M3 suffered from alot of >understeer. >They said the back tires stayed put but the front tires would slide. > >I took my 1996 M3 to numerous driving schools and never had a problem. the thing i was thinking the whole time i read that review was "what are you talking about? the e36 M3 has ALOT ALOT of understeer. i spend hunders of dollars and hours (adjustible camber plates, adjustible shocks, tires, fiddling with air pressures, fiddling with adjusting my adjustible shocks, fiddling with camber, fiddling with toe, etc, etc, etc, etc...) trying to get rid of that understeer. after 2 years i finally got my car to "neutral handling". and i'll bet only 1 e36 M3 in 1000 comes close having neutral handling (as opposed to LOTS of oversteer) if the they describe the e36 as "neutral" and the e46 M3 as "alot of understeer" i'm VERY scared. >Could someone explain to me exactly what understeer is and is this >going to be a big problem in the new M3. you quoted them as saying... "They said the back tires stayed put but the front tires would slide." that's pretty much the definition of understeer. it's not a "problem" if your goal is staying on the road. i'm sure insurance adjusters every are rejoicing that the new M3 has lots of understeer. the average american driver with 350hp and a neutral handling car will probably wrap it around a tree within a month of buying it. it WILL be a problem if track driving, and/or racing, and/or autocrossing, and/or enthusiast driving is your goal. _________________________________________________________________________ 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.