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#1. Re: [E36M3] Snow tire opinions - from David Ripton
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Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 17:48:32 -0800 From: David Ripton <dripton@ripton.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Snow tire opinions On 2005.01.26 17:36:14 +0000, Chester Wong wrote: > I'm considering: > - Blizzak WS-50 > - Pirelli Winter 210 Snowsport > - Pilot Alpin PA-2 as a worse case scenario if Michelin decides to warranty > them. > > Any other tires I should consider? I guess there are the LM-22s and the Nokian > Hakawhatever. I had the real Q-rated Blizzaks on my previous car, for about 5 winters. Very good in the snow, horrible in the dry, loud on the highway. Got sick of them very quickly, ever winter. Put them on as late as possible (embarrassingly getting caught in the snow with summer tires once); took them off as early as possible. I think the magic multicell layer was pretty much worn off after the first winter; I didn't miss it. I have had 225/50R16 LM-22s on my M3 for 3.5 winters. Good in the snow, fine in the dry, generally inoffensive. I take them off when I get around to it, sometime in late March, maybe early April. Very happy with the LM-22s, but then I'm south of you. -- David Ripton dripton@ripton.net
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#2. RE: [E36M3] Need '95 M3 Front Strut part Number - from Dan Malloy
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Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 17:56:16 -0800 From: "Dan Malloy" <dfmalloy@cox.net> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Need '95 M3 Front Strut part Number At risk of beating this horse some more, I have Bilsteins which I installed in two phases (rears first, then fronts 3 months ago because the fronts were "backordered" for months due to redesign). I wouldn't describe the ride as "harsh" but it certainly is "firm". Rears only ride was not nearly as dramatically different as when the fronts went on. The only objectionable condition I've found is the #1 or 2 lane on certain California freeways where the trucks ride. The car certainly sticks better on my favorite San Diego hill rides. As always, YMMV. Dan Malloy 95 M3, Cosmos black/black -----Original Message----- From: M540 [mailto:m540@bellsouth.net] Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 16:26 To: E36M3 Subject: RE: [E36M3] Need '95 M3 Front Strut part Number Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 19:18:41 -0500 From: "M540" <m540@bellsouth.net> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Need '95 M3 Front Strut part Number Thanks to all who have responded so far! I'll get the definitive answer to "what's on there now" when I get the car back in my hands on Friday but until then it seems like there is no consensus. If anyone knows the definition of "F+S" on the parts breakdown I'd really love to know. I may well go with the Bilsteins, we'll see. I just wanted to figure out how much the OE option was going to really cost. This car did win an awful lot of praise running these shocks when it came out. Eric, you're dead on. I was tempted to fall back on the "more expensive" rule myself if all else failed. Thank you again, Kevin ************************************************* 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 Treehouse Racing http://www.treehouseracing.com DIGEST INFORMATION: http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm *************************************************
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#3. Re: [E36M3] Suspension Setup - from Dave Swingle
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Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 20:05:02 -0600 From: "Dave Swingle" <swingle@dmcnews.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Suspension Setup OK - I'll believe that the Konis are the way to go in the interest of not rattling teeth and other parts. What's current thinking on an appropriate spring setup to go with it? 99M3 coupe, 100% street driving, no track, don't need it to look like it's laying on the ground but a bit lower would be OK. Car currently has 65K on it so I suppose the original shocks are gone (replaced RSMs last fall). Dave Swingle 99M3 98 Suburban winter truck/trailer puller Crystal Lake IL -------------------- 10 -------------------- Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 19:44:13 -0600 From: Jamie Howton <jhowton@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Need '95 M3 Front Strut part Number On Wed, 26 Jan 2005 15:25:55 -0800 (PST), Chester Wong <chester_p_wong@yahoo.com> wrote: > The bigger and more important question is why is he even considering stock > shocks? They suck and have no warranty. Go with Konis and at least have the > lifetime warranty! And they don't go dead in 20k miles. Agreed, might as well go with some better springs too. -- Jamie Howton 2002 330i 2000 M5 1995 M3 Hampshire, IL
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#4. Re: [E36M3] Suspension Setup - from Chester Wong
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Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 18:09:50 -0800 (PST) From: Chester Wong <chester_p_wong@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Suspension Setup Well, that's the beauty of the konis. You can use them with the stock springs for now. If you decide you want something a bit firmer, you can get the Eibach Pro kit springs and then readjust the konis to match. O...and don't believe those hobos who think you can show up to the track and crank up the rebound for ultimate handling on track and then dial it back down for street driving. Those locos should have their heads checked. FWIW, I'm still on the stock springs and do fairly well on the track. Chester --- Dave Swingle <swingle@dmcnews.com> wrote: > OK - I'll believe that the Konis are the way to go in the interest of not > rattling teeth and other parts. What's current thinking on an appropriate > spring setup to go with it? 99M3 coupe, 100% street driving, no track, > don't need it to look like it's laying on the ground but a bit lower would > be OK. Car currently has 65K on it so I suppose the original shocks are gone > (replaced RSMs last fall). =====
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#5. Re: [E36M3] Snow tire opinions - from Jamie Howton
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Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 20:12:43 -0600 From: Jamie Howton <jhowton@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Snow tire opinions As snow on my 3 BMWs I have as follows: 2002 330i - Dunlop Wintersport SP M2 A very good snow tire, mine are mostly done for, ~25K on them but coupled with DSC are almost unstoppable. Confidence inspiring at all speeds up to and including low triple digits. I routinely pass most traffic in snowy/slushy conditions. They do start to feel greasy above about 50 degrees F. 2000 M5 - Michelin Pilot Alpin PA-2 Not bad, less than 3K on this set so who knows how they will fare with some miles on them. I can spin them at will in first and second on dry roads, but that's pretty much true of any tire with this car. They track very well in deep unplowed snow, I drove around for about two hours in that Blizzard last weekend without an issue at all, although the DSC was helping quite a bit. A little squirmy at higher speeds. 1995 M3 - Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22 Very good tire in the snow and quite stable in the dry, again very confidence inspiring at all speeds I have taken them to. I have had no trouble plowing through snow with my front splitter with these on. They break away predictably, but again aren't much good when the temperatures get up into the 50's. I drive 100 miles per day, most of it is on a tollway which is usually well plowed; I live in a rural area and the 3 miles closest to my house is never plowed. They don't even salt the roads because of the farm fields and I encounter deep and drifted snow frequently. Of all three tires listed here I have had the most experience with the Dunlops, I would buy them again without hesitation, the Bridgestones probably, the Michelins maybe -- it depends how they wear. OT, but I started snowboarding again this year after a 10 year hiatus (I quit when my Son was born). I have been out twice so far to Wisconsin and have a trip to Breckenridge booked for the end of March. I only wish I was in the shape I was in 10 years ago. Regards -- Jamie Howton 2002 330i 2000 M5 1995 M3 Hampshire, IL
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#6. Re: [E36M3] Suspension Setup - from Jamie Howton
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Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 20:23:23 -0600 From: Jamie Howton <jhowton@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Suspension Setup I went with the TC Kline Trackline "kit", IIRC they use H&R springs in some secret spring rate. They have changed their nomenclature, but I think it's the one listed now as "E36MExtSport" on http://tcklineracing.com/suspension.htm. I am very happy with the suspension, but I also have a bunch of Ground Control spherical bushings (RTAB, Front Control Arm, and RSM) with TMS sways with urethane bushings. I would characterise my suspension as harsh, my wife will no longer ride in my M3 without complaining. I live pretty close to you so if you want to take a ride in my car, just let me know. -- Jamie Howton 2002 330i 2000 M5 1995 M3 Hampshire, IL
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#7. Re: [E36M3] OT: Anyone know of an E39 M5 FS? Or an M5 List? - from Don Eilenberger
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Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 21:15:59 -0500 From: Don Eilenberger <deilenberger@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] OT: Anyone know of an E39 M5 FS? Or an M5 List? At 08:56 PM 1/26/05, Doug wrote in reply to Hans : >http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=307076 > >Im not a 5er guy so not sure if this is an e39. Here you go Ummm... nope. '88 E28 M5. Interesting car, but not an E39 which is 2 more cylinders and about an order of magnitude faster and better handling than the E28 was. >Hans Batra <hansbatra@yahoo.com> wrote: >Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 18:44:47 -0500 >From: "Hans Batra" >Subject: OT: Anyone know of an E39 M5 FS? Or an M5 List? > >All, > >My brother-in-law is actively looking for an M5. Southeast area preferred. > >Any recommendations for websites to scan other than Autotrader or Roadfly? > >Thanks. > >Hans Hans, I'll put my full sig in. Pass on the link to my E39 Yahoo list. We have quite a number of active E39/M5 owners on it, and I'm sure if he joins and asks - people will let him know of ones they may know of for sale. Best, Don Eilenberger, Spring Lk Hts, NJ deilenberger@verizon.net NJ Shore BMW Riders web page: http://www.njsbmwr.org/ Moderator BMW E39 Enthusiast Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bmwe39
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#8. Re: [E36M3] Snow tire opinions - from Jeremy Lucas
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Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 22:00:42 -0500 From: Jeremy Lucas <jlucas@columbus.rr.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Snow tire opinions I've had good experiences with the LM-22s this winter on my daily driver (S2000) passing the snow plows on the way to work.. Car is still fun with dry road conditions, unlike the WS-50s I had on a previous car, which were great in the snow, but had sidewalls like jello. Jeremy Lucas Delaware, OH
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#9. Re: [E36M3] Suspension Setup - from Robert Brooks
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Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 20:44:37 -0700 From: Robert Brooks <m3rb@comcast.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Suspension Setup Chester, I understand the theory of what you are saying here: shocks should be tuned to perfectly damp the springs. However, for my situation, which was a limited upgrade while staying in the auto-x class I want to be in this season, Koni's, externally adjustable rears moreover, was the universal recommendation of the local club members. (Basically, I had my choice of springs, shocks/struts, or sways, but only one of the three.) The thinking is that my shocks are probably shot at ~60K anyway; it would be wasted $$ to replace them with OEM's, so spend my class points on upgraded shocks. It was claimed, strongly, by several experienced auto-x'ers, that adjusting the Koni's can be used to tune the balance of the car, at least for autocross purposes. This makes sense to me; even though the implication is that altering the stiffness for tuning balance means detuning one end or the other from ideal damping. Is that such a horrible thing? In particular, I expect it to be the rear to get detuned, probably in the stiffer direction, slightly increasing total roll stiffness, rear having more weight transfer than the front, therefore moving from the current built-in understeer, to more neutral. Although, I'm going to non-staggered tires at the same time, so maybe that's all I need for neutrality. This is something of a moot point, as I have already acquired said Koni's, and intend to install them soon, but I'm interested in your, and others', input. Robert Brooks >From: Chester Wong <chester_p_wong@yahoo.com> >Subject: Re: [E36M3] Suspension Setup > >Well, that's the beauty of the konis. You can use them with the stock springs >for now. If you decide you want something a bit firmer, you can get the Eibach >Pro kit springs and then readjust the konis to match. O...and don't believe >those hobos who think you can show up to the track and crank up the rebound for >ultimate handling on track and then dial it back down for street driving. >Those locos should have their heads checked. > >FWIW, I'm still on the stock springs and do fairly well on the track. > >Chester > > >
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#10. Re: [E36M3] Suspension Setup - from Chris Teague
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Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 20:01:50 -0800 From: "Chris Teague" <cteague@cox.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Suspension Setup Robert, When I ran my 97 M3 in SCCA stock class, it was fastest with the rear Koni's set on full stiff. Exactly as you say, to play within the limits of the stock class rules, you have do some crazy things with the shocks. When I switched class, and ran stiffer springs, I actually had to soften the rear shocks, since now I was allowed to match the rebound to the springs. Also, with double adjustables, I still set the compression on full soft for the drive home. Chris ----- Original Message ----- > Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 20:44:37 -0700 > From: Robert Brooks <m3rb@comcast.net> > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Suspension Setup > > Chester, I understand the theory of what you are saying here: shocks > should be tuned to perfectly damp the springs. However, for my > situation, which was a limited upgrade while staying in the auto-x class > I want to be in this season, Koni's, externally adjustable rears > moreover, was the universal recommendation of the local club members. > (Basically, I had my choice of springs, shocks/struts, or sways, but > only one of the three.) > > The thinking is that my shocks are probably shot at ~60K anyway; it > would be wasted $$ to replace them with OEM's, so spend my class points > on upgraded shocks. It was claimed, strongly, by several experienced > auto-x'ers, that adjusting the Koni's can be used to tune the balance of > the car, at least for autocross purposes. > > This makes sense to me; even though the implication is that altering the > stiffness for tuning balance means detuning one end or the other from > ideal damping. Is that such a horrible thing? In particular, I expect > it to be the rear to get detuned, probably in the stiffer direction, > slightly increasing total roll stiffness, rear having more weight > transfer than the front, therefore moving from the current built-in > understeer, to more neutral. Although, I'm going to non-staggered tires > at the same time, so maybe that's all I need for neutrality. > > This is something of a moot point, as I have already acquired said > Koni's, and intend to install them soon, but I'm interested in your, and > others', input. > > Robert Brooks