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#1. Re: Steering rack - from Chip Mitchell
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Date: Sat, 5 Jun 2004 13:15:40 -0400 From: Chip Mitchell <chipm@uga.edu> Subject: Re: Steering rack I guess I should read my email before firing off one to the list. Chester, let me know how the rebuild goes... Thanks, Chip > >-------------------- 5 -------------------- >Date: Fri, 4 Jun 2004 22:01:29 -0400 >From: "Chester Wong" <chester_p_wong@yahoo.com> >Subject: What's your steering lock to lock turn count? > >So.I finally decided to tackle rebuilding my steering rack since it leaks >like a sieve. I toyed with the idea of getting another remanufactured rack >from BMW (~$600) or source one from a junkyard (~$100 - $200) or just >rebuild my current one. After going back and forth and back and forth and >back.and then forth.I decided to attempt to rebuild my current >remanufactured rack. I would have bought the special tools (a bunch of >different fittings to make pressing in and out seals/bushings/bearings >easier), but my local dealer told me that they are NLA. Ugh. Wayne and I >thought we could perhaps get away with using sockets and other creative >ideas. > > > >So out came my rack and that old Wurth brake and parts cleaner is awesome >(THANKS MO!). Without any effort at all, I held the rack over the garbage >can and spray the cleaner onto the housing.the thing looked like it was >brand new! Of course, it helped that the rack was a reman and didn't have >that gunky cosmoline all over it. > > > >Anyway, we hit a number of obstacles.primarily that we didn't have the >special tools.ugh. So my car was on the lift with nothing to hold the front >wheels together. Something had to be done.called a few dealers.one >dealership had it in stock for $800 (plus the $170 core fee). Um.better >check junkyards. Managed to find a rack from a '96 328i somewhat close by >so we picked it up. > > > >Upon returning the garage, I cleaned it up and went through the normal >procedures of checking it out. Earlier, we measured the steering of my >reman unit that was currently on the car. It was 3.5 turns lock to lock. I >did the same check on the '96 rack and was taken back.3.125 turns lock to >lock! If you remember a while back, I managed to measure the ratios of a >bunch of reman racks from the '95M3, '96+M3, and Z3. All of those racks >measured out at 3.5 turns. So it would appear that the remans have a >generic ratio that suits all the E36s (Z3 included). So now my curiosity is >piqued.. How many turns from lock to lock is your car? People have always >said that the '95M3s were quicker.but I have yet to validate that! Shoot.I >should ask the Z3 folks as well.. > > > >Anyway, looks like I'll be proficient in rebuilding steering racks by the >time I'm done. An interesting observation was while squeezing the boots >that cover the tie rod ball joints, I could hear air squishing by. There is >a center seal that separates what I think is where the hydraulic fluid >should go and where the rack and pinion mesh. It is my belief that where >the rack and pinion mesh should be devoid of steering fluid and only have >grease. > > > >O well.thanks if you can provide some info. > > > >Chester
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#2. Re: [E36M3] 330i PP thoughts? - from Steven Hazard
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Date: Sat, 5 Jun 2004 14:01:13 -0400 From: "Steven Hazard" <98m3@comcast.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] 330i PP thoughts? I own a 1998 4dr Dakar M3. But it's not for sale :-) 93K on it now but only goes about 5K a year each Summer these days. It is a rare combination...I think there are less than 100 in the US... The biggest joy of owning a 4 door is just chucking your R compounds in the back set.....Try that in your coupes :-) My next car very well might be an Elise also. With that optional hard top I wonder if it will be allowed out at DE schools? Steve -------------------- 3 -------------------- Date: Sat, 5 Jun 2004 07:23:26 -0700 From: "Robert Puertas" <Puertas@cox.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] 330i PP thoughts? I'm currently going through a similar debate, except that I'm getting a new Lotus Elise. My wife's '99 Saab 9-3 is for sale. She wants to keep the '95 M3, but really would prefer a 4-door, in yellow. Anybody ever tried to find a yellow M3 Sedan with a 5-speed? Heated seats and fold-down rear seats are also on her wish list. If you know of clean one for sale, plesae let me know...
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#3. researching options?? - from Cody McCoy
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Date: Sat, 5 Jun 2004 11:05:27 -0700 From: "Cody McCoy" <cody_mccoy@earthlink.net> Subject: researching options?? Might want to take a long ride in a WRX before buying, My friends WRX makes so much damn drivetrain noise you'd swear you were in a freight train or maybe an outboard fishing boat, with bone jarring suspension to match, when he rides in my car, he says "Man, your car feels mushy"...until we hit some canyon hairpins at 80mph...then, "WOW, thats tight!",... now when riding in his car, he bitches constantly about the roughness....hehe....still have to listen to his "mine's a 4WD turbo" B.S. though.... e36M3 is still the best riding sports sedan out there, even if you have Bilstiens and H&R Race springs.^.^.^.^.uggh. just my $0.02 FWIW No flame intended :-) Cody Date: Sat, 5 Jun 2004 07:23:26 -0700 From: "Robert Puertas" <Puertas@cox.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] 330i PP thoughts? I'm currently going through a similar debate, except that I'm getting a new Lotus Elise. My wife's '99 Saab 9-3 is for sale. She wants to keep the '95 M3, but really would prefer a 4-door, in yellow. Anybody ever tried to find a yellow M3 Sedan with a 5-speed? Heated seats and fold-down rear seats are also on her wish list. If you know of clean one for sale, plesae let me know... So, I've been researching options: 540i 6-speed - torque can be amusing, but it feels heavy and lacks the "tossability" of the M3. 330i PP - no lsd! feels nearly as big as the 5-series, I just can't get excited about it. WRX Sti - pretty damn impressive, if it cam in a wagon I might be tempted. A little too boy-racer, but you should drive it. Evo VIII - even more impressive, mostly because of the steering. You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, but this pig can fly. Mazda RX-8 - closest of all of these to the e36 M3. Less torque, but it revs fast, has great brakes and a very communicative chassis. Love it or hate it looks, but it has all of the luxuries and dynamics you expect from the BMW. Good luck, Robert Puertas
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#4. Re: [E36M3] What's your steering lock to lock turn count? - from LoweSeaton@aol.com
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Date: Sat, 5 Jun 2004 14:12:27 EDT From: LoweSeaton@aol.com Subject: Re: [E36M3] What's your steering lock to lock turn count? chester_p_wong@yahoo.com writes: > So now my curiosity is > piqued.. How many turns from lock to lock is your car? People have always > said that the '95M3s were quicker.but I have yet to validate that! Chester, You are not going to like this but I just did a lock to lock test on my '95 M3. It was only 3.03 turns [3 full turns and about 10 degrees]. However, I don't know if that is meaningful. I remember reading somewhere that '95 M3 had "blocks" installed on the steering gear to limit how far the wheels could turn. Reason being is the front wheels were wider on the M3 vs. other 3 Series cars. And I do know that my M3 has the largest turning radius of any vehicle I have driven. I think a Suburban could turn a shorter circle than my M3. I constantly have to backup to make U-turns or get into tight parking spots. Lowell Seaton '95 M3
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#5. Re: [E36M3] m3 replacement? - from Suneal
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Date: Sat, 5 Jun 2004 17:32:38 -0400 From: "Suneal" <suneal@suneal.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] m3 replacement? Congrats on the purchase, Chris. Now go out and break that bitch in. Suneal ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris Conner" <chris@digital7.com> To: "E36M3" <e36m3@bmw-m.net> Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2004 1:01 PM Subject: [E36M3] m3 replacement? > Date: Sat, 05 Jun 2004 12:54:39 -0400 > From: Chris Conner <chris@digital7.com> > Subject: m3 replacement? > > I decided to finally give in to the boost cravings I've had for so long. F/I > on the m3 doesn't make sense financially, so I started looking for other > cars. > > I first test-drove an Evo. I got in it as quickly as I could, because it is > really just horrendously ugly. This particular model had 1k miles on it, so > I showed it no break-in sympathy. The car was eager to rev, and sounded > nice. Around town the suspension did not impress me. It was somewhat choppy, > and gave the car a cheap feel. The interior also contributed to the > cheapness of the car. I had walked in looking to buy an evo, and walked out > with a grin from the boost, but absolutely no intention of purchasing it. > > Fast forward a month, and I am trying to test drive a WRX Sti. I had bad > experiences with the sales force in 3 different dealerships. Their favourite > trick seems to be telling you they have a car you can test-drive, but when > you make the trek in, the car is either sold, or is simply not there. One of > the sales managers actually took my m3 out without permission because I had > begun talking numbers with a sales rep. (We were considering trading the m3, > and he asked if he could drive it - I said yes, but not that night, as I > still have H&R race springs, bilsteins, 18s, etc - It isn't a friendly car > to drive) > > I finally walked into a local dealer, after Alex (hyperm3) told me they had > a nice new White STi on the lot. 2 days later, I drive it home. I managed > $1800 under MSRP. > > It is an 05 Aspen White model with short-shifter, boost gauge, auto-dimming > mirror, and security system. It had 15 miles on it when I bought it. It now > has only 100. Break-in is 1000 miles, and I am not supposed to rev over 4k. > This is the most indescribable automotive torture that I can imagine. The > car begins making boost at around 3600 rpms, and I shift at 3900. > > I am very impressed with the car so far. It handles great, the big brake > setup is great, engine is great. I can't wait to actually be able to drive > this car. It has tons of cool little features (and some big, like the wing > and hoodscoop, ha). There is the intercooler water spray, driver-adjustable > shift-light in the tach, 6 disc in-dash cd changer, awesome seats, etc. I > will report back once I start boosting. I have also begun looking at Stage 1 > kits for this car. $2200, 380hp, 360 lb-ft. Hmmm, yeah. > > I'm curious to see what type of attention this car gets. My lowered black m3 > with 18" BBS RKs got me tons of attention, mostly unwanted. > > http://m3.digital7.com/stim3.jpg > > Anyone interested in a cosmos 99 with 79k miles, mostly stock except for > performance software, s50 intake manifold, stainless brake lines and > zimmerman x-drilled rotors? Just did new RTABs, exhaust hangers, and front > tie-rods. I am looking to get around $21.5. > > Chris > > > > > ************************************************* > 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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#6. Re: [E36M3] 330i PP thoughts? - from Chris Salter
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Date: Sat, 5 Jun 2004 14:38:37 -0700 (PDT) From: Chris Salter <errsomeone@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] 330i PP thoughts? Steve, The Elise will be allowed by some event organizers, but dont count on BMW schools, atleast not here in the South East. Having instructed many miatas I would be very disappointed if I dont see an Elise soon. -Chris (wishing my E46M3 had the Elise diet) --- Steven Hazard <98m3@comcast.net> wrote: > Date: Sat, 5 Jun 2004 14:01:13 -0400 > From: "Steven Hazard" <98m3@comcast.net> > Subject: Re: [E36M3] 330i PP thoughts? > > > > I own a 1998 4dr Dakar M3. But it's not for sale :-) > 93K on it now but only > goes about 5K a year each Summer these days. It is a > rare combination...I > think there are less than 100 in the US... The > biggest joy of owning a 4 > door is just chucking your R compounds in the back > set.....Try that in your > coupes :-) > > My next car very well might be an Elise also. With > that optional hard top I > wonder if it will be allowed out at DE schools? > > Steve > > -------------------- 3 -------------------- > Date: Sat, 5 Jun 2004 07:23:26 -0700 > From: "Robert Puertas" <Puertas@cox.net> > Subject: Re: [E36M3] 330i PP thoughts? > > I'm currently going through a similar debate, except > that I'm getting a new > Lotus Elise. > My wife's '99 Saab 9-3 is for sale. She wants to > keep the '95 M3, but > really would prefer a 4-door, in yellow. > Anybody ever tried to find a yellow M3 Sedan with a > 5-speed? Heated seats > and fold-down rear seats are also on her wish list. > If you know of clean > one for sale, plesae let me know... > > > > > > > ************************************************* > 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 > ************************************************* > > __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Friends. Fun. Try the all-new Yahoo! Messenger. http://messenger.yahoo.com/
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#7. Request: Install notes for JT-Designs under carriage shroud - from J Files
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Date: Sat, 5 Jun 2004 15:50:30 -0700 From: "J Files" <jsf1@san.rr.com> Subject: Request: Install notes for JT-Designs under carriage shroud Are there supposed to be any installation instructions for the JT-Designs undercarriage shroud? To replace the plastic unit (which dropped about 3 weeks ago) I ordered their aluminum replacement. Part looks great, but arrived without any sort of documentation. How much of the remaining plastic bits are supposed to be removed to support installation of this unit? The center piece dropped, but the two sides are still in there - a bit beat up, and not fully attached any more, but still present. What about the plastic ducting bits? Any information would be greatly appreciated, Jim 98 M3/2
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#8. Re: [E36M3] 330i PP thoughts? - from Scott M
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Date: Sat, 05 Jun 2004 20:26:51 -0700 From: Scott M <smlists@pacbell.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] 330i PP thoughts? Personally, if you like the M3 do yourself a favor and do not try for a 5-series. V8 is nice, power is good but even the best one ever made - E39 M5 is not an acceptable replacement to the E36 M3 in my book. Trust me on this as this is the route I took and I wish I could rewind about 9 months and just keep the M3 instead. Now I know. With the other cars on your list - same as on mine, btw, the 540 does not fit in - IMHO. They are way too heavy. Someone mentioned the E46 is laden with a lot more weight than the E36, this is not really true. The '04 model brochure I have shows 3285lbs for a 330 which is about 100 more than an E36 M3. 100lbs can be compensated for w/ a stiffer chassis and better suspension design (not suggesting the E46 has that because I have no data on that, but seems IF it did that might outweigh the 100lb deficit). Now, the 4000lb M5 I have cannot compensate for the weight with enough tire, suspension design or setting or even the extra 150hp to keep it from feeling like a pig - trust me, it does. It's a fast pig tho, but a pig nonetheless. So if going with an '02-03 330i SP is there any advantage to upgrading wheels, or is the 17x8 / 17x8.5 work OK? Ideally seems you want the 17x8.5 rears on the front too with 245's but will they fit? Or is it better to go to a 18x8.5 with a 235-40 tire? Just curious. I am not sure the 225/255 tire stagger in the PP is the right answer, but I have to drive one. Dealer close to my work has 4 w/ 6-spds due in this week so maybe I will find out soon. I could even trade in my M5 for one.... Scott on 6/5/04 7:31 AM, Robert Puertas at Puertas@cox.net wrote: > Date: Sat, 5 Jun 2004 07:23:26 -0700 > From: "Robert Puertas" <Puertas@cox.net> > Subject: Re: [E36M3] 330i PP thoughts? > > I'm currently going through a similar debate, except that I'm getting a new > Lotus Elise. > My wife's '99 Saab 9-3 is for sale. She wants to keep the '95 M3, but > really would prefer a 4-door, in yellow. > Anybody ever tried to find a yellow M3 Sedan with a 5-speed? Heated seats > and fold-down rear seats are also on her wish list. If you know of clean > one for sale, plesae let me know... > > So, I've been researching options: > > 540i 6-speed - torque can be amusing, but it feels heavy and lacks the > "tossability" of the M3. > > 330i PP - no lsd! feels nearly as big as the 5-series, I just can't get > excited about it. > > WRX Sti - pretty damn impressive, if it cam in a wagon I might be tempted. > A little too boy-racer, but you should drive it. > > Evo VIII - even more impressive, mostly because of the steering. You can't > make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, but this pig can fly. > > Mazda RX-8 - closest of all of these to the e36 M3. Less torque, but it > revs fast, has great brakes and a very communicative chassis. Love it or > hate it looks, but it has all of the luxuries and dynamics you expect from > the BMW. > > Good luck, > Robert Puertas > > > > ************************************************* > 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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#9. RE: [E36M3] 330i PP thoughts? - from Robert Puertas
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Date: Sat, 5 Jun 2004 21:12:49 -0700 From: "Robert Puertas" <Puertas@cox.net> Subject: RE: [E36M3] 330i PP thoughts? Scott, I couldn't agree more with the 5-series comments. Also, as far as the 330 goes, it just feels more like a 5-series than the e36. Maybe it's not as heavy as it feels, but honestly, I don't like it. Might have to look at the new VW R32 though... Robert -----Original Message----- From: Scott M [mailto:smlists@pacbell.net] Sent: Saturday, June 05, 2004 8:27 PM To: Robert Puertas; E36M3 Subject: Re: [E36M3] 330i PP thoughts? Personally, if you like the M3 do yourself a favor and do not try for a 5-series. V8 is nice, power is good but even the best one ever made - E39 M5 is not an acceptable replacement to the E36 M3 in my book. Trust me on this as this is the route I took and I wish I could rewind about 9 months and just keep the M3 instead. Now I know. With the other cars on your list - same as on mine, btw, the 540 does not fit in - IMHO. They are way too heavy. Someone mentioned the E46 is laden with a lot more weight than the E36, this is not really true. The '04 model brochure I have shows 3285lbs for a 330 which is about 100 more than an E36 M3. 100lbs can be compensated for w/ a stiffer chassis and better suspension design (not suggesting the E46 has that because I have no data on that, but seems IF it did that might outweigh the 100lb deficit). Now, the 4000lb M5 I have cannot compensate for the weight with enough tire, suspension design or setting or even the extra 150hp to keep it from feeling like a pig - trust me, it does. It's a fast pig tho, but a pig nonetheless. So if going with an '02-03 330i SP is there any advantage to upgrading wheels, or is the 17x8 / 17x8.5 work OK? Ideally seems you want the 17x8.5 rears on the front too with 245's but will they fit? Or is it better to go to a 18x8.5 with a 235-40 tire? Just curious. I am not sure the 225/255 tire stagger in the PP is the right answer, but I have to drive one. Dealer close to my work has 4 w/ 6-spds due in this week so maybe I will find out soon. I could even trade in my M5 for one.... Scott
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#10. H&R Install Help. - from Jeff Kumler
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Date: Sat, 5 Jun 2004 22:23:44 -0700 (PDT) From: Jeff Kumler <jdkumler@yahoo.com> Subject: H&R Install Help. I installed a set Koni SAs and H&R springs on Sat but I am running into an issue. The rear springs have a part number of 29936 HA stamped on them, which from searching the BMW_M.Net archives appears to be normal. Brand new H&R 29910.2 Kit with 29910 (F) and 29936 (R). The problem I have is that they appear to be too short. They are so loose that I almost fear they wouldn't seat right if I tried to lower the car. It hasn't been on the ground yet. The gap is that large. Does that seem normal? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. TIA, Jeff