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#1. Suspension questions - again.. - from Don Eilenberger
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Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 10:56:57 -0400 From: Don Eilenberger <deilenberger@verizon.net> Subject: Suspension questions - again.. This is likely heresy here, but I'm considering using Monroe (gasp!) suspension on my convertible. I saw - on Roadfly of all places - mention that Monroe has just released E36/M3 specific struts and shocks. I went to the Monroe website and found this is true.. http://www.monroe.com/catalog_lookup/E_Catalog/catalog.aspx?sec=ocl&page=ocl_selector&VG=0&MK=4&MDL=80&YR=1998&LST=222 AKA: http://tinyurl.com/8puc9 In looking at the Monroe catalog - these numbers seem to be unique to the M3 coupe and convertible.. I couldn't find them used in any other application (and I looked at most all of the E36 applications.) These appear to be new applications from Monroe, I had checked a few months ago and they had no front struts, and they had limited availability of the rear shocks at that time. Price is one very attractive point, rears are ~$40/each, front struts (complete - no cut and bolt stuff) ~ $95/each. We're looking at $300 for the complete suspension. So - a question or two: 1. Has anyone done this? I should note - the convertible will NEVER see a track. As it is now, I find the suspension rather harsh, which makes all the more noticeable the cowl shake a convertible is prone to, and the creaking and squeaking that a convertible is prone to when the top is up. It is actually uncomfortable over some NJ road surfaces (NJ has always been the leader in developing rough road surfaces - complete with undulations, pot-holes, badly patched pot-holes, and other suspension testing defects. We export pot-holes to NYC..) and with the top up is frequently annoying to drive due to the squeaks and rattles. It had new RSM's not long before I got it - and I noticed several months ago oil leaking from one rear shock. The oil has now stopped leaking which to me implies it has no oil left in it, not an ideal thing for a shock. I'm looking for a smoother (less harsh) ride, and am willing to accept some degradation in "feel" to achieve this. What is interesting is how the "Sensatrac" Monroe makes works - it has softer damping over a limited travel section - where they feel the car normally rides, and it stiffens up when the suspension moves out of that range. I have used them on other cars (not BMW's) and liked how they worked. So - has anyone used these on an M3? Results? 2. Anyone think of a reason not to do this (aside from the possibility that it really sucks..)? 3. Front strut mount (bearing and assembly) - Monroe lists a replacement for the front upper strut mount. They suggest replacing it. It is fairly costly ~ $70/each. Has anyone found this necessary on a car with 84k miles on it? There are no strange noises from that area, and the steering feels just fine. 4. Anyone in NJ have a spring compressor and want to do a strut party? I'll provide the beer (after we're done..) and food.. I figure the rears I can do easily with ramps in the back, but the fronts might require a bit of help. Don Eilenberger, AKA SquidBOOF, Spring Lk Hts, NJ JMP#1 FOT2.A deilenberger@verizon.net NJ Shore BMW Riders web page: http://www.njsbmwr.org/ Moderator - BMW E39 Enthusiasts: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bmwe39 "One should do the stuff that makes you smile" - Ulf Bertilsson Hence: 1998 M3 convertible, 2003 5-touring, 1987 K75S
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#2. Refinishing wheels... - from Dat Quach (quachd)
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Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 08:14:21 -0700 From: "Dat Quach (quachd)" <quachd@cisco.com> Subject: Refinishing wheels... I remember a list member posting pictures/instructions on how he refinished his wheels. I did a search on the list and didn't come up with anything (well a lot of things, but not what I was looking for)...if anyone remembers which list it was in (or the person who originally posted the information), please let me know. Dat '97 M3/2
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#3. Cams, cams, cams - from Patrick Kelly
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Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 11:50:00 -0400 From: "Patrick Kelly" <pkelly@agincourtcapital.com> Subject: Cams, cams, cams Speaking of cams, James... Do you have any updates for us '95 owners on the new cams you guys are getting? Will you have new software for those of us with stock cams who might want to do the swap? What other mods are necessary for this set up (heavier injectors, euro HFM, etc.)? Thanks, brother! Pat Kelly 95 M3 with some stuff pkelly@agincourtcapital.com >-------------------- 10 -------------------- >Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 11:00:34 -0400 >From: "James Clay" <james@bimmerworld.com> >Subject: More 3.0L Cams needed > >Paying $300/set, needs to be in good used condition, no scoring. >Please let me know if interested. Thanks. > >James > > >James Clay >http://www.bimmerworld.com <http://www.bimmerworld.com/> <http://www.bimmerworld.com/> >http://www.bimmerworldracing.com <http://www.bimmerworldracing.com/> <http://www.bimmerworldracing.com/> >Engineered BMW Performance >540.639.9648
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#4. Re: [E36M3] Question on Remote - from Jim Bassett
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Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 09:22:36 -0700 (PDT) From: "Jim Bassett" <jim@jimbassett.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Question on Remote On Tue, June 28, 2005 5:17 am, mtzenz@excite.com said: > I noticed last night when I pushed the "lock" button on the remote, all > the doors locked as normal. However, the trunk did not lock. When I > opened the trunk, the alarm went off so it was armed, but did not lock. > Is this normal? AFAIK, no. Assuming the alarm (is it stock or aftermarket?) is set up/wired to activate the central locking system, then it should lock the doors & trunk. Try locking the car with the key in the door (either door will do). See if the trunk locks. Yes? Then sounds like the alarm isn't wired/set-up properly. No? Then possibly a problem with the lock actuator/solenoid in the trunk. Go forth and troubleshoot :-) Jim Bassett
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#5. Re: [E36M3] Suspension questions - again.. - from Carlos.F.Lopez@jci.com
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Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 12:34:59 -0400 From: Carlos.F.Lopez@jci.com Subject: Re: [E36M3] Suspension questions - again.. >So - has anyone used these on an M3? Results? >2. Anyone think of a reason not to do this (aside from >the possibility that it really sucks..)? I think this is the perfect opportunity to hear some feedback about those. Not that I'll ever run Monroes on an E36 M3 but someone who's not going to the track and just wants to decrease harshness is to me the perfect candidate for something like this. Go for it! I heard the E30 M3 guys in certain areas of the country run Ranchos in the rear, again, not something I would try but what the heck! Carlos.
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#6. Re: [E36M3] Refinishing wheels... - from GGray657@aol.com
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Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 12:40:12 EDT From: GGray657@aol.com Subject: Re: [E36M3] Refinishing wheels... I posted about a honda color I found that matched the stock wheel paint. If thats the post you are talking about... Gary Gray Pro Bike/Pro Bike Cycling Team
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#7. RE: [E36M3] Refinishing wheels... - from Patrick Goss - PA
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Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 13:24:46 -0400 From: Patrick Goss - PA <Patrick_Goss@GMACM.COM> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Refinishing wheels... I also believe theo posted about using wurth's paint available from carcareonline.com. -----Original Message----- From: GGray657@aol.com [mailto:GGray657@aol.com] Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2005 12:47 PM To: E36M3 Subject: Re: [E36M3] Refinishing wheels... Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 12:40:12 EDT From: GGray657@aol.com Subject: Re: [E36M3] Refinishing wheels... I posted about a honda color I found that matched the stock wheel paint. If thats the post you are talking about... Gary Gray Pro Bike/Pro Bike Cycling Team ************************************************* 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 Elephant Motorsports Inc. http://www.elephantmotorsports.com DIGEST INFORMATION: http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm *************************************************
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#8. Muffler choices - from Steve Sharp
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Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 11:08:31 -0700 From: "Steve Sharp" <steve.sharp@xilinx.com> Subject: Muffler choices Well, after almost 60K miles, my '97 M3/2 has something broken internally to the muffler and the vibration/buzz/resonance is starting to drive me nuts. Question is, do I replace the stock muffler or go for an aftermarket one? This is a daily driver, no track time (kids will do that to you), and probably won't see more than an occasional autocross. I wouldn't mind a little throater sound, but I don't want a drone at freeway speeds that would drive me nuts, either. Thoughts? Recommendations? Anyone in the San Jose are have a decent condition stock muffler they'd like to get rid of? Thank, Steve Sharp
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#9. Re: [E36M3] Refinishing wheels... - from Murray Roblin
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Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 11:11:46 -0700 From: Murray Roblin <mdrlist@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Refinishing wheels... I remember that page as well, but cannot find it either. However, I did find this: http://normgrills.net/bcg/Steering_FAQ.html#anchor303055 OK, after some searching, here you go: http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/wheel-repair/wheel-scuff-repair.htm or http://tinyurl.com/ddxh9 and : http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?p=9531 or http://tinyurl.com/ctjtr -- Murray Roblin Palo Alto
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#10. oil service message on E46 - from Scott McClung
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Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 11:25:04 -0700 (PDT) From: Scott McClung <smlists@pacbell.net> Subject: oil service message on E46 On the 2002 330i I just picked up, the DIC reads Oil Service 9300 when I start the car. Anyone know what that means? 9300 until the next oil service, or 9300 since the last one? I do not have an owners manual for the car yet. Scott
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#11. Re: [E36M3] Muffler choices - from Jim Bassett
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Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 11:27:13 -0700 (PDT) From: "Jim Bassett" <jim@jimbassett.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Muffler choices On Tue, June 28, 2005 11:17 am, Steve Sharp said: > This is a daily driver, no track time (kids will do that to you) Really?!? Good thing my son didn't get the memo. :-) > Thoughts? Recommendations? Check out a list sponsor: > ************************************************* > Please help support the E36M3 list by visiting our sponsors: > Rogue Engineering http://www.rogueengineering.com FWIW, I have one on the race car, but can't make a valid assesment on the noise/droning, since the entire interior of the car is removed :-) (But I don't find it to be too loud or droning.) Jim Bassett 1998 M3/4 1993 325is #44 JP