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#1. RE: intermitent brake circuit failure - from Don Eilenberger
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Date: Tue, 12 Apr 2005 23:26:05 -0400 From: Don Eilenberger <deilenberger@yahoo.com> Subject: RE: intermitent brake circuit failure ted commented: >Guys, > >I have a strange problem on my hand. The other day I goto start my car and I >get the check error "brake ciruit failure" ok so a bulb is out I'll check >when I'm home. Well on my drive out after I turned my car off then back on >again, the failure went away, hmm guess it was just a fluke. > >Well today I'm driving home and boom, "brake light failure" as I'm driving, >strange. I stop for gas turn car back on and the error is gone. > >Any ideas as to why this keeps popping on/off? I haven't had a chance to >figure out which bulb it is, doh! > >ted It's not a bulb, it's the "circuit" (bulb gives a bulb failure message..) And in the circuit - I'd bet a beer it's the brake light switch. A bit of a PITA to get at, but not impossible. Price went up not long ago, the last one I bought was $22 with CCA 10% discount. The brake lights will still light.. the switch has two sets of contacts in it. One set to turn the lights on, the other set to tell the circuit monitor the pedal has been pressed. Apparently the monitor contacts just get out of sync with the actual brake light contacts and trigger the warning. Dumb design IMHO.. a case where the messenger is yelling "the sky is falling.. the sky is falling" and it isn't. _______D_o_n__________S_p_r_i_n_g__L_a_k_e__H_t_s____________ Don Eilenberger, Spring Lk Hts, NJ NJ SHore BMW Riders - http://www.njsbmwr.org/ E39 Enthusiasts Group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bmwe39/ '03 525iT, '98 M3C/5, '87 K75S
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#2. Soft steering... - from Som Naderi
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Date: Tue, 12 Apr 2005 22:14:03 -0800 From: "Som Naderi" <som@dimensionracing.com> Subject: Soft steering... Group, I'm having a problem with my steering feeling excessively "light". I installed H&R coilovers a few k miles ago, had an alignment done, same feeling. Installed new tie rods (had it aligned again), which fixed some other problems I was having, but still the soft steering. I'm curious... could air bubbles in the power steering fluid cause this problem? It kind of feels like the squishy feeling that brakes get when the are air bubbles in the break line. Is it possible a PS flush would fix this problem? If so, what special equipment would I need to do it myself? I've replaced the trombone-to-reservoir hose, so I would imagine all I'd have to do is disconnect the hose (I replaced the factory crimp with a worm clamp), turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock, reattach the clamp, fill, lock-to-lock, fill, etc. Anything else? What would be the other likely culprits? I thought maybe a worn rack/pinion would cause the "light" steering... but without the car moving, even *tiny* steering movement moves the tires. Thanks for the help! I'm planning on driving up to Thunderhill mid-May (which will be my first track event with the new suspension) and I want to get rid of this "squishy" steering feel! - Som
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#3. Re: [E36M3] Soft steering... - from Jay W. Hudson
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Date: Wed, 13 Apr 2005 05:43:12 -0700 From: "Jay W. Hudson" <jwhud@budget.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Soft steering... Som- Do you have adjustable castor/camber plates? A change in castor will make the steering feel easier or harder, depending on the change. Other alignment changes may also affect the steering feel. Did the changes occur right after you installed the c/os? I'm not sure, but I think air in the PS system would resolve itself because it's a circulating, non-sealed system. Are you attending the TrackMasters event on 5/13? I'll be there. Jay > Date: Tue, 12 Apr 2005 22:14:03 -0800 > From: "Som Naderi" <som@dimensionracing.com> > Subject: Soft steering... > > Group, > > I'm having a problem with my steering feeling excessively "light". I > installed H&R coilovers a few k miles ago, had an alignment done, same > feeling. Installed new tie rods (had it aligned again), which fixed some > other problems I was having, but still the soft steering. > > I'm curious... could air bubbles in the power steering fluid cause this > problem? It kind of feels like the squishy feeling that brakes get when the > are air bubbles in the break line. Is it possible a PS flush would fix this > problem? If so, what special equipment would I need to do it myself? I've > replaced the trombone-to-reservoir hose, so I would imagine all I'd have to > do is disconnect the hose (I replaced the factory crimp with a worm clamp), > turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock, reattach the clamp, fill, lock-to-lock, > fill, etc. Anything else? > > What would be the other likely culprits? I thought maybe a worn rack/pinion > would cause the "light" steering... but without the car moving, even *tiny* > steering movement moves the tires. > > Thanks for the help! I'm planning on driving up to Thunderhill mid-May > (which will be my first track event with the new suspension) and I want to > get rid of this "squishy" steering feel! > > - Som
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#4. Tranny problem/leak? - from kevin ogrodnik
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Date: Wed, 13 Apr 2005 07:27:31 -0700 (PDT) From: kevin ogrodnik <kwogrodnik@yahoo.com> Subject: Tranny problem/leak? Encountered a weird tranny leak at the track last week, not sure of its location. Any experience with this or suggestions on possible problem area? During normal street driving the tranny does not leak and leaves zero drops on the garage floor (zero leakage). However, went to the track last week and after 5 laps saw some smoke coming from under the car. Tranny fluid was spilling out from somewhere near the driver side rear part of the tranny and buring on the exhaust. It was running down near the left rear rear tranny mount, dripping heavily onto the exhaust and ground. Made sure the fluid was not overfilled (it was not) and everything was in place (no missing plugs, etc.), went back out and the same leaking problem again. The weird thing is I was able to drove it home and it did not leak a drop, i.e. it only leaks under heavy cornering. Everything appears to be buttoned up i.e. no missing plugs, etc., and as evidenced from no leakage during street driving. Thanks in advance. Kevin 95 M3 __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Small Business - Try our new resources site! http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/resources/
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#5. Re: [E36M3] Tranny problem/leak? - from Christopher Bauer
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Date: Wed, 13 Apr 2005 09:41:40 -0500 (CDT) From: Christopher Bauer <c.bauer10@verizon.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Tranny problem/leak? Transmission fluid burning on the exhaust and fluid on the motor mounts sounds like a rear output shaft seal. I had similar symptoms on my e30. Chris 97m3 >From: kevin ogrodnik <kwogrodnik@yahoo.com> >During normal street driving the tranny does not leak >and leaves zero drops on the garage floor (zero >leakage). However, went to the track last week and >after 5 laps saw some smoke coming from under the car. >Tranny fluid was spilling out from somewhere near the >driver side rear part of the tranny and buring on the >exhaust. It was running down near the left rear rear >tranny mount, dripping heavily onto the exhaust and >ground. Made sure the fluid was not overfilled (it was >not) and everything was in place (no missing plugs, >etc.), went back out and the same leaking problem >again. The weird thing is I was able to drove it home >and it did not leak a drop, i.e. it only leaks under >heavy cornering. > >Kevin >95 M3 >
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#6. RE: [E36M3] Tranny problem/leak? - from Mel Silva
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Date: Wed, 13 Apr 2005 11:41:55 -0500 From: "Mel Silva" <melsilva@mindspring.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Tranny problem/leak? Kevin, recall my write up on the power steering fluid overflow? I mentioned that I had also created and overflow for the trans and diff. There is a vent on the top side of the transmission. It will look like a plastic or metallic cap that is crimped loosely on a fitting. The fitting has a hex head that can be removed with wrench. I removed mine and replaced it with a 90 degree hose barb so that I could capture the overflow from the transmission in a plastic water bottle instead of dumping it all over my exhaust or on the track. The symptoms you describe, no leakage during normal driving, but fluid spilling from the trans during DE's suggests to me that you are experiencing a heat related boil over. Granted the catch-can method I describe above is only a solution to the symptom, not the problem. If you installed a trans temp gauge you would know for sure what the problem and therefore required solution might be. Are you running a high temp synthetic trans fluid, or the BMW factory lube? I suspect that if you are running the factory fluid, that it is not up to the rigors of a DE. I hope this helps. Mel -----Original Message----- From: kevin ogrodnik [mailto:kwogrodnik@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2005 9:37 AM To: E36M3 Subject: [E36M3] Tranny problem/leak? Date: Wed, 13 Apr 2005 07:27:31 -0700 (PDT) From: kevin ogrodnik <kwogrodnik@yahoo.com> Subject: Tranny problem/leak? Encountered a weird tranny leak at the track last week, not sure of its location. Any experience with this or suggestions on possible problem area? During normal street driving the tranny does not leak and leaves zero drops on the garage floor (zero leakage). However, went to the track last week and after 5 laps saw some smoke coming from under the car. Tranny fluid was spilling out from somewhere near the driver side rear part of the tranny and buring on the exhaust. It was running down near the left rear rear tranny mount, dripping heavily onto the exhaust and ground. Made sure the fluid was not overfilled (it was not) and everything was in place (no missing plugs, etc.), went back out and the same leaking problem again. The weird thing is I was able to drove it home and it did not leak a drop, i.e. it only leaks under heavy cornering. Everything appears to be buttoned up i.e. no missing plugs, etc., and as evidenced from no leakage during street driving. Thanks in advance. Kevin 95 M3 __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Small Business - Try our new resources site! http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/resources/ ************************************************* 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. Re: [E36M3] Tranny problem/leak? - from Thomas Philip
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Date: Wed, 13 Apr 2005 13:04:21 -0400 From: Thomas Philip <tphilip@omtay.org> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Tranny problem/leak? On Apr 13, 2005, at 12:46 PM, Mel Silva wrote: > The fitting has a hex head that can be removed with wrench. I > removed mine and replaced it with a 90 degree hose barb so that > I could capture the overflow from the transmission in a plastic > water bottle instead of dumping it all over my exhaust or on the > track. Mel -- What size fitting did you use to thread into the trans case? tom
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#8. RE: CDV - from Burgess, Kim L
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Date: Wed, 13 Apr 2005 10:22:59 -0700 From: "Burgess, Kim L" <kim.l.burgess@boeing.com> Subject: RE: CDV "In addition to Lowell's various data points and valid defense..." Interestingly enough realoem.com/bmw lists one as item 21 p/n 21521163653 Pictorially, it is attached inline at the slave, though there are reports of them @ the bracket joining the fix/hard lines. As a side note, 01/96 build also allows selection of the 3.0L or 3.2L engine as though it was an option. Was there any 96 M3 with 3.0L engine or did production of the 95 start in 94 and continue thru Jan 96? 3/96 build is the next offering and lists the S52 only.
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#9. Re: Car shipment - from Ron & Brenya B.
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Date: Wed, 13 Apr 2005 12:26:52 -0500 From: "Ron & Brenya B." <rbuchals@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: Car shipment Scott, I had two cars transported from MD to TX. I used the following directory to find transport companies: http://www.movecars.com/ I ended up choosing the following company: http://www.nationwideautotrans.com They moved two cars (1995 M3 and 1999 Miata) for a TOTAL of $1095. They used an open transport. Closed transport is much more expensive. In my opinion and experience, unless the car is brand new, a concours quality showpiece, or a rare collectible, closed transport isn't worth the money. I know others will disagree, but I have the proof sitting in my garage and driveway. My M3 is a 10/94 build, and has 45k miles on it. It's in superb condition, but not perfect. The interior still smells and looks like new. Those fitted seat covers were a great investment! -rb Date: Thu, 07 Apr 2005 12:12:36 -0400 From: "Scott King" <vw8vgti@hotmail.com> Subject: Car shipment <html><div style='background-color:'><DIV class=RTE> <P>Folks,</P> <P>I have a potential out of state buyer for my M3 and I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice regarding commercial transport? </P> <P>I have never shipped a vehicle and was wondering if anyone could provide vendor recommendations or a gut check approximate cost to ship a car from Cincinnati to Boston?</P> <P>Any info would be greatly appreciated.</P> <P>Scott King<BR><BR></P></DIV></div></html>
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#10. RE: [E36M3] Tranny problem/leak? - from Mel Silva
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Date: Wed, 13 Apr 2005 12:29:53 -0500 From: "Mel Silva" <melsilva@mindspring.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Tranny problem/leak? My case was quite different and would be of little help considering that I was using an aftermarket transmission in a Brand X car. I suspect (given the lack of metric hose barb fittings available at Home Depot) that you could a) re-tap the hole with a more commonly available FPT thread or b) scan the Aeroquip and Earl's catalogs for metric pipe thread to hose barb fittings. Not nearly as helpful as I'd hoped, Mel -----Original Message----- From: Thomas Philip [mailto:tphilip@omtay.org] Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2005 12:07 PM To: E36M3 Subject: Re: [E36M3] Tranny problem/leak? Date: Wed, 13 Apr 2005 13:04:21 -0400 From: Thomas Philip <tphilip@omtay.org> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Tranny problem/leak? On Apr 13, 2005, at 12:46 PM, Mel Silva wrote: > The fitting has a hex head that can be removed with wrench. I > removed mine and replaced it with a 90 degree hose barb so that > I could capture the overflow from the transmission in a plastic > water bottle instead of dumping it all over my exhaust or on the > track. Mel -- What size fitting did you use to thread into the trans case? tom ************************************************* 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 *************************************************