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#1. Radar Detectors v. Chevrolet Trailblazer - from Robert Exconde
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Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 08:55:11 -0600 From: "Robert Exconde" <99e36m3@exconde.com> Subject: Radar Detectors v. Chevrolet Trailblazer Hi All, Some interesting news... I recently emailed Mike Valentine regarding a problem I was having with my V1. Some of you may want to try this!!! PS This is not another rise of a Radar Detector Fight, but I believe it should effect all RDs! Original Letter Enclosed > To: Mike Valentine > Subject: RE: V1 and the TEST > > > Mike, > > Hello, I've recently noticed something quite interesting and > bothersome at > the same time. . . > > I have my V1 mounted in my M3 under the mirror (Something I > recommend to > anyone who has an ///M of any sort :) ) > > When I follow a Trailblazer truck in Stop and Go Traffic > (Chicago) the Laser > detection goes off. This happens in different areas. I'm > trying to isolate > the situational factors. Here is the situation I am in: > Trailblazer is in front moving slowly, hits his brakes. > When I get a certain distance from the Trailblazer the front > laser detection > goes off. > Never fails that the majority of the time the V1 detects a > Laser Source, a > Trailblazer is in front of me in stop and go traffic. > > I'm just curious if you have had anyone complain of something similar. > > Off to go chase Trailblazers! > Robert > > PS, If I remember I'll try to capture this incident on video > tape some time. Mike's Response: Hi Robert, I have heard of this just recently. The Trailblazer probably has a neon-powered Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL). For sure, the BMW E46 (newest body style 3-series) cabriolet has one of these neon CHMSL's on the upper rear of the trunk lid. If I follow them in traffic, the V1 always goes off for laser when they step on the brakes, sometimes from impressive distances ;( I don't think there is an easy fix since the neon infrared energy has a really fast rise time, just like a laser pulse. The pulse repetition rate is within the expected range for real laser guns, making a real monster of a software project: Try to get rid of the neon without getting rid of laser guns, even occasionally. Not simple or reassuring. Cheers, Mike Valentine
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#2. Washington, DC Area BMW Dealer Service Woes - from Osbcso@aol.com
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Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 12:26:46 EST From: Osbcso@aol.com Subject: Washington, DC Area BMW Dealer Service Woes I have been driving BMWs for the past 12 years, most recently the owner of a 2000 M Roadster and a 1998 528i and I have experienced horrendous service problems at three different dealerships this year. They are located in Fairfax, VA; Rockville, MD; and Silver Spring, MD. The complaints center around customer service and technical support in servicing my vehicles. On 2 visits with the roadster and 4 visits with the 528, my concerns center around the following: * front and rear bumpers being bumped while cars being ferried around in dealerships. One bump bent up the license plate frame, the other required the bumper to be refinished. * stone guards underneath car crushed by in-experienced uncaring technicians. * brake fluid light flashing after a brake service. flashing went away but they must have done something incorrectly. * dirt/grease always on the mats of the car when car is picked up. * three foot long scratches put in the hood and dealer buffing them out and leaving nice swirl marks on a black car. * work left half finished when car brought out to me only requesting it to be finished and having me wait for it to be completed at 5:30 in the evening. * replaced interior parts being installed improperly. * always new damage being inflicted on car requiring an additional item next visit. * although an appointment is made, car seems to always need at least two days with them before I can get it back, even for the most minor items. The list can go on and on. In addition, at one dealership, the service advisor makes me feel he is doing me a favor by taking the car and "rebuilding it". I have talked to the customer service folks that call and ask about your satisfaction with the servicing experience and have tried to talk to John Staley the Eastern Regional Service Manager. In each and every case, these folks that take the calls WILL NOT allow me any access to personnel that need to hear my complaints. They just take the information and file the formal complaint. I never hear anything more. All that I am asking is that the servicing facility take some care with my personal property, they fix the items correctly the first time, and they treat me respectfully. It appears that BMW NA doesn't give a dam about my happiness with the servicing experience I am getting!! The calls after the service are a joke!!! I thought I would never say this, but based on the "service after the sale" experience, I cannot feel comfortable in buying another BMW, and feel I need to warn all other potential customers to stay away. I have an order in for a 2002 M3. I am sad to say I will need to cancel that order. I will be looking at Porsche and/or Jaguar for my next ride. Feeling sick, let down, and very angry!!! Christopher Osborne Ashburn, VA 2002 M Roadster 1998 528i
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#3. Re: [E36M3] Washington, DC Area BMW Dealer Service Woes - from Matt Henson
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Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 09:40:11 -0800 (PST) From: Matt Henson <hensonator@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Washington, DC Area BMW Dealer Service Woes A lot of us feel your pain. I wish that I could say that the problem is isolated but it's not. We only have one dealer down here in Austin, TX and they are a major PITA as well. I'm sure that there are some really good dealerships around but you don't hear about them much here (except some in Cali). As for Porsche dealers, I've dealt with them in Pittsburgh, MD and now in TX and I've found them all to be excellent, particularly the one here in Austin. Too bad Porsche doesn't make any sedans. (please don't anyone talk about the Cayenne :-( ). -Matt --- Osbcso@aol.com wrote: > Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 12:26:46 EST > From: Osbcso@aol.com > Subject: Washington, DC Area BMW Dealer Service Woes > > > I have been driving BMWs for the past 12 years, most > recently the owner > of a 2000 M Roadster and a 1998 528i and I have > experienced horrendous > service problems at three different dealerships this > year. <snip>. > > I have an order in for a 2002 M3. I am sad to say I > will need to cancel > that order. I will be looking at Porsche and/or > Jaguar for my next > ride. > > Feeling sick, let down, and very angry!!! > > Christopher Osborne > Ashburn, VA > 2002 M Roadster > 1998 528i __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Find a job, post your resume. http://careers.yahoo.com
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#4. Re: Washington, DC Area BMW Dealer Service Woes - from Kevin M. Gregg
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Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 13:07:59 -0500 From: "Kevin M. Gregg" <kevingregg@home.com> Subject: Re: Washington, DC Area BMW Dealer Service Woes Hi- Balto, MD is a long way from you in Ashburn, VA but I have had 2 positive experiences with Russel BMW on Rt 40 near the Balto beltway (695). Tom is the Service Dept Manager. Michelle works in his dept. Hope your luck improves. Kevin M. Gregg kevingregg@home.com Columbia MD 1997 BMW M3 Estoril blue coupe BMWCCA member http://members.home.net/kevingregg/m3/
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#5. RE: [E36M3] brake pad choice - driving schools - from jim.bassett@alloptic.com
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Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 10:21:04 -0800 From: jim.bassett@alloptic.com Subject: RE: [E36M3] brake pad choice - driving schools > So, I need to buy some new pads. The concensus at the > track from the M3 owners seemed to be the PF90's. They're superceded by the PF97 pads. Very similar, with a bit more cold bite than the 90's. > I > forgot to ask about rear pads. Are people matching the > PF90's in the front with Z-rated pads in the rear? I > figure I could run Z-rated pads front/rear for the > street, and just swap the front PF90's for the track. > Seems reasonable? I don't have any experience with the Z-rated pads, but I ran PF90/97's on the front and rear. Hope that helps, Jim Bassett 1998 M3/4 1993 325is #44 KP
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#6. RE: [E36M3] brake pad choice - driving schools - from Robert Liu
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Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 10:49:50 -0800 (PST) From: Robert Liu <bob_a_liu@yahoo.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] brake pad choice - driving schools Thanks for the feedback, Jim. One of the local BMW shops told me they had some customers who liked the PF90's, but not the PF97's. He couldn't give me all the details. I remember seeing an email where someone mentioned the compounding for Hawk Blues has changed, and no longer damages wheels. Has anyone used the new compound? Thanks! Bob --- jim.bassett@alloptic.com wrote: > Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 10:21:04 -0800 > From: jim.bassett@alloptic.com > Subject: RE: [E36M3] brake pad choice - driving > schools > > > So, I need to buy some new pads. The concensus at > the > > track from the M3 owners seemed to be the PF90's. > > They're superceded by the PF97 pads. Very similar, > with a bit more cold bite > than the 90's. > > > I > > forgot to ask about rear pads. Are people matching > the > > PF90's in the front with Z-rated pads in the rear? > I > > figure I could run Z-rated pads front/rear for the > > street, and just swap the front PF90's for the > track. > > Seems reasonable? > > I don't have any experience with the Z-rated pads, > but I ran PF90/97's on > the front and rear. > > Hope that helps, > Jim Bassett > 1998 M3/4 > 1993 325is #44 KP > > > ************************************************************* > 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. > ************************************************************* > > ===== ------------------------------------------------------------ Robert Liu bob_a_liu@yahoo.com ICQ# 22765210 __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Find a job, post your resume. http://careers.yahoo.com
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#7. RE: [E36M3] brake pad choice - driving schools - from alex.fadeev@verizon.com
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Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 13:13:39 -0600 From: alex.fadeev@verizon.com Subject: RE: [E36M3] brake pad choice - driving schools Bob, Hawk Blues were reformulated way back in '00, so just about everyone must be on the new compounds by now. Yes, they still through sparks when cold (freaks people out when you drive on the streets in the dark ;-), but no, the wheels and car paint show no signs of damage. I do try to swap the Hawks out and wash the wheels soon after an event, but sometimes life gets in the way.. alex f '95 M3 with Hawk Blues for the track, Hawk HPS for the street. Robert Liu <bob_a_liu@ya To: E36M3 <e36m3@bmw-m.net> hoo.com> cc: Subject: RE: [E36M3] brake pad choice - driving schools 11/12/01 12:59 PM Please respond to Robert Liu Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 10:49:50 -0800 (PST) From: Robert Liu <bob_a_liu@yahoo.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] brake pad choice - driving schools Thanks for the feedback, Jim. One of the local BMW shops told me they had some customers who liked the PF90's, but not the PF97's. He couldn't give me all the details. I remember seeing an email where someone mentioned the compounding for Hawk Blues has changed, and no longer damages wheels. Has anyone used the new compound? Thanks! Bob
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#8. Suspension Upgrades - from Rich
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Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 15:16:15 -0500 From: "Rich" <rehrlich98m3@mindspring.com> Subject: Suspension Upgrades I have decided that I am going to replace my 50k mi suspension. I mostly drive city/suburban roads at a range of 20mph-60mph. I plan limited track use and a few long road trips. Part of me says "Just stick with OEM set-up. It's good enough out of the box". But, the price difference between OEM and high performance is almost unimportant. I would like to lower the car just a bit. I just have no idea which path to take: If I go the strut/lowering spring route, what brands give good handling? I was thinking Koni adjustable (They came stock on my Neon ACR and I really liked them) With coil-overs, what am I getting into? I really don't plan to change the settings once they are adjusted. Nor do I want lay out $1k plus for a suspension that sucks. Any suggestions/personal or online reviews are appreciated. Rich Ehrlich Alpine White 1998 M3
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#9. RE: [E36M3] brake pad choice - driving schools - from Todd C. Merrill
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Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 15:24:46 -0500 (EST) From: "Todd C. Merrill" <tmerrill@mathworks.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] brake pad choice - driving schools On Mon, 12 Nov 2001 alex.fadeev@verizon.com wrote: > Hawk Blues were reformulated way back in '00, so just about everyone must > be on the new compounds by now. > Yes, they still through sparks when cold (freaks people out when you drive I used three sets of pads on both the street and the track this past year: BMW OEM, PF-Z, and PF-97. The worst by far in my opinion were the PF-Zs, on both the street and track. BMW OEM's bite harder than PF-Z's on the street. PF-Z's on the track required incredibly long braking zones and an incredible amount of pressure. Garbage, in my opinion, for either application. I've never used track pads before this year, but jeezuz, the PF-97's were incredible. I think they are too powerful for street tires on the track (Note to self: track tires next year...); the wonderful balance of the M3 is way off when you can engage the ABS at high speed. ;) Cold bite on the street is not bad at all. I was considering running them permanently, but the dusting is un-frickin'-real. And, after washing the wheels off, the dust rusts, as the reddish-brown stains in my driveway now show; I don't want that eating away the paint on my car when it gets wet. And, the rattle. Why don't they put the piston clamps on track pads??? And, the first time I tested the PF-97's was on the street (on a highway) at night. They throw sparks, too. Scared the crap out of me at first. I have so far always had a matched set of four pads all around. Until next time... Todd tmerrill@mathworks.com 1998 BMW M3 coupe BMW CCA member, Boston Chapter ---
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#10. Re: [E36M3] Radar Detectors v. Chevrolet Trailblazer - from Carey Probst
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Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 13:32:37 -0800 (PST) From: Carey Probst <hcprobst@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Radar Detectors v. Chevrolet Trailblazer Also a problem with the Oracle sign in Redwood Shores, most Pizza shop OPEN signs, and a wide variety of red neon. Carey --- Robert Exconde <99e36m3@exconde.com> wrote: > Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 08:55:11 -0600 > From: "Robert Exconde" <99e36m3@exconde.com> > Subject: Radar Detectors v. Chevrolet Trailblazer > > Hi All, > > Some interesting news... I recently emailed Mike Valentine > regarding a > problem I was having with my V1. Some of you may want to try > this!!! > > PS This is not another rise of a Radar Detector Fight, but I > believe it > should effect all RDs! > > Original Letter Enclosed > > > To: Mike Valentine > > Subject: RE: V1 and the TEST > > > > > > Mike, > > > > Hello, I've recently noticed something quite interesting and > > bothersome at > > the same time. . . > > > > I have my V1 mounted in my M3 under the mirror (Something I > > recommend to > > anyone who has an ///M of any sort :) ) > > > > When I follow a Trailblazer truck in Stop and Go Traffic > > (Chicago) the Laser > > detection goes off. This happens in different areas. I'm > > trying to isolate > > the situational factors. Here is the situation I am in: > > Trailblazer is in front moving slowly, hits his brakes. > > When I get a certain distance from the Trailblazer the front > > laser detection > > goes off. > > Never fails that the majority of the time the V1 detects a > > Laser Source, a > > Trailblazer is in front of me in stop and go traffic. > > > > I'm just curious if you have had anyone complain of something > similar. > > > > Off to go chase Trailblazers! > > Robert > > > > PS, If I remember I'll try to capture this incident on video > > tape some time. > > > Mike's Response: > > Hi Robert, > > I have heard of this just recently. The Trailblazer probably has a > neon-powered Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL). For sure, the > BMW E46 > (newest body style 3-series) cabriolet has one of these neon > CHMSL's on the > upper rear of the trunk lid. If I follow them in traffic, the V1 > always > goes off for laser when they step on the brakes, sometimes from > impressive > distances ;( > > I don't think there is an easy fix since the neon infrared energy > has a > really fast rise time, just like a laser pulse. The pulse > repetition rate > is within the expected range for real laser guns, making a real > monster of a > software project: Try to get rid of the neon without getting rid of > laser > guns, even occasionally. Not simple or reassuring. > > Cheers, > > Mike Valentine > > > > ************************************************************* > 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. > ************************************************************* > > > > __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Find a job, post your resume. http://careers.yahoo.com