-------------------- 1 --------------------
#1. Re: [E36M3] Bimmerworld contact info? - from Tom Melton
Top
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 13:29:32 -0400 From: "Tom Melton" <Tom.Melton@emoryhealthcare.org> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Bimmerworld contact info? You can try 540.639.9648 -Tom >>> "Peter Loron" <peterloron@gmail.com> 6/12/2006 1:24 pm >>> Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 10:17:41 -0700 From: "Peter Loron" <peterloron@gmail.com> Subject: Bimmerworld contact info? Anybody have an alternate contact number for Bimmerworld? The 877 number listed on the website was busy earlier this morning and now I get: "the number you have called is disconnected or no longer in service" phone company message. Eek. Hopefully this is just a temporary phone glitch and not an indicator of the state of the company...? Thanks. Pete 98 M3/4 ************************************************* 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 *************************************************
-------------------- 2 --------------------
#2. Re: [E36M3] Bimmerworld contact info? - from Peter Loron
Top
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 12:08:19 -0700 From: "Peter Loron" <peterloron@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Bimmerworld contact info? Thanks to all who replied...I got through. Apparently the 877 issue was temporary. Pete On 6/12/06, Seth Thomas <seth@seththomas.net> wrote: > > 540.639.9648 is their local number. I know it works. > > Seth Thomas > BimmerWorld Racing > www.bimmerworldracing.com > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Peter Loron [mailto:peterloron@gmail.com] > Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 1:25 PM > To: E36M3 > Subject: [E36M3] Bimmerworld contact info? > > Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 10:17:41 -0700 > From: "Peter Loron" <peterloron@gmail.com> > Subject: Bimmerworld contact info? > > Anybody have an alternate contact number for Bimmerworld? The 877 number > listed on the website was busy earlier this morning and now I get: "the > number you have called is disconnected or no longer in service" phone > company message. Eek. > > Hopefully this is just a temporary phone glitch and not an indicator of > the > state of the company...? > > Thanks. > > Pete > 98 M3/4 > > > ************************************************* > 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 > ************************************************* > > > > >
-------------------- 3 --------------------
#3. Ground Control DA Konis - from Raza Uddin
Top
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 13:05:39 -0700 From: "Raza Uddin" <raza.uddin@gmail.com> Subject: Ground Control DA Konis Does anyone know if GC still carries DA Konis? The recent talk about suspensions has made me anxious to bite the bullet and order a suspension for the M3. I've been debating between the Koni SA and DA setups and feel that the DA would best suit me and my needs/wants. I know TC Kline sells them, but also remember GC sold their own custom valved setup. Does anyone know if this is still the case? I plan on calling GC myself, but thought I might ask the list in advance for insight and suggestions. Thanks in advance! Drive Safely, Raza
-------------------- 4 --------------------
#4. Re: [E36M3] Ground Control DA Konis - from Gus Iverson
Top
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 16:54:19 -0700 From: "Gus Iverson" <gus.iverson@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Ground Control DA Konis TC Kline also has a custom valved setup. It is quite nice! On 6/12/06, Raza Uddin <raza.uddin@gmail.com> wrote: > Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 13:05:39 -0700 > From: "Raza Uddin" <raza.uddin@gmail.com> > Subject: Ground Control DA Konis > > Does anyone know if GC still carries DA Konis? > > The recent talk about suspensions has made me anxious to bite the bullet and > order a suspension for the M3. I've been debating between the Koni SA and > DA setups and feel that the DA would best suit me and my needs/wants. I > know TC Kline sells them, but also remember GC sold their own custom valved > setup. Does anyone know if this is still the case? > > I plan on calling GC myself, but thought I might ask the list in advance for > insight and suggestions. > > Thanks in advance! > > Drive Safely, > Raza > > > ************************************************* > 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 > ************************************************* > > >
-------------------- 5 --------------------
#5. Bilstein Sport struts old vs. new - from Matt Weimer
Top
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 17:08:12 -0700 (PDT) From: Matt Weimer <mjweimer@yahoo.com> Subject: Bilstein Sport struts old vs. new Hello Group, Looking to find out if the collective has any idea what has changed between the old p/n Bilstein strut VE3-A585/586-HO and the new p/n Bilstein strut VE3-4237/4238-HO. Thank you. Matt Weimer __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
-------------------- 6 --------------------
#6. RE: [E36M3] Bilstein Sport struts old vs. new - from scott stiles
Top
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 17:56:31 -0700 From: "scott stiles" <stiles_s@hotmail.com> Subject: RE: [E36M3] Bilstein Sport struts old vs. new Digest search is acting up on me, so I can't find the original post I'm looking for on this subject. That said, IIRC the differences are: - shorter internal bumpstop - lower spring perch ...not sure about valving changes. Again, fuzzy IIRC is that these were confirmed by Turner back when the shocks were initially redesigned a year or two ago. Have the new ones on my car w/the stock springs, and am growing to love them :) Scott. -----Original Message----- From: Matt Weimer [mailto:mjweimer@yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 5:15 PM To: E36M3 Subject: [E36M3] Bilstein Sport struts old vs. new Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 17:08:12 -0700 (PDT) From: Matt Weimer <mjweimer@yahoo.com> Subject: Bilstein Sport struts old vs. new Hello Group, Looking to find out if the collective has any idea what has changed between the old p/n Bilstein strut VE3-A585/586-HO and the new p/n Bilstein strut VE3-4237/4238-HO. Thank you. Matt Weimer
-------------------- 7 --------------------
#7. Re: Bimmerworld contact info? - from kim.burgess@att.net
Top
Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 04:13:05 +0000 From: kim.burgess@att.net Subject: Re: Bimmerworld contact info? Try 540-639-9648 as posted on the 'store front'. I'm sure James is just fine. Or < james@bimmerworld.com > KLBurgess -------------------- 10 -------------------- Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 10:17:41 -0700 From: "Peter Loron" <peterloron@gmail.com> Subject: Bimmerworld contact info? Anybody have an alternate contact number for Bimmerworld? The 877 number listed on the website was busy earlier this morning and now I get: "the number you have called is disconnected or no longer in service" phone company message. Eek. Hopefully this is just a temporary phone glitch and not an indicator of the state of the company...? Thanks. Pete 98 M3/4 -------------- Original message from E36M3 <e36m3@bmw-m.net>: -------------- > ************************************************************** > E36M3 List - Forum for Discussion of E36M3 Series Automobiles > ************************************************************** > BMWMPower on the Web: http://www.bmw-m.net > ************************************************************** > > This digest contains the following messages: > > 1. Re: [E36M3] Auxiliary Radiator Fan > by: Mel Silva > 2. Anyone got an M3 sedan for sale? > by: > 3. Re: Auxiliary Radiator Fan > by: Justin Gerry > 4. Re: [E36M3] Anyone got an M3 sedan for sale? > by: Jay Hudson > 5. Re: [E36M3] Re: Auxiliary Radiator Fan > by: Doug Young > 6. Re: [E36M3] Re: Auxiliary Radiator Fan > by: > 7. Re: [E36M3] Re: Auxiliary Radiator Fan > by: > 8. Re: [E36M3] Re: Auxiliary Radiator Fan > by: Jamie Howton > 9. Re: [E36M3] Re: Auxiliary Radiator Fan > by: > 10. Bimmerworld contact info? > by: Peter Loron > > -------------------- 1 -------------------- > Date: Sun, 11 Jun 2006 22:31:54 -0500 > From: Mel Silva > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Auxiliary Radiator Fan > > Shane, > This happened to me last summer, I started thinking about how I didn't > have the time or money for a new Aux fan right now and ran the heater, > in the summer, in commute traffic, on I10, in Houston! I thought I was > going to die... > > Cheap fix, just blew the fuse. Check the fuse before digging into it. > Of course, getting into root-cause analysis, the fuse blew because my > primary fan clutch had gone out and the Aux fan was doing all the work, > but it saved me from having to take the bus, or worse, the wife's car, > until the weekend when I could procure parts and do the job properly. > > YMMV, > Mel > > Shane Kleinpeter wrote: > > Date: Sun, 11 Jun 2006 20:15:30 -0700 (PDT) > > From: Shane Kleinpeter > > Subject: Auxiliary Radiator Fan > > > > Listers, > > > > The car overheated for the second time in a couple > > weeks and led me to take a peek around to see what's > > going on. Both times were in bumper-to-bumper traffic > > ... > > > > > > > -------------------- 2 -------------------- > Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 03:34:57 +0000 > From: docwyte@comcast.net > Subject: Anyone got an M3 sedan for sale? > > Looking for one with a 5 speed manual tranny. Gotta have the fold down rear > seat. Don't care if it's stock or modded. Don't really care about the color > with the exception that I definately do not want a yellow one and would prefer > to stay away from red. > > -josh > > > -------------------- 3 -------------------- > Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 00:38:31 -0400 > From: "Justin Gerry" > Subject: Re: Auxiliary Radiator Fan > > >>> > A quick look around shows that the Aux fan is not > coming on, leading the AC to work only when moving at > a decent clip and the car to run hot in standstill > traffic. > <<<< > > The factory aux fan is a POS in IMHO. That open bearing design leads to > the fan seizing up. In your case it does sound like something different > but it seems that the fan has failed or at least the low speed circuit. > > I mounted an aftermarket flex-a-lite sealed motor fan in the factory > housing and built a low speed (for use with AC) circuit. It pushes more > air than the factory fan and is a tad louder (who cares) when its on. I > think the whole setup was just over $100 when I was done including > aluminum that I made a mount plate from, and the heavy duty resistors. > Factory aux fans were over $250 last time I checked. > > -Justin > -- > '74 tii > '76 02 > '97 m3 > http://www.bmw2002.net > > > > -------------------- 4 -------------------- > Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 06:55:46 -0700 > From: "Jay Hudson" > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Anyone got an M3 sedan for sale? > > OK, Josh. Whatcha up too? > > Jay > > > > > Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 03:34:57 +0000 > > From: docwyte@comcast.net > > Subject: Anyone got an M3 sedan for sale? > > > > Looking for one with a 5 speed manual tranny. Gotta have the fold down > > rear seat. Don't care if it's stock or modded. Don't really care about > > the color with the exception that I definately do not want a yellow one > > and would prefer to stay away from red. > > > > -josh > > > > > -------------------- 5 -------------------- > Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 08:11:57 -0600 > From: Doug Young > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re: Auxiliary Radiator Fan > > Justin, > > I'd like to hear more details about the aftermarket fan you installed. > Part numbers if you have them or your source, how did you connect to the > electrical system, is it connected to a switch or a thermostat? > > When I installed the underdrive pulleys I also removed the clutch fan > and would like an improvement over the auxiliary fan. > > Does anyone else have suggestions about electric auxiliary fans? > > Doug > '95 M3 > > Justin Gerry wrote: > > Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 00:38:31 -0400 > > From: "Justin Gerry" > > Subject: Re: Auxiliary Radiator Fan > > > > > > A quick look around shows that the Aux fan is not > > coming on, leading the AC to work only when moving at > > a decent clip and the car to run hot in standstill > > traffic. > > <<<< > > > > The factory aux fan is a POS in IMHO. That open bearing design leads to > > the fan seizing up. In your case it does sound like something different > > but it seems that the fan has failed or at least the low speed circuit. > > > > I mounted an aftermarket flex-a-lite sealed motor fan in the factory > > housing and built a low speed (for use with AC) circuit. It pushes more > > air than the factory fan and is a tad louder (who cares) when its on. I > > think the whole setup was just over $100 when I was done including > > aluminum that I made a mount plate from, and the heavy duty resistors. > > Factory aux fans were over $250 last time I checked. > > > > -Justin > > -- > > '74 tii > > '76 02 > > '97 m3 > > http://www.bmw2002.net > > > > > > > > > > > > -------------------- 6 -------------------- > Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 14:20:35 +0000 > From: m.feldpusch@comcast.net > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re: Auxiliary Radiator Fan > > Hey Doug > > >electrical system, is it connected to a switch > > I know David Fauth has a switch on the inside of the car to turn on the fan > manually. Speak with Art Kathe for he did Fauth's fan work. > > Michael > > > -------------- Original message -------------- > From: Doug Young > > > Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 08:11:57 -0600 > > From: Doug Young > > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re: Auxiliary Radiator Fan > > > > Justin, > > > > I'd like to hear more details about the aftermarket fan you installed. > > Part numbers if you have them or your source, how did you connect to the > > electrical system, is it connected to a switch or a thermostat? > > > > When I installed the underdrive pulleys I also removed the clutch fan > > and would like an improvement over the auxiliary fan. > > > > Does anyone else have suggestions about electric auxiliary fans? > > > > Doug > > '95 M3 > > > > Justin Gerry wrote: > > > Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 00:38:31 -0400 > > > From: "Justin Gerry" > > > Subject: Re: Auxiliary Radiator Fan > > > > > > > > > A quick look around shows that the Aux fan is not > > > coming on, leading the AC to work only when moving at > > > a decent clip and the car to run hot in standstill > > > traffic. > > > <<<< > > > > > > The factory aux fan is a POS in IMHO. That open bearing design leads to > > > the fan seizing up. In your case it does sound like something different > > > but it seems that the fan has failed or at least the low speed circuit. > > > > > > I mounted an aftermarket flex-a-lite sealed motor fan in the factory > > > housing and built a low speed (for use with AC) circuit. It pushes more > > > air than the factory fan and is a tad louder (who cares) when its on. I > > > think the whole setup was just over $100 when I was done including > > > aluminum that I made a mount plate from, and the heavy duty resistors. > > > Factory aux fans were over $250 last time I checked. > > > > > > -Justin > > > -- > > > '74 tii > > > '76 02 > > > '97 m3 > > > http://www.bmw2002.net > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ************************************************* > > 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 > > ************************************************* > > > > > > > -------------------- 7 -------------------- > Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 10:27:39 -0400 > From: Carlos.F.Lopez@jci.com > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re: Auxiliary Radiator Fan > > Justin wrote: > >I mounted an aftermarket flex-a-lite sealed motor fan in the factory > >housing and built a low speed (for use with AC) circuit. It pushes more > >air than the factory fan and is a tad louder (who cares) when its on. I > >think the whole setup was just over $100 when I was done including > >aluminum that I made a mount plate from, and the heavy duty resistors. > >Factory aux fans were over $250 last time I checked. > > I wonder if a 16" Spal fan (puller) can handle the a/c system on these > cars. > > I'm about to install the Zionsville add on kit to my radiator (the > Zionsville rad of course) > which includes a 16" Spal puller fan. So far I've been running with only > the stock aux fan > and no clutch/engine driven fan and no problems but I figured I'd add > another one just in case. > > I wired one up recently for a friend's track car and although time > consuming it was fairly straight > forward using the relay kit from Spal. > > BW also sells a 16" Spal fan which would be a cheaper alternative to what > I'm going to install. > > -Carlos. > 98 M3 > > > > > > -------------------- 8 -------------------- > Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 09:50:22 -0500 > From: "Jamie Howton" > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re: Auxiliary Radiator Fan > > > I wonder if a 16" Spal fan (puller) can handle the a/c system on these > > cars. > > My guess is that it can. I have the Zionsville radiator with Spal > puller fan in my M3 and that sucker feels powerfull enough pull the > car down the road by itself... > > In "stock" configuration the Spal fan is turned on and off by the > coolant temp switch on the radiator. For use with the A/C you would > want it to be turned on and off by the A/C system. I would guess that > you would want it running all of the time when the A/C is on and then > have it revert to thermostatic control when the A/C is off. > > The only other thing I can think of that might be an issue is the > noise, the Spal fan is very loud and can clearly be heard from inside > the cabin. > > Regards > > -- > Jamie Howton > 2006 M Roadster > 2000 M5 > 1995 M3 > Hampshire, IL > > > > -------------------- 9 -------------------- > Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 10:54:54 -0400 > From: Carlos.F.Lopez@jci.com > Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re: Auxiliary Radiator Fan > > >I know David Fauth has a switch on the inside of the car to turn on the > fan manually. Speak with Art Kathe for he did Fauth's fan work. > > I did this as well on my friend's car. Basically I used the relay kit that > came from Spal (~$30) but if you're real cheap like sometimes I am > you can make your own and even use a BMW relay if you wish. If you buy the > kit with the thermostat I'm sure with adapters you could replace the > factory switch on the radiator then forget about the factory wiring. What > I did is wired up a switch to control the Spal relay and that way my friend > can use it only when he needs it like waiting in line on the paddock or > grid. I mounted the relay near the DME plastic cover, actually I mounted > it to the cover, got the idea > from Tom P. who mounted his headlight relays there on his enduro racer E36, > hi Tom! You can run the +12V wire from the relay right there to the > battery > distribution block, if you take the front cover off you'll see a few places > to mount it to. I drilled a hole on the cover so the wire installation was > neater looking. Fed the ignition power wire and the sender wire into the > cabin using the factory grommet where the battery cable runs through and > you > can tap to switched ignition on one of the radio's wires (violet/grey). > The sender wire actually goes to the switch and the other post on the > switch goes > to ground, there's a good grounding point under the dash (easier on this > car since the airbag was removed). After that you just run the power wire > from the relay > to the fan and ground the fan. > > It's straight forward but time consuming for me running all the wires and > making them all neat inside a wire loom and crap. :-) > > -Carlos > 98 M3 > > > > > > > -------------------- 10 -------------------- > Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 10:17:41 -0700 > From: "Peter Loron" > Subject: Bimmerworld contact info? > > Anybody have an alternate contact number for Bimmerworld? The 877 number > listed on the website was busy earlier this morning and now I get: "the > number you have called is disconnected or no longer in service" phone > company message. Eek. > > Hopefully this is just a temporary phone glitch and not an indicator of the > state of the company...? > > Thanks. > > Pete > 98 M3/4 > > > > ************************************************* > 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 > ************************************************* >
-------------------- 8 --------------------
#8. Re: [E36M3] Ground Control DA Konis - from Chris Teague
Top
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 21:24:08 -0700 From: "Chris Teague" <cteague@cox.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Ground Control DA Konis Raza, Ground Control still sells the DA Koni's. I have the TC Kline's, but a friend just bought the Ground-Control ones. Chris ----- Original Message ----- > Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 13:05:39 -0700 > From: "Raza Uddin" <raza.uddin@gmail.com> > Subject: Ground Control DA Konis > > Does anyone know if GC still carries DA Konis? > > The recent talk about suspensions has made me anxious to bite the bullet > and > order a suspension for the M3. I've been debating between the Koni SA and > DA setups and feel that the DA would best suit me and my needs/wants. I > know TC Kline sells them, but also remember GC sold their own custom > valved > setup. Does anyone know if this is still the case? > > I plan on calling GC myself, but thought I might ask the list in advance > for > insight and suggestions. > > Thanks in advance! > > Drive Safely, > Raza
-------------------- 9 --------------------
#9. Re: [E36M3] Auxiliary Radiator Fan - from Justin Gerry
Top
Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 01:21:41 -0400 From: "Justin Gerry" <justin_gerry@warpmail.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Auxiliary Radiator Fan Sorry if this double posts.... > In "stock" configuration the Spal fan is turned on and off by the > coolant temp switch on the radiator. For use with the A/C you would > want it to be turned on and off by the A/C system. I would guess that > you would want it running all of the time when the A/C is on and then > have it revert to thermostatic control when the A/C is off. Any aftermarket fan needs to be run at 1/2 speed with the AC on. You just need to get some forced airflow (you don't need much) across the fins of the condensor, otherwise your AC will be useless at idle or low speeds. Simple Ohms law did the job for me by calculating what resistors I would need to run to get 1/2 speed with a 9.5A motor. Check my website for my modification. Very simple, but very effective and uses the factory connector. Keep in mind my goal was to come up with a more reliable, and slightly more powerful auxilary fan to supplement the Zionsville/E36 diesel mechanical fan. If you are going to eliminate the engine fan, keep in mind you should install a pair of fans for reliability to push/pull at least 2000cfm to keep the motor cool in all conditions. Remember that pushers are also less efficient than pullers by around 20%. Curved blades are also less efficient than straight blade fans. -Justin -- '74 tii '76 02 '97 m3 http://www.bmw2002.net
-------------------- 10 --------------------
#10. Re: [E36M3] Bilstein Sport struts old vs. new - from LoweSeaton@aol.com
Top
Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 03:43:23 EDT From: LoweSeaton@aol.com Subject: Re: [E36M3] Bilstein Sport struts old vs. new I don't know what is changed in the new Bilstein struts but I'll say ANY change has to be an improvement. I probably have the oldest pair of Bilsteins still in service on an E36 M3 (purchased February 2000). [Side comment: If you haven't heard me preaching this before - the stock OE M3 front struts are absolute junk. I guarantee any M3 with 30,000 miles has blown OE front struts. I smile when guys say they have 185,000 miles on the stock struts.] [Back to Bilsteins] My Bilsteins are so obscenely stiff and harsh, they should only be used on a concrete truck. I'm sure anybody who bought Bilsteins of my vintage that drive more than 100 miles/week have long since thrown them in the garbage and bought Konis. I completely removed the bumpstops from my struts/shocks which made a big difference. They are still absurdly stiff but at least I don't have the pogo stick ride. So why do I still have my Bilsteins? I honestly think Bilsteins are the highest quality struts/shocks available. Far superior to Koni. The Bilstein monotube design is superior. We have a well respected Dallas independent BMW mechanic who used to sell Koni's but he claims nearly every installation failed and he had trouble with Koni honoring its so called "lifetime" warranty. By contrast, he can't remember a Bilstein failing and Bilstein always honors its warranty, no questions asked, even when he had a customer who stupidly abused his Bilsteins and returned two of the within a month. I'd give the Bilsteins a try. Surely they must be better suited to our E36 M3's than the original versions. Lowell Seaton '95 M3/2