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#1. Re: [E36M3] Three Month Report - from DocWyte
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Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 17:51:40 -0700 (PDT) From: DocWyte <josh_wyte@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Three Month Report I've had my '95 M3 for 7 months and 9000 miles now. I've been very pleased with the performance of it. Gas mileage isn't as good as my previous audi 1.8T, but that had a much smaller motor. I love the car, the interior is great, I fit in it perfectly, really tight build quality. I had to do the shocks/struts right after I bought it, but I knew I was going to have to. My experience has been somewhat colored by the fact that the car has a great aftermarket bumper to bumper warranty and I deal with a dealer that's just excellent. I have had a bunch of things that needed to be fixed, but the dealer/warranty co have taken care of them. Since they have, I really don't mind. I get a nice e46 loaner and only have to pay the $100 deductible. I'm sure the warranty co is screaming "mommy!" by now... They've covered: water pump fan clutch valve cover gasket oxygen sensor knock sensor 6 coil packs 1 dme (bmw emmissions warranty) vanos unit timing chain and tensioner If I'd had to pay for all of this, I'd be much less happy than I am... I've done basic bolt on (jc euro hfm intake, uuc ltw flywheel, konis) and I really love the car. It's by far the best performing car I've ever owned right out of the box. I did have a soft brake pedal until I bled the brakes with a motiv brake bleeder and got 5+ bubbles out of the left rear caliper. Now they feel great. I plan on putting alot of miles on this car... -josh --- Nancy Fluharty <fluhar@worldnet.att.net> wrote: > Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 19:37:48 -0400 > From: "Nancy Fluharty" <fluhar@worldnet.att.net> > Subject: Three Month Report > > As I approach the 3-month point of my M3 ownership, > I've been ruminating, > philosophizing, and comparing it to my trusty E30. > The following > observations were assembled > mainly for my own benefit, but comments are welcome: > > 1. I love this engine. I can overlook a lot because > of the responsiveness > and power of the engine. > > 2. Likewise the appearance of the car. I've always > liked the shape of the > E36 coupes, but I particularly like this one (white, > no > spoiler, Contour wheels). I still grin when I see it > in the parking lot. > > 3. The condition of the car when I bought it wasn't > quite as good as I > thought. A few things wrong and a few wear items at > end-of-life. I had a bad > wheel bearing, trouble with the HVAC (see #10), > leaking power-steering fluid > (replacing crimp-clamps with screw-clamps seems to > have fixed). The brakes > were shot and the suspension's nearly so. Water > pump's been updated but the > radiator/t-stat housing/hoses/belts project lies > ahead. > > 4. Some idiosyncrasies have taken some getting used > to: The lower seating > position, with the key ring resting on my right > knee. (I may adjust, but so > far I give the edge in comfort to the E30, at least > for the tall and > skinny). The big chunk of plastic between the front > seats which still > doesn't provide a decent place for your cup or > cellphone (but it helps if > you discard the ash tray insert). The windshield > washer which wets your left > knee if you use it with the windows open. And, of > course, the fact that all > parts have the M-surcharge. > > 5. Tramlining in the expressway ruts is worse than > any other car I've > driven, which I take to be a function of the width > and profile of the tires. > Everybody get this? > > 6. Is everything going to be difficult on this car? > First I had to alter my > floor > jack to get it under the car. When I did the brakes, > all the rotors were > seized to the hubs, and then I became a (temporary) > member of the Soft-Pedal > Club. (Repeated bleedings alternating with ABS > braking were the answer in my > case.) The front caliper frame bolts were monsters. > The wiper arms were > seized to the stems! These all yielded eventually to > PB Blaster, time, > and impact, but I started to wonder if anything was > going to go smoothly. > (Something did: > when I did the wheel bearing, the old hub slid off > nice and easy.) > > 7. My gas mileage has been surprisingly good. My > commute is a fairly easy 15 > miles (live in the city, work in the 'burbs - best > way to commute!), but > still I'm pleased to be getting 24-25 mpg, about the > same as my E30 (but > with premium gas). But I've been babying it somewhat > as I get comfortable > with it, so this may not last. > > 8. Suspension - besides the usual shocks, struts, > RSM's, RTAB's, etc. > needing done soon, I've got a bunch of bad rubber > boots in the front end > (both CA outer ball joint boots, swaybar link boots) > The pieces themselves > are still OK, but clearly will not last with bad > boots. Is this a common > occurrence? Is there any point in replacing boots > only? > > 9. First track event is May 15 (Thursday nights at > Putnam Park - anyone > else?) Need to go easy until I've done the > suspension work. > > 10. The HVAC problem was a jam in the mechanism > controlling air flow - would > not go into the defrost position (up). I pulled the > glove box and lubricated > the linkage. I decided that having gone that far I > should change the > microfilter (There's a fun job! Used combination of > Bentley's and Brett's > suggestions. Not so hard, just ugly.) Those things > together helped > significantly, but did not cure the problem. It now > operates but with a > sticky point as it passes due north. Later I > discovered that there's an > upgraded part which may help - the "cam" which > operates the flaps. I'll keep > that in > mind in case of recurrence. > > My experience driving M3's is limited to this car, > so I'd be interested to > hear if anything I've mentioned seems outside normal > limits. > > Listers, you have been incredibly valuable. When I > have asked for help or > info, the responses have been quick and useful. I've > also done some browsing > in the archives to build a body of knowledge. The > day may come when I can > actually contribute answers instead of questions. > > Bob Fluharty > 95 M3 > 87 325is > Cincinnati > > > > > > ************************************************* > 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 > Turner Motorsport http://www.turnermotorsport.com > > DIGEST INFORMATION: > http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm > ************************************************* > > ===== __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? The New Yahoo! Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo. http://search.yahoo.com
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#2. Wheels (& tires) For Sale - from Joe Dyer
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Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 18:48:09 -0700 From: "Joe Dyer" <joedyer@attbi.com> Subject: Wheels (& tires) For Sale Final offer! Friday I'm going to try to unload my 7.5 inch 1995 Motorsport wheels at Ackers in San Jose. I'll be lucky to get $75 apiece for them. Anybody in the SF Bay Area interested? 5 are straight, three are slightly bent. Four of the straight ones have Kumho Ecsta 700 on them with maybe a couple of autocrosses left in them. Email me if interested, or call at (408) 257-5722. Joe Dyer
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#3. RE: [E36M3] Three Month Report - from Carey Probst
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Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 23:28:37 -0400 From: "Carey Probst" <hcprobst@alum.mit.edu> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Three Month Report A couple comments inserted -----Original Message----- From: Nancy Fluharty [mailto:fluhar@worldnet.att.net] Tramlining seems to be more tire related than car related. Had none with the OEM Dunlops or with the Blizzak snows. A fair amount with the Yoko AVS Intermediates. >5. Tramlining in the expressway ruts is worse than any other car I've >driven, which I take to be a function of the width and profile of the tires. >Everybody get this? I think this was probably a result of previous owner lack of care/repair than the car. Never had a problem with any of these (but mine are off frequently). Also, my big old floor jack problem was solved using Steve D's jack plate. >6. Is everything going to be difficult on this car? First I had to alter my >floor >jack to get it under the car. When I did the brakes, all the rotors were >seized to the hubs, and then I became a (temporary) member of the Soft-Pedal >Club. ..... >8. Suspension - besides the usual shocks, struts, RSM's, RTAB's, etc. >needing done soon, I've got a bunch of bad rubber boots in the front end >(both CA outer ball joint boots, swaybar link boots) The pieces themselves >are still OK, but clearly will not last with bad boots. Is this a common >occurrence? Is there any point in replacing boots only? Carey Probst '99 M3
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#4. Re:diagnosing bad strut bearings - from Ron Buchalski
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Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 23:28:19 -0400 From: "Ron Buchalski" <rbuchals@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: <E36>diagnosing bad strut bearings Marc, It's possible that you have a swaybar link that's worn. My E34 has this right now (I just bought the replacement last week), and it's been getting worse over six months time. When it first started, it presented itself as a slight clunk only under specific conditions. At the time, I checked the swaybar links and they appeared to be solid. Now, the swaybar link is so loose that it moves quite a bit, and rattles. If your end links are relatively old, replace both of them. They're cheap. Ron Buchalski BMWCCA #76387 1995 E36 M3 1993 E34 525iT 1999 Mazda Miata >Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 12:51:07 -0700 (PDT) >From: marc@plante.com >Subject: <E36>diagnosing bad strut bearings > >I'm running an E36 with Koni SAs and H&R OE Sport springs, and I have a set >of 1997 M3 perches at >the top of those struts. What is the approximate life expectancy (20k >mi/yr +10 track days), and >how can I diagnose early phases of failure? > >In my rabbit way back when it was easy to see the rubber separating at the >top of the bearing when >they failed (after 10k). I've got a clunk in the right front when taking >right hand 90 degree >cornres over bumps (turn in to work every morning) at low speeds and >thinking it's the bearing >going. Any diagnostics short of tearing down the strut? > >Marc Plante >E36 325i, 212k >Vienna, VA > >Marc Plante >marc@plante.com _________________________________________________________________ Protect your PC - get McAfee.com VirusScan Online http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963
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#5. Removal of Tire Marks from Paint - from Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net
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Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 23:56:40 -0400 From: <Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net> Subject: Removal of Tire Marks from Paint Has anyone had great success with a product or procedure on removing tire marks from paint of their M3 (as occurs at the track)? 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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#6. Re: [E36M3] Removal of Tire Marks from Paint - from twisty M3
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Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 21:05:49 -0700 From: "twisty M3" <twistym3@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Removal of Tire Marks from Paint I've really never had any trouble removing the tire marks by simply rubbing those areas a bit harder while washing the car (just requires direct pressure from a thumb or finger, rather than the whole hand). A little elbow grease goes a long way. ;) Jonathan L. >From: <Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net> >Reply-To: <Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net> >To: E36M3 <e36m3@bmw-m.net> >Subject: [E36M3] Removal of Tire Marks from Paint >Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 22:58:41 -0500 > >Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 23:56:40 -0400 >From: <Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net> >Subject: Removal of Tire Marks from Paint > > >Has anyone had great success with a product or procedure on removing tire >marks >from paint of their M3 (as occurs at the track)? > >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 > _________________________________________________________________ Protect your PC - get McAfee.com VirusScan Online http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963
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#7. Re: [E36M3] Three Month Report - from Scott M
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Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 22:06:37 -0700 From: Scott M <smlists@pacbell.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Three Month Report Good luck keeping up that 24-25mpg average - I've only managed that on trips where I'm not alone. Even on the freeway when alone I'm lucky to get 24mpg because I'm generally driving waaaay toooooo fast... :-) :-) :-) M3's are real good at that. I get 21-22 around town / combo city + highway. Mine doesn't follow ruts anywhere near as badly as my vette or Camaro did. Best thing on the floor jack - drive on a 2x6 before jacking - works like a charm. And yeah - that microfilter is a charmer, ain't it? I need to do my wife's 540, which by contrast is supposed to take all of a couple minutes. Yee-haw. I saw a nice black E30 M3 today heading up the twisty mountain road I was biking up. Neat cars. But I'll take the E36 with it's sweet motor any day of the week. Scott '98 M3/4 5spd '99 540iT '01 Suburban '91 Corvette on 4/30/03 4:58 PM, Nancy Fluharty at fluhar@worldnet.att.net wrote: > Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 19:37:48 -0400 > From: "Nancy Fluharty" <fluhar@worldnet.att.net> > Subject: Three Month Report > > As I approach the 3-month point of my M3 ownership, I've been ruminating, > philosophizing, and comparing it to my trusty E30. The following > observations were assembled > mainly for my own benefit, but comments are welcome: > > 1. I love this engine. I can overlook a lot because of the responsiveness > and power of the engine. > > 2. Likewise the appearance of the car. I've always liked the shape of the > E36 coupes, but I particularly like this one (white, no > spoiler, Contour wheels). I still grin when I see it in the parking lot. > > 3. The condition of the car when I bought it wasn't quite as good as I > thought. A few things wrong and a few wear items at end-of-life. I had a bad > wheel bearing, trouble with the HVAC (see #10), leaking power-steering fluid > (replacing crimp-clamps with screw-clamps seems to have fixed). The brakes > were shot and the suspension's nearly so. Water pump's been updated but the > radiator/t-stat housing/hoses/belts project lies ahead. > > 4. Some idiosyncrasies have taken some getting used to: The lower seating > position, with the key ring resting on my right knee. (I may adjust, but so > far I give the edge in comfort to the E30, at least for the tall and > skinny). The big chunk of plastic between the front seats which still > doesn't provide a decent place for your cup or cellphone (but it helps if > you discard the ash tray insert). The windshield washer which wets your left > knee if you use it with the windows open. And, of course, the fact that all > parts have the M-surcharge. > > 5. Tramlining in the expressway ruts is worse than any other car I've > driven, which I take to be a function of the width and profile of the tires. > Everybody get this? > > 6. Is everything going to be difficult on this car? First I had to alter my > floor > jack to get it under the car. When I did the brakes, all the rotors were > seized to the hubs, and then I became a (temporary) member of the Soft-Pedal > Club. (Repeated bleedings alternating with ABS braking were the answer in my > case.) The front caliper frame bolts were monsters. The wiper arms were > seized to the stems! These all yielded eventually to PB Blaster, time, > and impact, but I started to wonder if anything was going to go smoothly. > (Something did: > when I did the wheel bearing, the old hub slid off nice and easy.) > > 7. My gas mileage has been surprisingly good. My commute is a fairly easy 15 > miles (live in the city, work in the 'burbs - best way to commute!), but > still I'm pleased to be getting 24-25 mpg, about the same as my E30 (but > with premium gas). But I've been babying it somewhat as I get comfortable > with it, so this may not last. > > 8. Suspension - besides the usual shocks, struts, RSM's, RTAB's, etc. > needing done soon, I've got a bunch of bad rubber boots in the front end > (both CA outer ball joint boots, swaybar link boots) The pieces themselves > are still OK, but clearly will not last with bad boots. Is this a common > occurrence? Is there any point in replacing boots only? > > 9. First track event is May 15 (Thursday nights at Putnam Park - anyone > else?) Need to go easy until I've done the suspension work. > > 10. The HVAC problem was a jam in the mechanism controlling air flow - would > not go into the defrost position (up). I pulled the glove box and lubricated > the linkage. I decided that having gone that far I should change the > microfilter (There's a fun job! Used combination of Bentley's and Brett's > suggestions. Not so hard, just ugly.) Those things together helped > significantly, but did not cure the problem. It now operates but with a > sticky point as it passes due north. Later I discovered that there's an > upgraded part which may help - the "cam" which operates the flaps. I'll keep > that in > mind in case of recurrence. > > My experience driving M3's is limited to this car, so I'd be interested to > hear if anything I've mentioned seems outside normal limits. > > Listers, you have been incredibly valuable. When I have asked for help or > info, the responses have been quick and useful. I've also done some browsing > in the archives to build a body of knowledge. The day may come when I can > actually contribute answers instead of questions. > > Bob Fluharty > 95 M3 > 87 325is > Cincinnati > > > > > > ************************************************* > 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 > Turner Motorsport http://www.turnermotorsport.com > > DIGEST INFORMATION: > http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm > ************************************************* >
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#8. RE: - from kim.burgess@att.net
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Date: Thu, 01 May 2003 05:49:49 +0000 From: kim.burgess@att.net Subject: RE: > ************************************************************** > E36M3 List - Forum for Discussion of E36M3 Series Automobiles > ************************************************************** > BMWMPower on the Web: http://www.bmw-m.net > ************************************************************** > > This digest contains the following messages: > > 1. Re: [E36M3] Victory RTAB Tool > by: Garrett <garrettmcw@yahoo.com> > 2. Re: [E36M3] Victory RTAB Tool > by: DocWyte <josh_wyte@yahoo.com> > 3. Re: [E36M3] Victory RTAB Tool > by: Garrett <garrettmcw@yahoo.com> > 4. Re: camber plates > by: <RFKoby@aol.com> > 5. Re: [E36M3] Victory RTAB Tool > by: Chester Wong <chester_p_wong@yahoo.com> > 6. RE: 911 as farm machinery > by: Mel Silva <melsilva@mindspring.com> > 7. Re: [E36M3] Re: Hard-wiring radar detector > by: Scott M <smlists@pacbell.net> > 8. <E36>diagnosing bad strut bearings > by: <marc@plante.com> > 9. <E36>diagnosing bad strut bearings > by: <marc@plante.com> > 10. Three Month Report > by: Nancy Fluharty <fluhar@worldnet.att.net> > > -------------------- 1 -------------------- > Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 07:53:16 -0700 (PDT) > From: Garrett <garrettmcw@yahoo.com> > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Victory RTAB Tool > > Yup, pre-96 bushings have a flange that needs to be > cut off. The metal is soft and it's not too difficult > if you have a sawzall, would be more of a PITA with a > hacksaw because of the limited space. The new > bushings don't have the flange. > > -Garrett > > > > -------------------- 6 -------------------- > Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2003 20:52:52 -0700 > From: "Lew Becker" <lmbeckercfls@earthlink.net> > Subject: Victory RTAB Tool > > > > I received Victory Tools' RTAB Tool today. The > instructions for > removing 96+ bushings state it is necessary to bend or > cut off a metal > tab on the bushing to use the tool. > > > > -------------------- 2 -------------------- > Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 08:02:47 -0700 (PDT) > From: DocWyte <josh_wyte@yahoo.com> > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Victory RTAB Tool > > No, the '96+ bushings have the flange. I just ordered > a set and they have them. > > -josh > > > --- Garrett <garrettmcw@yahoo.com> wrote: > > Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 07:53:16 -0700 (PDT) > > From: Garrett <garrettmcw@yahoo.com> > > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Victory RTAB Tool > > > > Yup, pre-96 bushings have a flange that needs to be > > cut off. The metal is soft and it's not too > > difficult > > if you have a sawzall, would be more of a PITA with > > a > > hacksaw because of the limited space. The new > > bushings don't have the flange. > > > > -Garrett > > > > > > > > -------------------- 6 -------------------- > > Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2003 20:52:52 -0700 > > From: "Lew Becker" <lmbeckercfls@earthlink.net> > > Subject: Victory RTAB Tool > > > > > > > > I received Victory Tools' RTAB Tool today. The > > instructions for > > removing 96+ bushings state it is necessary to bend > > or > > cut off a metal > > tab on the bushing to use the tool. > > > > > > ************************************************* > > 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 > > Turner Motorsport http://www.turnermotorsport.com > > > > DIGEST INFORMATION: > > http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm > > ************************************************* > > > > > > > ===== > > > __________________________________ > Do you Yahoo!? > The New Yahoo! Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo. > http://search.yahoo.com > > > > -------------------- 3 -------------------- > Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 08:05:01 -0700 (PDT) > From: Garrett <garrettmcw@yahoo.com> > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Victory RTAB Tool > > > Sorry, that was the word from Victory when I called to > ask them about it. I installed the Powerflex bushings > so haven't actually seen the 96+ bushings myself. My > apologies for the misinformation. > > -Garrett > > > --- DocWyte <josh_wyte@yahoo.com> wrote: > > No, the '96+ bushings have the flange. I just > > ordered > > a set and they have them. > > > > -josh > > > > > > --- Garrett <garrettmcw@yahoo.com> wrote: > > > Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 07:53:16 -0700 (PDT) > > > From: Garrett <garrettmcw@yahoo.com> > > > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Victory RTAB Tool > > > > > > Yup, pre-96 bushings have a flange that needs to > > be > > > cut off. The metal is soft and it's not too > > > difficult > > > if you have a sawzall, would be more of a PITA > > with > > > a > > > hacksaw because of the limited space. The new > > > bushings don't have the flange. > > > > > > -Garrett > > > > > > > > > > > > -------------------- 6 -------------------- > > > Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2003 20:52:52 -0700 > > > From: "Lew Becker" <lmbeckercfls@earthlink.net> > > > Subject: Victory RTAB Tool > > > > > > > > > > > > I received Victory Tools' RTAB Tool today. The > > > instructions for > > > removing 96+ bushings state it is necessary to > > bend > > > or > > > cut off a metal > > > tab on the bushing to use the tool. > > > > > > > > > ************************************************* > > > 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 > > > Turner Motorsport http://www.turnermotorsport.com > > > > > > DIGEST INFORMATION: > > > http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm > > > ************************************************* > > > > > > > > > > > > ===== > > > > > > __________________________________ > > Do you Yahoo!? > > The New Yahoo! Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo. > > http://search.yahoo.com > > > > > -------------------- 4 -------------------- > Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 11:05:25 -0400 > From: RFKoby@aol.com > Subject: Re: camber plates > > Kirk [and others on list(s)] > yes, I am the guy you are looking for. > > I have the designs for > fixed camber plates with 3 settings: > version 1 = -0.5, -1.0, -1.5 > version 2 = -0.75, -1.5, -2.25 > > with a lowered car with -1.5 to - 1.75 degrees camber, > version 2 at the highest setting will give > -3.75 to -4.00 degress camber. > > the 2 current designs I have work for with > 1995 M3 strut bearing. > > If I read the rules (and changes) correctly, > you have to use the stock strut bearing of the > same production year. > I am now working on camber plates to work on the 96+ > cars since they cannot swap the strut bearings from > side to side. > > I am working on getting several sets made. > I will let you know as soon as they are done. > Cost will be $100 to $120 per set with hardware. > > bob > > > In a message dated 4/29/2003 6:58:58 PM Eastern Standard Time, KLchmn writes: > > >Bob, > > > >A recent rules clarification in CCA Club Racing has outlawed the swapping of > >strut hats in stock class. > > > >However, we are allowed fixed camber plates. I understand that you > >manufacture these. Is this correct? If so, how much for a set and do I get > >a choice of how much camber to dial in? > > > >BTW: I saw your post regarding fuel pump starvation. My 4/95 M3 starves on > >right handers at about 1/2 to 3/8 tank, depending on the severity of the > >turn. Other than the dual pump solution, is there anything that can be > >(simply) done to fix the problem? > > > >Cheers, > > > >Kirk Lachman > >Sin City Chapter > >'95 M3 #21 I-stock > > > > > > -------------------- 5 -------------------- > Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 08:07:41 -0700 (PDT) > From: Chester Wong <chester_p_wong@yahoo.com> > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Victory RTAB Tool > > Wha? The new bushings should definitely have a flange unless you're using the > '95 bushings in which case, you've downgraded... > > Chester > > --- Garrett <garrettmcw@yahoo.com> wrote: > > hacksaw because of the limited space. The new > > bushings don't have the flange. > > > ===== > > > > > -------------------- 6 -------------------- > Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 10:12:29 -0500 > From: "Mel Silva" <melsilva@mindspring.com> > Subject: RE: 911 as farm machinery > > To quote Homer (of Simpson's fame, not the Iliad or anything that highbrow) > D'oh! > > You'd be surprised how often I do that (getting my left and right mixed up). > My mom says it's my father's Portuguese blood that makes me do things like > that (no, the OTHER right, stupid). When I was a kid, my mom wrote with > magic marker a big "L" and a big "R" on the soles of my shoes and it STILL > didn't help. :P > > Now you know why I never ask for directions! > > Mel > > -----Original Message----- > From: Dorffer, Rich [mailto:RDORFFER@CleIndians.com] > Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2003 8:21 AM > To: E36M3 > Cc: melsilva@mindspring.com > Subject: 911 as farm machinery > > > Mel says > > > As far as the pedal thing, I felt the pedals awkward not because of their > > mounting points, but that they were shifted to the left from center to > > accommodate the left front wheel arch. > > Mel, > > Check those markings on your shoes again, the L should be on the left side > and the R on the right side, did you possibly put your shoes on the wrong > feet? If you hold your hands out in front of you and make an L with your > index finger and thumb, the proper looking L is your left and the backwards > one is your right. > > I am here to help. > > Regards, > > Rich - picking on Mel for a simple mistake, will surely get it back in > spades... > > > > > > -------------------- 7 -------------------- > Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 08:40:36 -0700 > From: Scott M <smlists@pacbell.net> > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re: Hard-wiring radar detector > > Hmmm. Operation is intermittent - twice so far the unit has not powered up, > but when I cycle the key to off and back on again it comes on. I wonder if > that wasn't the best ground. Maybe I should try for another one.... > > Scott > > on 4/29/03 11:08 PM, Scott M at smlists@pacbell.net wrote: > > > Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2003 23:06:21 -0700 > > From: Scott M <smlists@pacbell.net> > > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re: Hard-wiring radar detector > > > > I found my problem - first I had the wires in the RJ-11 phone cord > > backwards. I connected those directly to power in the car. Second problem > > was the ground on my mirror light is switched - only gives a gnd when the > > visor is down and mirror open. So I moved the ground wire to a ground I > > found on the map light panel pcb - the trace just left of center towards the > > back. Seems to work fine now. > > > > Scott > > > > on 4/29/03 5:38 PM, Bob Vaughn at Bob_Vaughn@Telestream.net wrote: > > > >> Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2003 17:25:51 -0700 > >> From: Bob Vaughn <Bob_Vaughn@Telestream.net> > >> Subject: Re: Hard-wiring radar detector > >> > >> You also might try starting the car up to see if the voltage > >> increases enough to power the unit up. > >> > >> -- Bob > >> > >> > >> ************************************************* > >> 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 > >> Turner Motorsport http://www.turnermotorsport.com > >> > >> DIGEST INFORMATION: > >> http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm > >> ************************************************* > >> > > > > > > > > ************************************************* > > 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 > > Turner Motorsport http://www.turnermotorsport.com > > > > DIGEST INFORMATION: > > http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm > > ************************************************* > > > > > > > -------------------- 8 -------------------- > Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 12:51:07 -0700 (PDT) > From: marc@plante.com > Subject: <E36>diagnosing bad strut bearings > > I'm running an E36 with Koni SAs and H&R OE Sport springs, and I have a set of > 1997 M3 perches at > the top of those struts. What is the approximate life expectancy (20k mi/yr +10 > track days), and > how can I diagnose early phases of failure? > > In my rabbit way back when it was easy to see the rubber separating at the top > of the bearing when > they failed (after 10k). I've got a clunk in the right front when taking right > hand 90 degree > cornres over bumps (turn in to work every morning) at low speeds and thinking > it's the bearing > going. Any diagnostics short of tearing down the strut? > > Marc Plante > E36 325i, 212k > Vienna, VA > > Marc Plante > marc@plante.com > > > > -------------------- 9 -------------------- > Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 12:51:10 -0700 (PDT) > From: marc@plante.com > Subject: <E36>diagnosing bad strut bearings > > I'm running an E36 with Koni SAs and H&R OE Sport springs, and I have a set of > 1997 M3 perches at > the top of those struts. What is the approximate life expectancy (20k mi/yr +10 > track days), and > how can I diagnose early phases of failure? > > In my rabbit way back when it was easy to see the rubber separating at the top > of the bearing when > they failed (after 10k). I've got a clunk in the right front when taking right > hand 90 degree > cornres over bumps (turn in to work every morning) at low speeds and thinking > it's the bearing > going. Any diagnostics short of tearing down the strut? > > Marc Plante > E36 325i, 212k > Vienna, VA > > Marc Plante > marc@plante.com > > > > -------------------- 10 -------------------- > Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 19:37:48 -0400 > From: "Nancy Fluharty" <fluhar@worldnet.att.net> > Subject: Three Month Report > > As I approach the 3-month point of my M3 ownership, I've been ruminating, > philosophizing, and comparing it to my trusty E30. The following > observations were assembled > mainly for my own benefit, but comments are welcome: > > 1. I love this engine. I can overlook a lot because of the responsiveness > and power of the engine. > > 2. Likewise the appearance of the car. I've always liked the shape of the > E36 coupes, but I particularly like this one (white, no > spoiler, Contour wheels). I still grin when I see it in the parking lot. > > 3. The condition of the car when I bought it wasn't quite as good as I > thought. A few things wrong and a few wear items at end-of-life. I had a bad > wheel bearing, trouble with the HVAC (see #10), leaking power-steering fluid > (replacing crimp-clamps with screw-clamps seems to have fixed). The brakes > were shot and the suspension's nearly so. Water pump's been updated but the > radiator/t-stat housing/hoses/belts project lies ahead. > > 4. Some idiosyncrasies have taken some getting used to: The lower seating > position, with the key ring resting on my right knee. (I may adjust, but so > far I give the edge in comfort to the E30, at least for the tall and > skinny). The big chunk of plastic between the front seats which still > doesn't provide a decent place for your cup or cellphone (but it helps if > you discard the ash tray insert). The windshield washer which wets your left > knee if you use it with the windows open. And, of course, the fact that all > parts have the M-surcharge. > > 5. Tramlining in the expressway ruts is worse than any other car I've > driven, which I take to be a function of the width and profile of the tires. > Everybody get this? > > 6. Is everything going to be difficult on this car? First I had to alter my > floor > jack to get it under the car. When I did the brakes, all the rotors were > seized to the hubs, and then I became a (temporary) member of the Soft-Pedal > Club. (Repeated bleedings alternating with ABS braking were the answer in my > case.) The front caliper frame bolts were monsters. The wiper arms were > seized to the stems! These all yielded eventually to PB Blaster, time, > and impact, but I started to wonder if anything was going to go smoothly. > (Something did: > when I did the wheel bearing, the old hub slid off nice and easy.) > > 7. My gas mileage has been surprisingly good. My commute is a fairly easy 15 > miles (live in the city, work in the 'burbs - best way to commute!), but > still I'm pleased to be getting 24-25 mpg, about the same as my E30 (but > with premium gas). But I've been babying it somewhat as I get comfortable > with it, so this may not last. > > 8. Suspension - besides the usual shocks, struts, RSM's, RTAB's, etc. > needing done soon, I've got a bunch of bad rubber boots in the front end > (both CA outer ball joint boots, swaybar link boots) The pieces themselves > are still OK, but clearly will not last with bad boots. Is this a common > occurrence? Is there any point in replacing boots only? > > 9. First track event is May 15 (Thursday nights at Putnam Park - anyone > else?) Need to go easy until I've done the suspension work. > > 10. The HVAC problem was a jam in the mechanism controlling air flow - would > not go into the defrost position (up). I pulled the glove box and lubricated > the linkage. I decided that having gone that far I should change the > microfilter (There's a fun job! Used combination of Bentley's and Brett's > suggestions. Not so hard, just ugly.) Those things together helped > significantly, but did not cure the problem. It now operates but with a > sticky point as it passes due north. Later I discovered that there's an > upgraded part which may help - the "cam" which operates the flaps. I'll keep > that in > mind in case of recurrence. > > My experience driving M3's is limited to this car, so I'd be interested to > hear if anything I've mentioned seems outside normal limits. > > Listers, you have been incredibly valuable. When I have asked for help or > info, the responses have been quick and useful. I've also done some browsing > in the archives to build a body of knowledge. The day may come when I can > actually contribute answers instead of questions. > > Bob Fluharty > 95 M3 > 87 325is > Cincinnati > > > > > > > ************************************************* > 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 > Turner Motorsport http://www.turnermotorsport.com > > DIGEST INFORMATION: > http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm > ************************************************* >
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#9. Re: [E36M3] Removal of Tire Marks from Paint - from Andrew E. Kalman
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Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 22:43:55 -0700 From: "Andrew E. Kalman" <aek@pumpkininc.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Removal of Tire Marks from Paint Re: >Has anyone had great success with a product or procedure on removing >tire marks >from paint of their M3 (as occurs at the track)? Goo-Gone (available at Target) works very well ... -- ______________________________________ Andrew E. Kalman, Ph.D. aek@pumpkininc.com
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#10. RE: Three Month Report - from kim.burgess@att.net
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Date: Thu, 01 May 2003 06:24:28 +0000 From: kim.burgess@att.net Subject: RE: Three Month Report Nancy Fluharty wrote a Three Month Report (well maybe not - Bob - I believe you can piggy-back an email address of your own off of your wife's at&t account - I did anyway, well not _your_ wife's, but you get the idea.) Bob wrote: "As I approach the 3-month point of my M3 ownership, I've been ruminating, philosophizing, and comparing it to my trusty E30. The following observations were assembled mainly for my own benefit, but comments are welcome: 1. I love this engine. I can overlook a lot because of the responsiveness and power of the engine. <ssnipp> 5. Tramelling in the expressway ruts is worse than any other car I've driven, which I take to be a function of the width and profile of the tires. Everybody get this?" Bob - I believe we all experience trammelling which I believe can be partially cured by adding an X-Brace to the front end. see http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/suspension/e36_rons_xbrace_install.html and jacking can be accomplished by fabricating a couple of 2X6 mini ramps to raise the car just enough for access or use one of the 'jack plates' on the market to gain access to the jacking points of an E36. see http://www.unofficialbmw.com/all/tools/all_jacking_and_supporting_your_car.html note - I believe the intent of the "red X" in the images found in the link above are indication of 'where to' jack not as they appear 'where not to'. Usual disclaimer - yada, yada, yada. KLBurgess 99M3/2