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#1. RE: [E36M3] Please help me choose a daily driver - from Ron Katona
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Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2003 19:28:42 -0500 From: Ron Katona <rkatona@cox.net> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Please help me choose a daily driver Jon Phillips wrote: [...] > The upshot is that the E36 M3 sometimes suffers catastophic rear floor > failures (a result of the extremely competent rear suspension putting undue > stress on a system designed for less stress), and we have interior trim > that's relatively shoddy (pillar trims, clutch pedal bushing, and so on). I think they mix their metaphors over at Euro Car. The standard E36 has this problem, especially if the car is modded or driven hard (although some claim normal use will do it as well... but I'd betcha $5 they had symptoms of worn bushings and never got it checked out). The E36 M3 is reinforced in the area of the rear floor/subframe interface. Anyone hear of ripped out floors in E36 M3s? The rear trailing arm bushing is another story. Again, however, there is warning of the bushing wearing out. If you track or autocross the car, simply replace these every year or two depending on how many events you do. [...] > Anyhow, that's my paraphrasing of the article. I think it also said the E46 > put build quality back on track. Yes... about 300 pounds worth. ;-) -- Ron Katona
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#2. Subject: Please help me choose a daily driver - from Mo Karamat
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Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2003 21:50:57 -0500 From: Mo Karamat <karamatm@optonline.net> Subject: Subject: Please help me choose a daily driver Jon, I have a 91 325IX as my daily driver. Love the car. It handles very well (with a few small mods) in the dry, and when the white stuff comes down, WATCH OUT SUV's! I cannot say enough for this car.. (But I am biased!) The car is in your price range.. They made them from 88-91. The only real difference in the years is that the 91's had driver side air bags. Other than that they are the same... One opinion of many I am sure to come... Good Luck Mo -------------------- 10 -------------------- Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2003 10:49:30 -0800 From: jon@maximumpc.com (Jon Phillips) Subject: Please help me choose a daily driver OK, gang, I know this doesn't directly apply to E36 M3s, but I trust the opinions on this list more than any other source. Long story short, I'm tired of the harshness of my M3 for daily driving, and I want to reduce my yearly M3 milage. The M3 will be saved for weekends, track days, and bursts of inspiration. I have about $10,000 to spend. I want a relatively soft ride (compared to the M3), decent power, and above all else, a cabin free from all the squeaks, rattles and groans suffered by my E36. Looking at both new and used. Any suggestions? Would I be completely insane to buy something like a new Hyundai? And as for used cars, what's the book on build-quality for interiors? Between Mercedes, Audi and Lexus, does any single marquee have a notable track record for interiors that survive the years? Thanks for bearing with me on this tangent...
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#3. Re: [E36M3] Subject: Please help me choose a daily driver - from Gerry
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Date: Sat, 25 Jan 2003 9:52:47 -0500 From: Gerry <gerry@parallel-mkt.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Subject: Please help me choose a daily driver Jon, THe E30 325iX is the perfect low-budget winter car. Comfortable ride, revy motor and four doors. With four winter tires and its relatively low weight, the car performs well in the winter. Like all BMW's, the iX comes standard with a heart and soul, something that an inexpensive but new Japanese or Korean car cannot deliver. If you are willing to sacrifice the passion of each drive for just getting to your destination, then buy the cheap econobox. If you drive it like your M3, it will break. Don't listen to Mo, he is biased. Gerry 325iX, '91
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#4. Brake bleed - from Scott M
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Date: Sat, 25 Jan 2003 11:57:45 -0800 From: Scott M <smlists@pacbell.net> Subject: Brake bleed So why does the Bentley manual say that bleeding brakes on a car equipped with AST should only be done by the dealer? What is the trick needed to bleed the ABS/AST unit? Also - is 1L enough fluid to flush the system? Scott '98 M3/4
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#5. ATE Superblue - where to buy - from Scott M
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Date: Sat, 25 Jan 2003 12:48:24 -0800 From: Scott M <smlists@pacbell.net> Subject: ATE Superblue - where to buy Anyone know any stores around San Jose, CA that carry ATE Superblue brake fluid? Seems tough to find locally. I found one place but it was $20 a can compared to $12 mail order!! Scott '98 M3/4
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#6. BMW Films - from Jeremy Conners
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Date: Sat, 25 Jan 2003 19:22:13 -0500 From: Jeremy Conners <jeremy.conners@comcast.net> Subject: BMW Films Group, SPEED is showing the new BMW Films...here is the TV Guide info with replay times. 7:00 PMChannel 42/B42 SPEEDSaturday, 25 BMW Films 30 min. A look at the carmaker's ad campaign, in which prominent movie directors, including Ang Lee and John Frankenheimer, made short films using BMW automobiles to market the newest models. (VCR Plus+ 728922) Category: Motor Sports & Auto info Additional Airings DateTime ChannelVCR Plus+ Sunday, 26 12:00 AM 42/B42 SPEED879292 Friday, 31 7:30 PM 42/B42 SPEED881561 Saturday, 1 12:30 AM 42/B42 SPEED193623 Saturday, 1 12:00 PM 42/B42 SPEED848536 Monday, 3 9:30 PM 42/B42 SPEED775338 Tuesday, 4 2:30 AM 42/B42 SPEED261181
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#7. Oil filters do work! - from Chester Wong
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Date: Sat, 25 Jan 2003 17:58:11 -0800 (PST) From: Chester Wong <chester_p_wong@yahoo.com> Subject: Oil filters do work! So I decided to change the oil filter element today. When I took out the old element, there were little paper towel bits stuck in the holes of the filter element. My guess is that aside from providing support, the perforated shroud also helps to contain dirt in the filter. Not sure why some people would peel off this surround ;) But it is confirmed, my VANOS is making noise again. I swear that with the vacuum leak, the oil pressure gauge was only registering 50psi max. With the new o-ring in place, it's back up to 60psi. Time to do the write up for VANOS repair. Chester =====
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#8. Re: [E36M3] Glove box removal - help!! - from Scott M
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Date: Sat, 25 Jan 2003 19:16:10 -0800 From: Scott M <smlists@pacbell.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Glove box removal - help!! Aha - the old hidden bolts not mentioned in the manual trick!! thanks for the how-to perhaps I'll try it that way rather than messing with the hidden bolts on the glove box.... This is my last step in an Inspection II I've just about completed. Pretty straightforward so far. Biggest challenge was how slowly water goes back into the cooling system - much different from any car I've even dealt with before. Only too 2 gallons, which is just under 8 Liters, which means ~3L were left in the heater core and unable to flush. I guess that seems about right. Scott on 1/24/03 3:47 PM, Jim Bassett at jimbassett@attbi.com wrote: > Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2003 15:44:21 -0800 > From: Jim Bassett <jimbassett@attbi.com> > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Glove box removal - help!! > > At 03:17 PM 1/24/03, Scott M wrote: >> I'm trying to remove the glove box in my '98 M3 to replace the >> cabin microfilter. The Bentley says to remove the 6 screws and >> pull it out. Yeah right - those 6 screws are outta there and >> the sucker will not budge!! I want to make sure I'm not missing >> something before I break something trying to force it out.. >> Wouldn't be the first time a manual missed something important. >> Yes - the light is removed too. > > 1. There's a 10mm screw inside the light cavity that has to be removed. > > 2. You don't need to remove the glovebox to change the microfilter, see: > http://www.koalamotorsport.com/tech/e36/e36.microfilter.htm > > Cheers, > Jim Bassett > > > > ************************************************* > Please help support the E36M3 list by visiting our sponsors: > Taylor Autosport http://www.taylorautosport.com > Rogue Engineering http://www.rogueengineering.com > BMW M3 Specialties http://www.jt-designs.com > Bimmerworld http://www.bimmerworld.com > > DIGEST INFORMATION: > http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm > ************************************************* >
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#9. RE: [E36M3] Subject: Please help me choose a daily driver - from Mo Karamat
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Date: Sun, 26 Jan 2003 01:07:53 -0500 From: Mo Karamat <karamatm@optonline.net> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Subject: Please help me choose a daily driver Gerry, Your right I am VERY biased! :) And I agree with you all the way. The IX does come with heart and soul. In fact I have said many times that I would first sell my M3 before I sold my IX (OK, no hate mail please!). They are both fine cars, but there is something about watching someone stick their head out of their car in a snow storm to watch your car pass other cars up a hill... anyway, Yes I am biased! Good Luck Mo -----Original Message----- From: Gerry [mailto:gerry@parallel-mkt.com] Sent: Saturday, January 25, 2003 9:53 AM To: Mo Karamat; E36M3 Subject: Re: [E36M3] Subject: Please help me choose a daily driver Jon, THe E30 325iX is the perfect low-budget winter car. Comfortable ride, revy motor and four doors. With four winter tires and its relatively low weight, the car performs well in the winter. Like all BMW's, the iX comes standard with a heart and soul, something that an inexpensive but new Japanese or Korean car cannot deliver. If you are willing to sacrifice the passion of each drive for just getting to your destination, then buy the cheap econobox. If you drive it like your M3, it will break. Don't listen to Mo, he is biased. Gerry 325iX, '91
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#10. Re: [E36M3] Oil filters do work! - from Mdriver13@aol.com
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Date: Sun, 26 Jan 2003 10:02:04 EST From: Mdriver13@aol.com Subject: Re: [E36M3] Oil filters do work! In a message dated 1/25/03 9:10:48 PM Eastern Standard Time, chester_p_wong@yahoo.com writes: > When I took out the old > element, there were little paper towel bits stuck in the holes of the filter > element. Chester, Let me get this straight, you sucked in a paper towel into your engine?? Or, did the paper towel come from cleaning the oil filter housing and was mistakenly left inside??? Just curious. Bob Gill 97 ///M3 coupe Philly Region SCCA AS Champion '97 & '00 BSP Champion '01 & '02