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#1. Weathertech's - from Ed Tang
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Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 06:03:42 -0800 (PST) From: Ed Tang <etangf1@yahoo.com> Subject: Weathertech's Kevin wrote: >I just got a set of WeatherTech Floormats that are >supposed to fix my '95 M3. There is no way these mats >will fit my car. >Is it possible they sent me the wrong ones, or is it >more likely WeatherTech's products are a POS ? They are not pos's. I've been using them for years. I had a Nissan Maxima previously and all I did was take a Sharpie and stenciled the outline for the pedal placement in the ///M and cut away with scissors. Since the Maxima was much bigger I had a lot of rubber to burn. The rear mats were also cut to fit. They give a lot of rubber to cut around before you hit the red seam that keeps the water in. If you don't mind cutting them to fit I'd go with that. Otherwise, you can return them and get the factory BMW weathertech(ish) mats. If you have CCA membership, your local dealer might give you a discount. Ed Tang 95 Cosmos M3 __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Shopping - Thousands of Stores. Millions of Products. http://shopping.yahoo.com/
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#2. Service Bulletins - from Carey Probst
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Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 09:25:15 -0500 From: "Carey Probst" <hcprobst@alum.mit.edu> Subject: Service Bulletins Is there a web site that lists the details of BMW techincal service bulletins? ALLDATA.com lists the titles but no details. The only site I used to use was shut down by threats from BMW. TIA Carey Probst, '99 M3/2, BMW CCA Patroon and Genesee Valley Chapters A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
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#3. Possible real use for fuel mileage gauge - from Davis, Jake A
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Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 08:57:54 -0600 From: "Davis, Jake A" <Jake.Davis@SW.Boeing.com> Subject: Possible real use for fuel mileage gauge I know much has been written about the infamous instantaneous fuel mileage gauge, but it may have one real use: detecting degradation of the oxygen sensor. Lately, I noticed that even under very steady throttle on level surfaces, the gauge wavered up and down a bit. Well, as a part of some other routine maintenance, I replaced the oxygen sensor. Viola, the gauge is not rock steady under the same conditions. As oxygen sensors age, their response slows, resulting in slower swings through just a little rich, just a little lean and just right. Not necessarily enough to trip an engine check lamp, but enough to degrade fuel mileage. I'm postulating that the instantaneous mileage gauge may actually be sensitive enough to show the slowed response as the oxygen sensor. Has anyone else noted this behavior? In other matters that may be of interest to you 95 M3 owners, I just completed a swap of 'reversed' 96+ upper strut bearings (hats) into my 95. By swapping the bearings side to side (R on the L side and vice versa), I now have camber values of -1.70 and 1.54 degrees, toe-in was set at 1/16". The immediate effect, as expected, is better turn-in and a reduction in understeer. The front end feels much more planted. We'll have to see what effect it has on tire wear. One problem you may find with this swap is the studs in the strut mounts may be too short. I also installed the 96+ reinforcement plates and have a UUC strut barbarian, so that contributed to the problem. Since the studs are pressed in, I just pressed the studs out and replaced them with longer studs (sorry, don't have a part number a local shop got them for me). Another solution is to use bolts and tackweld them to the strut bearings. Have a great christmas and new year.... Jake Davis Dallas TX 95 M3/2
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#4. 98 M3 Audio Choices - from Paul Elliott
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Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 10:41:33 -0500 From: "Paul Elliott" <pelliott@rcn.com> Subject: 98 M3 Audio Choices Lee, >>I was told that the sound systems in these cars aren't very good, and that appears to be true to my ears. I have the standard cassette/AM/FM unit. Anyone have opinions on current after market options vs. staying stock and adding a BMW CD changer? Will I encounter any warranty hassles if the aftermarket equipment is properly installed?<< Unfortunately, your ears arent deceiving you! The E36 sound was thrown in as an afterthought...That is, some mfgs engineer the sound system carefully into the car interiors, and build the interiors around it. On the E36 series, first the car is engineered, then the sound is adapted. What you have is the result: A great engineered car with a throw in sound system. Get over to bimmer.org to the M3 and E36 archives and do some searching...I've redone mine, and I'll briefly give you the results of my research. First, I believe it costs approx $1500 to hit a sound system sweet spot on the E36 series. If you dont think you want to go that route, just consider replaicing the head unit, as this seems to give the biggest single bang for the buck improvement...Also, if you want to add on later, you'll need a new head unit with preouts, and some of the latest features, not to mention the sound quality improvement you'll realize. But, like many folks, youll go into a head unit replacement by itself, but once you get a taste of what you can do, youll be teased into getting more. Here's how I derive the sweet spot...I'll use my components as a possible upgrade path, and mention more expensive (better?) alternatives people like for these cars: Head Unit: Kenwood Excelon $300 (also blaupunkt, nakamichi, eclipse, etc) Front Stage: Polk DX series $250 (also MBQuart, a/d/s, BA, Focal, Dynaudio, Diamond, etc) Amp: Kenwood Excelon KAC-X501F 4 x 75 watt rms; 300 wrms bridged $400 (also Rockford Fosgate, Sony, Phoenix Gold, Subs: JL Audio Stealthboxes $325 Installation: $200 ( the sky's the limit ) You might ask, why do you have to do all the parts? Well, since sound was not an integral part of the initial car design, this cant really be treated well as plug and play replacement opportunity. That is, the speakers are lousy, but they work with the lousy, weak stock amp....Put better speakers in and they wont respond well to the lack of power. Also, all the crossovers are an integral part of the amp, so there is no flexibility with your add ons. Believe me, if youre at all serious about your sound, prepare to replace all stock components. Last, the STealthbox subs are designed just for this car, and they fit into the mountpoints for the rear stock coaxials, which might raise the question, what do you do for rear fill? If you follow my advice and get a strong amp to drive a good quality front stage, you dont need it! Ok, while my plan is sound and solid, you will get debates from people about this component over that.....To satisfy yourself, talk to people, and search the net; And get to a store and ask questions and listen! Youll find folks on the boards and lists are very happy to help you with your questions.....Good luck. _____________________________ 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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#5. RE: [E36M3] Re: Back from Munich - from Wentz, Don
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Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 08:15:45 -0800 From: "Wentz, Don" <don.wentz@intel.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Re: Back from Munich Dan, you were right on on every count. One thing, I DID register ahead of time for the tour, about 10 days ahead. Evidently it's less busy in the winter. There was a group of three that only had confirmation for two, and they BARELY begged their way in. >you were pretty fortunate to get in on the tour if you didn't book ahead. >i was there in august of this past year and they were booked months in >advance. dw
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#6. RE: Trunckmats - from Patrick Mallon
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Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 08:48:47 -0800 From: "Patrick Mallon" <zez413@home.com> Subject: RE: Trunckmats Tim out because they were a good fit without any cutting. Impressed with the protection they provided - I ordered a weathertech trunk mat from my BMW Dealer - I was dissapointed to find the following: !@!@!Weathertech 1. Not made from the same soft form fitting rubber(the reason I choose it over the BMW mat in the first place) as the floormats (it was quite stiff - terrible grip for whatever you put on it)- I had it for days (warm weather) and it never laid down correctly. 2. Fitment was terrible in the E36 M3 (98 coupe) - there was a lot of room around the edges and the lip the went against the rear seats was not angled (this was the worst area) liner from the dealer - disappointed that in addition to the problems listed above: !@!@!BMW 1. the fit was even worse - I guess they designed generic for the E36 and used a different variation (maybe the sedan) 2. the outer edge lip was not as tall as the one from weathertech - not as much protection My 3!@!@!rd attempt for trunk protection was the embroidered M3 trunk mat - After getting the mat I was upset that I had not chosen it in the 1st place: 1. Price - comparable to the other items 2. Fitment - perfect 3. quality - as good or better than BMW floomats 4. features - although the mat is not water proof - it is quite thick and prevents items from sliding all over the place - it looks beautiful - very plush - M3 logo is sharp My .02 Patrick Mallon 98 M3/2 Cosmos Original: Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2000 22:54:56 -0500 From: "Thomas E. Tice" <tetice@worldnet.att.net> Subject: WeatherTech Floormats => Trunkmats Ben is correct on the BMW mats. around because they have no means of securely attaching them. fit perfectly. They even attach to the carpet with the same fastener system as the standard mats. The BMW mats may only hold a pint or so of water but personally, I have no need to hold anything close to quart of water in my car mats. pleased with it. It fits perfect, is very durable, easy to clean and really protects the trunk. I'd like one for my M3 also. BMW also makes a similar trunk mat for most models that is less expensive than the weathertech (at least when comparing street prices). Does anyone have experience with the BMW trunk mat? Tom Tice '98 M3/4 '99 540/6 ---------------- Sent from a WebBox - http://www.webbox.com FREE Web based Email, Files, Bookmarks, Calendar, People and Great Ways to Share them with Others!
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#7. Fikse FM 5 17x8.5 wheel weights - from Marc.S.Edwards@QuestDiagnostics.com
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Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 09:51:39 -0800 From: Marc.S.Edwards@QuestDiagnostics.com Subject: Fikse FM 5 17x8.5 wheel weights Someone asked about Fikse FM5 weights. Here is a message I posted earlier this year: Wheel watchers and weight obsessed; I took a quick break from work today to weigh a Fikse rim for fun. These Fikse FM-5s look great with the satin anodized finish to make the 5 spokes easier to clean. Specs: Fikse FM-5 in 17x8.5 " size (38 mm offset) with chrome/steel valve stem inserted and Fikse center cap. Weight: 20.25 pounds Weight with the 5 Fikse-supplied chrome lug bolts for this rim: 21.15 pounds 5 Fikse-supplied lug bolts alone: 0.90 pounds Thanks, Marc Edwards 1995 M3 LTW
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#8. Seat Covers - from ENF
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Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 13:46:32 -0500 From: "ENF" <enf@iglou.com> Subject: Seat Covers Has anyone tried to protect their seats with these sheepskin seat covers I have been reading about? Are they any good? Which brands are recommended? I'm in Ky. so not a lot of cold weather but some, more heat than anything. Would just tinting the windows be enough protection from the sun? Ed Frank 97 M3/4
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#9. E36 M3 HVAC whistle? - from eevans@planetc.com
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Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 14:28:08 -0500 From: eevans@planetc.com Subject: E36 M3 HVAC whistle? Hi, I have a '95 E36 M3 w/ 58K that has a whistle coming from the fan while the air or heat is on? It doesn't do it all the time, but is quite annoying when it starts. Any ideas on the fix? BTW, I also cannot turn my directional air flow knob to full windshield mode. It hangs at about half way up. I've pulled the radio out trying to see if a cable or something is binding, but I can't see anything. Any ideas? Sometimes at a red light w/ the clutch fully depressed I'll grind first gear when trying to shift back into first. Feels like the clutch hasn't been depressed at all. I always put the car in neutral clutch out when stopped so this happens infrequently. Is my clutch getting ready to let go or do I have a syncro problem? TIA Evan
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#10. Re: [E36M3] 98 M3 Audio Choices - from Sean Hester
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Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 12:19:54 -0800 From: "Sean Hester" <seanh_race@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] 98 M3 Audio Choices >I was told that the sound systems in these cars aren't very good, and that >appears to be true to my ears. I have the standard cassette/AM/FM unit. >Anyone have opinions on current after market options vs. staying stock and >adding a BMW CD changer? the bmw sound systems suck. even with a CD changer. replace it all (and you have to replace it ALL too) with aftermarket stuff. i had alpine electronics with mb-quart speakers and it sounded great. (and never placed lower then 5th place in IASCA stereo competitions.) >Will I encounter any warranty hassles if the >aftermarket equipment is properly installed? i never did. i encountered just about every warrenty hassle that is possible with an M3 EXCEPT about the stereo/electronics. even with $5000 worth of stuff and the trunk filled with speakers, they never said a word about it. _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
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#11.E36 M3 Forged Double Spoke Wheels - from Ben Liaw
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Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 15:13:13 -0500 From: "Ben Liaw" <ben@shortshifter.com> Subject: <FS> E36 M3 Forged Double Spoke Wheels for sale, real BMW forged double sport wheels, staggered. two (2) 17x7.5 and two (2) 17x8.5 set. these wheels have been professionally refinished and guarenteed to be straight and true. they have NOT had tires mounted on them. cost new on this staggered set retails for more than $2600 from the dealer. first $1350 which INCLUDES SHIPPING to anywhere in the US. price is FIRM. see picture of the style here: http://www.bmwusa.com/virtual/accessories/wheels/mdblspokep.gif contact me privately. shipping from SF, CA. ben ------------------------------------------- ben liaw - ben@shortshifter.com http://www.uucmotorwerks.com