E36M3 #2806

Wednesday, December 11, 2002 10:20:20

This digest contains the following messages:

#1. Re: [E36M3] US General Racing Jack - from Alain van der Heide
#2. Re: [E36M3] RSM Life - from Mel Myers
#3. RE: [E36M3] Does someone have CarFAX access and can run a VIN for me?? - from Grant Fairweather
#4. Re:TC Kline Bars - from ERogers005@aol.com
#5. re: RSM Life - from Michael Schaublin
#6. Re: WTB: TC Kline Roll Bar - from Neil Maller
#7. Re: RSM Life - from Neil Maller
#8. Seats on ebay - from John Van Houten
#9. Re: WTB: TC Kline Roll Bar - from Sean Silva
#10. Re: [E36M3] RSM Life - from Mdriver13@aol.com
#11. Re: WTB: TC Kline Roll Bar - from Neil Maller
#12. US General Racing Jack - from DiVincenti, A.J.
#13. Re: [E36M3] Re:TC Kline Bars - from Dave Kelley

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#1. Re: [E36M3] US General Racing Jack - from Alain van der Heide
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Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 21:21:39 -0600 From: "Alain van der Heide" <ajvdh1@attbi.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] US General Racing Jack Bimmerhaus (Bob Tunnell/Jim Leithauser's shop) uses 'em too. I was gonna ask for one for X-mas, but I'm getting harnesses instead. - Alain ----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Guagenti" <peter@guagenti.com> To: "E36M3" <e36m3@bmw-m.net> Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2002 5:39 PM Subject: Re: [E36M3] US General Racing Jack > Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2001 15:33:10 -0800 > From: Peter Guagenti <peter@guagenti.com> > Subject: Re: [E36M3] US General Racing Jack > > on 12/10/02 10:19 AM, Jim Bassett at jimbassett@attbi.com wrote: > > > Peter G brought his up to Thunderhill for use in the 12-Hour Enduro (thanks > > Peter!). We used it for tire changes mainly. > > Your welcome. ;-) > > I am not easy on equipment. I treat tools as tools, not priceless > possessions. That said, I've had this jack for about a year and have had no > issues. If it breaks, I could buy a new one and still be at a savings > compared to the 'branded' jacks. > > Interestingly, Mark Kirberg's SSF team pitted next to us at the 12 hour, and > I noticed that they had two of them in their pits. I guess it works for > _some_ pro pit workers. ;-) > > -p > > > > ************************************************************* > 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. > ************************************************************* > >

Reply to: Alain van der Heide

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#2. Re: [E36M3] RSM Life - from Mel Myers
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Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2002 00:05:10 -0600 From: Mel Myers <melmyers76@netscape.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] RSM Life I would think this is all you can expect from these bushings. RSM's - forget OEM, go with something aftermarket. I prefer the Ground Control ones, they aren't that much more than OEM parts from the dealer. Rear Trailing Arm bushings - there is no way anyone should ever replace these with OEM parts IMO. they just plain suck. Poly ones from BimmerWorld do great. Front Control Arm bushings- if you want to stick with OEM, get the 95 m3 ones that are eccentric and stiffer. Otherwise, get some good poly ones (BimmerWorld again). really you should be pleased at the life you got out of your bushings to 65,000 mi. -mel The Buch wrote: >Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 19:55:40 -0800 >From: The Buch <the_buch@telus.net> >Subject: RSM Life > >I have had the e46 RSMs with Z3 reinforcement plates for about 35,000mi >with about 15,000mi subject to the Koni SAs at about 50% rebound >stiffness. I am told by the dealer that one of the RSMs is starting to >show some cracks and wear at the outer edge. This is a disappointing >service life, and I would appreciate any comments. > >As another data point, both my rear trailing arm bushings and front >lower control arm bushings were sufficiently worn to warrant replacement >at 65,000mi. > >Regards, 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. >************************************************************* > > >

Reply to: Mel Myers

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#3. RE: [E36M3] Does someone have CarFAX access and can run a VIN for me?? - from Grant Fairweather
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Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2002 00:00:47 -0800 From: "Grant Fairweather" <Grantf1@calcon.net> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Does someone have CarFAX access and can run a VIN for me?? It's definitely worth the small cost, but its definitely not fool = proof...read on. I was in the market for 97/98 M3/4 this past summer, = and came across a nice 98 silver/black at a small used car dealer about = 3 hrs away from my house. I was told over the phone that the car's left = rear door had a small dent repaired, so when I went to look at the car = in person, I asked questions regarding the cars history again to two = others. Each mentioned the door repair, but each person also remembered = a different door being replaced. Hmmm...something strange here, I = thought. After careful inspection, I noticed a very small amount of = silver overspray on the black rubber window trim of both the left and = right rear windows. Something's not right here. Finally, I commented = to the salesman that the rear wheels had been mounted onto the front and = vice versa! He didn't even realize that the wheels were different = sizes! I discussed my findings with them and walked away very pissed. I was so = upset that I decided to investigate matters further. =20 The Carfax reported an accident, and not a totaled vehicle, but I didn't = believe it. The carfax listed several emissions testing at one = particular location. I called information, and was able to determine 3 = BMW dealerships in a reasonable proximity to the emissions facility in = hopes that routine maintenance might have been done on this car. With = the VIN in hand, I had a hit with the third dealer. They did have = records of routine maintenance, and it actually looked good. I asked a = few questions, and got lucky because the dealer mistakenly gave me the = previous owners name. I should mention that while looking at the car, I = noted that the car's title was in the name of an insurance company, and = not a private owner (I know, big red flag). I located the insurance = company's phone number via the Net, and with the VIN and previous owners = name, was able to determine the cars recent past. =20 Grand finale...three months prior, the car had been in a rollover = accident and was deemed totaled!!! The insurance agent told me that the = car was sold at auction, and would be issued a salvage title upon = purchase! Arrgh...I called the dealer back and had a few choice words = with several people. To my astonishment, they still didn't believe that = they were hiding anything, and had no problem with holding the rollover = history from me. In fact, the owner made a point to say that a salvaged = title would not be issued, since I would be titling the car in Illinois = and not in the state of sale (WI)!! He claimed to do it all the time! = ....we'll now he's got the authorities and the BBB to worry about, not = just me. Thanks for bearing with me. I realize that there were multiple "red = flags" that would have prompted many to walk away, but my point was more = to speak towards the carfax report and how one could possibly be mislead = by using it as a sole source of information. Grant "Clean" 98 M3/4=20 >I wouldn't say it is the definite tool as to help you out with a car or = not >but I would say it is a cheap tool to have when buying a car. = Seriously >what is $15 if it saves you from making a $25K mistake? I bet you = spent >more than that on something as simple as a short shifter for your car.

Reply to: Grant Fairweather

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#4. Re:TC Kline Bars - from ERogers005@aol.com
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Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2002 01:56:40 EST From: ERogers005@aol.com Subject: Re:TC Kline Bars I believe Bimmerhaus has the license and is now producing the TC Kline bars. Check them out. I had one on my 95 and the fit and finish were outstanding. I'd expect Bimmerhaus to equal or better the quality. Ed Rogers > Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 14:45:08 -0800 (PST) > From: Sean Silva <seanjsilva@yahoo.com> > Subject: WTB: TC Kline Roll Bar > > Over the winter I'm looking to outfit my 95 M3 with a bolt-in roll bar > for next season. Can anyone suggest alternatives to the > no-longer-produced TC Kline bars? Any used ones for sale? I've heard > some mixed reviews about AutoPower roll bars. Any recommendations for > a custom cage builder/welder in the Boston area? > >

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#5. re: RSM Life - from Michael Schaublin
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Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2002 09:44:48 -0500 From: "Michael Schaublin" <mike_schaublin@hotmail.com> Subject: re: RSM Life Doug wrote about his e46M3 RSMs with 35k miles <I am told by the dealer that one of the RSMs is starting to show some cracks and wear at the outer edge> I have had the GC RSMs for 70k+ miles, 22k on a TCKline trackline with the rebound set full stiff. I have no issues with the RSMs - they have never made a sound. The rear shock towers are sound as well. The car has 122k total miles. <both my rear trailing arm bushings and front lower control arm bushings were sufficiently worn to warrant replacement at 65,000mi.> These are normal wear items. I put in the 96+ RTBs with the Ground Control spacers, and the rear still feels great 22k miles later. When you replace the LCA bushings, be sure to get the solid ones. I think the 96+ have "windows" in them to provide more compliance, but that adversely affects life. The LCA bushings are an easy DIY job. Take the lollipos off (you may need a puller to get the old bushings off the control arms) and have an auto parts store or garage press out the old bushings and press in the new. I don't recall any major issues getting the new ones on. Chester has the proper size drifts for the press, though a garage should have ones that are close enough. Also, Steve D'G sells the lollipops with the bushings already installed. Mike _________________________________________________________________ MSN 8 helps eliminate e-mail viruses. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus

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#6. Re: WTB: TC Kline Roll Bar - from Neil Maller
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Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2002 09:45:13 -0500 From: Neil Maller <neil.maller@gte.net> Subject: Re: WTB: TC Kline Roll Bar on 12/10/02 11:19 PM, Sean Silva <seanjsilva@yahoo.com> wrote: > Over the winter I'm looking to outfit my 95 M3 with a bolt-in roll bar > for next season. Can anyone suggest alternatives to the > no-longer-produced TC Kline bars? Are they in fact no longer produced? I know this product has had a long and chequered production history, but last I heard they were to be produced for Bimmerhaus. However I don't know whether that actually took place. TC Kline still shows them on his web site, but of course that doesn't mean much. > Any used ones for sale? They do turn up from time to time, either from people selling their cars, or from those going racing and installing a full welded cage. I bought and fitted a used original (made by Mark McMahon in Akron) TCK last year. > I've heard some mixed reviews about AutoPower roll bars. Loose fit in the car compared to the TC Kline or to a competent custom job. > Any recommendations for a custom cage builder/welder in the Boston area? Talk to Will Turner. Neil 96 M3

Reply to: Neil Maller

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#7. Re: RSM Life - from Neil Maller
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Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2002 09:46:42 -0500 From: Neil Maller <neil.maller@gte.net> Subject: Re: RSM Life on 12/10/02 11:19 PM, The Buch <the_buch@telus.net> wrote: > I have had the e46 RSMs with Z3 reinforcement plates for about 35,000mi > with about 15,000mi subject to the Koni SAs at about 50% rebound > stiffness. I am told by the dealer that one of the RSMs is starting to > show some cracks and wear at the outer edge. This is a disappointing > service life, and I would appreciate any comments. That is disappointing. On the other hand they're easy to replace and cost maybe $35 for a pair. Neil 96 M3

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#8. Seats on ebay - from John Van Houten
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Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2002 08:48:26 -0600 From: "John Van Houten" <jvh_lists@ix.netcom.com> Subject: Seats on ebay Well, I need to clear my old seats out of the basement and I finally got them on ebay. They are dove gray vaders, manual, unheated, from a 95 M3. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1874527677 Thanks John

Reply to: John Van Houten

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#9. Re: WTB: TC Kline Roll Bar - from Sean Silva
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Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2002 07:10:19 -0800 (PST) From: Sean Silva <seanjsilva@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: WTB: TC Kline Roll Bar --- Neil Maller <neil.maller@gte.net> wrote: > on 12/10/02 11:19 PM, Sean Silva <seanjsilva@yahoo.com> wrote: > > > Over the winter I'm looking to outfit my 95 M3 with a bolt-in roll > bar > > for next season. Can anyone suggest alternatives to the > > no-longer-produced TC Kline bars? > > Are they in fact no longer produced? I know this product has had a > long and > chequered production history, but last I heard they were to be > produced for > Bimmerhaus. However I don't know whether that actually took place. TC > Kline > still shows them on his web site, but of course that doesn't mean > much. > According to both TC Kline and Bimmerhaus they are no longer being produced. Bimmerhaus had intended to take over production but apparently it never came to fruition. I just spoke with Joe Marko at HMS Motorsport in Peabody, MA and he tells me that they have recently fabricated a jig based on TC Kline's bar. They will be test-fitting the first production bar in an E36 in the next two weeks and should be producing roll bars in January. > > Any used ones for sale? > > They do turn up from time to time, either from people selling their > cars, or > from those going racing and installing a full welded cage. I bought > and > fitted a used original (made by Mark McMahon in Akron) TCK last year. > > > I've heard some mixed reviews about AutoPower roll bars. > > Loose fit in the car compared to the TC Kline or to a competent > custom job. Thanks for the feedback. I'll stay away from them. > > > Any recommendations for a custom cage builder/welder in the Boston > area? > > Talk to Will Turner. Thanks for all the good suggestions. > > Neil > 96 M3 > __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com

Reply to: Sean Silva

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#10. Re: [E36M3] RSM Life - from Mdriver13@aol.com
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Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2002 10:25:59 EST From: Mdriver13@aol.com Subject: Re: [E36M3] RSM Life In a message dated 12/10/02 11:12:54 PM Eastern Standard Time, the_buch@telus.net writes: > I have had the e46 RSMs with Z3 reinforcement plates for about 35,000mi > with about 15,000mi subject to the Koni SAs at about 50% rebound > stiffness. I am told by the dealer that one of the RSMs is starting to > show some cracks and wear at the outer edge. Yes, definitely go aftermarket. GC or JT Design. I wasted the OEMs in 10K miles, replaced with JT Design RSMs and the Z3 reinforcement plate plus the Dinan rear shock brace. I'm at 32K miles now, and three more seasons of autoxing...no problems! Added Koni DAs on back, working with Jim right now on the best fitment of the "track" bushings with these larger shocks. Hope that helps. Bob Gill 97 ///M3 coupe --- shameless JT Design plug (very happy customer) Philly Region SCCA AS Champion '97 & '00 BSP Champion '01 & '02

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#11. Re: WTB: TC Kline Roll Bar - from Neil Maller
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Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2002 10:39:45 -0500 From: Neil Maller <neil.maller@gte.net> Subject: Re: WTB: TC Kline Roll Bar on 12/11/02 10:10 AM, Sean Silva at seanjsilva@yahoo.com wrote: > I just spoke with Joe Marko at HMS Motorsport in Peabody, MA and he tells me > that they have recently fabricated a jig based on TC Kline's bar. They will > be test-fitting the first production bar in an E36 in the next two weeks and > should be producing roll bars in January. That sounds like good news for would-be buyers. HMS already makes rollover protection for the Z3, and is a well respected vendor of other safety equipment. Although there are a couple of very minor improvements (see below) that can be made to the TC Kline design, it's still easily the best bolt-in I've seen for the E36. If HMS produces something comparable, then I'd say it's worth waiting for. Suggested improvements: - Use metric hardware throughout (I did this for mounting feet only) - Install set screw in crossbar sliding collar to hold it in place during installation and removal (did this). Neil 96 M3

Reply to: Neil Maller

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#12. US General Racing Jack - from DiVincenti, A.J.
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Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2002 09:46:27 -0600 From: "DiVincenti, A.J." <ADiVin@lsuhsc.edu> Subject: US General Racing Jack Well that depends if the car is up in the air when the jack fails. If the car is damaged or worse yet, you get hurt, you may have wished you spent the extra money. AJ -------------------- 7 -------------------- Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2001 15:33:10 -0800 From: Peter Guagenti <peter@guagenti.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] US General Racing Jack on 12/10/02 10:19 AM, Jim Bassett at jimbassett@attbi.com wrote: > Peter G brought his up to Thunderhill for use in the 12-Hour Enduro (thanks > Peter!). We used it for tire changes mainly. Your welcome. ;-) I am not easy on equipment. I treat tools as tools, not priceless possessions. That said, I've had this jack for about a year and have had no issues. If it breaks, I could buy a new one and still be at a savings compared to the 'branded' jacks. Interestingly, Mark Kirberg's SSF team pitted next to us at the 12 hour, and I noticed that they had two of them in their pits. I guess it works for _some_ pro pit workers. ;-)

Reply to: DiVincenti, A.J.

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#13. Re: [E36M3] Re:TC Kline Bars - from Dave Kelley
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Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2002 11:17:32 -0500 From: "Dave Kelley" <d.kelley@usa.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re:TC Kline Bars No, Bimmerhaus is not having them made anymore. There was a problem with their fabricator or something. The original TCKline sample bar from Bimmerhaus was available for sale a couple months ago. Currently, Jim Powell in San Diego is considering having the bars built, but he just told me he is trying to decide if he can do it at a profit. So bottom line is that nobody is building the TCKline bar right now. I had to get an Autopower bar recently and I'm satisfied with it, but I haven't rolled my car yet either! :-) Dave Kelley > Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2002 01:56:40 EST > From: ERogers005@aol.com > Subject: Re:TC Kline Bars > > > I believe Bimmerhaus has the license and is now producing the TC Kline bars. > Check them out. I had one on my 95 and the fit and finish were outstanding. > I'd expect Bimmerhaus to equal or better the quality. > > Ed Rogers > > > Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 14:45:08 -0800 (PST) > > From: Sean Silva <seanjsilva@yahoo.com> > > Subject: WTB: TC Kline Roll Bar > > > > Over the winter I'm looking to outfit my 95 M3 with a bolt-in roll bar > > for next season. Can anyone suggest alternatives to the > > no-longer-produced TC Kline bars? Any used ones for sale? I've heard > > some mixed reviews about AutoPower roll bars. Any recommendations for > > a custom cage builder/welder in the Boston area? > >

Reply to: Dave Kelley

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