[uucdigest] Wednesday, February 23 2000 Volume 03 : Number 318 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | For all available Digest commands including unsubscribe/subscribe, | visit the BMW UUC Digest page: http://www.uucdigest.com | Send SUBMISSIONS to [EMAIL PROTECTED] | Complaints? Send 'em to [EMAIL PROTECTED] if you must. | Visit http://www.bubbaclub.com | www.bimmers.com - "serving enthusiasts on the 'net" | Visit http://www.bimmer.org - ultimate BMW bulletin boards! | Subscribe to the Zionsville Autosport Parts Digest: | http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/majordomo.htm ����������������������������������������� In this BMW UUC Digest: [uuc] <All> Carfax Re: [uuc] What's with the newer BMW's Re: [uuc] Re: e46 m3 pricing & side "vents" Re: [uuc] Purchase & Import of an E34 M5 from Belgium into the USA [uuc] Re: What's with the newer BMW's RE: [uuc] Identifying a 325i -w- sport pkg [uuc] <OT> Fluke Multimeters [uuc] Re: <All> Carfax Re: [uuc] e46 m3 images [uuc] E-Mail Problems- Steve D [uuc] Flip-Up Helmets.. Re: [uuc] BMW NA's Response to "BMW Individual - Available orNo?" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2000 09:30:51 -0500 From: "Lowe, Daniel" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] <All> Carfax Tom, Thanks for the public chastisement but if you had read digest #303 you would have seen Jack's email to the entire list offering to run VINs. Daniel et al, I'd be glad to run something for you. Lemme know. Same for everyone....I think my access is good until the middle of March. Regards, Jack Money So, thanks for nothing again. It's people like you that keep people from posting to the various digests. I usually respond to questions personally so that people like you, those that think they have all the answers, don't pipe up and denigrate what I've recommended. Next time make sure you know all the facts. Sincerely, Daniel L. Lowe BMWCCA #93878 '87 325is ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2000 09:30:03 -0500 From: "Gary Derian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] What's with the newer BMW's I don't have any proof either but I can speculate that 1) a rearward engine location is good for weight distribution and 2) a forward windshield is good for styling (in the eyes of the beholder). The result is an engine under the windshield. Chevy Camaros are like this also. So are AMC Pacers. Do E46 323 and 328 cars have the engine so far rearward? Gary Derian <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > BTW I didn't see anyone answering Kevin's question about why the engines > are so far rearward, I'd take a crack at it but I don't have any scientific > proof. ;-) > > Carlos > 91 M3 > ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2000 06:40:41 -0800 From: "Jonathan Reiser" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] Re: e46 m3 pricing & side "vents" Ben Keyes Wrote: > However, paying MSRP is going to be very difficult for a good long time unless > you have been ont he waiting list for 6+ months with a signed deal. Dealers > are being told they will get M5-like allocations at first, which means long > waiting lists, lots of speculation & paying waaay over sticker in some areas.. > I'd actually be a bit surprised if BMW releases such a low number of cars in the first year (1,500 in the US I think for the E39 M5). In the case of the E39 M5, I understand there are customers sueing dealerships for breech of contract issues because they were not delivered M5s they were promised in writing. Case in point, my local dealer has written agreements with customers for the delivery of 11 E39 M5s. To date, they have delivered 4.... The remaining customers are really pissed to say the least because they are being told not to expect a car until the 2001 model year. Because of this, that same dealership isn't taking any firm deposits on an M3 until they understand what the allocation numbers look like. Additionally, the E36 M3 was really a mass produced vehicle. There is an existing factory to build them in large quantities and there is a high demand. The M5 has yet to go through a body style cycle where it is built in such quantities. I don't think BMW was willing to take the risk of tooling up to meet existing demand, in fear that the high number of orders will go away during the duration of the body style. This is the same reason Porsche basically builds to order and doesn't substantially increase the number of cars they produce just because they release a Boxster and everyone wants one for a while. I speculate, that of course the first month or two it will be difficult to get one, and yeah in certain areas dealerships will mark them up.... But I think that will quickly taper off. It's in a more mainstream market and I am sure BMW fully expects to sell it in large quantities. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2000 10:04:25 -0500 From: phil <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] Purchase & Import of an E34 M5 from Belgium into the USA Ok, not to be the thunderstorm on this parade.... I am currently in the middle of importing a somewhat rare BMW from Europe. (I will fess up soon....) Although $9800 is a good deal for an E34 M5, you really need to speak with an NTHSA/EPA registered importer/federalizer. You will find, as I did, that you will end up spending up to $10K for: Transport Customs/Duty Bonding EPA testing/certification Federalization And this is only possible if the car... Has catalytic converters with less than 60,000 miles on them. (Other wise you have to replace them, BIG $$$ for M5) AND has an airbag (or is 1989 or older) AND is approved for import by NHTSA. Do yourself a BIG favor and call one of the Registered Importers on NHTSA's web site, they can give you all the answers you need. http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/gray9907.htm Phil Cataldi 98 Z3 (sold to finance importation of BMW ????) 91 318is (modded out the wazoo) ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2000 10:09:23 -0500 From: "Joseph C. Volpe" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] Re: What's with the newer BMW's BMW hasn't sold an engine that needed valve adjustment since they stopped selling the E34 535i in 93 and the last E34 M5 in 93. The 325/525 engines from 92 on don't require it nor do the V8's or the current 2.5/2.8 sixes. There are no timing belts since the pre 92 2.5 sixes either. Plugs are good for 100K miles. For the minimal work these newer engines need plus the sophisticated equipment required, leave the work to the experts. Last I looked, the oil is still easy to change yourself if you really want to and have the time. Joe BMW CCA Member 92 535i Sharked > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ([uucdigest]) > Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2000 09:19:15 -0500 (EST) > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: [uucdigest] V3 #317 > > Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2000 08:47:19 -0500 > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Re: [uuc] What's with the newer BMW's > > Kevin wrote: >> These cars look like they're going to be a royal pain in the ol' arse to > work >> on. Granted valves will probably be hydraulic, one issue solved, but what > about >> starters, rear valve cover nuts, etc.? > > I assumed the opposite, as in solid lifters. So what is the maintenance > schedule on the E39 M5, specifically when are the valves supposed to be > adjusted? I'm assuming the same will be true for the E46 M3. > > BTW I didn't see anyone answering Kevin's question about why the engines > are so far rearward, I'd take a crack at it but I don't have any scientific > proof. ;-) > > Carlos > 91 M3 ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2000 10:16:49 -0500 From: "Money, Jack (J.J.)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: RE: [uuc] Identifying a 325i -w- sport pkg It was written regarding an E30 'iS'' configuration in 4 doors" <<Look for front and rear spoilers and side skirts like on a 325iX.>> This is not entirely correct. There are no production E30's with the side skirts like the iX....either in the US or Europe (as far as I know). Spoilers yes, wheels yes (similar style but not size and offset), I would guess interior appointments as well. If you've seen an E30 with the skirts it's either an iX or someone has added them. Regards, Jack Money Motor City Chapter iX Registry '89 iX ----> Sharked! E30 M3 ----> Evolving mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] or reply http://skumwerks.net ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2000 10:23:30 -0500 From: Chris Whitney <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] <OT> Fluke Multimeters I know this thread was beat pretty hard a while back, but, I wanted to share some info. I just received my Fluke model 73 DMM. I like it. It has sort of a "german car door closing" feel to it. Lifetime guarantee. And, get this. It comes with instructions in English and....French, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian, Thai, Simplified Chinese (?), Traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Separate instruction brochures for each language! Take my advice and also get a leads package. I got a sort of universal leads assortment package with clips, probes, etc. etc. Got the whole deal from metersandinstruments.com which I recommend. I didn't shop price, so I don't know how that stacks up, but I did shop assortment and sales support. They have TONS of meters. They took the time to explain which meter does what after I explained what I wanted. The model 73 has a feature for current. Anyway, no affiliation, etc. as usual. Just a satisfied customer. Cheers, Chris Whitney '88 535i, now no excuse for not troubleshooting with the Bentley... ------------------------------ Date: 23 Feb 00 07:26:34 PST From: Tom Newton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] Re: <All> Carfax I didn't intend to chastise you Daniel, I just wanted to make a suggestion that would help preserve a good thing. Now I see that he did publicize it himself -- well I guess that makes my point moot. Anyone have any cyanide? Tom Newton '97 M3 ========== "Lowe, Daniel" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Tom, Thanks for the public chastisement but if you had read digest #303 you would have seen Jack's email to the entire list offering to run VINs. ____________________________________________________________________ Get your own FREE, personal Netscape WebMail account today at http://webmail.netscape.com. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2000 10:26:56 -0500 From: Chaz Yoon <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] e46 m3 images Yes, and rumor has it that it will also have a dynamically-changing redline similar to the M5, with an initial limit of 4k-4.5k rpm. Anyone know anything about some new differential lock that's supposed to debut on the E46 M3? Chaz On Tue, Feb 22, 2000 at 03:57:59PM -0800, Jonathan Reiser wrote: > That looks like an 8 to me! <BFG> > > I wonder what AA, Dinan, ERT etc will come out with for Turbo and SC systems > for this thing? ahh!? 911 Turbo kinda power. > > > Can anybody see where the red on the tach starts? I know what seriously > fun > > number it looks like to me at 1024x768, but I would hate to be an alarmist > > <g>... > > > > Matt M. - -- Chaz Yoon http://christabel.mit.edu/ ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2000 10:30:06 -0500 From: "Steve D'Gerolamo" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] E-Mail Problems- Steve D My service provider, IDT (Intermittent Data Transfer) has been having problems since Sunday and many have called me to tell me their emails were bouncing. Apparently someone had inappropriately changed their domain on Friday and they were still experiencing residual problems through last night. At this time they are trying to get other ISP's to manually refresh their DNS servers so that they can recognize IDT's upgraded DNS. SD ========================================= Steve D'Gerolamo - The Ultimate Garage 201-262-0412 / [EMAIL PROTECTED] / http://www.ultimategarage.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2000 10:33:31 -0500 From: Don Eilenberger <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] Flip-Up Helmets.. Rob asked: >>I saw a really cool helmet in a movie shot in Europe so I'm not sure this >>kind is available or legal in the US as I've never seen one before... >> >>It was a full-face helmet except the entire front including the chin part >>could swivel up. Looked like the best of both worlds - full protection and >>you could eat an ice cream cone without taking it off. >> >>Anybody know what companies make such helmets? Any downside (less >>effectiveness)? >> >>- - Rob Aside from BMW who used to sell these helmets in the US (as Scott pointed out - they no longer do, although there are *ways* of getting them if you have friends in Europe) - several other manufacturers DO sell flip-ups in the US: Nolan - N100 - which I own and wear on my real BMW (2-wheels).. about $200, nice quality, lightweight, well vented. Shoei - has made the DuoTech - now has a new one out (forget the name). More $$$ than the Nolan, a tad heavier, nice helmet Bieffe (sp?) - oddball one, appears much lighter in construction than Nolan or Shoei. All of these are sold in the USA - and all have DOT approval. No flipup helmet has SNELL approval for several reasons 1. Marketplace hasn't been big enough for them yet 2. Manufacturer must submit and pay for testing for SNELL approval and none of them have yet In testing I've read in Europe - the flip-up is not quite as good as a fixed full-face helmet in protection, but is superior to an open-face. About what you'd expect. I find my a great convienence since I wear glasses - it's a PITA to get a fixed full-face helmet over eyeglasses, and next to impossible to get the eyeglasses on after putting the helmet on. But - whatever - since none of them are SNELL approved - for the purposes of club-racing, they are all not approved in the US. Best, ____D_o_n__________S_p_r_i_n_g__L_a_k_e__H_t_s____________�1946________ Don Eilenberger, Spring Lk Hts, NJ http://www.monmouth.com/~deilenberger ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2000 10:25:59 -0500 From: Don Eilenberger <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] BMW NA's Response to "BMW Individual - Available orNo?" Jim comments on: >Several years ago I read an inside industry article at a Ford plant >about Honda. In Japan you could order a car in any Honda color for >paint, interior, seats and any combo of equipment available for that >model. They didn't care what it was or how obnoxious it was. If you >wanted yellow plastic seats, a green sash and pink paint. Fine. As >long as options weren't mutually exclusive they would build it. And if >you ordered it by Monday close of business they would deliver it to your >house by Saturday. BMW obviously doesn't want to do individual cars >here. They don't even want to do normal production cars the way we want >them. > >Jim Probably can, but can you order the same options from any Honda dealer in the USA? I rather doubt it.. Several factors come into play - both for Honda and BMW.. so it might not be a choice of BMW 'wanting' to do individual cars in the USA - it might be a case of it being economically impractical for them to do it.. Shipping? If you're talking a car which has to come from Germany or Japan (not the US factories of each manufacturer) - how exactly would you handle the shipping so the customer received the car in a reasonable length of time? I don't know what the scheduling of shipping is - or involves, but I could imagine that 'standard' cars - preordered by dealers may fill a ships schedule for some months before an 'individual' car could be slotted in. If you're located in Japan or Europe - the shipping by boat problem doesn't come into the equation. Shipping by other means could be very expensive and would have to be paid for by the customer. Prepayment? How many people in the USA are willing to fully prepay for a car that they haven't even seen? I can't imagine any manufacturer making a car as you describe above without requiring the customer to pre-pay in full for it.. and I can't imagine any lending institution (1) loaning $$$ and giving it out without a vehicle and title to place a lien against (2) loaning $$$ on a car as 'individual' as you've described. Sorta leaves the individual option to those in a financial position to fully prepay for the vehicle - or a very small proportion of BMW-NA's projected customers. OK - if we overcome the two hurdles above - what about approvals by the various government agencies? I can't see where colors would come into play - but interior trim levels may come into play for crash certification (ie - plastic vs wood vs metal trim) and engine/transmission choices absolutely DO require EPA certification - which I've read (here I believe) can cost up to $1 million PER combination (and you have to do complete certifications for EACH combination, ie - engine and standard tranny is one, same engine and auto-tranny is another..) so - we end up with a limited choice of driveline/engine/tranny because it isn't economically sane to certify what might be a very limited marketplace vehicle. So - your choice might be - if YOU wanted a specific color, engine, transmission combination - BMW could accomidate you if: 1. You paid full ticket up front and ahead of any production date 2. You were willing to wait - perhaps 1-6 months for delivery of your pre-paid-for vehicle, due to production and shipping time. 3. You were capable of financing the vehicle without using a lender 4. If you wanted a different engine/trans combination - you were willing to pay the cost of certification, or find enough other people who wanted this combination so that certification was economically practical. I don't fault the lack of the BMW 'individual' program in the USA.. our environment (regulatory primarily) would make it horrendously expensive to impliment. I think in cases where BMW-NA/AG can be shown there is a reasonable chance of making money on a 'speciality' vehicle in the US, they will make it (the E36 M3 was certainly an example of this). I think in some cases they've taken chances which lesser manufacturer's wouldn't have (M-Coupe fer' example) Given the environment BMW deals with in the USA - I think they're doing a pretty good job.. Best, ____D_o_n__________S_p_r_i_n_g__L_a_k_e__H_t_s____________�1946________ Don Eilenberger, Spring Lk Hts, NJ http://www.monmouth.com/~deilenberger ------------------------------ End of [uucdigest] V3 #318 ************************** _________________________________________ | Please visit these UUC-approved BMW parts vendors/service providers: | (listed alphabetically) | Bonneville Motorwerks . http://www.bonnevillemotorwerks.com | Circle Tire Co. (used & classic BMW parts) e-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] | Curry's Auto Service . http://www.currysauto.com | Eurosport . http://www.eurosport-hp.com | Koala MotorSport . http://www.koalamotorsport.com | Taylor BMW - http://www.taylorbmw.com - Doc Bimmer! | The Ultimate Garage . http://www.ultimategarage.com | UUC Motorwerks . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com | Zionsville Autosport . http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com ����������������������������������������
