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#1. Cutting the bump stop.... - from AVUSM3@aol.com
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Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002 08:28:20 EST From: AVUSM3@aol.com Subject: Cutting the bump stop.... In a message dated 3/27/2002 8:15:16 AM Eastern Standard Time, e36m3@bmw-m.net writes: Chris - I just did this install about a month ago. You need to use a torch to heat up the bottom of the strut. Put the heat where the bolt comes through the body of the strut. This will basically burn off the lock-tite that is holding the bolt in place. After a thorough heating the bolt just turn fairly easily. DO NOT use an impact gun with a flat head socket. If you twist (distort) the top of the bolt it is a major PIA. Good luck, John Cloutier Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002 07:58:49 -0500 From: "Ward, Chris" <CWard@ContractLumber.com> Subject: Bilstein disassembly Has anyone posted instruction's for taking apart Bilsteins for bump stop trimming. I removed the 17mm nut on the bottom of the strut, but I can't get the bolt coming down thru the bottom to budge. It has a slot for a regular screwdriver, not an Allen head. Any help would be great. Chris Ward 95 M3 (waiting to have Bilsteins bolted on) Ohio
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#2. Re: HMS Motorsport experience - from Ned Coonen
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Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002 07:41:55 -0600 From: "Ned Coonen" <ncoonen@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: HMS Motorsport experience > > Has anyone had any difficulties in dealing with this outfit. I ordered > > a Shroth Harness for my my M3 and have had problems with the fulfillment > > of the order and with their customer service. I've yet to see the > > harness and they've conveniently billed me already... I've heard others > > recommend them on this list. Anything I should be aware of? > > They are generally excellent. Ask to speak to Joe Marko, the owner, if > necessary to resolve your issue. I agree with Neil. I've purchased several sets of belts through them over the years and the service has been good. Be advised that Joe and perhaps other HMS staff may be on their way to Gateway Tech in St. Louis by now so this may be a poor week for problem resolution. ....ned. '98 M3 <for track> '88 M5 <for sale, low miles, high fun>
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#3. Re: [E36M3] Alternative Route to Bwillow - from peter@guagenti.com
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Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002 05:45:53 US/Pacific From: peter@guagenti.com Subject: Re: [E36M3] Alternative Route to Bwillow > And you want to go racing? Hehehe! Nothing like that hot Willows sun > when you're wearing a head-to-toe oven mitt. I know, I know. It's give me something new to whine about. ;-) But I've actually been in worse. Try motorcycle racing leathers in Daytona Beach in March. Everyone's else in bikini's, you get to wear a massively thick leather pants and jacket. > Then, when the car gets > too hot during the race, you turn the heat on full blast! Trust me, it > redefines "baking." Isn't this why they make oil coolers? So you _don't_ have to turn your heat on to keep your engine cool? ;-) -p ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This message was sent using HiSpeed Technologies Webmail. http://www.hispeed.com
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#4. RE: HMS Motorsport experience - from Vern Anderson
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Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002 08:54:47 -0500 From: "Vern Anderson" <vernon_anderson@yahoo.com> Subject: RE: HMS Motorsport experience Shel, I have had excellent luck in the past with HMS - Joe and Paulo are good guys and I've never had any problems. I've done phone orders and I've also stopped in the shop when I've been on business trips to Boston. I haven't ordered anything from them for a number of months, so I can't speak for any recent changes. However, I have always been very pleased with my past transactions. Vern Anderson > -------------------- 8 -------------------- > Date: Tue, 26 Mar 2002 20:38:37 EST > From: Shelhart2@aol.com > Subject: HMS Motorsport experience > > > Has anyone had any difficulties in dealing with this outfit. I ordered > a Shroth Harness for my my M3 and have had problems with the fulfillment > of the order and with their customer service. I've yet to see the > harness and they've conveniently billed me already... I've heard others > recommend them on this list. Anything I should be aware of? > > Shel Hart > 1998 M3
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#5. Re: [E36M3] Alternative Route to Bwillow - from peter@guagenti.com
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Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002 05:51:13 US/Pacific From: peter@guagenti.com Subject: Re: [E36M3] Alternative Route to Bwillow > How hot does it get up there? The hottest I've been through was 110 at a CCA mid-week school. That sucked. The worst part of Thunderhill is that there's no natural shade. You either bring your own, or you bake. Add that to the high winds that that place gets, and your only option is an EZ-Up, with even those having a hard time not getting airborne on the really bad days. I can't understand how club racers without tow vehicles can pull their AC. If you drive any of these tracks, you need AC if only for the time you're waiting on the grid. -peterg ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This message was sent using HiSpeed Technologies Webmail. http://www.hispeed.com
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#6. Re: [E36M3] Bilstein disassembly - from LoweSeaton@aol.com
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Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002 09:46:09 EST From: LoweSeaton@aol.com Subject: Re: [E36M3] Bilstein disassembly Chris, Screwing out the slotted bolt is the hard part, especially if you are working on used struts. First off, don't completely remove the 17 mm nut. Just back it off a turn or two. The nut will help hold your screwdriver bit in place and protect the threads on the bolt. Have you got a good bench vise? Clamping the strut in the vise will help you bear down on it. Spray liberal amounts of penetrating oil on the bolt. I would try using a screwdriver socket bit on a rachet instead of a screwdriver. You can get much more leverage. Put as much weight as you can on the rachet and turn it CLOCKWISE. The bolt screws INTO the strut. Be careful not to let the screwdriver bit slip or you will damage the bolt threads. If the rachet and bit doesn't work, try an air impact wrench. I had to use an impact wrench on my Bilsteins. It is a little hard to find an impact socket screwdriver bit but I found one at Sears. One you break it loose, back the 17 mm nut off some more and keep screwing the bolt into the strut. The hard part is over. As for the bumpstop itself, I chopped 83% of it off. It is 2 7/8" long. I just kept 1/2" of it. I'd recommend shortening it to 1" or less. Good luck! Lowell Seaton '95 M3 BMW CCA #131505 Dallas, Texas -------------------------- Chris writes: > Has anyone posted instruction's for taking apart Bilsteins for bump stop > trimming. > I removed the 17mm nut on the bottom of the strut, but I can't get the bolt > coming > down thru the bottom to budge. It has a slot for a regular screwdriver
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#7. E36 rear shock mount recommendations - from Dorffer, Rich
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Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002 10:00:39 -0500 From: "Dorffer, Rich" <RDORFFER@CleIndians.com> Subject: E36 rear shock mount recommendations Mark says > > I have to replace mine and have seen recommendations to use RSM's from a > convertible and also a rec to use RSM's from an E46. What's the best? Both...and add M3 to the mix as well. Item Qty Part Number Retail Price Notes E46 Rear Shock Mounts 2 33 52 6 754 096 $18.40/ea Required Self-Locking Collar Nut 4 31 33 1 092 887 0.55/ea Recommended Washer Gasket 2 33 52 1 128 734 0.43/ea Recommended Self-Locking Hex Nut 2 33 52 1 137 360 0.42/ea Recommended Z3 Reinforcement Plates 2 51 71 8 413 359 14.40/ea Optional -------------- Total Cost $36.80-$69.50* * Many BMW dealerships and vendors offer discounts for BMW CCA club members up to 30% off list prices. Best regards, Rich PS - Actually, that Rear Shock Mount above is used on all the E46s, from the 320Ci to the M3 (including the convertible).
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#8. Re: [E36M3] Cutting the bump stop.... - from LoweSeaton@aol.com
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Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002 10:02:38 EST From: LoweSeaton@aol.com Subject: Re: [E36M3] Cutting the bump stop.... I see John recommends using a torch on the Bilstein struts to loosen the Lock-Tite. I'm not sure where the Lock-Tite story started. I've disassembled 2 Bilstein struts, neither had Lock-Tite. Granted that is a small sample size. I admit, you sure think it is Lock-Tite'd in place but I think it is just general mechanical friction and corrosion. A torch is an excellent way to separate metal parts if you heat up the exterior component. However, it is also an excellent way to burn off the paint. I'd use a torch as the last straw. If you use a torch, I guess you would want to heat up the housing around the bolt, not the bolt itself. The key is certainly to bear down on the screwdriver bit as much as possible to keep it from slipping out of the slot. Leave the nut partially threaded so it will clean up the threads when you remove it. Good luck! Lowell Seaton '95 M3
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#9. Bilstein disassembly - from racebro@santacruzbicycles.com
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Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002 07:42:24 -0800 From: racebro@santacruzbicycles.com Subject: Bilstein disassembly WARNING, WARNING-- Uh oh there goes the bump stop thread alarm. Hopefully this isn't the start of another Bilstein bump stop thread! :) Jason '95 E36 M3 White/Black -------------------- 10 -------------------- Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002 07:58:49 -0500 From: "Ward, Chris" <CWard@ContractLumber.com> Subject: Bilstein disassembly Has anyone posted instruction's for taking apart Bilsteins for bump stop trimming. I removed the 17mm nut on the bottom of the strut, but I can't get the bolt coming down thru the bottom to budge. It has a slot for a regular screwdriver, not an Allen head. Any help would be great. Chris Ward 95 M3 (waiting to have Bilsteins bolted on) Ohio
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#10. check system problem - from James Clay
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Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002 11:31:16 -0500 From: "James Clay" <james@bimmerworld.com> Subject: check system problem We don't usually deal with the check system so I have no experience here. I am getting a "Brake Light Failure" warning on my check display for my street car. The brake lights do work and all bulbs are lighting. Now my mother's car is doing the same thing, making me think this is a common problem. Anyone have any experience with it? James ------------------------------------------------------------------ James Clay http://www.bimmerworld.com Engineered BMW Performance Grand Am Cup / SCCA / BMWCCA Racecar Rental Genuine and OEM BMW Parts (540) 639-9648 ------------------------------------------------------------------