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#1. Re: [E36M3] Climate control Revisited - from Jim Bassett
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Date: Sun, 26 Sep 2004 17:07:59 -0700 From: Jim Bassett <jim@jimbassett.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Climate control Revisited At 04:26 PM 9/26/04, Andrej Dolenc wrote: >Is this still consistent with the capacitor going kaput? Sounds like it, as the capacitor that needs to be replaced is adjacent to the big connector on the back of the unit. Mine at least gave a bit of a warning before dying completely. It momentarily quit Friday AM, seemed to be working normally later that morning, then died for good in the afternoon on the way home from work. So it would seem that they can be in an intermittent state for some length of time before quitting completely. Jim Bassett
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#2. Re: [E36M3] Alternator going bad? - from LoweSeaton@aol.com
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Date: Sun, 26 Sep 2004 22:04:34 EDT From: LoweSeaton@aol.com Subject: Re: [E36M3] Alternator going bad? Jonathan, Yes, I think the alternator is a possible suspect. In my case, the dashboard idiot light never really came on. It started to light up but never reached more than 1/2 normal intensity about 10 times over a 2 week period. It never glowed for more than 2 seconds. But yet my alternator was dead the whole time. I wonder what good is the dashboard light? Turned out the diode or capacitor or voltage regulator or something had gone out. It was charging but only at 9 volts, not enough to keep the battery charged. I would definitely have the alternator tested. But even that is not a full proof answer. I had a top BMW mechanic test my alternator and he told me it was fine - replace the battery. Two days later, another dead battery but now the alternator failed. It was an intermittent failure. Just my luck. Lowell Seaton '95 M3
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#3. Re: [E36M3] Alternator going bad? - from twisty M3
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Date: Sun, 26 Sep 2004 20:29:09 -0700 From: "twisty M3" <twistym3@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Alternator going bad? Just my luck... I guess it was the alternator, 'cause I just got home, the dash lights started going dim and nothing would light up more when I'd blip the throttle. Shut her down, and... Nothin'! Just sound of wanting to turn over, and then nothin'. I guess I'm lucky that it's parked at home, but on a scale of 1-10, what's the difficulty on doing an alternator swap yourself with limited tools (ALL of mine were stolen a couple of days ago, so I just replaced everything I could remember off the top of my head yesterday). Thanks for any input... Just need to know if AAA needs to pay me a visit with a flat bed or if I can do this one on my own. Jonathan L. From: LoweSeaton@aol.com << Jonathan, Yes, I think the alternator is a possible suspect. In my case, the dashboard idiot light never really came on. It started to light up but never reached more than 1/2 normal intensity about 10 times over a 2 week period. It never glowed for more than 2 seconds. But yet my alternator was dead the whole time. I wonder what good is the dashboard light? Turned out the diode or capacitor or voltage regulator or something had gone out. It was charging but only at 9 volts, not enough to keep the battery charged. I would definitely have the alternator tested. But even that is not a full proof answer. I had a top BMW mechanic test my alternator and he told me it was fine - replace the battery. Two days later, another dead battery but now the alternator failed. It was an intermittent failure. Just my luck. Lowell Seaton '95 M3 >> _________________________________________________________________ Check out Election 2004 for up-to-date election news, plus voter tools and more! http://special.msn.com/msn/election2004.armx
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#4. Re: [E36M3] Alternator going bad? - from LoweSeaton@aol.com
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Date: Mon, 27 Sep 2004 02:09:56 EDT From: LoweSeaton@aol.com Subject: Re: [E36M3] Alternator going bad? _twistym3@hotmail.com_ (mailto:twistym3@hotmail.com) writes: I guess I'm lucky that it's parked at home, but on a scale of 1-10, what's the difficulty on doing an alternator swap yourself with limited tools (ALL of mine were stolen a couple of days ago, so I just replaced everything I could remember off the top of my head yesterday). Jonathan, I think you can easily replace the alternator yourself. There is a little effort required to get the mounting bolts lined up correctly but nothing you can't figure out. I'd allow about 1.5 hrs of time. Good luck, Lowell Seaton '95 M3
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#5. Re: [E36M3] Alternator going bad? - from Jay W. Hudson
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Date: Mon, 27 Sep 2004 06:00:57 -0700 From: "Jay W. Hudson" <jwhud@budget.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Alternator going bad? If you have an audio system with aftermarket amps, consider upgrading to the 140a alternator. Stock is 80a. Jay > > I guess I'm lucky that it's parked at home, but on a scale of 1-10, what's > the difficulty on doing an alternator swap yourself with limited tools (ALL > of mine were stolen a couple of days ago, so I just replaced everything I > could remember off the top of my head yesterday). > > Jonathan L. > >
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#6. Motor Mount Replacement - from tetice@triad.rr.com
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Date: Mon, 27 Sep 2004 09:16:12 -0400 From: tetice@triad.rr.com Subject: Motor Mount Replacement I'm interested in any experience on the life expectancy of motor mounts on the M3. As I'm proactively replacing lots of perfectly good components (due to the bent valve replacement) under the hood of my 50K mile M3, the parts bill is getting out of hand and I'm having second thoughts on a few of the pricier bits. Also does anyone know if the original part number for these has changed - my old mounts are labeled 2 228 298 and the replacement mounts that I have are 3 618 244. Are these really the same? TIA, Tom Tice '98 M3/4 '99 540/6 '98 328iC '02 325iT
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#7. Park ventilation (Was: another programmable feature) - from John Firestone
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Date: Mon, 27 Sep 2004 15:39:57 +0200 (CEST) From: John Firestone <johnf@freenet.de> Subject: Park ventilation (Was: another programmable feature) > So how do I enable Park Ventilation on my '97 M3/4? I googled to no > avail... You need to hang a relay off the OBC's timer output, tie the relay into the IHKA with a diode, unplug the OBC and plug it back in to power cycle it, turn on the ignition, and finally press the now transmorgrified (we hope) TIMER button. You can use a modified electric vent window power harness for most of the job. I will see if I can find my write up with the gory details, and can send you a copy if you want (or anyone else who is interested). -John '96 318is
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#8. RE: Solo II BSP / SM question - from Ahmad Lutfeali
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Date: Mon, 27 Sep 2004 11:04:49 -0400 From: "Ahmad Lutfeali" <m3_racer99@hotmail.com> Subject: RE: Solo II BSP / SM question Bob, Back in 1997 Solo2 National, A Stock was won by this guy called Matt in his 968 Porsche. Someone contested that he was running 'cross drilled rotors' and it had become a big issue until he proved it that the car came equipped from the factory (for the US market) since his 968 was a club sport version. The tech guys may let you go but I am pretty sure if one of the competitors objected, you could be bumped up to another class. Ahmad Date: Sat, 25 Sep 2004 19:19:53 EDT From: Mdriver13@aol.com Subject: Solo II BSP / SM question Group, One quick question...I run Brembo C/D rotors but in the OEM size...are they legal in BSP??? I thought because they are drilled, I had to run in SM, but was told today that because they are stock size they are okay in BSP...yes / no ???? Don't have an updated rule book yet. TIA, Bob Gill 97 ///M3 coupe Wheel Collision Center Philly Region SCCA BSP Champion '01 & '02 SM '03, '04 _________________________________________________________________ Is your PC infected? Get a FREE online computer virus scan from McAfee® Security. http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963
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#9. Re: [E36M3] Alternator going bad? (R&R writeup?) - from twisty M3
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Date: Mon, 27 Sep 2004 08:53:24 -0700 From: "twisty M3" <twistym3@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Alternator going bad? (R&R writeup?) Anyone know of a source with a good writeup on the R&R for an E36 alternator? Will get a Bentley manual when I pick up the parts, but would like to see what's going to be required first so I can be sure I have everything prepared. Jonathan L. _________________________________________________________________ FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar – get it now! http://toolbar.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200415ave/direct/01/
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#10. Re: [E36M3] Alternator going bad? (R&R writeup?) - from Chester Wong
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Date: Mon, 27 Sep 2004 09:22:52 -0700 (PDT) From: Chester Wong <chester_p_wong@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Alternator going bad? (R&R writeup?) This is a very straightforward process. You basically remove the airbox, radiator cover, AC and main serpentine belt. Then there are something like two or three bolts holding the alternator in place. Remove those and there are two bolts holding the power/ground cables to it. Swap. Reverse of removal and you're done :) Even Dave Ngo did this with little help :) Chester --- twisty M3 <twistym3@hotmail.com> wrote: > Anyone know of a source with a good writeup on the R&R for an E36 > alternator? Will get a Bentley manual when I pick up the parts, but would > like to see what's going to be required first so I can be sure I have > everything prepared. =====
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#11. Differential support part number? - from Quach, Dat
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Date: Mon, 27 Sep 2004 11:24:13 -0500 From: "Quach, Dat" <QuachD@netsolve.com> Subject: Differential support part number? Does anyone know the part number for the differential support? It's rusting on my '97 M3/2 and I'd rather replace it if it's cheap/not a pain to install. Thanks, Dat '97 M3/2