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#1. Re: [E36M3] Clunk from the front, squeak from the back... - from Jay W. Hudson
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Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 06:38:19 -0800 From: "Jay W. Hudson" <jwhud@budget.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Clunk from the front, squeak from the back... Front noise could be bad swaybar end links. Fairly common. Jay > Date: Tue, 14 Dec 2004 10:58:30 -0800 > From: "Som Naderi" <som@dimensionracing.com> > Subject: Clunk from the front, squeak from the back... > > So, it's been a little over a month now that I've had the H&Rs in. (btw, > why are they called coilovers if, well, the rear springs aren't over the > rear shocks? am I missing the definition of "coilovers"?) > > At first I was THRILLED with how solid the car felt, but a little > disappointed with how rough the ride was. As a couple weeks (and about 500 > miles) have passed, the rough ride has mostly gone away and the tight > handling has remained -- I'm VERY pleased. > > However, I still have a couple issues/questions. > > 1) Before the install, the left rear had some squeaking issues (getting in > and out of the car, jacking the car, setting it down). Now, both sides > squeak. I replaced the stock RTABs with Powerflex bushings and I anti- > siezed them before I put them in. Could these be the issue? I basically > figure it's one of 5 things, and I'm curious as to what people feel is the > most likely culprit (given the minimal details): > > - RTABs > - upper control arm bushings (or are these bearings? whatever's stock...) > - lower control arm bushings > - sway bar bushings > - springs squeaking against the upper rubber perch (or the rubber perch > squeaking against the body) > > 2) I've pushed the suspension to about 70% at this point. The front feels > fine going through turns -- doesn't feel sloppy or loose or anything. > However, when the car goes over very quick/deep bumps (small potholes, > respectable sized cracks in the ground, etc) there's this loud clunking > sound from the left front (and a little from the right). I'm fairly certain > everything's tightened to spec on the stuff I swapped out --H&R coilover > struts and KMAC camber/caster plates. I've got roughly 3mm of clearance > between the tire and the lower spring perch on the strut, though I don't > think this is the problem. It sounds like a metal-on-metal clank. > > Any ideas? Could this be a result of worn control arm bushings? The front > sway-bar mounting bushings seem worn, and I've been meaning to replace them, > but could these have anything to do with it? (I doubt it, but I figured I'd > throw that info in) Another piece of data would be that the clunking tends > to be louder when I'm turning while going over said potholes/cracks. If I > hit them straight on the clunking is still there (and significant), just not > as loud. > > Anyways, as usual, any and all help would be greatly appreciated! > > - Som
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#2. Re[2]: [E36M3] cd changer dead, need new head unit advice - from Andrej Dolenc
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Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 09:49:59 -0500 From: Andrej Dolenc <adolenc@erols.com> Subject: Re[2]: [E36M3] cd changer dead, need new head unit advice I'll echo Jay's comments. It's not as clean as the stock headunit, but it sounds so much better. Far more control too, options, etc. I have my digicam with me, if somebody's really curious I can snap a pic at lunchtime. Andrej '97 M3 with loud stereo Jay Hudson writes: > Alpine CDA-9835. Looks very good. Has bitchin black/white biolite display > and all buttons can be matched to dash light color (amber). It ain't cheap > though. > Jay >> The only reason I continue to listen to the factory radio is that the > radio looks factory. Any suggestions for a good-sounding MP3 head unit that > matches the factory dash color scheme? Many aftermarket faceplate designs > are too radical for my dashboard.
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#3. Re: [E36M3] SRS Code Reader/Reset Tool - from Andrej Dolenc
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Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 10:03:13 -0500 From: Andrej Dolenc <adolenc@erols.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] SRS Code Reader/Reset Tool Lew Becker writes: > My SRS light came on, with no immediately apparent cause (except some > stuff jammed under the driver's seat). Anyone in SF Bay Area > (preferably S Bay) have a SRS code reader and re-set tool (to diagnose > and re-set)? Any recommendations as to where to buy one? Thanks. While I'm not local to you, I do have one. More likely than not it's one of the seatbelt sensors in the seatbelt buckles (SRS reader will tell you which one). There's a sensor in the seatbelt buckle that tells the system whether that person is buckled in or not. You can reset it, and the light may go away for a bit, but it'll be back (ask me how I know). Fix is to replace the whole seatbelt buckle. Now just because the sensor is dead doesn't mean the airbags won't deploy. As far as I understand it, the system will assume you're not belted in and deploy at a higher speed. I bought mine directly from Peake Research: http://peakeresearch.com/ Andrej '97 M3
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#4. RE: Re[2]: [E36M3] cd changer dead, need new head unit advice - from Reed Nicholson
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Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 07:24:26 -0800 From: "Reed Nicholson" <reedthis@comcast.net> Subject: RE: Re[2]: [E36M3] cd changer dead, need new head unit advice The 9835 has to have its power connection made directly to the battery, correct? Did you run the cable through the firewall somewhere, to the remote battery post in the engine compartment? Reed 98 M3 with crappy HK upgrade > I'll echo Jay's comments. It's not as clean as the stock > headunit, but it sounds so much better. Far more control > too, options, etc. I have my digicam with me, if somebody's > really curious I can snap a pic at lunchtime. > > Andrej > '97 M3 with loud stereo >
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#5. RE: cd changer dead, need new head unit advice - from jbjerke@charter.net
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Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 15:34:35 +0000 From: <jbjerke@charter.net> Subject: RE: cd changer dead, need new head unit advice > Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 08:12:21 -0500 (EST) > From: "Mark Greer" <mark.greer@excite.com> > Subject: RE: [E36M3] cd changer dead, need new head unit advice > > > The only reason I continue to listen to the factory radio is that the > radio looks factory. Any suggestions for a good-sounding MP3 head unit that > matches the factory dash color scheme? Many aftermarket faceplate designs > are too radical for my dashboard. > > -mark > '97 Sedan Mark, The popular CD/MP3 unit for E36 M3's a couple of years ago was the Alpine CDA-7894. You can choose between green and amber lighting. The amber matches the OEM BMW lighting very nicely. It also has the benefit of a 60x4 Alpine V-Drive amp built in the head unit. Blends in nicely with the rest of the dash. They do not manufacture them any more, but you can usually find a few on EBay at any given time. They were expensive when new ($450), but can usually be had for around $200 on EBay. I've bought two in the last year and helping a friend install one tonight in his M3. It amazes me that almost all aftermarket head units have swimming dolphins, flashing lights etc. I guess the younger crowd must like that crap and are the target buyer. Another trend that drives me nuts is push button volume in place of a dial. It would be nice to see some simple designs without a bunch of small buttons and Tokyo light show with the ability to adjust color to match the OEM dash lighting. I believe the Alpine and Clarion designs are the cleanest. Jeff
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#6. RE: [E36M3] cd changer dead, need new head unit advice - from Guillermo Molina
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Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 10:43:32 -0500 From: "Guillermo Molina" <drwillb@msn.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] cd changer dead, need new head unit advice >The only reason I continue to listen to the factory radio is that the radio >looks factory. Any suggestions for a good-sounding MP3 head unit that >matches the factory dash color scheme? Many aftermarket faceplate designs >are too radical for my dashboard. > That's why I'm sticking with my old school (literally, from 1989, when I was in post grad) Kenwood. All black face with near perfect orange lighting. Truly far from bling. Bill Molina
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#7. Re: Re[2]: [E36M3] cd changer dead, need new head unit advice - from Jay W. Hudson
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Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 07:57:05 -0800 From: "Jay W. Hudson" <jwhud@budget.net> Subject: Re: Re[2]: [E36M3] cd changer dead, need new head unit advice I don't think this is necessary on the newer 60x4 Alpines. I'll try to remember to check at work today. Jay > Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 07:24:26 -0800 > From: "Reed Nicholson" <reedthis@comcast.net> > Subject: RE: Re[2]: [E36M3] cd changer dead, need new head unit advice > > > The 9835 has to have its power connection made directly to the battery, > correct? Did you run the cable through the firewall somewhere, to the > remote battery post in the engine compartment? > > Reed > 98 M3 with crappy HK upgrade > > > > I'll echo Jay's comments. It's not as clean as the stock > > headunit, but it sounds so much better. Far more control > > too, options, etc. I have my digicam with me, if somebody's > > really curious I can snap a pic at lunchtime. > > > > Andrej > > '97 M3 with loud stereo > >
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#8. Re: [E36M3] SRS Code Reader/Reset Tool - from Kent L. Shephard
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Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 08:00:00 -0800 From: "Kent L. Shephard" <kents@kls-consulting.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] SRS Code Reader/Reset Tool Hi, I work in the South Bay (Santa Clara) and I keep the tool in my car. Kent Lew Becker wrote: > Date: Tue, 14 Dec 2004 22:27:10 -0800 > From: Lew Becker <lmb_cfls@sbcglobal.net> > Subject: SRS Code Reader/Reset Tool > > My SRS light came on, with no immediately apparent cause (except some > stuff jammed under the driver's seat). Anyone in SF Bay Area > (preferably S Bay) have a SRS code reader and re-set tool (to diagnose > and re-set)? Any recommendations as to where to buy one? Thanks. > > Lew Becker -- Please sponsor my daughter's school raffle, education is important. For more information: http://www.kls-consulting.com/shelton/shelton1a.jpg http://www.kls-consulting.com/shelton/shelton2a.jpg Tickets are available through me.
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#9. RE: Spring querry - from Ahmad Lutfeali
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Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 11:09:56 -0500 From: "Ahmad Lutfeali" <m3_racer99@hotmail.com> Subject: RE: Spring querry Steve, I had the same setup as yours (H&R with Bilsteins). I later went with Eibach's since they are almost identical to Euro/LTW spring rates (15-20% stiffer than stock both front and rears) and since Bilsteins were designed/matched to run with Euro springs, it was a no brainer. Setup if perfect for street car with occasional track use (abuse). Love the setup. Save yourself the money and go with Eibachs (cheaper than LTW/Euro springs). Ahmad -------------------- 9 -------------------- Date: Tue, 14 Dec 2004 22:50:45 EST From: ROWERS41@aol.com Subject: [E36M3] Spring querry I have a 97 M3 with bilstien sports and H&Rs. The PO got the package from Turner. I am getting some minor coil binding (there is a thin line of rust on the tops and bottoms of all the coils) and after my last track event I checked the dumdum between the coils and it was nearly cut in two. I am considering going to a heavier spring, even a factory one. And in Va the inspectors can get really anal about springs. I have the stock swaysbars and am pretty happy with the neutrality of the suspension. I am considering going to the euro spring or the lightweight spring, but am looking for some guidence. Thanks, Steve Rowe
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#10. Re: [E36M3] RE: Spring querry - from GGray657@aol.com
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Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 12:15:47 EST From: GGray657@aol.com Subject: Re: [E36M3] RE: Spring querry The coils that are touching are dead coils pretty common even with factory springs it's there so the spring stays seated when you are unloading the susspension, or jacking it up so the spring does not fall out or rattle like some race setups.. The springs may need a better shock the Bilstiens are not tuned as aggressive as the Koni SA's. I have never had fully compression of the springs like you are talking about on the track with my Koni's. I have had problems with the Bilstiens on my 535is turbo at the track doing the exact same thing with H&R springs. The spring is more than likely not the problem. If I had it do over I would not put the Bilstien's on my 535. They are way to soft. The H&R springs are better quality than Eibach's. I have seen numerous Eibach springs sag. Including there ERS springs. And I am pretty sure the H&R sports are a higher spring rate than the Eibach's. Gary Gray Pro Bike/Pro Bike Cycling Team