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#1. Re: [E36M3] Winter Tires - from Alain van der Heide
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 20:00:38 -0500 From: "Alain van der Heide" <ajvdh1@attbi.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Winter Tires I ran MZ01s for a couple of winters on my M3 - even did a couple of ice gymkhanas with 'em. Not all that much fun on dry pavement, but better than the Yoko Guardex on my wife's Passat. They absolutely rocked on snow and ice, to the point where foul weather driving was downright boring. As a matter of fact, they're still for sale - complete with the Mille Miglia Spiders they're wrapped around. The wheels are 16X17.5 (yes, they clear the brakes). The tires are 205/55s, and have at least one winter available. $650 + shipping from the Denver/Boulder area for the whole shootin' match. - Alain ----- Original Message ----- From: "Carey Probst" <hcprobst@nycap.rr.com> To: "E36M3" <e36m3@bmw-m.net> Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2002 12:04 PM Subject: RE: [E36M3] Winter Tires > Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 12:53:33 -0400 > From: "Carey Probst" <hcprobst@nycap.rr.com> > Subject: RE: [E36M3] Winter Tires > > I have the Blizzak LM-22s and have had excellent performance from them. Did > a little snow plowing last year with the splitter. Not intentional but snow > was deeper then I thought when I entered the parking lot. >
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#2. Re: Shifter resting under 5th - from Jim Mihal
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 19:02:19 -0700 From: "Jim Mihal" <jmihal@jt-designs.com> Subject: Re: Shifter resting under 5th Bill, We used to use ATF in standard trannys when it got cold for hard to shift boxes. Tolerances are tight, thicker fluids cause things to bind up a bit. Jim Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 13:17:33 -0700 From: Bill <bill@screamingfist.com> Subject: Shifter resting under 5th Regarding the issue of the shifter sitting at rest under 5th in the cold weather; as the temps drop here in North America, there are apparently a *lot* of people affected by this. I'm in this boat, too. I only get in this state if I shift into 5th while the tranny's cold. (Mind, I live in Santa Cruz, so "cold" is around 50F.) After things warm up a while (say, 15 minutes at 3000RPM) behavior returns to normal. I've tried a number of different tranny fluids to no avail. All I can do is avoid 5th for the first half of my commute. Grrrrrrr. Anyone have any bright ideas?
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#3. re: Shifter resting under 5th - from racebro@santacruzbicycles.com
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 19:41:02 -0700 From: racebro@santacruzbicycles.com Subject: re: Shifter resting under 5th > I've tried a number of different tranny fluids to no avail. All I can > do is avoid 5th for the first half of my commute. Grrrrrrr. Bill, I don't know about your commutes in the greater Santa Cruz area, but I have no problem avoiding 5th for all of my commute (rush hour/17 mile commute= 1hr 5min by car, 1 hr 5 min by bicycle, 27-30min by KTM Duke II). Jason Lombard '95 M3-- not seeing much commute time with traffic being so bad
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#4. Re: [E36M3] Koni SA settings and adjustments - from Mdriver13@aol.com
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 23:27:52 EDT From: Mdriver13@aol.com Subject: Re: [E36M3] Koni SA settings and adjustments In a message dated 10/17/02 2:46:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time, jimbassett@attbi.com writes: > First, I want to take an informal poll of those that have the Koni SAs with > stock springs - what are you settings for plain ol' street driving? > > Second, I wanted to confirm the adjustment directions. Fronts are easy, > adjustment tool says counter-clockwise for firmer. If I'm adjusting the > rears by turning the hex bolt on top, it's the opposite, correct? Firm = > clockwise, soft = counter-clockwise? > Hi Jim, The fronts firm-up going counter-clockwise as you mentioned. For street mine are set full soft...I like the feel. I had them set to 2 turns from soft last Sunday for an autox and left them that way for the ride home, even after changing to my street tires...to harsh for me! The rears, well mine are Koni DA's, but I think the top adjuster is the same and moves in the same direction as the front, well at least mine do. Again, I had these set 2 turns from soft...to harsh for my street pleasure, turned them to full soft...just right. This is personal taste you know, so I look forward to the results from this poll, after all the replies come in. Car set-up: stock springs, Eibach sway bars set to stiff front and rear, JTD RSM (his bushings), and Kumho 712's for street rubber. Happy trails with the Koni's ;-)) BTW: After last Sunday's autox I'd love to hear back from people with Koni's and stock springs and what they feel is the best setting for rebound? Had a couple 180 degree spins which I blame on my Koni settings since this is the last change I've made to the car. Bob Gill 97 ///M3 coupe Philly Region SCCA AS Champion 1997 & 2000 BSP Champion 2001
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#5. shifter sticking - from Paul Elliott
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 23:50:57 -0400 From: "Paul Elliott" <elliott.paul@worldnet.att.net> Subject: shifter sticking >>Unfortunately, I do not think there is anything that can be done to fix it without taking the transmission out<< Do you really think this has to do with the transmission? From the way mine feels, its only in the linkage. Maybe mines not the same, because its not sticking IN fifth gear..Its sticking on the fifth gear side of Neutral. Just a tap knocks it over to the center of neutral, instead of friction sticking to the right side of neutral. I have a feeling mine's different, because I certainly would not refer to what I have as a 'problem', as it doesnt interfer with anything I ever do with the shifter, and its not anything which I find even annoying. Its just a part of its personality. Paul Elliott --------------------------------------------------------- '99 White M3; 45K miles; Dinan stage II SC kit with 6" RMS crank pulley: 11 psi; AA Aquamist Water/Methanol Injection; Fikse FM-10s; X-Brace; Dinan Koni Suspension; Stygar SS and Clutch Stop; Sound by Polk, Excelon, JLAudio
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#6. JC euro hfm intake install story - from Paul Elliott
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 23:55:01 -0400 From: "Paul Elliott" <elliott.paul@worldnet.att.net> Subject: JC euro hfm intake install story >>Magnet on a stick to the rescue. If you don't have one of these, go out and buy one NOW!<< No kidding! I cant even tell you how many times Ive dropped an important screw, bolt, bracket, etc, and had to retreive with one of these extendable magnets. Only dont you guys hate it when it wants to stick to every damn thing on the sides as youre lowering it to try and fish out your part? I dont know if its Griots, but somebody offers these things with the magnet protected until you mean to use it, and then you lower it or something beyond the protection for it to do its busines only where you want. Sometimes, doesnt that sound like just the ticket?! Paul Elliott --------------------------------------------------------- '99 White M3; 45K miles; Dinan stage II SC kit with 6" RMS crank pulley: 11 psi; AA Aquamist Water/Methanol Injection; Fikse FM-10s; X-Brace; Dinan Koni Suspension; Stygar SS and Clutch Stop; Sound by Polk, Excelon, JLAudio
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#7. Re: [E36M3] Winter Tires - from Ron Buchalski
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 23:53:55 -0400 From: "Ron Buchalski" <rbuchals@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Winter Tires While I have found the TR surveys somewhat useful in selecting tires, the survey results really need to be put into proper perspective. Every participant has his/her own personal frame of reference for grading, based on: - the vehicle on which the tires are mounted - tire size - previous tire(s) used for comparison - driving style - driving ability - local road conditions - local weather conditions All of which add up to, in my opinion, questionable validity. What I found most useful are Tire Rack's own comparison tests, where they test competing tires, of the same size, on the same vehicle, on the same driving course, with the same drivers, on the same day. Only then do I feel that the results are valid, and the comparisons are useful and worth believing. It's what led me to select Dunlop SP Sport 5000s for my E34 525iT. I read the comparison test, and the plus and minus points for each tire, and decided that the Dunlops offered the best combination for my planned use. I haven't been disappointed with the choice. In fact, I'm on my third set. For my M3, I'm still using Pilot MXX3s. It's not a daily driver, and I don't plan to drive it in rainy weather, so I chose to get (what I feel) is (was) one of the best dry weather tires, and a tire that the car was designed to use. The fast handling response that they offer is awesome, and even after being on the market for eight years, they're still hard to beat for dry handling. Ron Buchalski BMWCCA #76387 1995 E36 M3 1993 E34 525iT 1999 Mazda Miata >Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 16:32:48 -0400 >From: "Paul Elliott" <elliott.paul@worldnet.att.net> >Subject: Re: [E36M3] Winter Tires > >Have you compared the surveys for the two tires? Look..I know about all >the >rationale you put on it. Despite that, most people feel the all season >Pilot Sports deliver as well as the Summer versions. Theory is theory, but >this is based on people experiences with both. > > >>For a car enthusiast who has spent so much money on a performance >machine such as a BMW M3, it's a tradeoff that simply doesn't make sense to >me. << > >I hear you. And Ive always felt like you did. But again, read the >surveys. >They turned my head around...And the respondents arent just a bunch of >jerks >who accept anything they ride on as being good. There are plenty of tires >that are rated really poorly. So you cant say they arent discriminating. > >But when the respondents are telling me their dry traction is on a par with >the reg. pilot sports, and their winter traction is only a single point or >less behind the dedicated winter tires, and way ahead of all the other all >seasons WRT winter traction, I think a new attitude is called for when >considering them. > >Paul Elliott _________________________________________________________________ Protect your PC - get McAfee.com VirusScan Online http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963
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#8. Re: [E36M3] Winter Tires - from Paul Elliott
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Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 00:03:27 -0400 From: "Paul Elliott" <elliott.paul@worldnet.att.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Winter Tires Thanks for your perspective Ron. I'll try not to read so much into the surveys. If you guys get a chance to compare the Pilot Sports and the Pilot Sports All season on the TR surveys, youll see what I mean that these are receiving 'marks' totally unlike any other all season tire youve ever looked at. I doubt I'll be able to hear anything from anybody on this list, as Im sure Noone is running all seasons here. And I probably wont either. Its easy enough to switch over to the winters, even if I have to store them in my Condo apt! Besides the winter tires save some wear and tear on my Fikses and my Pilot Sports! Paul Elliott --------------------------------------------------------- '99 White M3; 45K miles; Dinan stage II SC kit with 6" RMS crank pulley: 11 psi; AA Aquamist Water/Methanol Injection; Fikse FM-10s; X-Brace; Dinan Koni Suspension; Stygar SS and Clutch Stop; Sound by Polk, Excelon, JLAudio ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ron Buchalski" <rbuchals@hotmail.com> To: <elliott.paul@worldnet.att.net> Cc: <e36m3@bmw-m.net> Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2002 11:53 PM Subject: Re: [E36M3] Winter Tires > While I have found the TR surveys somewhat useful in selecting tires, the > survey results really need to be put into proper perspective. Every > participant has his/her own personal frame of reference for grading, based > on: > > - the vehicle on which the tires are mounted > - tire size > - previous tire(s) used for comparison > - driving style > - driving ability > - local road conditions > - local weather conditions > > All of which add up to, in my opinion, questionable validity. > > What I found most useful are Tire Rack's own comparison tests, where they > test competing tires, of the same size, on the same vehicle, on the same > driving course, with the same drivers, on the same day. Only then do I feel > that the results are valid, and the comparisons are useful and worth > believing. > > It's what led me to select Dunlop SP Sport 5000s for my E34 525iT. I read > the comparison test, and the plus and minus points for each tire, and > decided that the Dunlops offered the best combination for my planned use. I > haven't been disappointed with the choice. In fact, I'm on my third set. > > For my M3, I'm still using Pilot MXX3s. It's not a daily driver, and I > don't plan to drive it in rainy weather, so I chose to get (what I feel) is > (was) one of the best dry weather tires, and a tire that the car was > designed to use. The fast handling response that they offer is awesome, and > even after being on the market for eight years, they're still hard to beat > for dry handling. > > Ron Buchalski > BMWCCA #76387 > 1995 E36 M3 > 1993 E34 525iT > 1999 Mazda Miata >
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#9. Turn Signal Question - from Foley, Brian
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Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 00:09:08 -0400 From: "Foley, Brian" <bfoley@cmpd.org> Subject: Turn Signal Question A quick question concerning turn signal switches. My Porsche 944 Turbo allowed you to turn the signal stalk to the left or right while parked. This activated the front and rear parking light on the respective side of the car, providing extra visibility when parked next to a curb at night. My owners' manual tells me that my M3 sedan has this feature, but no matter what I try, it won't activate this function. Anyone have any ideas? Do we get a US spec turn signal switch that's different from the European market that I can replace? Thanks in advance, Brian Foley 97 M3 Sedan Charlotte,NC
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#10. Re: [E36M3] Upcoming work on the M3 - from Jay W. Hudson
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 21:45:35 -0700 From: "Jay W. Hudson" <jwhud@cdsnet.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Upcoming work on the M3 At 02:34 PM 10/17/02 -0500, you wrote: >Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 12:30:16 -0700 >From: Jim Bassett <jimbassett@attbi.com> >Subject: Upcoming work on the M3 > >Just in case anyone is curious and/or has any suggestions of what else to >do, here's the list of repairs that I'll be having done on the M3 next >week. As mentioned previously, it's got over 120K miles now and up until >last October was getting fairly regular inspections (about once a month or >so for track schools). > >- Replace rear main seal (been leaking for over a year now) >- Replace clutch, pilot & throw out bearings (while doing above) >- Check aforementioned tranny issues >- Check oil pump sprocket nut >- Reinforce F subframe & R swaybar brackets >- Replace leaking power steering hose >- Complete undercarriage inspection >- Oil, tranny & diff fluid changes (going to try Royal Purple Synchromax, >based on others reports) > >I fully expect to need F control arms & bushings. RTBs, RSMs, & flex disc >have already been replaced. > >Although the timing of all this isn't the greatest financially (just having >the race car's motor rebuilt), some of that work has been put off long >enough. I'm looking forward to having a better-riding, non-leaking car <g>. > >Cheers, >Jim Bassett > Jim- I recently replaced my D4-ATF with the RP Syncromax. I have noticed no benefit. In fact, it may not be as good as the Redline in terms of smoothness. I'll be going back to D4-ATF unless something extrodinary happens to change my mind. You know.....my .02 Jay