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#1. RE: [E36M3] Sheesh... - from Mark Radelow
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Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 23:09:34 +0000 From: "Mark Radelow" <radelow@hotmail.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Sheesh... Sure you are at 24k miles. The M3 I bought at 42k miles never had a SINGLE problem...Just wait till 40-50-60 roll around. You still essentially own a new car. Mark From: "Carey Probst" <hcprobst@alum.mit.edu> To: "Mark Radelow" <radelow@hotmail.com>, "E36M3" <e36m3@bmw-m.net> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Sheesh... Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 18:03:46 -0500 This may not be the best sample group for problems with BMWs amd M3s. I think you'll find a much higher percentage of drivers on this list who "abuse" their cars in the normal driver's sense of the word. How many regular people do you know with Superchargers Cam kits Intakes Chips/reprogramming Harnesses X-braces Stress bars A 4 digit track budget etc. I have 24k miles with no problems including 5 days at Watkins Glen, 1 at NHIS. plus original tires, brakes. New tires in spring when I take of the Blizzaks. 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: Mark Radelow [mailto:radelow@hotmail.com] Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2002 4:58 PM To: E36M3 Subject: [E36M3] Sheesh... Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 21:51:26 +0000 From: "Mark Radelow" <radelow@hotmail.com> Subject: Sheesh... Not to be negative or anything...but all this posting about things breaking on our cars at 30k miles and 60k miles and 80k doesn't really bode well for the reliability of BMW or cars in general.... My O2 sensor went bad at 45k miles, my radiator needed replacing at 60k miles, my headgasket was replaced at 65k miles (previous owner overheated so not really reliability issue), my shocks are blown at 65k as well as the rear shock mounts... I'm not complaining it's just there seems to be a lot of parts on our car that don't last very long....Kinda ridiculous. Really makes a point for only owning cars for a couple years while they are under warranty or even leasing... Mark _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com ************************************************************* 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. ************************************************************* _________________________________________________________________ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com
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#2. Re: Rob's Wandering Car - from Neil Maller
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Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 18:09:34 -0500 From: Neil Maller <neil.maller@gte.net> Subject: Re: Rob's Wandering Car on 1/24/02 4:57 PM, "Robert S. Hatrak II" <rob@hatrak.com> wrote: > Though I had them replaced about a year ago, everyone thinks my control > arm bushings are shot. Rob - I think we all believe that it's your rear *trailing arm* bushings that are shot. Neil 96 M3
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#3. RE: [E36M3] Sheesh... - from jim.bassett@alloptic.com
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Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 15:23:39 -0800 From: jim.bassett@alloptic.com Subject: RE: [E36M3] Sheesh... > This may not be the best sample group for problems with BMWs amd M3s. > > I think you'll find a much higher percentage of drivers on > this list who > "abuse" their cars in the normal driver's sense of the word. Not only that, but we probably pay more attention to *any* little problem with our cars, compared to the "normal" M3 owner. And we use this forum (and others) to find solutions to these problems, so most of the content is "Help me fix....." > A 4 digit track budget *Only* 4 digits?!? Lightweights <bfg> Do I have to go and dig up Sean Hester's post? (Many list members are now running, screaming "Nooooo!", from their computers :-)) Cheers, Jim Bassett 1998 M3/4 - non-stock, 109K+ miles, not trouble-free, but also not a Toyota :-) 1993 325is #44 KP - bought on the misconception that it would SAVE me money <snork>
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#4. Sean Hester (was: RE: [E36M3] Sheesh...) - from Chester Wong
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Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 15:37:15 -0800 (PST) From: Chester Wong <chester_p_wong@yahoo.com> Subject: Sean Hester (was: RE: [E36M3] Sheesh...) BTW, where is that crazy guy, anyway? Chester > dig up Sean > Hester's post? (Many list members are now running, screaming "Nooooo!", from > their computers :-)) ===== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Great stuff seeking new owners in Yahoo! Auctions! http://auctions.yahoo.com
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#5. Re: Sheesh... - from Jay Miller
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Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 15:37:32 -0800 From: "Jay Miller" <jjmiller6@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: Sheesh... <html><div style='background-color:'><P>Just this month. I've had both my front seats break bowden cables.</P> <P>I still have to replace my chain tensioners. Got a flat last night! OBC display always messed up. ABS light comes on every now and then.</P> <P>But I still love her.</P> <P>Jay</P> <P>'95 M3 Dakar </P> <P>Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 21:51:26 +0000<BR>From: "Mark Radelow" <<A href="http://lw3fd.law3.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/compose?curmbox=F000000001&a=92a1425eb1ff1457e1ac3044d201aaa7&mailto=1&to=radelow@hotmail.com&msg=MSG1011914293.49&start=1682080&len=16360&src=&type=x" target=_top>radelow@hotmail.com</A>><BR>Subject: Sheesh...<BR><BR>Not to be negative or anything...but all this posting about things breaking<BR>on our cars at 30k miles and 60k miles and 80k doesn't really bode well for<BR>the reliability of BMW or cars in general.... My O2 sensor went bad at 45k<BR>miles, my radiator needed replacing at 60k miles, my headgasket was replaced<BR>at 65k miles (previous owner overheated so not really reliability issue), my<BR>shocks are blown at 65k as well as the rear shock mounts... I'm not<BR>complaining it's just there seems to be a lot of parts on our car that don't<BR>last very long....Kinda ridiculous. Really makes a point for only owning<BR>cars for a couple years while they are under warranty or even leasing...<BR><BR>Mark<BR></P></div><br clear=all><hr>Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: <a href='http://go.msn.com/bql/hmtag2_etl_EN.asp'>Click Here</a><br></html>
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#6. Re: Buying a 1996 M3 - from david tow
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Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 16:14:33 -0800 From: "david tow" <david_tow@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: Buying a 1996 M3 Noah, Are you planning to sell your 95 to get the 96? If that's case, it does not make any economical sense at all. Everyone knows that you lose money selling your car thanks to depreciation. The money you try to save by having a lower mileage car basically goes down the drain when you sell your current one. Lower mileage cars are not neccesarily better cars compared to higher mileage cars due to many reasons. If you just love a pristine car and money is no object, then you just buy whatever you like. David -------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 13:36:40 -0800 (PST) From: Noah Weinstein <nzw212@yahoo.com> Subject: Buying a 1996 M3 Subject: 1995 vs 1996 I'm absolutely in love with my 1995 M3. I've had it for a few years and it's been great in every respect. Here's the situation: I have the opporutnity to buy a pristine 1996 with half the mileage, traction control, the remaining 7 months of the factory warranty and some factory/dealer options that I don't have. Really it's the mileage that I'm most interested in. What are peoples' opinions on the 95 vs the 96? I'm sure some people are going to say that I should stick with a good thing. I don't dissagree. However, I'd like to get more (mileage, less maintenece on the lower mileage car) out of my car. I guess what I'm asking is, would I just get more of what I love about my 95? Noah _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp.
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#7. New Suspension - yet another data point - from David Flanary
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Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 16:33:25 -0800 From: "David Flanary" <dflanary@markhamvineyards.com> Subject: New Suspension - yet another data point After much deliberation, I finally made up my mind and got my new suspension set-up. My '99 had 37K on it and was feeling wallowy over the big bumps and exhibiting a fair amount of body roll. The parts I went with: Bilstein Sports H&R Sport springs E46M3 rear shock mounts Bumpstops in front cut in half Just to make sure it all went together properly, I had Billy Maher (Good Stuff Auto in Santa Rosa) do the work. Results: The car is significantly lower in back, perhaps 1.5" I didn't remember to measure the car before. The front looks to be dropped about half as much. I did not realign the car at this point as the camber change is not much and the tires are going to be replaced in a few months anyhow. The fist few miles out of the shop, the car felt really stiff. I could feel every little bump in the road. BUT, going over big bumps inspired confidence, as opposed to bracing for them as with the stock setup. The weekend after the install, I took a trip up to the Sierras. On the highway, the Bilsteins felt much better. The ride was very controlled, body roll greatly reduced and the balance of the car is much more neutral than before. After 400 miles of driving, the in-town ride seems to have improved. I don't sense the bouncy ride that I had when driving the car home from the shop. I assume the Bilsteins may "break-in" somewhat, and this is what I am experiencing. I do have some squeaking (occasional) from the left rear. This occurs in town (not at speed) and usually upon the weight transfer during deceleration. An under car exam didn't indicate any problems to me (untrained) eyes. perhaps the new springs are squeaking on their perches? All in all, I am happy with this set-up definitely would recommend it. David W. Flanary Markham Vineyards 99M3 BLSS, sharked, x brace, clutch stop, ellipsoids ...er what's next...
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#8. Re: Sheesh... - from Wen Liew
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Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 16:41:02 -0800 From: "Wen Liew" <wwliew@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: Sheesh... >I think you'll find a much higher percentage of drivers on this list who >"abuse" their cars in the normal driver's sense of the word. > >How many regular people do you know with > >Superchargers >Cam kits >Intakes >Chips/reprogramming >Harnesses >X-braces >Stress bars >A 4 digit track budget >etc. > >I have 24k miles with no problems including 5 days at Watkins Glen, 1 at >NHIS. >plus original tires, brakes. I think I qualify as one of those "regular" people ;). My 4/96 daily driver just turned 95k and is still running on the original brake pads, rotors, clutch and battery. Just hope I don't jinx myself. Parts replaced so far include: catalytic converter @55k under warranty 1 O2 sensor @62k 1 hockey puck @63k waterpump @65k thermostat @65k (done when replacing wp) spark plugs @65k 1 exhaust hanger @70k shocks @75k $$$ RSM @75k left fog light @80k crank sensor @83k $$$ underpanel and fender liner @85k exhaust manifold @89k $$$ wiper inserts fuel filter lots of tires, oil and other fluid changes dim radio display @85k - no cheap solution Non-essential items on car include: clear lights, Eibach sways & springs, Bilstein, SS, JC intake, exhaust, X-Brace, etc, etc. and soon turbo. IMO, the E36 M3 is a bargain to run and maintain for it performance. Just talk to some other performance car owners with $200 oil changes and $4000 clutches. Maintenance bills could get as high as mortgage payments ;) Wen _________________________________________________________________ MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx
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#9. Re: [E36M3] Re: Sheesh... - from Mark Radelow
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Date: Fri, 25 Jan 2002 01:04:12 +0000 From: "Mark Radelow" <radelow@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re: Sheesh... What are the symptoms of a bad crank sensor and is it difficult to replace? Mark From: "Wen Liew" <wwliew@hotmail.com> Reply-To: "Wen Liew" <wwliew@hotmail.com> To: E36M3 <e36m3@bmw-m.net> Subject: [E36M3] Re: Sheesh... Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 18:47:30 -0600 Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 16:41:02 -0800 From: "Wen Liew" <wwliew@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: Sheesh... >I think you'll find a much higher percentage of drivers on this list who >"abuse" their cars in the normal driver's sense of the word. > >How many regular people do you know with > >Superchargers >Cam kits >Intakes >Chips/reprogramming >Harnesses >X-braces >Stress bars >A 4 digit track budget >etc. > >I have 24k miles with no problems including 5 days at Watkins Glen, 1 at >NHIS. >plus original tires, brakes. I think I qualify as one of those "regular" people ;). My 4/96 daily driver just turned 95k and is still running on the original brake pads, rotors, clutch and battery. Just hope I don't jinx myself. Parts replaced so far include: catalytic converter @55k under warranty 1 O2 sensor @62k 1 hockey puck @63k waterpump @65k thermostat @65k (done when replacing wp) spark plugs @65k 1 exhaust hanger @70k shocks @75k $$$ RSM @75k left fog light @80k crank sensor @83k $$$ underpanel and fender liner @85k exhaust manifold @89k $$$ wiper inserts fuel filter lots of tires, oil and other fluid changes dim radio display @85k - no cheap solution Non-essential items on car include: clear lights, Eibach sways & springs, Bilstein, SS, JC intake, exhaust, X-Brace, etc, etc. and soon turbo. IMO, the E36 M3 is a bargain to run and maintain for it performance. Just talk to some other performance car owners with $200 oil changes and $4000 clutches. Maintenance bills could get as high as mortgage payments ;) Wen _________________________________________________________________ MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx ************************************************************* 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. ************************************************************* _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com
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#10. RE: [E36M3] Re: Sheesh... - from Carey Probst
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Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 20:35:57 -0500 From: "Carey Probst" <hcprobst@alum.mit.edu> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Re: Sheesh... Haven't had the problem with my M3 but replaced 3 in my '89 Cherokee. Symptom was very simple. It cranked and cranked and cranked but wouldn't start. Like trying to start the car after removing the coil wire. (Effectively the bad sensor either sends no spark or at the wrong time) I didn't count the hockey puck, fog light and underpanel I've replaced. Hockey pucks I keep in the trunk, the fog light was removed by a small furry critter on I-88 the night I got the car (couldn't really blame the car) and the underpanel was removed by a high curb (also not the fault of the car) 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: Mark Radelow [mailto:radelow@hotmail.com] Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2002 8:08 PM To: E36M3 Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re: Sheesh... Date: Fri, 25 Jan 2002 01:04:12 +0000 From: "Mark Radelow" <radelow@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re: Sheesh... What are the symptoms of a bad crank sensor and is it difficult to replace? Mark From: "Wen Liew" <wwliew@hotmail.com> Reply-To: "Wen Liew" <wwliew@hotmail.com> To: E36M3 <e36m3@bmw-m.net> Subject: [E36M3] Re: Sheesh... Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 18:47:30 -0600 Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 16:41:02 -0800 From: "Wen Liew" <wwliew@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: Sheesh... >I think you'll find a much higher percentage of drivers on this list who >"abuse" their cars in the normal driver's sense of the word. > >How many regular people do you know with > >Superchargers >Cam kits >Intakes >Chips/reprogramming >Harnesses >X-braces >Stress bars >A 4 digit track budget >etc. > >I have 24k miles with no problems including 5 days at Watkins Glen, 1 at >NHIS. >plus original tires, brakes. I think I qualify as one of those "regular" people ;). My 4/96 daily driver just turned 95k and is still running on the original brake pads, rotors, clutch and battery. Just hope I don't jinx myself. Parts replaced so far include: catalytic converter @55k under warranty 1 O2 sensor @62k 1 hockey puck @63k waterpump @65k thermostat @65k (done when replacing wp) spark plugs @65k 1 exhaust hanger @70k shocks @75k $$$ RSM @75k left fog light @80k crank sensor @83k $$$ underpanel and fender liner @85k exhaust manifold @89k $$$ wiper inserts fuel filter lots of tires, oil and other fluid changes dim radio display @85k - no cheap solution Non-essential items on car include: clear lights, Eibach sways & springs, Bilstein, SS, JC intake, exhaust, X-Brace, etc, etc. and soon turbo. IMO, the E36 M3 is a bargain to run and maintain for it performance. Just talk to some other performance car owners with $200 oil changes and $4000 clutches. Maintenance bills could get as high as mortgage payments ;) Wen _________________________________________________________________ MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx ************************************************************* 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. ************************************************************* _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com ************************************************************* 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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#11. Re: [E36M3] Re: Sheesh... - from Wen Liew
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Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 17:36:15 -0800 From: "Wen Liew" <wwliew@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re: Sheesh... Oops, meant to say idle control valve instead of crank sensor. Crank sensor was replaced during a BMW recall. As for idle control valve, the symptoms include irregular idle during first start up in the morning. Car would then idle and run normally. One day, it just wouldn't start and it had to be flat-bedded to the dealer. Part runs about $100-$150, but it is a PITA to get to. Heard that technicians typically end up with bloody hands ;( As for exhaust manifold, early symptoms include a small buzzing vibrating sound which I lazily ignored. When it goes and it happened when I tried to redline it, it pops and the car will have almost no power, much like a slow motorboat being passed by grandma in Buicks ;) Luckily for me, I was able to still drive it to some place safe. Now that I spent $250 or so plus labor and towing charges, I won't be needing it soon but will have to explain to my wife, DUH! Wen > >What are the symptoms of a bad crank sensor and is it difficult to replace? > >Mark > >I think I qualify as one of those "regular" people ;). My 4/96 daily driver >just turned 95k and is still running on the original brake pads, rotors, >clutch and battery. Just hope I don't jinx myself. Parts replaced so far >include: > >catalytic converter @55k under warranty >1 O2 sensor @62k >1 hockey puck @63k >waterpump @65k >thermostat @65k (done when replacing wp) >spark plugs @65k >1 exhaust hanger @70k >shocks @75k $$$ >RSM @75k >left fog light @80k >crank sensor @83k $$$ >underpanel and fender liner @85k >exhaust manifold @89k $$$ >wiper inserts >fuel filter >lots of tires, oil and other fluid changes >dim radio display @85k - no cheap solution > >Non-essential items on car include: >clear lights, Eibach sways & springs, Bilstein, SS, JC intake, exhaust, >X-Brace, etc, etc. and soon turbo. > >IMO, the E36 M3 is a bargain to run and maintain for it performance. Just >talk to some other performance car owners with $200 oil changes and $4000 >clutches. Maintenance bills could get as high as mortgage payments ;) _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com