-------------------- 1 --------------------
#1. Need recommendation for an independent shop & a tire installer in Boston/Cambridge, MA - from Alexander Fadeev
Top
Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2005 14:06:04 -0500 From: "Alexander Fadeev" <afadeev@smu.edu> Subject: Need recommendation for an independent shop & a tire installer in Boston/Cambridge, MA Folks, We've recently moved to Cambridge MA and have an E36 that: a). May need maintenance that yours truly will find hard to do w/out a garage b). Snow tires. I would appreciate any recommendations of trustworthy independents for (a), and winter tire recommendations and installation shop recommendations for (b). I'm currently leaning towards Bridgestone Blizzaks that would go on spare OEM 16" wheels. Thanks in advance, -- alex f
-------------------- 2 --------------------
#2. Re: [E36M3] Aftermarket Radio's with AAC - from Andrej Dolenc
Top
Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2005 14:24:11 -0500 From: Andrej Dolenc <adolenc@erols.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Aftermarket Radio's with AAC Not sure that the Alpine 98xx series can play AAC files, but it can plug into an Alpine ipod hookup. Supposedly lets you control your ipod like a big CD changer, pulls song titles and all that back to the headunit. Plus then you can further expand the system by adding an XM or Sirius tuner. Very flexible. Andrej '97 M3 with Alpine 9835 headunit > Last week a few people recommended the Alpine 98xx series head > units to replace the stock C33 unit. > I'm willing to give up the CD changer so I can get something that I > can hook up an iPod to. The Dension unit costs near the same as a > new head unit. > But I'd like something that will also play AAC files, not just > MP3's or WMA format. I see Kenwood, and others have AAC playback > and iPod hookup. > What is a good aftermarked head unit to replace my C33 (97 M3) with > the following requirements: > 1) Looks as close to OEM as possible in style > 2) iPod hookup (Aux input or direct iPod connection OK) > 3) Plays AAC format files from a CD-R > thanks!
-------------------- 3 --------------------
#3. RE: [E36M3] Need recommendation for an independent shop & a tire installer in Boston/Cambridge, MA - from Brad DeMotte
Top
Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2005 14:27:38 -0500 From: "Brad DeMotte" <brad@demottearchitects.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Need recommendation for an independent shop & a tire installer in Boston/Cambridge, MA Alex, I ran the Blizzak LM22's on 16" wheels for 2 seasons here in CT.......initially great in the snow, but then they faded quick with minimal tread wear. These were good in the dry, and more of a "performance" snow tire than the WS50. The WS50 is more of a serious snow tire, IIRC. They are very squirmy at first, lots of sidewall flex...takes a little getting used to. Bottom line, I wasn't pleased with them as a snow tire and wouldn't recommend them. Am currently running Nokian Hakkapeliita Q's...had them for 1 season and was very impressed. Let's see how they hold up. Hopefully these people who live in snow year round know something about snow tires. Brad DeMotte '97 M3 (still on PS2's, bumming about changeover) -----Original Message----- From: Alexander Fadeev [mailto:afadeev@smu.edu] Sent: Monday, November 14, 2005 2:12 PM To: E36M3 Subject: [E36M3] Need recommendation for an independent shop & a tire installer in Boston/Cambridge, MA Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2005 14:06:04 -0500 From: "Alexander Fadeev" <afadeev@smu.edu> Subject: Need recommendation for an independent shop & a tire installer in Boston/Cambridge, MA Folks, We've recently moved to Cambridge MA and have an E36 that: a). May need maintenance that yours truly will find hard to do w/out a garage b). Snow tires. I would appreciate any recommendations of trustworthy independents for (a), and winter tire recommendations and installation shop recommendations for (b). I'm currently leaning towards Bridgestone Blizzaks that would go on spare OEM 16" wheels. Thanks in advance, -- alex f ************************************************* 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 *************************************************
-------------------- 4 --------------------
#4. RE: [E36M3] RX8? - from Ben Liaw
Top
Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2005 14:45:44 -0500 From: Ben Liaw <ben@rogueengineering.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] RX8? <html> <P><Reaching into pocket to pull out my $0.02></P> <P>The RX-8 is a wonderfully engineered vehicle, with almost Lotus inspired thought (lightweight = performance). At about 40% less than an Elise, it's far more practical than a Lotus as well. Plus, it doesn't have that Elise "kit car" feel.</P> <P>For the lucky few, a local Mazda dealer was virtually GIVING the RX-8 away around 18 months ago (as long at it was yellow). $199/month with NO MONEY DOWN (except refundable last month's payment). If you wanted the fancy stuff (NAV, etc.), expect to pay around $250. Still not bad for a $30k car.</P> <P>The RX-8 joins the other "momentum" cars like the S2000 for driving. Here in 'Merica, we like dem fatty torque curves so those "momentum" cars don't suit typical driving styles (Can you imagine an Escalade with a RX-8 rotary engine?).</P> <P>Lastly, what fun is it to get more than 20mpg anyway?<BR> <BR> Regards, <BR> Ben Liaw <BR> Rogue Engineering <BR> 201.444.8150 • www.rebmw.com <BR> <BR> <B>On Mon Nov 14 13:52 , "Dave DeBuhr" <DEBUHR@COMCAST.NET>sent:<BR> <BR> </P></B> <BLOCKQUOTE style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #f5f5f5 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2005 10:49:28 -0800<BR> From: "Dave DeBuhr" <<A href="javascript:top.opencompose('debuhr@comcast.net','','','')">debuhr@comcast.net</A>><BR> Subject: RE: [E36M3] RX8?<BR> <BR> In all fairness, I would ask this question on an RX8 list too. ;-)<BR> <BR> -----Original Message-----<BR> From: Chester Wong [<A href="javascript:top.opencompose('<a href=" javascript:top.opencompose(?chester_p_wong@yahoo.com?,??,??,??)?>chester_p_wong@yahoo.com</A>','','','')"><A href="javascript:top.opencompose('chester_p_wong@yahoo.com','','','')">chester_p_wong@yahoo.com</A></A>]<BR> Sent: Monday, November 14, 2005 9:42 AM<BR> To: E36M3<BR> Subject: Re: [E36M3] RX8?<BR> <BR> <BR> Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2005 09:34:53 -0800 (PST)<BR> From: Chester Wong <<A href="javascript:top.opencompose('chester_p_wong@yahoo.com','','','')">chester_p_wong@yahoo.com</A>><BR> Subject: Re: [E36M3] RX8?<BR> <BR> Wasn't it you who did something like:<BR> <BR> E36M3<BR> E39M5<BR> E36M3<BR> Corvette<BR> E36M3<BR> ??<BR> <BR> So here we go again? Well, if you do get a RX-8, we'll see ya back in a few<BR> months ;)<BR> <BR> Chester<BR> <BR> --- Scott McClung <<A href="javascript:top.opencompose('smlists@pacbell.net','','','')">smlists@pacbell.net</A>> wrote:<BR> <FONT color=red>> Has anyone here considered moving to (or has moved to) an RX8 as a dual</FONT><BR> <FONT color=red>> porpose street / track car? Seems to be a very equivalent if not better</FONT><BR> <FONT color=red>> handling car to the E36 M3, considering same HP, slightly less weight</FONT><BR> <FONT color=red>> (3000lbs), similar tires sizes, and evidence by the fact that 8 out of the</FONT><BR> <FONT color=red>> top 9 finishers in Topeka in BS were driving them. Considering the E36 is</FONT><BR> <FONT color=red>> now a 15 year old platform and is getting to an age where maint and</FONT><BR> repairs<BR> <FONT color=red>> becomes a significant factor, and the RX8 is a brand new model with full</FONT><BR> <FONT color=red>> warrantee it seems like it would be an attractive option. Yes, I realize</FONT><BR> it<BR> <FONT color=red>> is butt-ugly :-) But wondering if anyone has considering going that route</FONT><BR> or<BR> <FONT color=red>> has gone that route from a previous E36 M3 DE type of track toy + street</FONT><BR> <FONT color=red>> sports car.</FONT><BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> *************************************************<BR> Please help support the E36M3 list by visiting our sponsors:<BR> <BR> Bimmerworld <A href="parse.pl?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bimmerworld.com" target=_blank><FONT color=red>http://www.bimmerworld.com</FONT></A><BR> Turner Motorsport <A href="parse.pl?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.turnermotorsport.com" target=_blank><FONT color=red>http://www.turnermotorsport.com</FONT></A><BR> Eurosport High Performance <A href="parse.pl?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eurosporthighperformance.com" target=_blank><FONT color=red>http://www.eurosporthighperformance.com</FONT></A><BR> Rogue Engineering <A href="parse.pl?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rogueengineering.com" target=_blank><FONT color=red>http://www.rogueengineering.com</FONT></A><BR> Treehouse Racing <A href="parse.pl?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.treehouseracing.com" target=_blank><FONT color=red>http://www.treehouseracing.com</FONT></A><BR> Elephant Motorsports Inc. <A href="parse.pl?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elephantmotorsports.com" target=_blank><FONT color=red>http://www.elephantmotorsports.com</FONT></A><BR> <BR> DIGEST INFORMATION:<BR> <A href="parse.pl?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bmw-m.net%2Fresources%2Fdigest_info.htm" target=_blank><FONT color=red>http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm</FONT></A><BR> *************************************************<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> *************************************************<BR> Please help support the E36M3 list by visiting our sponsors:<BR> <BR> Bimmerworld <A href="parse.pl?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bimmerworld.com" target=_blank><FONT color=red>http://www.bimmerworld.com</FONT></A><BR> Turner Motorsport <A href="parse.pl?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.turnermotorsport.com" target=_blank><FONT color=red>http://www.turnermotorsport.com</FONT></A><BR> Eurosport High Performance <A href="parse.pl?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eurosporthighperformance.com" target=_blank><FONT color=red>http://www.eurosporthighperformance.com</FONT></A><BR> Rogue Engineering <A href="parse.pl?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rogueengineering.com" target=_blank><FONT color=red>http://www.rogueengineering.com</FONT></A><BR> Treehouse Racing <A href="parse.pl?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.treehouseracing.com" target=_blank><FONT color=red>http://www.treehouseracing.com</FONT></A><BR> Elephant Motorsports Inc. <A href="parse.pl?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elephantmotorsports.com" target=_blank><FONT color=red>http://www.elephantmotorsports.com</FONT></A><BR> <BR> DIGEST INFORMATION:<BR> <A href="parse.pl?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bmw-m.net%2Fresources%2Fdigest_info.htm" target=_blank><FONT color=red>http://www.bmw-m.net/resources/digest_info.htm</FONT></A><BR> *************************************************<BR> <BR> </BLOCKQUOTE> </html><BR>
-------------------- 5 --------------------
#5. Re: [E36M3] RX8? - from Jon Phillips
Top
Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2005 12:09:42 -0800 From: Jon Phillips <jphillips@futurenetworkusa.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] RX8? > <Reaching into pocket to pull out my $0.02> > > The RX-8 is a wonderfully engineered vehicle, with almost Lotus > inspired thought (lightweight = performance). At about 40% less than > an Elise, it's far more practical than a Lotus as well. Plus, it > doesn't have that Elise "kit car" feel. > (Ahem) I've had my Elise for 6500 miles, and there's nothing even remotely "kit car" about it. I was suspecting poor fit and finish, but have had no problems at all. In fact, given the immense amount of squeaks and rattles that have cropped up in M3, the M3 is actually a much more noisy, rattly-car. (Think clutch pedal bushing ... think squeaky vaders ... think the metal-on-metal creeking sound that was emanating from my B-pillar ... think the brittle plastic vibration that comes from the central vent, and all the other plastic pieces.) I have not driven an RX-8, but I know folks who driven both the Elise and the RX-8, and none have ever compared the two. Well, actually, one has spoken to the comparison. He works for Mazda as an engineer/tester. The RX-8 is his daily driver, and he got three days with an Elise when the car was introduced in America. He said there's no comparison. Also, and this is really weird, I haven't seen a single RX-8 at the 8-9 track days I did this year. How come this car isn't being bought by real drivers? On paper, it has so much going for it. FWIW: If I had to own just a single car at this point, I'd be torn between an E36 M3 and an Evo.
-------------------- 6 --------------------
#6. Re: [E36M3] RX8? - from Robert Brooks
Top
Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2005 13:29:56 -0700 From: Robert Brooks <m3rb@comcast.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] RX8? > Lastly, what fun is it to get more than 20mpg anyway? > So why is it that rotary engines are not very fuel-efficient? Rotating mass vs. reciprocating mass _ought_ to be more efficient, no? Somebody mentioned heat issues; does a lot of combustion energy get wasted out the exhaust, for some reason? Robert
-------------------- 7 --------------------
#7. RE: [E36M3] Need recommendation for an independent shop & a tire installer in Boston/Cambridge, MA - from Brad DeMotte
Top
Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2005 15:39:55 -0500 From: "Brad DeMotte" <brad@demottearchitects.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Need recommendation for an independent shop & a tire installer in Boston/Cambridge, MA It wasn't the WS50's I disliked, it was the LM22's. Totally different tire, With the LM22 being less of a serious snow tire but giving better dry performance. Brad -----Original Message----- From: Matthew Teel [mailto:mteel@beluga.com] Sent: Monday, November 14, 2005 3:26 PM To: 'Brad DeMotte' Subject: RE: [E36M3] Need recommendation for an independent shop & a tire installer in Boston/Cambridge, MA Brad, I am surprised you didn't like the WS-50s. This is my third season on them (roughly 12K miles) and they look like new and grip tenaciously. I have four 225/45s mounted on stock 10-spoke 7.5x17 inch wheels. I cruise comfortably at 65+ on ice pack, and I've never been stuck. I've have even pushed snow over the hood (dry snow of course!). IMO the only thing better is Hakkapelitta IIs. But at $1200+ a set they are pretty steep and they are studded, which I personally don't care for. If I lived on the side of the mountain and truly needed studs, I'd drive a different car in winter anyway. Tirerack is listing a new Blizzak called the REVO 1, that is one generation newer than the WS-50, and is claimed to have better grip on ice. I'd buy those if I was in the market for new rubber. One trick to Blizzaks is to run tire pressures just below max pressure to reduce the contact patch size. It makes a world of difference and helps to reduce the squirreliness of the compliant sidewall (somewhat). FYI - I put Blizzaks on my wife's Land Rover this winter. It's an absolute snow goat now. Just amazing. -Matthew (AK) > > > Alex, > I ran the Blizzak LM22's on 16" wheels for 2 seasons here in > CT.......initially great in the snow, but then they faded quick with > minimal tread wear. These were good in the dry, and more of a > "performance" snow tire than the WS50. The WS50 is more of a serious > snow tire, IIRC. They are very squirmy at first, lots of sidewall > flex...takes a little getting used to. Bottom line, I wasn't pleased > with them as a snow tire and wouldn't recommend them. > > Am currently running Nokian Hakkapeliita Q's...had them for 1 season > and was very impressed. Let's see how they hold up. Hopefully these > people who live in snow year round know something about snow tires. > > > Brad DeMotte > '97 M3 (still on PS2's, bumming about changeover) > > > >
-------------------- 8 --------------------
#8. Re: [E36M3] RX8? - from Carlos.F.Lopez@jci.com
Top
Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2005 16:00:42 -0500 From: Carlos.F.Lopez@jci.com Subject: Re: [E36M3] RX8? >Also, and this is really weird, I haven't seen a single RX-8 at the 8-9 >track days I did this year. How come this car isn't being bought by real >drivers? On paper, it has so much going for it. Good point, I haven't seen many either, at least not as many as the TT RX-7s that you used to see a lot of. The only one that I've seen was a Grand Am cup RX-8 that participated in the VIR O'fest club racing school. I had a good battle with it during the graduation race. Did anyone catch the GAC race from VIR that aired this weekend, seemed everyone that crashed their RX-8s stuffed them in the tires coming into hog pen. :-) Nick G. the first one that crashed raced at O'fest in the V8 ex-PTG car, good kid. Carlos. 98 M3
-------------------- 9 --------------------
#9. RE: [E36M3] RX8? - from Dave DeBuhr
Top
Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2005 13:03:14 -0800 From: "Dave DeBuhr" <debuhr@comcast.net> Subject: RE: [E36M3] RX8? I have to agree with this statement. The performance and potential of the Evo is undeniable. The only things that scare me are the bone jarring ride that the rags all talk about and the longevity of small, high output turbo 4-bangers. The thing that really sold me on the E36M3 was the way it rides relatively softly with significant body roll, yet still just slices through corners with lotsa grip. I've driven lots of performance cars and nothing even comes close in this regard. The E36 M3 is an alien freak. I love it! BTW, just installed my Rogue Octane and WSR and it is awesome! Nice smooth precise shifts with a solid feel and stock like shift effort. I didn't think it was possible after screwing around with shifters on my C5. I'm running out of cheap mods... :( Dave 98 M3/4 >FWIW: If I had to own just a single car at this point, I'd be torn >between an E36 M3 and an Evo.
-------------------- 10 --------------------
#10. RE: [E36M3] wheel fitment - from twisty M3
Top
Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2005 13:21:14 -0800 From: "twisty M3" <twistym3@hotmail.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] wheel fitment For the street, I've been running factory 17x8.5 M Contours on all four corners for several years (ET 41mm). I've had no problems at all with any of the 245/40s I've run (Bridgestone S03, Toyo T1s or Michelin PS2). My track wheels are currently the Kosei K1s (ET 40mm), which are 17x8.5 also. I've been running 255/40 track tires, and with Pirellie P-Zero Corsas I had very slight rubbing at the rear fenders (rolled), but not enough to worry about. No problem at the front. Oddly enough, with the Toyo RA1s in the same size have no problems in the rear, but one side was slightly rubbing the strut, so I run 5mm spacers, just to be safe. Hth, Jonathan L. << I'm looking to upgrade my autox wheel / tire package. I know this has been discussed before, but what offset is required to fit a 8.5" wide wheel front AND back without the need for spacers?? My rear fenders are already rolled. I have 17x8 SSR Integrals (et=41mm) that allow me to rotate them after each event. For 8.5" wide the front will be tight next to the strut while the back will be close to the fender. Is there an offset that can handle both without spacers?? >>