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#1. RE: Insurance Rates - from Robert Exconde
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Date: Tue, 6 Nov 2001 19:19:13 -0600 From: "Robert Exconde" <99e36m3@exconde.com> Subject: RE: Insurance Rates Jay, What insurance company do you have? I have a 99 M3 as well and my insurance rates havent moved. If the costs of 99 M3s went up, I'm sure all of the other M3 prices would have to go up since most body parts are the same. I call BS. Robert -------------------- 2 -------------------- Date: Tue, 06 Nov 2001 18:46:20 +0000 From: "Joseph Bachman III" <josephbachman@hotmail.com> Subject: Insurance Rates Hey gang - I just got a notice from my insurance company telling me that my rates were to be raised due to an increase in the average cost of repair to a BMW 99 M3. I am in Maryland (Baltimore), and am insured under Nationwide. They are raising my rates almost 17%! Are other people experiencing this, or am I getting snowed with this story to cover up a needless rate hike? Thanks for your input. Regards, Jay Bachman '99 Estoril M3/2
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#2. Headlight Bulbs - from Reid Conti
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Date: Tue, 6 Nov 2001 15:57:43 -0800 (PST) From: Reid Conti <reid@conti.net> Subject: Headlight Bulbs OK, so I'll admit it. I want something that's more white looking than the standard bulbs. Something that looks bright, and good. I don't want a super-tinted bulb, but it seems the superwhite style bulbs all seem to be somewhat tinted, and they still seem brighter than standard.. not sure how they pull this off, but it seems to work. I lost a foglight bulb the other day, and am looking to replace all 6 bulbs now. I have US spec lights, but will be getting euros sometime soon (yes, I realize I'll have to buy new bulbs then). Anyway, I know all the manufacturer claims are bogus, but I drove behind piaa superwhites for 6 months and they WERE brighter than stock, and I liked the way they looked. I just don't want to pay the kind of money they want. So who makes good less-ricey bulbs? Phillips has some kind of optimax or something.. then there's APC.. and the raybrig and catz and piaas of the world. I want something that is better than run of the mill, but not too expensive. Any recommendations? - reid
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#3. Re: Optima Battery in 95 M3? - from Roger Baker
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Date: Tue, 06 Nov 2001 17:34:19 -0800 From: Roger Baker <rbaker@velodyne.com> Subject: Re: Optima Battery in 95 M3? I installed an Optima Red in my E36. The main reason I used an Optima is I just happened to have one lying around when my stock battery died! It will fit, but requires a custom mount & some elbow grease. I made an aluminum bracket to hold it along with some custom mounts in the floor/frame to fasten the bolts & studs. I used side insulators & a pad on the bottom so everything is tidy, along with terminal insulation to make sure nobody complains at tech. The height will require the plastic accessory tray/battery cover to be flexed slightly upon installation. I heated mine up slightly so it would flex a bit then popped it in. The deformation in barely visible. -- Roger Baker mroblin@att.net wrote: > Hello, > Checked the archives, but can't get a clear answer. > > Has anyone replaced their battery with an Optima R34 (8003-151 - Orange top, > reverse polarity)? Looking at datasheets for the Optima red/orange top > batteries, the batteries are 7.8" tall, vs. the 7" tall OE battery. It > doesn't seem as if there is enough room under the package shelf to fit the > Optima posts and retain the plastic shelf. > > Murray Roblin > mroblin@worldnet.att.net > 650 868 0926 > 520 962 0957 fax
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#4. Re: [E36M3] Optima Battery in 95 M3? - from Andrew E. Kalman
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Date: Tue, 06 Nov 2001 17:38:00 -0700 From: "Andrew E. Kalman" <aek@pumpkininc.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Optima Battery in 95 M3? Re: >Has anyone replaced their battery with an Optima R34 (8003-151 - Orange top, >reverse polarity)? Looking at datasheets for the Optima red/orange top >batteries, the batteries are 7.8" tall, vs. the 7" tall OE battery. It >doesn't seem as if there is enough room under the package shelf to fit the >Optima posts and retain the plastic shelf. I've run an Optima in my '95 M3 LWT since 1998. Basically, it's too tall, and the mounting scheme for the stock battery won't work with the Optima. I fabricated a aluminum plate (looks a bit like a square ping-pong paddle) that slips into the stock hold-downs, and to which the Optima is bolted via 4 bolts through those holes on the bottom of the battery. I cannot place the plastic cover over the battery and have it clip in -- I'd say the setup is about 3/8" too high (i.e. the battery "stands proud") to permit this. My car is race-only, so I don't use the cover. If the Optima were somehow sitting on the floor of the compartment (and not on my aluminum plate), and was also held down properly, then I _think_ the cover would click into place over the Optima. It would be very close. That said, I've had absolutely no problems with the Optima -- I'm glad I have it instead of the stock / conventional type. Regards, -- ______________________________________ Andrew E. Kalman, Ph.D. aek@pumpkininc.com
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#5. Steering Rack Replacement - from Rob Jackowitz
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Date: Tue, 06 Nov 2001 21:21:58 -0500 From: "Rob Jackowitz" <rjme@msn.com> Subject: Steering Rack Replacement Looking for some advice. My M3 is all but sold. Prospective buyer took it today to a dealer of his choosing for a pre-purchase inspection. Dealer claims that the car is very clean with the exception of the following: Some power steering fluid leakage requiring replacement of steering rack. My car has always been plagued with a small fluid leak due to crappy hose clamps. About every 18 months I've had various hoses and clamps replaced under warranty but this dealer suggests that the entire rack needs replacement. Does this sound reasonable? Fluid in reservoir is at normal level and the car's steering feels great. Has anyone had to replace their steering rack? If so, were there any symptoms of a "bad rack"? Thanks, Rob _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp
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#6. Re: [E36M3] Steering Rack Replacement - from The Abels
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Date: Tue, 6 Nov 2001 21:41:37 -0600 From: "The Abels" <aAbel@austin.rr.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Steering Rack Replacement Rob, I have trouble believing that your steering rack needs to be replaced. At the sight of wetness/fluid around the hose leading from the steering pump, my mechanic said that it is normal, and that the steering pump hose tends to sweat. He did not recommend replacement, and noted this is a very common occurrence with our cars. Note the foregoing assessment came from a highly experienced and seasoned bmw mechanic, who also happens to be one of the technical service advisors to the BMW CCA (as listed in the Roundel). Note also that the power steering hose has been in this state for a year, the reservoir is full, and there are no noted issues with steering performance. Jeff Abel 97 M3/4 with seemingly leaky power steering hose ----- Original Message ----- From: Rob Jackowitz <rjme@msn.com> To: E36M3 <e36m3@bmw-m.net> Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2001 8:32 PM Subject: [E36M3] Steering Rack Replacement > Date: Tue, 06 Nov 2001 21:21:58 -0500 > From: "Rob Jackowitz" <rjme@msn.com> > Subject: Steering Rack Replacement > > Looking for some advice. > My M3 is all but sold. > Prospective buyer took it today to a dealer of his choosing for a > pre-purchase inspection. > Dealer claims that the car is very clean with the exception of the > following: > Some power steering fluid leakage requiring replacement of steering rack. > My car has always been plagued with a small fluid leak due to crappy hose > clamps. > About every 18 months I've had various hoses and clamps replaced under > warranty but this dealer suggests > that the entire rack needs replacement. Does this sound reasonable? Fluid in > reservoir is at > normal level and the car's steering feels great. Has anyone had to replace > their steering rack? > If so, were there any symptoms of a "bad rack"? > Thanks, > Rob > > _________________________________________________________________ > Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp > > > ************************************************************* > 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 to the email address e36m3@bmw-m.net. > ************************************************************* > >
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#7. Re: [E36M3] Steering Rack Replacement - from Jim Bassett
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Date: Tue, 06 Nov 2001 20:45:11 -0800 From: Jim Bassett <jimbassett@home.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Steering Rack Replacement At 06:32 PM 11/6/01, Rob Jackowitz talked about: >If so, were there any symptoms of a "bad rack"? Usually what happens is the internal seals start to break down. If you squeeze the rubber boots at the ends of the rack, they'll "squish". On a "good" rack, they shouldn't "squish", there should just be air in there. The main thing is to change those crappy, factory crimp clamps on the hoses at the bottom of the reservoir. Use real hose clamps. Also, the hoses that are part rubber & part metal tubing will start to leak at the metal fitting, and when they let go, they WILL leave you stranded. Just ask Margaret (or me :-)). Cheers, Jim Bassett 1998 M3/4
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#8. Re: [E36M3] Insurance Rates - from Reid Conti
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Date: Tue, 6 Nov 2001 12:59:04 -0800 (PST) From: Reid Conti <reid@conti.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Insurance Rates Yeah, I got fucked too on my '95, not sure if it's because of the type of car or not. My payment went from $515/mo to $615/mo.. I inquired about taking my old car off my policy (I sold it) and they told me it would RAISE my payments by a few hundred a month because I would no longer have multi-car discount! This from the same people who told me that when I bought the M3, my rates would be no higher for the 2 cars than they would be for the m3 alone, since you can only drive one car at once and the M3 is worth more than the other car. And then, a month later, they sent me something else showing my first months payment being $615 and the rest being $715.. christ! I didn't even take my old car off, because I don't want the payments to go up.. but they raised em a month later anyway. I've got some yelling to do. !%@# progressive. I've been happy with them until now. They told me the adjustment went up for my state (washington) due to whatever factors they use -- claims, uninsured motorists, etc. I understand that, even though it went up by $100 a month.. but then they sent me something a month later saying it would be even more? Right. - reid > Hey gang - > > I just got a notice from my insurance company telling me that my rates were > to be raised due to an increase in the average cost of repair to a BMW 99 > M3. I am in Maryland (Baltimore), and am insured under Nationwide. They are > raising my rates almost 17%! Are other people experiencing this, or am I > getting snowed with this story to cover up a needless rate hike? Thanks for > your input. > > Regards, > > Jay Bachman > '99 Estoril M3/2
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#9. Re: [E36M3] busted thermostat? - from LoweSeaton@aol.com
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Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2001 00:13:35 EST From: LoweSeaton@aol.com Subject: Re: [E36M3] busted thermostat? Justin asks about the consequences of running with a wide open thermostat. [I assume I was the intended target since I am the fool who removes his thermostat in the summertime ;-) ] Consequences? Ahh ... Nothing earth shattering that I can think of. I do know it is WAY better to have a wide open thermostat vs. one that is permanently closed. If it's 95 degrees with A/C on and you are stuck in traffic, or you are on the race track driving WOT, or you are flying across Nevada at 150 mph, the thermostat is wide open anyway so it makes no difference if it is stuck wide open or even missing in my case. But most of the time, the thermostat is only partially open or even closed. If it is wintertime and cold outside, a stuck open or missing thermostat will cause the engine coolant to remain cool. You will not get much heat out of your heater. But Ron B shrewdly pointed out that you could put a piece of cardboard in front of your radiator and get the water temperature up enough to survive. About the only real negative I see with a stuck open thermostat is the engine computer will think the engine has just been started and will run the "engine start up" programming mode. The engine will run a little rich and the idle will be a little higher than normal. I doubt if it is rich enough to foul the spark plugs or damage any of the emission control equipment. Basically, you waste gas and pollute the air more than you need to. If you are stuck on the road and have to decide to drive with a stuck open thermostat or call a tow truck, save your cell minutes and drive home with the open thermostat. FYI - The reason I remove my thermostat in my beater Chevy is because I have had very bad luck (and expensive) with thermostats in that car. I've had TWO fail. Stuck closed. The last time my engine got so hot it warped the aluminum head. Cost me $400 in parts and head work to fix. I replaced the head gasket myself or it would have been more $$$. I won't have any more overheating due to stuck closed thermostats :-) This scenario might apply to an M3 as well. Thermostats are infamous for failing on M3's. Probably best to replace the thermostat every 60,000 miles on M3. If I was going to a DE with my 53,000 mile, original thermostat M3, I might just remove it for the DE. Proper thing would be to replace it but next choice would be removing it. You most certainly don't want a stuck closed thermostat on the track. Lowell Seaton '95 M3 - due for new water pump and thermostat soon Dallas, Texas
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#10. FS: BMW M3 Four 17"x7.5" Rims on eBay - from Rex Tener
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Date: Tue, 06 Nov 2001 21:19:40 -0800 From: Rex Tener <rex_tener@yahoo.com> Subject: FS: BMW M3 Four 17"x7.5" Rims on eBay A set of E36 M3 rims on eBay. A great upgrade to all E36 3-series, or snow or track tires for an E36 M3. <http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=597669439> -- Rex Tener rex_tener@yahoo.com _________________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
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#11. Re: [E36M3] Insurance Rates - from Carey Probst
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Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2001 00:21:00 -0500 From: "Carey Probst" <hcprobst@alum.mit.edu> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Insurance Rates Damn!!!!!!! $615 / month????????? Where on earth do you live so I never move there? Are you 16? Have weekly accidents? Run over your insurance agent's foot? My ANNUAL premium on my '99 M3 is only about $650-700 without looking it up. My monthly for '99 M3 '00 Tiburon '86 326 '89 Cherokee '00 Eclipse House Umbrella is only $450. with drivers under 25. Guess those are the benefits of living in a small town away from the cities. Carey Probst, '99 M3/2, BMW CCA Patroon and Genesee Valley Chapters Sharked, Stressed, Schrothed, Gauged, Hitched, X-Braced 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. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Reid Conti" <reid@conti.net> To: "E36M3" <e36m3@bmw-m.net> Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2001 11:52 PM Subject: Re: [E36M3] Insurance Rates > Date: Tue, 6 Nov 2001 12:59:04 -0800 (PST) > From: Reid Conti <reid@conti.net> > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Insurance Rates > > Yeah, I got fucked too on my '95, not sure if it's because of the type of > car or not. My payment went from $515/mo to $615/mo.. I inquired about > taking my old car off my policy (I sold it) and they told me it would > RAISE my payments by a few hundred a month because I would no longer have > multi-car discount! This from the same people who told me that when I > bought the M3, my rates would be no higher for the 2 cars than they would > be for the m3 alone, since you can only drive one car at once and the M3 > is worth more than the other car. And then, a month later, they sent me > something else showing my first months payment being $615 and the rest > being $715.. christ! I didn't even take my old car off, because I don't > want the payments to go up.. but they raised em a month later > anyway. I've got some yelling to do. !%@# progressive. I've been happy > with them until now. They told me the adjustment went up for my state > (washington) due to whatever factors they use -- claims, uninsured > motorists, etc. I understand that, even though it went up by $100 a > month.. but then they sent me something a month later saying it would be > even more? Right. > > - reid > > > Hey gang - > > > > I just got a notice from my insurance company telling me that my rates were > > to be raised due to an increase in the average cost of repair to a BMW 99 > > M3. I am in Maryland (Baltimore), and am insured under Nationwide. They are > > raising my rates almost 17%! Are other people experiencing this, or am I > > getting snowed with this story to cover up a needless rate hike? Thanks for > > your input. > > > > Regards, > > > > Jay Bachman > > '99 Estoril M3/2 > > > ************************************************************* > 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 to the email address e36m3@bmw-m.net. > ************************************************************* > > >