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#1. Cordless impact wrench experience and combo compressor/jump start units - from Msebmwman@aol.com
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Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2004 23:43:34 EDT From: Msebmwman@aol.com Subject: Cordless impact wrench experience and combo compressor/jump start units I wanted to share a recent good experience. About a month ago I had asked about experiences and recommendations for a cordless impact wrench as well as torque sticks. I wanted to make it easier for me to change my wheels at home or the track. I was recommended a Milwaukee or Snap-on 18 v 1/2 inch drive unit as well as torque sticks from out East somewhere. Well, with that information I decided to take this search to ebay. I bought a new in box Milwaukee 9079-22 18 volt 1/2 inch drive cordless impact wrench kit that includes 2 battery packs, recharger, and a nice big red plastic case for 269 plus shipping. I bought as a "buy now" because the price was right. I also bought a set of 4 torque sticks with 4 sockets for 63.98 plus shipping. I was able to specify which 4 torque settings I wanted but the 4 sockets were not choosable. 2 of them fit both of the vehicles in my household I'm interested in so I'm happy with that. The sockets also are thinner walled, have plastic sleeves, a plastic insert to prevent damaging the head of the bolt, and spare plastic sleeves as well. I'm happy with my selection. I could have purchased a torque stick alone without socket for around 15 off of ebay. I bought from ebay name "drtorquestick" So, I'll get to try this stuff out in the next couple of weeks. Also; I was thinking about buying one of those combination emergency jump start and air compressor and light and power source with cigarette lighter type of units. I've seen various combinations including at Pep Boys (under the Coleman label). I was wondering if anyone has any good or bad experiences or any recommendations for a reliable unit and where to buy? Regards, Marc 95M3 with cordless wrench waiting in the wings....
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#2. airpump/jumper combo unit(repost) - from Carey Probst
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Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 08:04:27 -0400 From: "Carey Probst" <Carey.Probst@oracle.com> Subject: airpump/jumper combo unit(repost) I have the combo unit I purchased from Harbour Freight. It was about $68 + $1 and has worked like a charm. (Sorry for the cryptic price but the first response bounced as having inappropriate content and the price was the only thing I saw that could possibly be caught by the spam filter) It got me through some very cold (-10) days when I knew my battery in the 325 was almost dead and I was traveling a lot and leaving the car at the airport. Never failed to jump the car and usually quickly. I wouldn't have relied on it as much if I hadn't had to order the battery/vent kit and had been home to install. Haven't really used the pump part much yet. It works, not particularly fast but I didn't expect it to be. Came with all the accessories for toys plus tires. It looks exactly like the really expensive one from Griot's but can't really tell. Carey Carey Probst, '99 M3/2, '86 325e w/i cam BMW CCA Patroon and Genesee Valley Chapters JC CAIed and Sharked, Stressed, Schrothed, Gauged, Hitched, X-Braced A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. ----- Original Message ----- From: Msebmwman@aol.com Date: Monday, April 19, 2004 11:46 pm Subject: [E36M3] Cordless impact wrench experience and combo compressor/jump start units > Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2004 23:43:34 EDT > From: Msebmwman@aol.com > Subject: Cordless impact wrench experience and combo > compressor/jump start units > > I wanted to share a recent good experience. > > About a month ago I had asked about experiences and > recommendations for a > cordless impact wrench as well as torque sticks. I wanted to make > it easier for > me to change my wheels at home or the track. I was recommended a > Milwaukee or > Snap-on 18 v 1/2 inch drive unit as well as torque sticks from out > East > somewhere. > > Well, with that information I decided to take this search to ebay. > I bought a > new in box Milwaukee 9079-22 18 volt 1/2 inch drive cordless > impact wrench > kit that includes 2 battery packs, recharger, and a nice big red > plastic case > for 269 plus shipping. I bought as a "buy now" because the price > was right. I > also bought a set of 4 torque sticks with 4 sockets for 63.98 plus > shipping. I > was able to specify which 4 torque settings I wanted but the 4 > sockets were not > choosable. 2 of them fit both of the vehicles in my household I'm > interested > in so I'm happy with that. The sockets also are thinner walled, > have plastic > sleeves, a plastic insert to prevent damaging the head of the > bolt, and spare > plastic sleeves as well. I'm happy with my selection. I could have > purchased a > torque stick alone without socket for around 15 off of ebay. I > bought from > ebay name "drtorquestick" > > So, I'll get to try this stuff out in the next couple of weeks. > > Also; > > I was thinking about buying one of those combination emergency > jump start and > air compressor and light and power source with cigarette lighter > type of > units. I've seen various combinations including at Pep Boys (under > the Coleman > label). I was wondering if anyone has any good or bad experiences > or any > recommendations for a reliable unit and where to buy? > > Regards, > Marc > 95M3 with cordless wrench waiting in the wings.... > > > ************************************************* > Please help support the E36M3 list by visiting our sponsors: > > Bimmerworld http://www.bimmerworld.com > Turner Motorsport http://www.turnermotorsport.com > Eurosport High Performance http://www.eurosporthighperformance.com > Rogue Engineering http://www.rogueengineering.com > > DIGEST INFORMATION: > http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm > ************************************************* > > >
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#3. Off topic E30 question - from John Hoffner
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Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 11:07:59 -0700 From: John Hoffner <jhoffner@gcfinc.com> Subject: Off topic E30 question I enjoy and have learned much from this digest and am wondering if anyone knows of a similar source of information for the E30 cars. Thanks, John H 95 M3 88 325IC
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#4. Overheating - from Jamie Howton
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Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 12:08:27 -0500 From: "Jamie Howton" <jhowton@fotofab.com> Subject: Overheating This past weekend was my first track outing of the year, I did the Speedseekers event at Road America. Everything was fantastic until my shift linkage disconnected from the selector rod on the trans. I headed to the pits in fourth gear, put the car up on jackstands and repaired the shift linkage, the pin had worked its way out and luckily was held there by the snap ring that is supposed to keep it from sliding out in the first place. I noticed, however, that my car was very hot, the coolant temp was almost in the warning area of the gauge even though oil temps were around 225. In trying to figure out why it was overheating I noticed that the upper radiator hose was very hot, the lower hose was only cool. From that I surmised that the thermostat was stuck shut. I removed the thermostat and gutted it with the help of a hacksaw, re-installed everything, filled it up again and started the car. The temps climbed slowly to normal operating temperature and stayed there. The car idled in the pits for about 20 minutes, the temps stayed at normal (temp gauge needle straight up to the center marker) so I went out for the last run of the day. Everything was fantastic, I ran hard for 20 minutes and had a great time until immediately upon getting off the gas and starting my cooldown 1/2 lap the temps shot up to the danger zone and the warning light came on. I nursed it back to the pits and pulled into my space amid clouds of steam coming out of the reservoir. Oil temps again didn't exceed 225. What I am thinking now is that perhaps my water pump is shot although it was new less than two years and 30K miles ago. I am going to pick the car up next weekend and tear into it, but any other theories or ideas ahead of time would be interesting. Also, what signs of head damage should I look for? Should I do a compression test? Any advice would be welcome. Then to add insult to injury, this morning on the way to work I rolled over a craft knife blade and put a 3" slice in my brand new S-03 all the way through to the steel belts. Argghh. Thanks Jamie Howton 2002 330i 1995 M3
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#5. CEL, OBC, MPG, OBD, O2... - from Som Naderi
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Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 12:05:25 -0800 From: "Som Naderi" <som@dimensionracing.com> Subject: CEL, OBC, MPG, OBD, O2... Dear Group, I've come across a problem that I'm hoping someone here can help me understand/resolve quickly. I'm going to give the short of it first. If you're interested in helping and feel more information is necessary, I'm giving the long of it, too. ----------------------------------- Short: I've noticed a dramatic decrease in my fuel efficiency during my last fillup (~22-24 down to 17 MPG). My CEL had come on a few weeks ago but I thought it was because I hadn't reset my "Inspection" light for awhile. The CEL went off on its own about 1500 miles later and the car had been running fine for about 3 or 4 tanks (normal power and fuel efficency). I'm trying to find the possible culprits. I'm planning on getting the OBD checked but I don't know if the computer would hold any errors if the CEL is off. ----------------------------------- Long: A few weeks ago, my CEL came on with no message on the OBC. I went to the gas station soon after and when I removed the gas cap it felt as if it were a *tad* loose (maybe 10-20 degrees). I put it back on tight, but the CEL stayed on, so I figured it wasn't the gas cap. I started thinking more about it... I had been doing the maintenence on my car myself and hadn't had the tool to reset the "Oil Service" or "Inspection" lights. So I started thinking that maybe after the "Inspection" light had been on for a given amount of time (or miles) that the CEL would go on just to make sure the owner knew that "Hey, it's time to get me looked at!" I went to a BMW dealership on a Saturday and spoke with a couple of the sales guys. The first thing they said was the gas cap, but then when I asked them about the behavior of the CEL light they said "Oh, yeah, that's definitely it, then." I know they aren't service guys or anything, but they said it so positively (and since that's what I had figured to begin with) I believed them. Plus, I had been planning to go down to San Diego (~500 miles) the next day, so I was ready to believe that everything was fine and that I just needed a service person to reset my light. On top of all this, the car is running just fine -- it doesn't feel like there has been any power loss. I go down to San Diego and come back and the CEL is still on (a little more than 1000 miles later). The only thing I noted while down there was that right after I'd filled up the tank, I made a "spirited" left turn onto an on- ramp after which I smelled fuel. When I got out of the car I noticed some fuel around the gas cap but the cap was on tight. So now I was thinking that maybe the *seal* around the cap was broken. But I didn't think the sensor would be able to sense the seal, just whether the cap had been screwed in fully. Anyways, I figured when I got back home I'd check it out further. On the way to San Diego, while in San Diego, on the way back from San Diego, and a couple tanks later, my MPG was normal for me (~22-24 freeway). Shortly into my second tank of gas after I had returned, the CEL turned off. This is about 1500 miles after it went on. I spoke with a Bimmer buddy of mine who mentioned that it's possible that once the CEL goes on, it takes a certain amount of time for it to go off again. It doesn't make sense why the CEL would stay on *after* the gas cap was tightened (if that was the reason why it went on, that is), but hey, the description matched my symptoms and now my car was running normally again -- normal MPG, no gas smell from hard turns (though I haven't tried this again with a full tank), no CEL light on, and car feels as powerful as normal. Then, two days ago I got to fill up my tank. 14 gallons. I look at my trip meter and it reads 236 miles. About 17 MPG. Most of the driving on the tank had been on the freeway -- and even on pure city tanks I haven't seen that low of a value. I'm about 50 miles into the next tank and the range on my OBC reads 240. Now, 290 miles wouldn't be such a bad thing, but at this point my range is typically in the mid 300s and my tank still reads full. Now my tank is at about 4/5ths and I'm anticipating the same MPG turnout (if not worse). So, given these symptoms I'm back to analyzing the symptoms. I'm wondering if there's still a malfunction that the OBD knows about but doesn't keep the CEL on for. (it doesn't seem reasonable that the OBD would do this, but it's possible, I guess) Particularly, I'm wondering if I'm having 02 sensor issues and perhaps the bad readings are causing a rich mixture that's causing me to use more fuel. I've tried smelling around the car with the engine running/not running and I haven't smelled any fuel so I'm hesitant to think it's a fuel leak -- but it's possible. Is it worth it for me to get the OBD checked even if there's no CEL on? I'll assume it is unless someone mentions otherwise. (this brings up a side question: how much should I expect to pay a mechanic just to get the OBD readings and nothing more?) Does anyone have any other likely culprits? ----------------------------------- Thanks in advance for any help, - Som Athena - 98 M3 Coupe Alpine White
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#6. Re: What the best choice is for securing / alarming my car ? - from Ron Buchalski
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Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 17:07:30 -0400 From: "Ron Buchalski" <rbuchals@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: What the best choice is for securing / alarming my car ? I think that this is the best system around: http://www.fun.from.hell.pl/2004-03-17/monkey.wmv ;-) -rb Ron Buchalski BMWCCA #76387 1995 E36 M3 1993 E34 525iT 1999 Mazda Miata 1998 Hyundai Elantra >Date: Sun, 18 Apr 2004 15:44:19 +0000 >From: kwill69058@comcast.net >Subject: What the best choice is for securing / alarming my car ? > >Hi, > >Can you tell me what the best choice is for securing my car ? > >I just bought my first BMW a 1995 in great condition. > >I have not had the car 2 weeks and somebody (3 young men) tried to steal >it out of my driveway early last evening. In a busy area. I managed to >look out at the same time that they made their attempt and scared them >off but they want it so they will be back. > >Many people have told me a Viper system with remote and the GPS tracking >system or a removable steering wheel? > >At least if they bypass the Viper, with the GPS I can get on the >internet and track the car to any point. Where as the Lo-Jack has more >limitations. > >Any thoughts ? > >Thanks, > >Keith. _________________________________________________________________ FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar – get it now! http://toolbar.msn.com/go/onm00200415ave/direct/01/
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#7. Tracks in So. Texas - from Ron Buchalski
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Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 17:13:39 -0400 From: "Ron Buchalski" <rbuchals@hotmail.com> Subject: Tracks in So. Texas Are there any list members who live in San Antonio, TX? Could you please contact me privately about tracks and driving events in the vicinity (2-3 hours?) from San Antonio? Thanks, -rb Ron Buchalski BMWCCA #76387 1995 E36 M3 1993 E34 525iT 1999 Mazda Miata 1998 Hyundai Elantra _________________________________________________________________ Check out MSN PC Safety & Security to help ensure your PC is protected and safe. http://specials.msn.com/msn/security.asp
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#8. Petroleum Museum Tour (Non BMW Content) - from Mel Silva
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Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 19:34:52 -0500 From: "Mel Silva" <melsilva@mindspring.com> Subject: Petroleum Museum Tour (Non BMW Content) Hi all, I just had to share this; our Slot Car Business was invited to the grand opening ceremony of the Jim Hall wing of the Petroleum museum in Odessa, TX. If you look here www.hsarc.net (slot car club web, non-business related) you will see some quite awesome pictures taken by my crew while they were there (I stayed behind to man the store while they were gone). So, if you like Chaparrals at all, you owe it to yourself to check this out. Mel Houston, TX www.melsilva.net
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#9. WTB: clean set of LTW wheels - from Allen Reyes
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Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 20:27:12 -0700 From: "Allen Reyes" <allenrey14@hotmail.com> Subject: WTB: clean set of LTW wheels I'll offer $1000 for a set of staggered LTWs w/tires or $1150 for a non-staggered 8.5" set w/tires. I prefer the polished finish and I'm not interested in curb rash or repaired wheels. I'll take care of ground shipping to San Diego. Allen '98 M3/2 _________________________________________________________________ Lose those love handles! MSN Fitness shows you two moves to slim your waist. http://fitness.msn.com/articles/feeds/article.aspx?dept=exercise&article=et_pv_030104_lovehandles
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#10. Center Console with Arm Rest - from Patrick Goss - PA
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Date: Wed, 21 Apr 2004 10:39:39 -0400 From: Patrick Goss - PA <Patrick_Goss@GMACM.COM> Subject: Center Console with Arm Rest My sedan came through without one, and I well I'd like one. Been looking around, can anybody provide an idea of prices and sources? I've been watching ebay, but they seem to get bid up quickly, and you then you gamble on actual condition. Perhaps a boneyard is where I should be looking? In PA, any ideas, or better yet places that cater to junk e36's? Btw, if you have a black one you don't need, let me know.... Patrick Goss 97M3/4