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#1. RE: Near total-loss woes - from Jay L.
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 12:14:20 -0800 (PST) From: "Jay L." <joong@yahoo.com> Subject: RE: Near total-loss woes A Celette is a standard frame straightening bench. Good shops that work on European cars use new models of this tool. You can attach specific jigs to straighten specific chassis types (e.g. E36, E46, 993, 996). With most frame benches you have to measure everything to numeric tolerances whereas the Celette offers jigs which give exact reference points. You can also attach laser pointers onto the tool to check for straightness, but it isn't critical IMO. I guess my point is that the Celette Bench is not "specific" to BMW, it can be used for most cars. Most critical to a good repair is not the tooling and facilities that a shop has (although important) but the skill and experience of the technicians, as bodywork is more skill and art than it is science. The work I've seen from SFBMW is garbage. Jay L. "Rodger Keesee" <rodger@teutonic.com> wrote: > Do they have a laser frame straightener? They have a Cellette(sp?) machine specifically for BMWs. The shop claims fraction of a mm accuracy. I dunno if Cellette is good or bad. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail. http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/
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#2. RE: [E36M3] Alignment Specs & Advice - from Dorffer, Rich
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 15:15:24 -0500 From: "Dorffer, Rich" <RDORFFER@CleIndians.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Alignment Specs & Advice Daniel wrote> > Bentley manual suggest loading the car with weights in > the respective seats and a full tank of gas. > Hunter says that the M3 chassis requires no loading, > just a full tank of gas. Jim wrote> I just had my car aligned, and asked about this. According to John at Conversion Tech (SF Bay Area) weighting is not necessary since it affects the alignment very little (if at all). I am by no means an expert on this subject matter, but when I had my car aligned at Ganley BMW by Brett Anderson, he did use the ballast (trunk, rear seat, and passenger seat) as suggested and made sure I filled up the tank before dropping of the car. It definitely made a difference in the alignment. The car was out of alignment on arrival and based on the specs prior to the alignment, he proposed the previous alignment was done without the ballast. I doubt Brett did this to impress me. He pretty much does not waste time and does things by what works and what is right. Just another data point. Bet regards, Rich 95 M3
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#3. Re: [E36M3] Re: Koni Adjusting (was Stock Springs) - from Neil Maller
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 15:24:44 -0500 From: Neil Maller <neil.maller@gte.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re: Koni Adjusting (was Stock Springs) on 1/19/01 13:52, Seth Thomas at porsche993@mindspring.com wrote: > If you were going to send them in for upgrading to SA external would it not > be feasible to also have them upgraded to Double Adjustables. That is what > I have on my car and they are very easy to adjust. The hardest part is > crawling under the car with a screwdriver to adjust the compression. The > rebound adjusts just like the SAs on the front. I think at that point it might be more cost effective simply to sell the SAs and buy a new set of DAs. And then of course I'd want to have the DAs on the front too. Oh the slippery slope... Neil 96 M3
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#4. Re: Near total-loss woes - from Mike
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 15:32:02 -0600 From: "Mike" <mike@strictly-german.com> Subject: Re: Near total-loss woes > Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 11:19:57 -0800 > From: "Rodger Keesee" <rodger@teutonic.com> > Subject: RE: Near total-loss woes > > Thanks all for the valuable feedback and heartfelt > condolences. > > Here are answers to some of your questions. > > Why not simply the total the car? You will want them to total that car, trust me. Our shop deals with salvaged BMWs and something like that would most certainly be totalled. On a 97, anything over 20k should be totaled. You are taking a huge risk of the car not being 100% correct after that kind of repair. I know, we rebuild them weekly. In fact we just rebuilt a 97 M3/4 door. It only had front damage and it was not that severe. Hood, fenders, one frame rail was crushed about 4 inches but no strut tower damage or movement.. It was still driveable and they totaled it. We are selling that car for $22k with about 40k miles on it. Anytime you have to move, replace strut towers, you are taking a huge risk of the car never being right, it will also be weaker in that area too. A car in the shape you described would bring about $4k-6,500 at most at an auction. Since I had a M3 totaled myself, I went through the decision of fixing it, or letting them have it. And this was MY LTW. the damage was around 14-16k, they totaled it and gave me full retail on the car. I bought it back at the auction, could have driven it home if I had wanted to. I was shocked that they even gave me the choice of totaling it. But back to this car, if it has to be rebuilt from the firewall forward, you need to be assertive and make sure they total the car. you might end up with a 6 month ordeal of getting the shop to fix the things that are not right, most buyers are going to run and the car probably would not be worth 18k or so when finished. Unless it is sold to an unsuspecting buyer. We would not dream of repairing a car with that much damage, does not make any financial sense to do so. We would not even repair it if you came in with cash begging for us to, you just cant predict how well it will be when it is done and would always come back to haunt you. Do you have any digital pictures of it? Good luck in whatever happens with it Mike mike@strictly-german.com
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#5. Re: Koni Adjustables - from Neil Maller
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 15:40:14 -0500 From: Neil Maller <neil.maller@gte.net> Subject: Re: Koni Adjustables on 1/19/01 14:40, Kit Wetzler <kitwetzler@mindspring.com> wrote: > As for adjusting the rears, I found that wrapping the threaded portion > of the piston in cloth and putting it a bench vise while adjusting > helped out considerably... that said, I think I just left them on 1/2 > stiff and didn't ever change that, except for a couple of times. Yeah, I use a bench vise to adjust them when at home. > The Ground Control rear shock mounts make removing them MUCH easier, though... > you can do the entire operation from under the car as long as you're careful. > Takes maybe 10 minutes per side, with my handy dandy electric impact wrench. Just bought a set of these and installed them on the Konis today. However the Konis won't be going back on the car until April - Midwest winter... The JTD RSMs I've used up until now are beginning to develop some play. Oddly enough the ones we put on a friend's car just afterwards are completely shot. They crash and bang horribly. The GCs seem like a better design. >> ProParts West (but not ProParts East = TC Kline) can rebuild the Koni rears >> to adjust externally - for a price. I've emailed to find out how much, will >> post when I hear back. > Last time I checked, it was $180 per shock That's probably well over my pain threshhold. > for only a $120 more they'll custom valve them for you, too. And that'd be way over it! Neil 96 M3
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#6. RE: [E36M3] Warning! Unethical parts sale - from Roman
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 12:43:21 -0800 From: Roman <roman@arteuro.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Warning! Unethical parts sale Jim, I agree with you and know how you must feel. While on the subject of unethical business practices I would like to mention a car dealership in Houston, TX called US Motorcars. They are very bad people and I caution anyone who may do business with them. I found them on eBay selling a 98 M3. They go by the id MFGI. CAUTION Cheers, Roman -----Original Message----- From: Jim Powell [mailto:jsp98m3@apexcone.com] Sent: Friday, January 19, 2001 6:50 AM To: E36M3 Subject: [E36M3] Warning! Unethical parts sale Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 06:35:03 -0800 From: Jim Powell <jsp98m3@apexcone.com> Subject: Warning! Unethical parts sale I would like to let everyone on the list know about a person out there in the BMW community who is a liar and a cheat. Jon Marshall in the Columbus Ohio area. He goes by the email address of jpbikeworld@yahoo.com This guy sold a cheap knockoff lightweight-style rear wing to a friend as if it was the factory original. He's been spotted selling other BMW equipment on bimmer.org and probably other venues as well. Jon Marshall if you read this and have a problem with it, please come on out and see me. I'd be happy to apologize to what's left of you. Do the right thing and give the money back. Jim Powell ************************************************************* List Commands UNSUBSCRIBE - (in subject line) unsubscribes you from the mailing list. DIR - sends a listing of files available in the list's GET directory. GET filename1.ext,filename2.ext - sends the requested file(s). To issue a command/request to the server: Send a message with the command you wish executed as the subject of the message. *************************************************************
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#7. M3 vs. 330 - from Jeremy.Thissell@USPTO.GOV
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 16:32:15 -0500 From: Jeremy.Thissell@USPTO.GOV Subject: M3 vs. 330 As a former owner of both a 99 M3 and a 330Ci sport, I can give a fair comparison. First off, the 330 drives worlds different after 8-9k miles than it does new. I think all BMW's do. They break in and feel much more stable. Unfortunately we got rid of the 330 just when it really started to feel good. Anyways, there are many things that are different, some have to do with the fact that it's not an M car, others are that it is an E46 instead of an E36. Former M owners will be disappointed with the low rev throttle response of the 330 but Mr. Conforti can prolly take care of that (high rev response is crisp though), and also with the steering feel/response. The boosted steering (which I understand will be reverted back to the heavier feel as of April production) is a step backwards, plus the softer suspension makes the front end response a little slow compared to an M3. Next, the shifter is about 100x better in the 330. It is easier to get it into 2nd, and the throws are shorter than the E36 M3. The exhaust note is VERY similar, but not annoying on long trips as the M3's can be. The engine revs very freely as compared to the E36's. The seats are 100x more comfortable in the 330 (I had the Dearth Vader seats, which were confining on any ride over 30 minutes), with better lumbar support, and the side bolsters don't go up as high so they don't restrict your shoulders. The chassis is MUCH stiffer than the E36 (we currently still have a 97 328i sport also for comparison). It doesn't creak as much, and the bumps don't make the ride exhausting, yet the road feel is still excellent (despite the steering). The car feels more solid overall. As for the gearing, which someone mentioned. The 330 pulls almost as well as the M3 (It's REAL close). The M3 has a bunch more torque so low rev/high gear acceleration is better than in the 330. The 330's fifth gear is just wonderful. The revs are considerably lower than in the M3 while cruising at highway speeds, so the engine isn't working as hard, and the noise level is lower. To sum it up, the M3 was a great car for drives up to about 30 minutes, after that it became exhausting, loud, and achy. On the other hand, I drove the 330 for 7 hours and my back and ears were fine and my shoulders didn't feel too confined. After driving both cars for about 10k miles each, I can't wait for the E46 M3, because I was extremely happy with each car for what it did well, and I know that the E46 M3 will combine all those things that I liked. I just wish they didn't want an arm and a leg for one. -Jeremy PS- I have set an email auto response for my vacation. I couldn't figure out how to exclude this list, so it will send the list one token "I will be out until..." message. I apologize, and plead that you all don't flood my mail box :-). Thanks. Jeremy Thissell Patent Examiner Art Unit 3763 US Patent Office
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#8. [E36M3] Alignment Specs & Advice - from nabli@attglobal.net
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 16:40:41 -0500 From: nabli@attglobal.net Subject: [E36M3] Alignment Specs & Advice Guys, As a point of reference, BMW Technical Information Bulletin 32 00 Wheel Alignment - Normal Position / Inspection Conditions E38 / E39 / E46 / E36 specifically excludes the M3 from being loaded with extra weight. It states: "2 x 68 kg on front seats (seats in central position) 1 x 68 kg on rear seat (center) 1 x 21 kg in luggage compartment (middle) and full fuel tank. Exception: M3 sports suspension Normal position for car empty weight" Sport suspensions are identified several ways according to BMW: - The sport suspension can be identified: 1. by a colored mark over all spring coils or 2. by a stabilizer bar diameter > 21.5 mm OR The type of suspension can be identified on the tube of the front spring strut shock absorber with the aid of the identifying letter (K) on the label (1). Hope this clears up some of the confusion. Cheers, Jim E. "Dorffer, Rich" wrote: Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 15:15:24 -0500 From: "Dorffer, Rich" <RDORFFER@CleIndians.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Alignment Specs & Advice Daniel wrote> > Bentley manual suggest loading the car with weights in > the respective seats and a full tank of gas. > Hunter says that the M3 chassis requires no loading, > just a full tank of gas. Jim wrote> I just had my car aligned, and asked about this. According to John at Conversion Tech (SF Bay Area) weighting is not necessary since it affects the alignment very little (if at all). I am by no means an expert on this subject matter, but when I had my car aligned at Ganley BMW by Brett Anderson, he did use the ballast (trunk, rear seat, and passenger seat) as suggested and made sure I filled up the tank before dropping of the car. It definitely made a difference in the alignment. The car was out of alignment on arrival and based on the specs prior to the alignment, he proposed the previous alignment was done without the ballast. I doubt Brett did this to impress me. He pretty much does not waste time and does things by what works and what is right. Just another data point. Bet regards, Rich 95 M3 ************************************************************* List Commands UNSUBSCRIBE - (in subject line) unsubscribes you from the mailing list. DIR - sends a listing of files available in the list's GET directory. GET filename1.ext,filename2.ext - sends the requested file(s). To issue a command/request to the server: Send a message with the command you wish executed as the subject of the message. *************************************************************
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#9. Re: [E36M3] Alignment Specs & Advice - from Bora Akyol
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 14:03:24 -0800 From: "Bora Akyol" <akyol@akyol.org> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Alignment Specs & Advice Rich is right. Proper weighting and settling of the car is very important for alignment. Those of you that have just put on Bilsteins may want to make sure that the struts/shocks have settled down completely before going in for an alignment. Bora ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dorffer, Rich" <RDORFFER@CleIndians.com> To: "E36M3" <e36m3@bmw-m.net> Sent: Friday, January 19, 2001 12:20 PM Subject: RE: [E36M3] Alignment Specs & Advice > Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 15:15:24 -0500 > From: "Dorffer, Rich" <RDORFFER@CleIndians.com> > Subject: RE: [E36M3] Alignment Specs & Advice > > Daniel wrote> > > Bentley manual suggest loading the car with weights in > > the respective seats and a full tank of gas. > > Hunter says that the M3 chassis requires no loading, > > just a full tank of gas. > > Jim wrote> > I just had my car aligned, and asked about this. According to John at > Conversion Tech (SF Bay Area) weighting is not necessary since it affects > the alignment very little (if at all). > > > I am by no means an expert on this subject matter, but when I had my car > aligned at Ganley BMW by Brett Anderson, he did use the ballast (trunk, rear > seat, and passenger seat) as suggested and made sure I filled up the tank > before dropping of the car. It definitely made a difference in the > alignment. The car was out of alignment on arrival and based on the specs > prior to the alignment, he proposed the previous alignment was done without > the ballast. > > I doubt Brett did this to impress me. He pretty much does not waste time > and does things by what works and what is right. > > Just another data point. > > Bet regards, > > Rich > > 95 M3 > > > ************************************************************* > List Commands > UNSUBSCRIBE - (in subject line) unsubscribes you from the mailing list. > DIR - sends a listing of files available in the list's GET directory. > GET filename1.ext,filename2.ext - sends the requested file(s). > > To issue a command/request to the server: > Send a message with the command you wish executed as the > subject of the message. > ************************************************************* > >
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#10. RE: [E36M3] RE: Near total-loss woes - from MDadgar@handspring.com
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 15:48:25 -0800 From: MDadgar@handspring.com Subject: RE: [E36M3] RE: Near total-loss woes Jay wrote: > The work I've seen from SFBMW is garbage. > > I've only had basic cosmetic work done (twice, actually) on my car at Sunnyvale Auto Body (www.sunnyvaleautobody.com), but I've been very impressed at their knowledge and totally floored at their customer service. Highly Recommended. - Mark '95 M3 '97 528i 5-spd '88 M3, Hennarot ---- Mark Dadgar - Product Manager, Peripherals (650) 230-5037 voice - (650) 230-2100 fax mdadgar@handspring.com - Handspring, Inc Check out Visor at www.handspring.com!