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#1. RE: [E36M3] BMW Tech Help (S50 US) - from Dave DeBuhr
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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 12:54:54 -0800 From: "Dave DeBuhr" <debuhr@comcast.net> Subject: RE: [E36M3] BMW Tech Help (S50 US) Maybe you could call a builder like Rebello or Sunbelt to see if they have it. Don't know if they would be willing to part with the info but it's worth a call. Dave 98 M3/4 -----Original Message----- From: Chester Wong [mailto:chester_p_wong@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2005 12:17 PM To: E36M3 Subject: Re: [E36M3] BMW Tech Help (S50 US) Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 12:11:35 -0800 (PST) From: Chester Wong <chester_p_wong@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] BMW Tech Help (S50 US) I wouldn't count on any dealership knowing any of this or having access to it since most techs are just mindless monkeys. BMW's philosophy is definitely one of if it's broken, just swap it out. Hence, you can't buy ring and pinions for a diff, you can't buy tools to repair a leaking steering rack, you can't buy tools to rebuild a diff. And now you're asking about precise numbers and the such? HA! These are guys who use impact airguns when bolting trannies back to the engine... I forgot which series of books I bought for a friend, but it had detailed info...not sure if it was as detailed as what you're requiring... Good luck, Chester --- Andrew Kalman <aek@pumpkininc.com> wrote: > None of them have important specs for engine builders, e.g. installed > valve height, valve face angles, valve spring lengths and rates, etc. > > Where does BMW keep this information? ===== ************************************************* 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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#2. Suspension noise troubleshooting - from Rick Cooke
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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 16:22:44 -0500 From: "Rick Cooke" <rickcooke@rcn.com> Subject: Suspension noise troubleshooting I am looking for some assistance in locating a rear end noise which I suspect is suspension related. The sound, kind of like cracking your knuckles, occurs on acceleration - as when the rear suspension compresses. I hear it from both sides. It is not as noticeable on deceleration or braking, but happens every time I step on the accelerator. Over the summer, I rebuilt the brakes completely and installed new RTABs (Urethane from Bav Auto). No noise until fairly recently. I suspected the RTABS, so I dropped the training arms and inspected them - they look fine. I do not see any obvious wear or looseness in the other rear end bushings, although there is certainly wear there. 95 M3 with 150K miles, Bilsteins at 100K, Upper shock mounts are the E46 variety - replaced at 125K (and look fine). TIA Rick
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#3. Re: [E36M3] Suspension noise troubleshooting - from Chester Wong
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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 13:29:51 -0800 (PST) From: Chester Wong <chester_p_wong@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Suspension noise troubleshooting If you have urethane RTABs, would it be the type where a pin goes through it? If the lube got washed out, squeezed out or you plain didn't use enough, I could imagine that there might be a certain about of stiction that you overcome and the noise you're hearing is the initial break to get the pin twisting in the urethane... Chester --- Rick Cooke <rickcooke@rcn.com> wrote: > Over the summer, I rebuilt the brakes completely and installed new RTABs > (Urethane from Bav Auto). No noise until fairly recently. I suspected the > RTABS, so I dropped the training arms and inspected them - they look fine. I > do not see any obvious wear or looseness in the other rear end bushings, > although there is certainly wear there. =====
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#4. Re: [E36M3] Suspension noise troubleshooting - from cteague@cox.net
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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 16:43:34 -0500 From: <cteague@cox.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Suspension noise troubleshooting Rick, Since it seems to happen mostly on acceleration, check your front diff bushing that is in the subframe. Mine was cracked, and I replaced it. Also, you may want to check the upper control arm outer bushing. It's really a ball joint, so it can wear out and cause clunking. On the 96-99's, both the upper and lower arm outer bushings are ball joints (same part #). Even a little wear on the ball joints can cause a clunking sound. Good luck, Chris 97 M3/4 > Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 16:22:44 -0500 > From: "Rick Cooke" <rickcooke@rcn.com> > Subject: Suspension noise troubleshooting > > > I am looking for some assistance in locating a rear end noise which I > suspect is suspension related. The sound, kind of like cracking your > knuckles, occurs on acceleration - as when the rear suspension compresses. I > hear it from both sides. It is not as noticeable on deceleration or braking, > but happens every time I step on the accelerator. > > Over the summer, I rebuilt the brakes completely and installed new RTABs > (Urethane from Bav Auto). No noise until fairly recently. I suspected the > RTABS, so I dropped the training arms and inspected them - they look fine. I > do not see any obvious wear or looseness in the other rear end bushings, > although there is certainly wear there. > > 95 M3 with 150K miles, Bilsteins at 100K, Upper shock mounts are the E46 > variety - replaced at 125K (and look fine). >
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#5. RE: [E36M3] Suspension noise troubleshooting - from Rick Cooke
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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 16:51:37 -0500 From: "Rick Cooke" <rickcooke@rcn.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Suspension noise troubleshooting This bushing was in two halves, with a hollow steel tube down the middle and a bolt through to both sides of the mounting flange. Lube? What lube? ........ ========snip If you have urethane RTABs, would it be the type where a pin goes through it? If the lube got washed out, squeezed out or you plain didn't use enough, I could imagine that there might be a certain about of stiction that you overcome and the noise you're hearing is the initial break to get the pin twisting in the urethane... Chester --- Rick Cooke <rickcooke@rcn.com> wrote: > Over the summer, I rebuilt the brakes completely and installed new > RTABs (Urethane from Bav Auto). No noise until fairly recently. I > suspected the RTABS, so I dropped the training arms and inspected them > - they look fine. I do not see any obvious wear or looseness in the > other rear end bushings, although there is certainly wear there. =====
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#6. RE: [E36M3] Opinions of Ground Controls Coil over kits? - from Dave DeBuhr
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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 14:00:18 -0800 From: "Dave DeBuhr" <debuhr@comcast.net> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Opinions of Ground Controls Coil over kits? I went with GC COs. I got the race package with Koni SAs that are shortened, 375lb 6" F and 450lb 7" R springs, hybrid camber plates, RSMs, and RTABS. I also installed Eibach sways and an X-brace all at the same time. These are the softest springs you can use for this setup. I, like you, wanted to upgrade the handling and feel of the car without killing the street ride. Mission accomplished! My wife didn't even notice. Since the original shocks were pretty well blown out with 45k on them, the car was a bit bouncy. I would say that the car actually rides better now under most conditions. I have a 2000 corvette which is basically stock and the M3 rides much better. -----Original Message----- From: Mo Karamat [mailto:karamatm@optonline.net] Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2005 5:57 PM To: E36M3 Subject: [E36M3] Opinions of Ground Controls Coil over kits? Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 20:57:03 -0500 From: Mo Karamat <karamatm@optonline.net> Subject: Opinions of Ground Controls Coil over kits? Dear All, Evening.. I am thinking about changing my suspension to one of the kits that Ground controls offers.. 1. Complete c/o kit, E36 Street, (Uses Existing M3 Housings That Are On Your Car) - $999 2. Complete Coil-over Kit, E36 Track / School, (Complete Front Assemblies) - $1249 Any experiences, or thoughts about either of the kits would be appreciated. The car is used as a street car, and also my track car. So I am looking for something that will improve the handling without being punishing.. I currently have the Eibach Pro kit & Koni Sa's. Thanks Mo 98 M3/4 ************************************************* 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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#7. How to R&R rear swaybar bushings? - from marty
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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 18:17:11 -0500 From: marty <mfraiser@earthlink.net> Subject: How to R&R rear swaybar bushings? Greetings, I recently got new swaybars and am having difficulty removing the upper portion of the rear stock links. The link is attached inside a cavity and I can't get any room to move a straight wrench once it's on the nut. It hits either the cavity edge and/or lower control arm depending on orientation. What sort of wrench do I need to get that nut off and back on, or am I just not seeing something obvious? Thanks in advance, marty '96 M3 - new front swaybar and original rear
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#8. Re: [E36M3] How to R&R rear swaybar bushings? - from cteague@cox.net
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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 18:35:16 -0500 From: <cteague@cox.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] How to R&R rear swaybar bushings? Marty, Just take off the whole bracket. It's attached at the top of the upper control arm with a single nut that comes off with a 13mm wrench. It's right behind the spring. Note the orientation of the little tab that sticks up so you can put it back the same way it came off. It's easy if you do it that way. Chris > Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 18:17:11 -0500 > From: marty <mfraiser@earthlink.net> > Subject: How to R&R rear swaybar bushings? > > Greetings, > > I recently got new swaybars and am having difficulty removing the upper > portion of the rear stock links. > The link is attached inside a cavity and I can't get any room to move a > straight wrench once it's on the nut. It hits either the cavity edge > and/or lower control arm depending on orientation. > > What sort of wrench do I need to get that nut off and back on, or am I > just not seeing something obvious? > > Thanks in advance, > marty > '96 M3 - new front swaybar and original rear
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#9. HIR Bulbs - from Lew Becker
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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 16:21:56 -0800 From: Lew Becker <lmb_cfls@sbcglobal.net> Subject: HIR Bulbs Anyone have any experience (good or bad) with HIR (halogen infrared) bulbs? See http://bmwz.org/articles/lighting/0506trick/ Euro lights are not in my future (because my Dinan supercharger occupies too much underhood real estate); and I'm not interested in HIDs without the Euro lights' cut-off. Silverstars made for a noticeable improvement, without any issues with oncoming cars (flashing high beams, etc.); but I'm wondering whether the HIRs may be the way to go. Lew Becker
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#10. Subject: Opinions of Ground Controls Coil over kits? - from Grant Fairweather
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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 18:24:06 -0600 From: "Grant Fairweather" <grant_f1@comcast.net> Subject: Subject: Opinions of Ground Controls Coil over kits? Mo writes: >Evening.. I am thinking about changing my suspension to one of the kits >that Ground controls offers.. >1. Complete c/o kit, E36 Street, (Uses Existing M3 Housings That Are On >Your Car) - $999 >2. Complete Coil-over Kit, E36 Track / School, (Complete Front >Assemblies) - $1249 >Any experiences, or thoughts about either of the kits would be appreciated. >The car is used as a street car, and also my track car. So I am looking for >something that will improve the handling without being punishing.. I >currently have the Eibach Pro kit & Koni Sa's. Hmmm...I'm looking to replace the stock shocks/struts/springs on my 98 M3/4 and the Koni/Eibach (Pro kit) is at the top of my list. What are you looking to gain with the ground control kit over your current set-up? If you do go with a complete kit that includes new shock/struts/springs, let me know if you want to part with your Konis and Eibachs. Grant Fairweather 98 M3/4