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#1. Re: [E36M3] Lazy drivers seat - from david kroth
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Date: Wed, 6 Dec 2006 06:29:37 -0800 (PST) From: david kroth <david_kroth@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Lazy drivers seat > Is there any specific weak points that go bad that I > can replace to "stiffen up"? If you're talking about the seat bottom, consider replacing the seat cushon. I had this all apart recently when I changed out my seat heaters. The seat pad includes steel rods that create the structural integrity of the seat bottom - including the bolsters. Lower seat pad lists for $65.57. You'll have to disassemble the seat and swap cover, heater and and sensor, if present. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CD93&mospid=47504&btnr=52_2210&hg=52&fg=25 David Kroth david_kroth@yahoo.com ____________________________________________________________________________________ Have a burning question? Go to www.Answers.yahoo.com and get answers from real people who know.
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#2. Re: [E36M3] Lazy drivers seat - from Christopher Bauer
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Date: Wed, 6 Dec 2006 09:12:57 -0600 From: Christopher Bauer <chrisbauer@vzavenue.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Lazy drivers seat David, Have you done this procedure before? My car also suffers from lazy bolster on the seat and backrest.. Danke, Chris ---- Original message ---- >Date: Wed, 6 Dec 2006 08:34:31 -0600 >From: david kroth <david_kroth@yahoo.com> > >If you're talking about the seat bottom, consider >replacing the seat cushon. I had this all apart >recently when I changed out my seat heaters. The >seat pad includes steel rods that create the >structural integrity of the seat bottom - including >the bolsters. > >Lower seat pad lists for $65.57. You'll have to >disassemble the seat and swap cover, heater and >and sensor, if present. > >http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CD93&mospid=47504&btnr=52_2210&hg=52&fg=25 > > > >David Kroth >david_kroth@yahoo.com > >
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#3. Re: Short final drive ratio/6-speed - from Neil Maller
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Date: Wed, 06 Dec 2006 11:31:00 -0500 From: Neil Maller <neil.maller@gte.net> Subject: Re: Short final drive ratio/6-speed Thanks to everyone for the many useful replies on this subject. I put together a quick Excel spreadsheet to help in speed and rpm calculations. Right or wrong, here's where my own thinking ends up on this: - 3.64 sounds like a really good ratio for track use, but since it'd raise my 75 mph freeway cruising rpm from 3450 to 3875 (for a Toyo RA-1 in 235/40-17 size) I don't think I could live with driving to the track that way. Either a 6-speed (3225 rpm at 75 mph) or a trailer would be needed. - 3.73 or shorter seems like too numerically high a ratio for a car with the M3's torque (good for a 325i though). As a reference point the new BMW CCA Club Racing Spec E36 class will require a 3.91 diff. Revs for 75 mph would now be 3875, so same comments as above but in spades. - 3.46 should result in a useful gain in corner exit launch vs. my stock 3.23, although it's an open question whether, depending on the track, there might be issues of having to hunt between 3rd and 4th gears. 75 mph cruise goes up to 3700 rpm, which isn't all that attractive but I could likely live with it. - Between the transmission itself and a new driveshaft plus other parts, upgrading to a 6-speed isn't an inexpensive proposition. - However a trailer, the required tow vehicle, a new house with room for all that plus the new wife who'd put up with my sh!t are even more expensive (especially that last part). Short term: I'm probably going to buy the used 3.46 and see how it goes. If I don't care for it I can likely resell it for about the same as I paid. Longer term: I'm intrigued with the 6-speed/3.64 combo. I'd like to hear about it if anyone stumbles over a used E46/Z4 or Euro E36 M3 6-speed gearbox for sale at a reasonable price. Neil Fort Wayne, IN 96 M3 - Bastard child 03 525iT - Sterling Grey Metallic 05 Mini - Cooper S with LSD
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#4. to 335i or not to 335i? - from David Michael
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Date: Wed, 6 Dec 2006 12:10:51 -0500 From: "David Michael" <adavidmichael@gmail.com> Subject: to 335i or not to 335i? Folks, After driving and loving my M3/4 for 6 years. I have a hankirin to replace it with a 335i. I have read through the archives and I know one gripe is a lack of limited slip. But for the time being, I am no longer doing track days, so that's no a big deal. My M3 has 90 K on it and is running fine. But I am reluctant to drive it through another Massachusetts winter. Any list wisdom? Thanks! Dave 98 M3/4 90k 02 MCS 25k 90 200QA 220k
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#5. RE: [e36m3] [E36M3] Re: Short final drive ratio/6-speed - from Marco
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Date: Wed, 6 Dec 2006 09:26:18 -0800 From: "Marco" <m3driver@iname.com> Subject: RE: [e36m3] [E36M3] Re: Short final drive ratio/6-speed I really like my 3.73 in the race car. Granted my redline is 8500 (I rarely go above 7500). 3.73 are also relatively easy to find vs the 3.64 that seems a bit rare. And as a de-stroked 3.0L my torque curve is a bit shifted to the right from stock. I know a guy running a 4.11 Marco -----Original Message----- From: Neil Maller [mailto:neil.maller@gte.net] Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2006 8:35 AM To: List-E36M3 Subject: [e36m3] [E36M3] Re: Short final drive ratio/6-speed Date: Wed, 06 Dec 2006 11:31:00 -0500 From: Neil Maller <neil.maller@gte.net> Subject: Re: Short final drive ratio/6-speed Thanks to everyone for the many useful replies on this subject. I put together a quick Excel spreadsheet to help in speed and rpm calculations. Right or wrong, here's where my own thinking ends up on this: - 3.64 sounds like a really good ratio for track use, but since it'd raise my 75 mph freeway cruising rpm from 3450 to 3875 (for a Toyo RA-1 in 235/40-17 size) I don't think I could live with driving to the track that way. Either a 6-speed (3225 rpm at 75 mph) or a trailer would be needed. - 3.73 or shorter seems like too numerically high a ratio for a car with the M3's torque (good for a 325i though). As a reference point the new BMW CCA Club Racing Spec E36 class will require a 3.91 diff. Revs for 75 mph would now be 3875, so same comments as above but in spades. - 3.46 should result in a useful gain in corner exit launch vs. my stock 3.23, although it's an open question whether, depending on the track, there might be issues of having to hunt between 3rd and 4th gears. 75 mph cruise goes up to 3700 rpm, which isn't all that attractive - but I could likely live with it. - Between the transmission itself and a new driveshaft plus other parts, upgrading to a 6-speed isn't an inexpensive proposition. - However a trailer, the required tow vehicle, a new house with room for all that plus the new wife who'd put up with my sh!t are even more expensive (especially that last part). Short term: I'm probably going to buy the used 3.46 and see how it goes. If I don't care for it I can likely resell it for about the same as I paid. Longer term: I'm intrigued with the 6-speed/3.64 combo. I'd like to hear about it if anyone stumbles over a used E46/Z4 or Euro E36 M3 6-speed gearbox for sale at a reasonable price. Neil Fort Wayne, IN 96 M3 - Bastard child 03 525iT - Sterling Grey Metallic 05 Mini - Cooper S with LSD ************************************************* 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 ************************************************* -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.430 / Virus Database: 268.15.7/569 - Release Date: 12/5/2006 3:00 AM
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#6. Re: Short final drive ratio/6-speed - from Neil Maller
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Date: Wed, 06 Dec 2006 12:44:20 -0500 From: Neil Maller <neil.maller@gte.net> Subject: Re: Short final drive ratio/6-speed on 12/6/06 12:26 PM, Marco at m3driver@iname.com wrote: > I really like my 3.73 in the race car. Granted my redline is 8500 (I rarely > go above 7500). Yes, that higher rpm limit would make a rather significant difference to the max available speed in each gear, even using no more than 7500 rpm. > 3.73 are also relatively easy to find vs the 3.64 that > seems a bit rare. I've noticed that too. Presumably a function of what chassis each ratio was originally used in. I'm no kind of an expert on ratio vs. model. vs. chassis vs. large/small case (eyes glaze over...). Anyone care to elucidate? > And as a de-stroked 3.0L my torque curve is a bit shifted > to the right from stock. > > I know a guy running a 4.11 At Road America earlier this year I had a student in a bitza E30 M3 fitted with an E36 M3 3.2 engine, E46 6-speed but stock 4.10 final drive. 6th gear was plenty usable, 1st, err, not so much. Neil Fort Wayne, IN 96 M3 - Bastard child 03 525iT - Sterling Grey Metallic 05 Mini - Cooper S with LSD
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#7. Re: [E36M3] Re: Short final drive ratio/6-speed - from Gary
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Date: Wed, 6 Dec 2006 11:53:09 -0600 From: "Gary" <probikeguy@probikeusa.com> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re: Short final drive ratio/6-speed Do the six speed, its a super nice combo..I love my euro 6 speed and 3.38! Especially with the turbo! Gary ----- Original Message ----- From: "Neil Maller" <neil.maller@gte.net> To: "E36M3" <e36m3@bmw-m.net> Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2006 10:34 AM Subject: [E36M3] Re: Short final drive ratio/6-speed Date: Wed, 06 Dec 2006 11:31:00 -0500 From: Neil Maller <neil.maller@gte.net> Subject: Re: Short final drive ratio/6-speed Thanks to everyone for the many useful replies on this subject. I put together a quick Excel spreadsheet to help in speed and rpm calculations. Right or wrong, here's where my own thinking ends up on this: - 3.64 sounds like a really good ratio for track use, but since it'd raise my 75 mph freeway cruising rpm from 3450 to 3875 (for a Toyo RA-1 in 235/40-17 size) I don't think I could live with driving to the track that way. Either a 6-speed (3225 rpm at 75 mph) or a trailer would be needed. - 3.73 or shorter seems like too numerically high a ratio for a car with the M3's torque (good for a 325i though). As a reference point the new BMW CCA Club Racing Spec E36 class will require a 3.91 diff. Revs for 75 mph would now be 3875, so same comments as above but in spades. - 3.46 should result in a useful gain in corner exit launch vs. my stock 3.23, although it's an open question whether, depending on the track, there might be issues of having to hunt between 3rd and 4th gears. 75 mph cruise goes up to 3700 rpm, which isn't all that attractive but I could likely live with it. - Between the transmission itself and a new driveshaft plus other parts, upgrading to a 6-speed isn't an inexpensive proposition. - However a trailer, the required tow vehicle, a new house with room for all that plus the new wife who'd put up with my sh!t are even more expensive (especially that last part). Short term: I'm probably going to buy the used 3.46 and see how it goes. If I don't care for it I can likely resell it for about the same as I paid. Longer term: I'm intrigued with the 6-speed/3.64 combo. I'd like to hear about it if anyone stumbles over a used E46/Z4 or Euro E36 M3 6-speed gearbox for sale at a reasonable price. Neil Fort Wayne, IN 96 M3 - Bastard child 03 525iT - Sterling Grey Metallic 05 Mini - Cooper S with LSD ************************************************* 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. Re: [E36M3] Re: Short final drive ratio/6-speed - from Mark Dadgar
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Date: Wed, 6 Dec 2006 10:03:11 -0800 From: Mark Dadgar <mark@pdc-racing.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] Re: Short final drive ratio/6-speed On Dec 6, 2006, at 9:54 AM, Neil Maller wrote: >> 3.73 are also relatively easy to find vs the 3.64 that >> seems a bit rare. > > I've noticed that too. Presumably a function of what chassis each > ratio was > originally used in. I'm no kind of an expert on ratio vs. model. > vs. chassis > vs. large/small case (eyes glaze over...). > > Anyone care to elucidate? The 3.73 r&p came in the E30 325is, so there are a lot of them around. You need a set of 10mm-to-14mm "shoulder bolts" available (at a reasonable cost, no less) from PTG to install it in an E36 diff. I have one in my JP car and absolutely love it. - Mark ----- mark@pdc-racing.net Check out my JustRacing Home Page at: http://www.justracing.com/homepage/mdadgar
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#9. Re: Short final drive ratio/6-speed - from Neil Maller
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Date: Wed, 06 Dec 2006 13:20:38 -0500 From: Neil Maller <neil.maller@gte.net> Subject: Re: Short final drive ratio/6-speed on 12/6/06 12:53 PM, Gary at probikeguy@probikeusa.com wrote: > Do the six speed, its a super nice combo..I love my euro 6 speed and 3.38! > Especially with the turbo! With a turbo you could probably run a 2.93 and still fly! Neil Fort Wayne, IN 96 M3 - Bastard child 03 525iT - Sterling Grey Metallic 05 Mini - Cooper S with LSD
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#10. Re: [E36M3] to 335i or not to 335i? - from Scott McClung
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Date: Wed, 6 Dec 2006 10:31:25 -0800 (PST) From: Scott McClung <smlists@pacbell.net> Subject: Re: [E36M3] to 335i or not to 335i? A buddy of mine just picked up a 335i sedan he ordered through ED. Sport package and 6-speed tranny. I saw the car yesterday and went for a brief ride. The car is simply drop dead georgous inside and out. The fit and finish are simply outstanding. The car just oozes quality from every fibre. From the reports it does 0-60 in the high 4's and 1/4mi in the mid-high 13's which is very close to an E46 M3 and much quicker than an E36 M3. My buddy says the handling and steering feel are both close to spot on perfection. He hasn't driven a E36 M3, but his girlfriend has a E46 M3 ragtop that he has driven quite a lot. The E90 platform has a good bit more room than the E36 too - especially back seat and trunk space. It is a bigger car, however - quite a bit wider and a little longer and a bit heavier but not as much as you would think by looking at it. He says the motor is fantastic with almost zero turbo lag and huge power all over the place. I didn't get a chance to drive it yesterday, but eventually I will. I almost don't want to drive it though, because once I do I may want one pretty badly..... I think a E36 M3/4 owner would be very happy with that car. Rides smoother than a stock E36 M3 too. Probably not quite as connected to the road, but a typically great BMW compramise of ride / handling / road-feel / steering feedback. And the 4-door utility is hard to beat. It would be a tough choice for me vs. a 2 year old M3 comp package for about the same price tho. But of course the M3 is a 2-door only if that matters. I would prefer 4-door myself, but 2-door is not out of the question. If I ever pull the trigger on either it will be to replace a '69 Camaro :-) Scott David Michael <adavidmichael@gmail.com> wrote: Date: Wed, 6 Dec 2006 12:10:51 -0500 From: "David Michael" Subject: to 335i or not to 335i? Folks, After driving and loving my M3/4 for 6 years. I have a hankirin to replace it with a 335i. I have read through the archives and I know one gripe is a lack of limited slip. But for the time being, I am no longer doing track days, so that's no a big deal. My M3 has 90 K on it and is running fine. But I am reluctant to drive it through another Massachusetts winter. Any list wisdom? Thanks! Dave 98 M3/4 90k 02 MCS 25k 90 200QA 220k ************************************************* 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 *************************************************