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#1. Re:1st gear difficulties - from Chuck Hanson
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Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 08:37:25 -0700 From: Chuck Hanson <chuckh@dpsabq.com> Subject: Re:1st gear difficulties I'll weigh in on this matter. I am the new owner of a '97 M4/4 with about 44k miles and my car is tough at times to get into first gear. It only happens when I am sitting still. When rolling, the first gear downshift is very smooth. I've been a little concerned about it. Chuck Hanson 97 M3/4 In a message dated 2/24/02 11:49:17 PM Eastern Standard Time, e36m3@bmw-m.net writes: I too have had this problem at times. I have not spoken to the dealer yet as it does not happen all the time (and likely would not at the dealer's!), but since my warranty runs out in August, I will soon. I am curious to know just how widespread this problem is. My car has 24,000 miles. Steve 98M3/4
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#2. Strut Bearings - from Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net
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Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 10:46:11 -0500 From: <Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net> Subject: Strut Bearings Anyone have strut bearing replacements for a 96+ M3, or camber plates they are looking to sell? I have the UUC strut brace, so it will need to work with that as well. Local dealer does not have them in stock, and wants $102 for the stock bearings. I am installing the trackline kit, I think I have found play in my strut bearings. With 120k miles on the car, it seems prudent to change them. I am in digest mode, so direct email would be appreciated. Thanks! Regards, Stan Shaw Excell.Net Phone: (413) 599-0399 Fax: (413) 599-0421 Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net http://www.excell.net/ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin
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#3. Re: AA track pipe - from Neil Maller
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Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 11:13:59 -0500 From: Neil Maller <neil.maller@gte.net> Subject: Re: AA track pipe on 2/27/02 10:23 AM, James Mckenna <shutupkid@comcast.net> wrote: > AA is now selling a cat replament for $600 which is said to add 5.7 hp > and 9 lb ft gain on a 98 M3, and 18.5 hp and 28 ft lbs on a 95 (both > with the AA muffler aswell) > > seems a bit far fetched seeing that supersprints resonator only adds > what, 7hp at 5000? > > well 28 lbs of torque for 600 is unreal... No no, $600 for empty pipes, now THAT'S unreal! Neil 96 M3
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#4. Re: [E36M3] Re:1st gear difficulties - from Robert Chay
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Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 11:14:08 -0500 From: "Robert Chay" <rchay@mindspring.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re:1st gear difficulties I've had this problem too. I use Redline D4 ATF and it takes care of the problem. But you need to change it every 30-40k miles. If you have problems shifting into 1st, release the clutch and press it again and try shifting into 1st. This usually works rather than shifting into 2nd or 3rd to get into 1st. -Bobby '98 M3/2 71k miles
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#5. RE: Need softer suspension for my M3 - from Bob Stommel
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Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 11:32:31 -0500 From: Bob Stommel <rstommel@iquest.net> Subject: RE: Need softer suspension for my M3 Luis: I haven't done this swap yet, so I can't verify it, but I'm told that the front struts on the M Coupe are identical to the E36 M3. So are the brakes. The rear suspension on the M Coupe came from the E30 chassis, with some reinforcements to the rear trailing arms to handle the extra torque. Hope this helps. Bob Stommel SPG Motorsports Indianapolis >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 10:04:44 -0500 From: "Luis Rueda" <Luis_Rueda@Interliant.com> Subject: Need softer suspension for my M3 I have Bilstein/H&R sports on my '95 M3 right now but since I just bought a '99 MCoupe & the GF drives the M3 most of the time now, I would like to revert the suspension back to stock as close as possible (not as low & looking for a softer ride). However I'm planning to keep the RD swaybars, X-brace & strut tower brace. I wanted your opinions about how to go about doing this. Should I go w/Bilsteins HD's (are they even available for the E36 M3?) & stock springs? Are there other better options? I'm still wondering if the front suspension of the M3 would fit into the MCoupe but nobody seem to know for sure. Anybody? Bueller? Ferris? Thanks a bunch, Luis '99 MCoupe '95 M3 '86 325
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#6. Re: [E36M3] Need softer suspension for my M3 - from Andrej Dolenc
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Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 11:45:03 -0600 From: Andrej Dolenc <adolenc@erols.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Need softer suspension for my M3 Luis Rueda writes: > I have Bilstein/H&R sports on my '95 M3 right now but > since I just bought a '99 MCoupe & the GF drives the > M3 most of the time now, I would like to revert the > suspension back to stock as close as possible (not > as low & looking for a softer ride). However I'm > planning to keep the RD swaybars, X-brace & strut > tower brace. > I wanted your opinions about how to go about doing > this. Should I go w/Bilsteins HD's (are they even > available for the E36 M3?) & stock springs? Are > there other better options? I'm planning on switching my fairly worn shocks (73k, eek!) with Koni adjustables for the reason you mention - Bilstein & H&R's is a stiff combo, especially for torn up Washington DC streets. With Koni's you have some range of adjustability (though the rears are a PITA), but it's still better than the uber-stiff Bilstein's. At that's what I'm banking on :) Andrej '97 M3
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#7. E36 Inspection II - from Juan Bruce
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Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 11:57:18 -0800 From: "Juan Bruce" <jbrucebmw@hotmail.com> Subject: E36 Inspection II Its getting about time for another inspection II on my 1995 M3. I have to get it tech inpsected next week for Buttonwillow so I thought I might as well have the Inpsection II done at the same time. Dinan wants $650 for the Inspection II. Last time I had this done in it was only $350 or so. I am thinking I may do it myself instead. Looking around on the net the list of things to check seems to vary depending on the dealer/ service facility. This is the most complete list of things I have found yet. Does anyone have anything to add to the list? Undercarriage Change engine oil and filter oil while engine is at normal operation temperature. Check transmission for leaks. Check rear axle for leaks. Visually check fuel tank, lines, and connections for leaks. Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks. Check power steering system for leaks. Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads. Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers. Grease wheel center hubs. Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc. Check front control arm bushing for wear. Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning. Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake if necessary. Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary. Check condition of tires (outer surfaces (left/right)), tread wear and pattern; In case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if required. Check thickness of parking brake linings. Half-shafts; check for leaks at flexible boots. Inspect entire body according to terms of rust prevention limited warranty. Engine Compartment Read out diagnostic system Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks. Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary. Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir; add fluid if required. Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary. Check air conditioner for operation. Reset Service Indicator. Replace spark plugs. Replace intake air cleaner element. Body/Electrical Equipment Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required. Perform batter load test. Check lighting system, i.e. headlights, foglights, parking, backup, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment lights. Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination. Check all warning/indicator lights, check control. Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch. Check wiper and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions. Check condition and function of safety belts. Oil hood, trunk/tailgate, and door hinges. Grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches. Check operation of all latches. Check central locking/double lock. Replace microfilter. Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger. Check rear view mirrors Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn cover, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations, or accessories. With the exception of chaging the diff fluid, transmission oil, fuel filter, air filter, micro filter and spark plaugs the rest of the items are things I keep an eye on anyway as an enthusiastic BMW owner. It also seems like most of the stuff that is checked would be checked during the tech inspection anyway. Am I missing something here? Juan Bruce '85 M635CSi '95 M3 _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com
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#8. 96+M3 Cam dyno - from Ahmad Lutfeali
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Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 15:22:45 -0500 From: "Ahmad Lutfeali" <m3_racer99@hotmail.com> Subject: 96+M3 Cam dyno Do we have the published results for the cams now that all the hype has cooled down? =20 I am looking into the cams in cunjunction with the AA cat-replacement (and stock exhaust) with CAI.=20 =20 Ahmad A. Lutfeali 97 M3 Coupe =20 =20 =20 =20
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#9. RE: [E36M3] E36 Inspection II - from jim.bassett@alloptic.com
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Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 12:39:35 -0800 From: jim.bassett@alloptic.com Subject: RE: [E36M3] E36 Inspection II > With the exception of chaging the diff fluid, transmission > oil, fuel filter, > air filter, micro filter and spark plaugs the rest of the > items are things I > keep an eye on anyway as an enthusiastic BMW owner. Amazing, isn't it? :-) > It also > seems like most > of the stuff that is checked would be checked during the tech > inspection > anyway. Most of the mechanical stuff, true. But I can't remember the last time my HVAC system was checked at a track tech inspection :-) > Am I missing something here? Nope. A frequently tracked car, or an enthusiastic owner (or both :-)) will have checked most of those items at least on a monthly basis. A "normal" BMW owner will need these things checked at the intervals specified by BMW. The Inspection Check List is a good reference, and a good reminder for the DIY'er on the things to check. If the car has been tech inspected fairly regularly, there's no reason you can't change the fluids yourself, and have the "checks" taken care of at the next track tech. Cheers, Jim Bassett 1998 M3/4 1993 325is #44 KP
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#10. Dinan K&N replacment w/ITG filter - from john_stoj@excite.com
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Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 17:19:49 -0500 (EST) From: "john_stoj@excite.com" <john_stoj@excite.com> Subject: Dinan K&N replacment w/ITG filter <br /> <br /> Has anyone tried replacing the K&N filter on a Dinan CAI with one of those foam ITG deals? Thoughts? <br /> <br /> - John S. <br /> '97 M3 <br /> <br /> <hr>
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#11. 540/740 MAF for 95 M3 - from bmwm3nut@att.net
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Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 22:21:38 +0000 From: bmwm3nut@att.net Subject: 540/740 MAF for 95 M3 In my continuing search for a used 540/740 MAF meter for my 95 M3. I called up VINES used parts and they sent me a 740 MAF meter BUT the Bosch # on it don't match what I need, I think? The # on the MAF is 0-280-217-110 and from what 2 list members told me, I need either 0- 280-217-800 or 806. Will this 110 work? It looks smaller than the stock unit now. thanks -- Tim Ng 95 YELA/BUZZN/M3 92 325ic M-Tech "ULTIMATE TANNING MACHINE" 91///M3 "SUNNY DAY CAR" 88///M3 "TRACK CAR" SICK ENGINE 87 325IS PARTS CAR HOT ENGINE 83 320i "back for sale, buyer never showed"