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#1. Labor cost / stealthboxs - from Paul Elliott
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Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2002 15:22:56 -0500 From: "Paul Elliott" <elliott.paul@worldnet.att.net> Subject: Labor cost / stealthboxs Richard, =20 I think one think I neglected to point out is that much as Id like to have one, I do not have a private garage...I live in a hi rise condominium, and as such, have a communal garage with unassigned = parking spaces. Needless to say, this makes working on my car a little difficult...Still, I manage to swap out brake pads, change K&N cones, = Do the winter wheel/tire changeover, and some other simple stuff. But there's no way I would tackle any job which requires lengthy air time for the car given these conditions. =20 So that pretty much relegates me to some form of paid service for at least some of my needs. Around here, the dealer at $91/hr is the most expensive...But good BNW oriented independants are not much less, usually charging in the $75 - $85 range. What I do find however is = that the independants are more reasonable with the hrs per job assignment. = I belive the BMW dealers get their labor charges out of a BMW charge = book, so if the Dealers labor assignment is exorbitant, I would assume that = it wouldnt be that different for any other BMW dealer... =20 So the question is why go to the dealer for service? I've already indicated that I dont have more than one vehicle, so a loaner is important. We're not all like you, with our own garages, and several vehicles to drive in a pinch...It would be nice to see a little more understanding, and a little less *haughtiness* under the circumstances. I dont take pleasure in giving my money away any more than the next guy....But not all of our circumstances are the same. So, with no private garage, no extra vehicles, and not much time available, the options are limited. =20 >>$182 to R & R the stealthboxes << =20 Clearly you didnt read my whole post....Ill repeat..it wasnt just for the stealths, but for the amp wiring and rewiring, and for working around the water injection system as well...Its still not justified to the extent that I was charged, but it comes closer. =20 >>Excessive cost of trans and diff fluid change. ( Isn't that part of Insp 2)<< =20 No its not....Tranny and rear end fluids are deemed, and marked on the car, to be 'permanent' fluids, and are therefore not part of any scheduled service....I'm told by others who have had this done by independants that an hour's charge for changing both is perfectly normal. =20 >>Heck, I'd be sending you Christmas cards.<< =20 Richard, you can send me a card any time youd like :--) =20 >>$10,000 for a supercharger and install (cost $5,995 + 4000 labor<<) =20 Huh? Where do you get $4000 labor? For the stage II kit including exhaust, they get 21 hrs X $91 =3D $1900 =20 >>$140 Alignment: 'Dinan even states that alignment is supposed to be included in the price of installation.'<< =20 I think that's the item I have a biggest issue with because Dinan clearly states if you ask them that it is so. But, because they = 'gave' me the inspection II free when they didnt have to, I decided I wouldnt make an issue out of it. =20 Now that the service maintenance warranty is up, the oil changes and Inspection I s I'll do myself. Even without a garage, I can inspect brakes, tighten hose clamps, inspect hoses, grease latches, which = pretty much is all they do for their exorbitant fee. Then, I can limit my dealer exposure to just 1 visit each 38K miles or so, which is about = the duration between Inspection IIs. That and the every 2 yr brake flush. =20 But I do really envy you guys with your own garages. If I had one, first thing Id do is get one of those lifts you can pick up for about $1500, which uses shock like mechanisms to raise the car about 4 ft. in a scizzor type arrangement....I was yearning for one so badly at one point a couple years ago, I was actually thinking of selling my condo = to buy a house, just so I could gain a private garage. Talk about the = tail wagging the dog!. =20 Paul Elliott --------------------------------------------------------- '99 White M3; < 40K miles; Dinan stage II SC kit with 6" RMS crank pulley: 11 psi; AA Water Injection; Rotex pads;X-Brace; Dinan Koni Suspension; Stygar SS and Clutch Stop; Sound by Polk, Excelon, JLAudio
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#2. Re: New Konis - from The Buch
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Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2002 12:39:09 -0800 From: The Buch <the_buch@telus.net> Subject: Re: New Konis Paul ... no improvement other than just length ... I am lucky enough that the adjusters at the top of the Konis are inside of the cutout just barely enough to allow this on my '99 ... you might talk to Neil Maller as I think he has instructions to build a tool that might work for you. Regards, Doug Paul Elliott wrote: > Right, you need the length of the Dali shaft to even reach the > adjuster...But in your setup, is your adjuster butted right up next to the > side of the circular cutout at the top of the strut tower? Mine is, and I'm > just wondering whether the Koni adjuster will get in there...Is there > anything about the shaft on the Dali that would give it a better chance at > fitting in there, given the close proximity of the adjuster piece, and the > edge of the cutout? > > Paul > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "The Buch" <the_buch@telus.net> > To: "Paul Elliott" <elliott.paul@worldnet.att.net> > Sent: Saturday, January 26, 2002 4:09 PM > Subject: Re: New Konis > > > Thanks Paul .... the way I am set up with the bulky UUC tower caps that > > their bar fits to, I need the extra shaft length of the Dali Racing > > adjuster to reach the small protruding rectangular fitting at the top of > > the Koni shock for adjustment .... the white plastic adjuster has a > > shaft which is too short, and the Dali adjuster (which is designed for > > these same shocks on the Acura NSX) has a shaft about twice as long such > > that the knob at the top is higher than my shock tower caps allowing for > > a proper fit and adjustment. > > > > Regards, Doug > > > > Paul Elliott wrote: > > > > > >>?? It also appears that to go stiffer, the direction is > > > counter-clockwise which seems a bit counter-intuitive??<< Ok, Ive got > > > my little yellow sheet of Koni instructions here with the white koni > > > knob that comes with the kit. The knob has the red arrow marked firm > > > going in the counter clockwise direction. So thats correct....However, > > > on the other side, it shows the adjustment graphically. And what it > > > shows is one adjustment of half a turn which they have labeled '+ = > > > 180 degrees'. Then, below that graphic, they show another one which > > > they label 'Sport' and which shows '++ = 360 degrees', and shows > > > completion of one complete turn....And, it shows NO more adjustment > > > than that! If I were to take this literally, I would believe that > > > full Firm is 1 complete turn counterclockwise only! >>Good thing I > > > bought an extended adjuster from Dali Racing as the plastic > > > device which comes with the Konis is not even close to clearing my UUC > > > > > > Strut Bar. << Can you tell me more about this Dali adjuster? Im not > > > at all sure, but from what I saw, it looks like the Koni adjuster is > > > smack against one side of the round Cutout at the top of the strut > > > tower...And it looks as though there may not be enough room to sink > > > the Koni plastic adjuster in there between the adjuster and the side > > > of the cutout. The gap doesnt look big enough...It may be, but it > > > doesnt look like it. Does the Dali device fit in there better? I was > > > even thinking you might have to jack up the side you want to adjust, > > > undo the 3 bolts holding the strut on top of the tower, and try and > > > push it over, just to get access for the adjuster...But then, Id worry > > > about throwing alignment off a bit. Thanks. Paul Elliott > > > --------------------------------------------------------- > > > '99 White M3; < 40K miles; Dinan stage II SC kit with 6" RMS crank > > > pulley: 11 psi; AA Water Injection; Rotex pads;X-Brace; Dinan Koni > > > Suspension; Stygar SS and Clutch Stop; Sound by Polk, Excelon, > > > JLAudio > > > > > >
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#3. Jury still out on the new S-03s - from The Buch
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Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2002 12:53:54 -0800 From: The Buch <the_buch@telus.net> Subject: Jury still out on the new S-03s I now have about 500km (300mi) on the new Bridgestone PP S-03s. As far as I am concerned the jury is still way out on these tires. Handling is very impressive in dry and wet, but not noticeably different from the Pilot Sports despite survey ratings. The increased sidewall stiffness has the distinct advantage of upping spring rate equivalents. BUT, these things pick up and track every little ridge and groove out there, and in my opinion are a significant compromise from the nice natural centering of the Pilot Sports that came with the car. Anyone having a similar experience that has had success after more tire wear-in or by fiddling tire pressures or front shock settings?? Thanks, Doug
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#4. Re: [E36M3] Jury still out on the new S-03s - from Mark Radelow
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Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2002 21:32:47 +0000 From: "Mark Radelow" <radelow@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Jury still out on the new S-03s You know I have tried lots of different tires and my favorites are still Pilot MXX3's. I think Michelin still makes the best all out performance tires. Has anyone made the switch to Toyo Proxes T1S'? I think those will be my next tire... Mark From: The Buch <the_buch@telus.net> Reply-To: The Buch <the_buch@telus.net> To: E36M3 <e36m3@bmw-m.net> Subject: [E36M3] Jury still out on the new S-03s Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2002 14:57:22 -0600 Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2002 12:53:54 -0800 From: The Buch <the_buch@telus.net> Subject: Jury still out on the new S-03s I now have about 500km (300mi) on the new Bridgestone PP S-03s. As far as I am concerned the jury is still way out on these tires. Handling is very impressive in dry and wet, but not noticeably different from the Pilot Sports despite survey ratings. The increased sidewall stiffness has the distinct advantage of upping spring rate equivalents. BUT, these things pick up and track every little ridge and groove out there, and in my opinion are a significant compromise from the nice natural centering of the Pilot Sports that came with the car. Anyone having a similar experience that has had success after more tire wear-in or by fiddling tire pressures or front shock settings?? Thanks, Doug ************************************************************* 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. ************************************************************* _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp.
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#5. Re: cold weather in Seattle.. brr! - from Peter Fanning
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Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2002 14:18:01 -0800 From: Peter Fanning <p.fanning@verizon.net> Subject: Re: cold weather in Seattle.. brr! The snow is great! Just find a big open parking lot and practice car control. It's good skill enhancement and a great ride too. My kid couldn't wait to go play in the snow with the M... me either. I never cease to be amazed at the abilities the M3 has. Stick a set of R compounds on and it's awesome on the track, stick a set of Blizzaks on and it's awesome in the snow. Peter Fanning '98 M3/4 with three pairs of shoes; street, track and snow. At 12:07 PM 1/27/2002 -0600, you wrote: >Date: Sat, 26 Jan 2002 22:43:33 -0800 (PST) >From: Reid Conti <reid@conti.net> >Subject: cold weather in Seattle.. brr! > >How on earth do you people in cold places do it? Snip >Anyway, this f'ing sucks. >... maybe if the snow gets over 5 inches, having my underbody panel >removed will be a good thing.. the snow can pass thru the mesh grille.. :) > > >- reid
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#6. Re: Jury still out on the new S-03s - from S Lafredo
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Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2002 18:58:57 -0500 From: S Lafredo <slafredo@fast.net> Subject: Re: Jury still out on the new S-03s I tired the Toyo Proxes T1 before they made them like the Pilot Sport w/the V channels. They were OK. The $160/ea price was the best part. On Sunday, January 27, 2002, at 04:47 PM, Mark Radelow wrote: > You know I have tried lots of different tires and my favorites > are still Pilot MXX3's. I think Michelin still makes the best > all out performance tires. Has anyone made the switch to Toyo > Proxes T1S'? I think those will be my next tire... > > Mark
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#7. Rear control arm bushings [Was: Rear end gets too loose!] - from Michael Stembera
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Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2002 18:51:47 -0600 From: "Michael Stembera" <m_stembera@yahoo.com> Subject: Rear control arm bushings [Was: Rear end gets too loose!] I went to my local dealer to get the '96-'99 rear trailing arm bushings for my '95 and they told me that there is only one PN listed for both the '95 and the 96-99 cars. The PN they gave me is 31.12.9.064.875 Can anyone explain this? Thanks, Mike >Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 15:23:20 -0500 >From: "Ben Liaw - Rogue Engineering" <ben@rogueengineering.com> >Subject: Re: [E36M3] Rear end gets too loose! > >Sounds as if your rear control arm bushings are worn. > >There are some fancy spherical bearing ones on the market, as well as some poly-urethane ones as well. However, if you want to use factory parts, get ones for a 96-99 M3. The 96-99 M3 factory ones are beefier than the ones used on the 95 M3 (which were also used in the 318, 325, and other E36 non-M cars). > >Regards, >Ben Liaw >Rogue Engineering . 201.444.8150 _________________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
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#8. Seat Belt Reel Noise? - from Paul Elliott
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Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2002 21:53:37 -0500 From: "Paul Elliott" <elliott.paul@worldnet.att.net> Subject: Seat Belt Reel Noise? I just picked up a 'noise' today just behind the drivers seat in the cabin....I've come to the conclusion that what's making the noise is = the Seat Belt Reel, behind the b pillar covering. Whenever I go over a bump, the reel clunks. I dont know if something came loose, or the thing is defective, but for 36K miles its been fine, and now all of a sudden, its making noise over bumps...It seems to work fine, and hold well when you yank on the belt, but still, that noise! =20 Have any of you experienced this, and if so, what did you do? I'm = still under warranty, so I suppose I could get my dealer to fix it nc, but if I could take care of it myself, Id be happier. There's always the chance that he might say that since its working, its not defective, etc, etc. Despite the annoyance of the noise...I doubt it, but its possible...If it were somewhat common, it would probably be easier to sell it though. =20 Paul Elliott --------------------------------------------------------- '99 White M3; < 40K miles; Dinan stage II SC kit with 6" RMS crank pulley: 11 psi; AA Water Injection; Rotex pads;X-Brace; Dinan Koni Suspension; Stygar SS and Clutch Stop; Sound by Polk, Excelon, JLAudio
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#9. ///M Driving School - from Robert Exconde
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Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2002 20:58:22 -0600 From: "Robert Exconde" <99e36m3@exconde.com> Subject: ///M Driving School Just curious if anyone is planning to go to ///M driving school over in Germany this year and if anyone has the specifics of the program. I only found one program on the website for the one in Spartansberg SC. Or maybe I just overlooked it. If I cant go this year, I'm really hoping to go next year, in addition to going to the Frankfurt Auto Show again ... Robert "With summer tires on, and it looks like I'll have to change them back this week" 99M3 >
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#10. Re: [E36M3] Jury still out on the new S-03s - from Jim Bassett
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Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2002 20:28:21 -0800 From: Jim Bassett <jimbassett@attbi.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Jury still out on the new S-03s At 12:57 PM 1/27/02, The Buch wrote: >I now have about 500km (300mi) on the new Bridgestone PP S-03s. As far >as I am concerned the jury is still way out on these tires. Handling is >very impressive in dry and wet, but not noticeably different from the >Pilot Sports despite survey ratings. The increased sidewall stiffness >has the distinct advantage of upping spring rate equivalents. BUT, >these things pick up and track every little ridge and groove out there, >and in my opinion are a significant compromise from the nice natural >centering of the Pilot Sports that came with the car. Anyone having a >similar experience that has had success after more tire wear-in or by >fiddling tire pressures or front shock settings?? I've got about 15,000 miles on the SO-3s and I think they're at least the equal of the Pilot Sports. They've been equal to everything I've asked of them in the dry and have performed quite well in the wet. I have noticed a bit of tramlining, but not so much that it bothers me. YMMV. Granted, it's been over a year and 37,000 miles since I had the Pilot Sports and I ran on Yokohama AVS Sports just prior to the SO-3s. My 2 cents, Jim Bassett 1998 M3/4 - currently on S0-3s 1993 325is #44 KP - currently on Kumho Victoracers