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#1. Re: [E36M3] - from Jon Phillips
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Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 12:02:11 -0800 From: Jon Phillips <jphillips@futurenetworkusa.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] I have a Bell M2 as well. Perfect eyeport for sunglasses, which you will need to wear at some point, without a doubt (it sure would be cool if Bell made a detachable visor that was darkened, wouldn't it?). I'm 99 percent sure that helmetcity.com and the Bell store in Oakland are one and the same. I bought my helmet at the store, which I reccomend because you can walk in and be fitted by an expert. R.e., your first track day experience: I've only done nine track days myself, so I may have a unique (and possibly helpful) perspective, especially given the fact that I've only made what I would call REAL progress in my last 3-4 track days. (In SCCA schools at T-Hill, I've moved from Intermediate to Advanced; in BMW schools at Sears I've moved from beginner to low-intermediate.) For your first day, I suggest the only things you concern yourself with are: (1) listening, (2) keeping an absolutely open mind, (3) entering the experience with total humility, and (4) being cognizant that keeping your cool (in effect, maintaining a low heart rate) will make you a far better, faster student. Notice that I didn't make a single comment on driving technique. Suggestions like "look one to two corners ahead" and "you gotta be slow to be fast" are DEFINITELY good suggestions. But in my experience, the first few track days are all about getting acclimated. Eliminating the mystery. Calming the F down. Besides being bombarded by a DAUNTING amount of sensory input, you will be bombarded by instructor comments, and getting bombarded by them WILL be good (because through repetition, the comments will begin to sink in, one by one, falling in place quite naturally). But there's a multitude of "things you need to do" to really get comfortable (and faster) on the track, and unless you have an extraordinary ability to tackle the learning curve, the first few track days will be overwhelming. So, in a nutshell, I suggest to just accept the fact that you suck, and start fresh from there (big, big smiley face goes here!). I will make only one driving-specific suggestion: If certain apexes are giving you fits, ask the instructor to physically move the steering wheel for you to the correct line (ask ahead of time, reach an agreement that this will occur, and keep your foot on the gas with proper throttle). I have found that an instructor can verbalize instructions up the wazoo, but to no positive effect. But with three hands on the wheel, and with the instrcutor showing you EXACTLY where to put the car in real-time, those frustrating turns can suddenly fall into place, and -- bam -- one need not ever botch them again on 3/21/2005 12:30 PM Dave DeBuhr said the following: >Date: Mon, 21 Mar 2005 12:28:29 -0800 >From: "Dave DeBuhr" <debuhr@comcast.net> >Subject: RE: [E36M3] > >I really appreciate all of the time you folks have taken to >inform me and help to prepare for my first track day. I'm really >excited. I will definitely approach the experience with an open >mind. I've read a few books about driving, Bondurant, Carol Smith, >and Going Faster (Russell School manual), Secrets of Solo Racing >so I'm looking forward to actually doing it. > > >
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#2. Re: [E36M3] large EVAP leak, what to do? - from Jim Bassett
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Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 12:08:55 -0800 (PST) From: "Jim Bassett" <jim@jimbassett.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] large EVAP leak, what to do? On Tue, March 22, 2005 11:50 am, Theodore Serbinski said: > I have the Check Engine light with large EVAP error on my car for a > while now and I can't seem to shake it. I've bought a new gas cap and > lightly greased the cap, but no luck. Replaced the clamps on the > charcoal brick canister, no luck either. Someone else may have a specific suggestion, but this is a case where the Peake toll (I'm assuming you're using a Peake tool :-)) comes up a bit short. I've been in a similar situation. If you can, head over to your local independent BMW mechanic and have him/her pull the code with their reader. Generally they'll be able to retrieve more info about the fault, and allow you to target your repair. (Disclaimer: my two local mechanics will read out codes for me for free, but then I also advertise their shops on my race car. But they're also genuinely nice guys and excellent mechanics - and drivers! YMMV.) > I seem to recall something about an o-ring I need to replace... was it > the fuel filter or fuel pump? There's no O-ring around or near the fuel pump AFAIK, and there's a big rubber sealing gasket around the top of the fuel pump. It's possible this is the cause, but I would think if it was, you'd also be smelling gas fumes inside the car. > Also speaking of that, should I replace my fuel pump? I have heard of > them going bad a few times and it's related to my large EVAP maybe > time too? Thanks! I don't think the pump is the cause of your EVAP leak, and unless you're experiencing an erratic gas gauge or fuel delivery issues, the pump is fine. Basically, in this case, you need more information than what you're getting from the Peake tool. Hope that helps, Jim Bassett
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#3. Re: [E36M3] - from Jim Bassett
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Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 12:17:33 -0800 (PST) From: "Jim Bassett" <jim@jimbassett.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] On Tue, March 22, 2005 12:10 pm, Jon Phillips said: > I have a Bell M2 as well. Perfect eyeport for sunglasses, which you > will need to wear at some point, without a doubt (it sure would be > cool if Bell made a detachable visor that was darkened, wouldn't it?). They do :-) I own 3 visors for my Bell helmet: clear, light smoke, and dark smoke. I haven't used the dark on in quite a while, but generally rotate the clear & light smoke ones as conditions warrant. > into place, and -- bam -- one need not ever botch them again Generally not a good idea to use the word "bam" when talking about track driving :-) Jim Bassett - had a student go "bam", not enjoyable
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#4. Re: [E36M3] - from Carey Probst
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Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 15:20:39 -0500 From: Carey Probst <hcprobst@alum.mit.edu> Subject: Re: [E36M3] I have a dark visor for my M2. It's detachable from the standpoint of needing to take out the 2 screws that hold it in but that takes about 30 seconds. Carey Jon Phillips wrote: > Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 12:02:11 -0800 > From: Jon Phillips <jphillips@futurenetworkusa.com> > Subject: Re: [E36M3] > > I have a Bell M2 as well. Perfect eyeport for sunglasses, which you > will need to wear at some point, without a doubt (it sure would be > cool if Bell made a detachable visor that was darkened, wouldn't it?). >
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#5. Replacing front control arm bushings - from Doug Young
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Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 13:28:38 -0700 From: Doug Young <Doug.Young@nsidc.org> Subject: Replacing front control arm bushings I'm going to replace the original front control arm bushings in my '95 M3 with either urethane or delrin bushings. Is there any consensus regarding the choice of material? I autocross the car regularly and track it occasionally. Also, is the bushing mounting bracket under much tension? Once I get the bushing pressed into the bracket will it easily reattach to the underpanel or will I be straining to get the bolts realigned with the holes? Thanks, Doug Young 1995 Avus Blue M3
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#6. Re: [E36M3] large EVAP leak, what to do? - from Theodore Serbinski
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Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 15:29:52 -0500 From: Theodore Serbinski <stanson@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] large EVAP leak, what to do? > Someone else may have a specific suggestion, but this is a case where the > Peake toll (I'm assuming you're using a Peake tool :-)) comes up a bit Excellent assumption! > There's no O-ring around or near the fuel pump AFAIK, and there's a big > rubber sealing gasket around the top of the fuel pump. It's possible this > is the cause, but I would think if it was, you'd also be smelling gas > fumes inside the car. Yeah no fumes in the car... hmm maybe it was a gasket I was recommend to replace? Hmmm.... > I don't think the pump is the cause of your EVAP leak, and unless you're > experiencing an erratic gas gauge or fuel delivery issues, the pump is > fine. Yeah don't *need* to replace the pump but as a preventive manuveur would it help? Or do those pretty much last? Ah well looks like I do need more information, one day this will be resolved, haha! ted
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#7. RE: [E36M3] - from Robert Chay
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Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 15:33:51 -0500 From: "Robert Chay" <lists@rchay.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] I have a dark smoke visor for my Bell M3. I have no need to swap out the visor as I've used it with the dark smoke visor indoor (karting) and it wasn't a problem. -Bobby > -----Original Message----- > From: Jim Bassett > > On Tue, March 22, 2005 12:10 pm, Jon Phillips said: > > I have a Bell M2 as well. Perfect eyeport for sunglasses, which you > > will need to wear at some point, without a doubt (it sure would be > > cool if Bell made a detachable visor that was darkened, > wouldn't it?). > > They do :-) I own 3 visors for my Bell helmet: clear, light smoke, and > dark smoke. I haven't used the dark on in quite a while, but generally > rotate the clear & light smoke ones as conditions warrant. > > > into place, and -- bam -- one need not ever botch them again > > Generally not a good idea to use the word "bam" when talking > about track > driving :-) > > Jim Bassett - had a student go "bam", not enjoyable >
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#8. Re: [E36M3] Replacing front control arm bushings - from Kent L. Shephard
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Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 12:38:31 -0800 From: "Kent L. Shephard" <kents@kls-consulting.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Replacing front control arm bushings Hi, I upgraded the suspension on my '97 to urethane. Ride is still okay. Don't know how the delrin work but I didn't think it would be too good for the street. I still need to drive it on the street a couple of times a week. Kent Doug Young wrote: >Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 13:28:38 -0700 >From: Doug Young <Doug.Young@nsidc.org> >Subject: Replacing front control arm bushings > >I'm going to replace the original front control arm bushings in my '95 M3 with >either urethane or delrin bushings. Is there any consensus regarding the >choice of material? I autocross the car regularly and track it occasionally. > >Also, is the bushing mounting bracket under much tension? Once I get the >bushing pressed into the bracket will it easily reattach to the underpanel or >will I be straining to get the bolts realigned with the holes? > >Thanks, >Doug Young >1995 Avus Blue M3 > > > -- "To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public." 1918, Theodore Roosevelt
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#9. Re: [E36M3] RE: E46 or E36 - from Don Eilenberger
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Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 15:37:01 -0500 From: Don Eilenberger <deilenberger@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] RE: E46 or E36 At 03:10 PM 3/22/2005, Hans wrote: >So the E34/E32 V8s had issues, the E46 M3 engine has issues, The E65 has the >ugly rear end, the E60 has the Pontiac Grand Am front end...the E39 and the >E36 are looking better and better all the time. ;-) > >Hans We think much alike. When I wander into a dealers showroom, about all that attracts me to it is the E46 M3 convertible. NOTHING else in the showroom has any magnetic power for me at all. I think the reason the E46 'vert has that power is it looks so much like the E36 'vert (one of the most handsome cars BMW ever made.. IMHO better lines than any other BMW.) BYW - you forgot the Z4 that seems to be clogging up the showrooms (there are dealers in NJ with brand new 2004 Z4's for sale and I think a few '03 Z4 2.5's..) Now they have bad engines when they used to be known for great engines (anyone want to guess what the failure mode is going to be for the new composite engine?), questionable to bad styling and they keep getting heavier. If a Japanese car company came out with a good straight-6 sports car or sports sedan, I suspect a lot of us would be giving it a good look. The Supra I6 was a wonderful engine, as good for reliability as anything BMW has ever made, and generally pretty advanced in technology (24V DOHC in '86..) And yet - I have to guess BMW is doing something right since the emails I get from their press relations department are ALWAYS telling about record sales of their vehicles. It also looks like Japanese stylists have decided Banglism is the wave of the future also. Go figure.. _______D_o_n__________S_p_r_i_n_g__L_a_k_e__H_t_s____________©1946________ Don Eilenberger, Spring Lk Hts, NJ - http://www.njsbmwr.org/ '98 M3c/5, '03 525iT, '87 K75S
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#10. Re: [E36M3] large EVAP leak, what to do? - from Jim Bassett
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Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 12:53:47 -0800 (PST) From: "Jim Bassett" <jim@jimbassett.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] large EVAP leak, what to do? On Tue, March 22, 2005 12:30 pm, Theodore Serbinski said: > Yeah don't *need* to replace the pump but as a preventive manuveur > would it help? Or do those pretty much last? The only problem I've had with them is the resistive material that the armature moves across to indicate level wears down, causing the erratic gas gauge issue. I've not heard of the pump itself failing. However, in the course of chasing down a problem in the race car, I did install a new pump. It wasn't the problem, but did consider it a "preventative" fix. Jim Bassett