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#1. RE: More Brake Pedal Questions - bad master cylinder? - from Don Eilenberger
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Date: Fri, 01 Jul 2005 19:34:48 -0400 From: Don Eilenberger <deilenberger@yahoo.com> Subject: RE: More Brake Pedal Questions - bad master cylinder? At 07:07 PM 7/1/2005, you wrote: >Folks, > >A few weeks ago, I posted a question regarding sever brake fade combined >with a soft pedal after 8 or 10 hard stops from ~60 mph. The general >conclusion was that either I needed to bleed the brakes again or that I >needed to get rid of the ceramic compound pads. > >Well, ever since, I have been paying closer attention to brake feel. That is called obsessing.. I'm prone to it so I recognize it in others. >Today, I found that if I press the pedal hard, but slowly , 8 or 10 >times, with the car NOT MOVING, I STILL get a soft pedal. In fact I can >push the pedal to the floor (with some effort). I do not have the press >the pedal in quick succession - once slowly every 5 to 8 seconds would >do it. This is with the engine running? If so - pretty much normal. The power booster gives that feel. If it was with the engine off - then you have something in the brake system wrong, but not necessarily a bad master cylinder (although that might be high on the percentages).. could be a soft brake hose or some other things I haven't thought of. >So now I am thinking it's a bad master cylinder. Anyone agree/disagree? See above. >If so, how difficult a job is it? I am sure I CAN do it. Just not sure I >WANT to...... I looked at it on the E36.. actually - looks like an afternoon job including the lily gilding (unnecessary cleaning in my case, painting things that no one will ever see..) and bleeding. The hardest part IMHO will be the bleeding. I would not attempt it without the correct flare wrenches and a power bleeder (which I *know* is gonna start that thread again..) If you have a Bentley (and you should) - it's described fairly well. >Thanks as always > >Dave >98 m3/4 Best, Don Eilenberger, Spring Lk Hts, NJ JMP#1, PSJ, SquidBOOF#1 deilenberger@verizon.net NJ Shore BMW Riders web page: http://www.njsbmwr.org/ Moderator BMW E39 Enthusiast Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bmwe39 ==================================================================== "Argue with an idiot and he will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience" - Dilbert "The difference between intelligence and stupidity is - there is a limit to intelligence" - Anon ====================================================================
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#2. Re: [E36M3] RE: More Brake Pedal Questions - bad master cylinder? - from Raza Uddin
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Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2005 17:03:42 -0700 From: Raza Uddin <raza.uddin@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] RE: More Brake Pedal Questions - bad master cylinder? Dave, I've been struggling with this issue also, especially at the track. The pedal doesn't inspire much confidence and not only makes me brake early but also makes it hard to heel-toe as the brake pedal is too far below the accelerator pedal. However, I don't think that it is any fault of the master cylinder, but more so that the brakes are a bit too boosted. I really don't notice the "overboosted" feeling around town, but only when driving hard like at a track or autocross. Once suggestion I've been wanting to try is to restrict the amount of vacuum the booster is able to get from the intake manifold. Some people remove the rubber line altogether, but I'm sure I'm be able to improve pedal feel while still maintaining ease of braking on the street. I've heard people drilling holes in metal tube as a suitable way to restrict air flow. Drive Safely, Raza
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#3. Re: AGLA Alcantra (Warning: Long) - from RonStygar@aol.com
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Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2005 21:22:34 EDT From: RonStygar@aol.com Subject: Re: AGLA Alcantra (Warning: Long) Based on my experiences with them, I would avoid them. You can try and find out for yourself. I sent a three spoke M wheel to them for covering in Alcantra June 15th 2004. This was based on their factory quality claim. They said I would have it in four weeks or so. Four months later it showed up. No credit card dispute after two. It was a disaster. It wasn't even the wheel I sent them. If interested email me (ronstygar@aol.com) and I'll share the details with pics. The second time it was not that much better but was my wheel. Alan said it was more difficult to do then he thought. He called me in December saying that they have figured it out and would be shipping in a week or so. Months went by and nothing. I called in March and he said it was shipped as he said. He doesn't check if his shipped packages arrive. Turns out, according to Alan, it was sitting in a Fedex warehouse for three months because the labels fell off. He said they would ship to me or him and one way or the other I would receive it. A month or so later he said he shipped it USPS priority mail with insurance. Still no wheel. A month or so later he said he shipped it Fedex and gave me a tracking number for someone else's package. Still no wheel. A couple of weeks later, I received a voice mail saying that it was shipped yesterday. This time the tracking number was correct. It showed up June 16th 2005. He's got the rim part and padding down, although more wrinkles than the BMW one. The stitching is much better but uneven. Most would accept it. The interface to the spokes is still a disaster but not as bad. Where the wheel mounts, the aluminum is chewed up from the way they held it. The no Alcantra area of the wheel had glue strips and scratches on it. At the time, not knowing much about slip rings, I sent it with the wheel. It came pack with a paint spray can cover over the rear tab which was broken off. Their attempt to glue it back on didn't survive the trip. Will try to sell it to someone. If not, I will be donating it to the Make a Wish Foundation at this years Z3 Homecoming. Based on this experience and some saying it can't be done, I'm in the process of installing an E46-M3 leather (don't like Alcantra lint magnet) wheel on my 2001 M-Z3 coupe. The air bag, slip ring electrical stuff is covered. Hope to complete the mechanical part Tuesday night. Haven't looked at the electrical end for the E36-M3 yet, but the mechanical part would be the same. Not cheap, but no quality disasters involved.
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#4. Koni SA or Bilstein Sports? - from Mo Karamat
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Date: Fri, 01 Jul 2005 23:42:27 -0400 From: Mo Karamat <karamatm@optonline.net> Subject: Koni SA or Bilstein Sports? Dat, Hello.. I had the Koni's SA's, rears were the TC Kline External adjustables + Eibach Pro kit springs on my 98 m3/4 for several years. I found the ride very comfortable, but the car still handled very well. Doing the cut N Gut on the front strut inserts is a PAIN, but well worth it. I know that Wayne (on the list) found a very nice tool to cut the struts with. (Perhaps if he reads this, he can let you know where he picked it up from.) The tool made the cutting MUCH easier than the sawzall. Good Luck. Mo -------------------- 1 -------------------- Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2005 09:12:21 -0700 From: "Dat Quach (quachd)" <quachd@cisco.com> Subject: Koni SA or Bilstein Sports? My '97 M3 has reached ~78K miles and the ride's starting to get a little harsh. I've had Bilstein Sports/H&R Sport springs on my previous '95 M3 and the ride was very harsh (didn't get a chance to track that car). I've been reading favorable reviews on the Koni SAs coupled with the H&R OE Sport springs. I like the fact that you can adjust the stiffness on the Koni SAs, but I've had no experience with them at all. Also, I've read that the installation was quite a pain with the Koni SAs, but I'm not sure if this is true or not. It's been beaten to death on the list, but what the hell... Thanks, Dat '97 M3/2
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#5. Re: [E36M3] new rear billet aluminum trailing arms from BMP - from Jay W. Hudson
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Date: Sat, 2 Jul 2005 05:55:47 -0700 From: "Jay W. Hudson" <jwhud@budget.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] new rear billet aluminum trailing arms from BMP I believe he was talking about trailing arms, not LCAs. Jay > Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2005 17:46:16 -0500 > From: Jamie Howton <jhowton@gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [E36M3] new rear billet aluminum trailing arms from BMP > > I have the Ground Control LCAs from Bimmerworld which were about the > same price IIRC. They work fine, I am running 3 degrees negative > camber in the rear. > > I have never bought anything from BMP so I can't comment on that. > > Regards > > -- > Jamie Howton > 2000 M5 > 1995 M3 > Hampshire, IL >
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#6. Re: [E36M3] new rear billet aluminum trailing arms from BMP - from Jamie Howton
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Date: Sat, 2 Jul 2005 08:25:12 -0500 From: Jamie Howton <jhowton@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] new rear billet aluminum trailing arms from BMP > I believe he was talking about trailing arms, not LCAs. Well I feel stupid, and for the record I know nothing about aluminum trailing arms from BMP. -- Jamie Howton 2000 M5 1995 M3 Hampshire, IL
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#7. Re: [E36M3] new rear billet aluminum trailing arms from BMP - from Jay W. Hudson
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Date: Sat, 2 Jul 2005 07:00:16 -0700 From: "Jay W. Hudson" <jwhud@budget.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] new rear billet aluminum trailing arms from BMP No worries. If that's the biggest mistake you make today, you'll have a better day than most of us ;-) After all, it's early yet. Jay > Date: Sat, 2 Jul 2005 08:25:12 -0500 > From: Jamie Howton <jhowton@gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [E36M3] new rear billet aluminum trailing arms from BMP > > > I believe he was talking about trailing arms, not LCAs. > > Well I feel stupid, and for the record I know nothing about aluminum > trailing arms from BMP. > > -- > Jamie Howton > 2000 M5 > 1995 M3 > Hampshire, IL > >
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#8. Coilover Bilstein PSS9 for E36 M3 - Finally - from nabli@earthlink.net
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Date: Sat, 2 Jul 2005 11:10:58 -0400 From: <nabli@earthlink.net> Subject: Coilover Bilstein PSS9 for E36 M3 - Finally Speaking of suspensions . . . . In case anyone is interested, Bilstein, based on their "fuzzy" logic, has finally decided to come out with PSS9's for the E36 M3. As you may, or may not know, they have had PSS9's for the E36 but not for the M3 which required you to convert back to the old sway bar links of the non-M E36's. According to a Bilstein representative, the new PSS9's are also "tuned" for the M3 but that could just be fluff. They should be arriving here in the states soon and it seems that Turner bought out the first shipment. All of this is based on my conversations with Bilstein reps so don't hang me if it's not absolutely accurate. I'm currently running the H&R coilover setup and have been very happy with them but always wanted the option of adjustability. Cheers, Jim E.
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#9. Excellent BMW Torque Spec Reference - from Andrew Kalman
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Date: Sat, 2 Jul 2005 13:37:46 -0700 From: Andrew Kalman <aek@pumpkininc.com> Subject: Excellent BMW Torque Spec Reference I found this comprehensive torque spec document on the web while trying to decide whether to use the traditional (30Nm + 90 degrees + 90 degrees) head gasket tightening sequence for my M3, or the one that elring supplied with their head gasket (60Nm, 80Nm, warm to 80c, 30-40 degrees): http://www.iigomotiv.com/tech/bmw_torq.pdf Interestingly, certain BMW engines use this "tighten, warm, and finish tightening" sequence, but others, including my US E36 M3, do not. -- ______________________________________ Andrew E. Kalman, Ph.D. aek@pumpkininc.com
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#10. Re: [E36M3] new rear billet aluminum trailing arms from BMP - from Chris Teague
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Date: Sat, 2 Jul 2005 14:36:02 -0700 From: "Chris Teague" <cteague@cox.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] new rear billet aluminum trailing arms from BMP Jay, Jamie, Actually, neither of you are really wrong. Bob said BMP trailing arms, and the e-mail from BMP (I got the same one) said aluminum trailing arms, but the part they are selling is most certainly the LCA's. See: http://www.bmpdesign.com/product-exec/product_id/4163/ They also have steel LCA's: http://www.bmpdesign.com/product-exec/product_id/755/category_id/58/search_year/1997/search_model/38 I have no idea why they call them trailing arms since they are obviously LCA's, just in aluminum instead of the older steel ones. AA, Ground-Control, and others make similar ones. They even mention camber adjustment in both descriptions. The actual trailing arm would be a lot more expensive, since it includes the hub mounting for the driveshaft. Chris ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jay W. Hudson" <jwhud@budget.net> To: "E36M3" <e36m3@bmw-m.net> Sent: Saturday, July 02, 2005 7:07 AM Subject: Re: [E36M3] new rear billet aluminum trailing arms from BMP > Date: Sat, 2 Jul 2005 07:00:16 -0700 > From: "Jay W. Hudson" <jwhud@budget.net> > Subject: Re: [E36M3] new rear billet aluminum trailing arms from BMP > > No worries. If that's the biggest mistake you make today, you'll have a > better day than most of us ;-) After all, it's early yet. > > Jay > >> Date: Sat, 2 Jul 2005 08:25:12 -0500 >> From: Jamie Howton <jhowton@gmail.com> >> Subject: Re: [E36M3] new rear billet aluminum trailing arms from BMP >> >> > I believe he was talking about trailing arms, not LCAs. >> >> Well I feel stupid, and for the record I know nothing about aluminum >> trailing arms from BMP. >> >> -- >> Jamie Howton >> 2000 M5 >> 1995 M3 >> Hampshire, IL >