[uucdigest] Saturday, April 1 2000 Volume 03 : Number 554 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | 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] FS 4 Hoosiers [uuc] <E30> Disabling ABS [uuc] Re: 4-wheel steering? Come on, guys... [uuc] Re: Suspicious Re: [uuc] 850CSi - 4 wheel steering?! [uuc] 4WS. Stability. Turning Circle. Different Modes. Compliance. [uuc] For Sale-535i (89) & Porsche 911 Turbo (87) Re: [uuc] 4WS. Stability. Turning Circle. Different Modes. Compliance. Re: [uuc] <E30> Disabling ABS [uuc] Late BMW Takeover News Re: [uuc] speaking of dangerous autocrosses..... [uuc] (WA) FS:'80 Alpina 635CSi Re: [uuc] 4WS. Stability. Turning Circle. Different Modes. Compliance. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 01 Apr 2000 11:15:36 -0600 From: Iric Gachman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] FS 4 Hoosiers I have a set of 245 40 17 Hoosier DOT's with less than 20 laps on them. 2 are like new & 2 are worn but definately not worn out Please e-mail if interested as my 97 M3 had to be turned in off lease & my 323 Sport takes 16's until my 01 M3 gets here & it takes 18's so I'm stuck w/ these, if you guys want them let me know. Best offer gets them + shipping. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 01 Apr 2000 09:28:45 -0800 From: Randy Walters <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] <E30> Disabling ABS I need to disable my ABS as it's interfering with my ability to stop :-) It's making life miserable on the autocross course and i need to be able to switch it off. I've learned how to threshold brake at the very limit before getting into the ABS but in hard competition it activates over the slightest bump and when i'm attempting to trail brake into a corner etc and i just want full control over my braking without the ABS interfering with my left foot or my intended turn-in points :-) I've heard mention of a wire near the steering column that i can interrupt with a toggle switch. I have the ETM for the car and see a hot wire coming from the igntion switch, would this be the wire to tap into for my switch? I also imagine i could pull a fuse or a relay but i'd rather install a switch that i can reach from my drivers seat. The car is an 89 325is by the way. I hereby promise not to hold anyone responsible in any way shape or form for anything that may occur as i know i'm disabling a supposed safety item which in my case is not only useless, but is causing unpredictable braking behavior when i need my brakes the most. Goes for dry street use as well ! Private e-mail would be appreciated, and post here if you'd like to discuss it publicly. Randy Walters 89 325is L.A. & S.D. Chapters BMW CCA ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 1 Apr 2000 12:34:26 EST From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [uuc] Re: 4-wheel steering? Come on, guys... To all who pine for 4-wheels steering: Are you mad? Do you want a rear suspension vibration to go with your front suspension vibration. And I doubt owners of European E31s with AHK feel like lucky S's of B's when all that electro-mombaza goes south and they have to write a big four figure check to sort out a system -- the rear suspension -- that shouldn't require much attention beyond shock absorbers for at least a 150,000 miles or so. At least, not the analog version. Personally, I don't need an electro-hydraulic control unit to adjust my wheel angles, nor, I suspect, do most of us here on the Digest. Mike Miller Just my own humble opinion. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 01 Apr 2000 10:38:28 -0700 From: Bob Sutterfield <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] Re: Suspicious BMWs and their drivers still suffer under the "rich yuppie" stigma of 10-15 years ago, even though the rich yuppies' fashion has now moved on to SUVs. The good news for driving enthusiasts is that those rich yuppies' castoffs are now available for surprisingly reasonable prices. When I told a buddy (who had owned a 3.0CS a couple of decades ago) what I paid for my car a year ago, he said he wouldn't have believed me if not for our longstanding friendship. Everyone else who knows me first to be just a regular guy, is genuinely surprised to discover later what I drive. One even commented that they thought only stuck-up yuppie scum drove cars like that :-) - -- Bob Sutterfield '87 E30 325iS BMWCCA #169277 ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 1 Apr 2000 12:44:01 -0500 (EST) From: Moe Drippins <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] 850CSi - 4 wheel steering?! Jay writes: > i also believe that the mitsubishi 3000gt VR4 also had 4WS...i'm > glad the BMWs dont have it <OBMWC>...more weight, cost, maintenance, > and more headache for when it breaks... It does; friend of mine has one. We were oohing and aahing over it the other day while it was on a lift. It weighs about 3900#; more than mine! It'll be at CMP April 29 BTW. - -- Just Moe '95 540 6 speed, BL/SS BMWCCA Peachtree Chapter ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 01 Apr 2000 13:14:50 -0500 From: "Neil Deshpande" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] 4WS. Stability. Turning Circle. Different Modes. Compliance. I think I read this more than 11 years ago (when I was about 14 or so) so I can't be sure, but the Honda Prelude 4WS had two modes/phases - contra-phase and same-phase. The contra-phase involved the rear wheels and front wheels turning in opposite directions to reduce turning circles. This happened only at low speeds. The same-phase involved the rear and front wheels turning in the same direction. This enhanced stability during lane change maneuvers. This happened at high speeds. I remember this part clearly since I'd never really been in a car that changed lanes at speeds in excess of 40 mph and wondered why all this engineering was required to do what the 1950s Fiat 1100 D that my Mom drove could do each day w/o problems! In re. Mr. Brett Anderson's comment on wheels steering on most Bimmers. That is indeed correct. Bushings are designed specifically so, at least on the E30s, the wheel toes in when cornering to compensate, in part, for oversteering tendencies. If you ever look at an ADAMS suspension model there is usually a whole 'layer' of bushing compliance motions that is designed for in addition to the kinematics. Going a step further was the P-car 928 (and the Ford Thunderbird that copied it, I think) with an additional link on the lower (?) rear wishbone that changed toe with suspension deflection. Anyone who has driven/owned one care to comment? Neil Deshpande 1988 325 iS 1989 325 iC ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 01 Apr 2000 13:53:56 -0500 From: "Steve D'Gerolamo" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] For Sale-535i (89) & Porsche 911 Turbo (87) Spring is here and its time to update some of the cars in the garage. I've dropped the prices considerably. The 89 535i with 82k miles (silver, std trans) has recently undergone a $10,000 refresh (540i brakes front/rear, all new suspension, R134 AC system, coolant system, exhaust, etc). Price is $13,500 firm. The 87 Porsche 911 turbo with 23k miles (black, many Ruf extras....around $90k invested since new) has gone through a few recent updates (new Kenwood/JL audio system, new fuel system) as well and is now $38,500 firm. I am the original owner of both of these cars. Additional details are available at http://www.ultimategarage.com/garage-s.html . Please contact me directly if you have any questions. SD ========================================= Steve D'Gerolamo - The Ultimate Garage 201-262-0412 / [EMAIL PROTECTED] / http://www.ultimategarage.com ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 1 Apr 2000 13:38:21 -0500 From: "Gary Derian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] 4WS. Stability. Turning Circle. Different Modes. Compliance. Steering the rear with the front (same direction but less angle) stabilizes the rear. With no rear steer, any slip angle from the rear tires (there is always some slip angle when cornering) causes the vehicle to yaw. Rear steer reduces this yaw by supplying some steer angle directly to the tire. The Prelude had an all mechanical system that turned the rear wheels with the fronts for a bit then reversed at high steering input to steer opposite. There was no speed input. Other systems, such as Nissan and Mitsubishi could apply short duration corrections to the rear to stabilize the car and did have speed input. The Porsche 928's Weissach axle would cause toe-in when the rear tires tried to slow the car, either from engine overrun or braking. Most newer cars have passive rear steer which responds to lateral force. The Thunderbird has a little dog bone link which limits deflection of the rear lower control arm bushing. This causes deflection understeer, the quality that all passive rear steer systems seek. My E34 has little dog bone links at the outer semi trailing arm bushing that does the same. Also the subframe bushings have special deflection characteristics that attempt to create deflection understeer. Semi trailing arms rear suspension naturally tends towards deflection oversteer so these little tricks are useful. Gary Derian <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > I think I read this more than 11 years ago (when I was about 14 or so) so I can't be sure, but the Honda Prelude 4WS had two modes/phases - contra-phase and same-phase. > > The contra-phase involved the rear wheels and front wheels turning in opposite directions to reduce turning circles. This happened only at low speeds. > > The same-phase involved the rear and front wheels turning in the same direction. This enhanced stability during lane change maneuvers. This happened at high speeds. I remember this part clearly since I'd never really been in a car that changed lanes at speeds in excess of 40 mph and wondered why all this engineering was required to do what the 1950s Fiat 1100 D that my Mom drove could do each day w/o problems! > > In re. Mr. Brett Anderson's comment on wheels steering on most Bimmers. That is indeed correct. Bushings are designed specifically so, at least on the E30s, the wheel toes in when cornering to compensate, in part, for oversteering tendencies. If you ever look at an ADAMS suspension model there is usually a whole 'layer' of bushing compliance motions that is designed for in addition to the kinematics. Going a step further was the P-car 928 (and the Ford Thunderbird that copied it, I think) with an additional link on the lower (?) rear wishbone that changed toe with suspension deflection. Anyone who has driven/owned one care to comment? > > Neil Deshpande > 1988 325 iS > 1989 325 iC > ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 01 Apr 2000 11:51:17 -0800 From: Chris Baisley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] <E30> Disabling ABS Sorry, I don't have the answer, but I have the same car (almost) and I'm interested in doing the same thing. If you get the info, I'd appreciate you sharing it with me. Regards, Chris Chris Baisley, MBA, P.Eng. Home: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Work: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 01 Apr 2000 14:31:47 -0600 From: autowerk <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] Late BMW Takeover News Hi Guys, I thought this info I submitted to the latest Bayou Chapter newsletter might interest those of you who are not Bayou members. Read and learn. GATES ACQUIRES BMW By now, most of you have heard the rumored takeover of BMW by Bill Gates, Microsoft�s founder, has actually occurred. An announcement from BMW headquarters in Munich on Saturday, April 1, 2000, confirmed that Gates is now the majority shareholder in BMW AG. There were rumors that there was great panic among long-term BMW employees who fear that Gates would implement changes in personnel and philosophy which would forever alter the nature of BMW cars. In response to these rumors, Gates released a Beta Test version of BMWindows, the new operating system upon which all future BMWs will rely. All future BMWs from April 1, 2000 will be equipped with this system which will allow you to use the internet, watch TV, use your cell phone and make long distance calls free, all while enjoying the ride in your Bimmer. An integrated GPS system controlled by BMWindows will drive you safely and automatically to your destination, controlling brakes, steering and other nuisance items. Although the new system still has a few bugs to still be worked out, the system is fully operational and can be downloaded free until April 2, 2000. Your actual usage fees for the system will be automatically calculated based upon time of actual usage of your vehicle (from the time you log in until you sign off and exit). The internet charges and license fee for BMWindows are expected to compare favorably to current BMW lease programs. There is also a special rebate program which allows you to sign up for Microsoft�s internet service. If you choose this program, your new BMW is actually free, after rebates. Of course, this rebate program does not apply to M cars because of their speed. Gates also announced that effective April 1, 2000, Compusa and Home Depot will assume all marketing and service and repair functions for the new BMW. Gates believes that customer service and satisfaction will be greatly improved by using Compusa and Home Depot with their strong customer-oriented marketing and repair traditions. Online help will be available also. In a test drive of one of the BMWindows equipped cars, we were impressed with the ease of operation of the car. The fact that a few times the brakes locked up, the car stopped and we had to return to our point of origin to complete our test drive was a little inconvenient, though. Restarting was easy enough, except for the one time we had to run scandisk. Software fixes are reportedly in development and expected soon. All in all, we think the minor bugs in the system are a small price to pay to avoid the hassle of actually having to steer, brake and accelerate, all while maintaining a lookout. Driving can now be a fun adventure. One can sleep, put on makeup, read or surf the net while this marvelous system takes over the chore and monotony of driving. BMW ANNOUNCES NEW CARS In an attempt to lower vehicle operating costs, BMW has recently announced that all cars produced after April 1, 2000 will require no maintenance whatsoever. This has been made possible by BMW�s cutting edge technology which allows the production of a car capable of operating over its entire projected lifetime without ever opening its hood. In fact hoods are eliminated entirely in the latest models, as are all drain and fill plugs on engines, transmissions and differentials. All engine and driveline components will be sealed so that disassembly can only be accomplished by destroying the unit. The only downside to the new cars is that their lifetime is projected to be a maximum of one year. A spokesman for BMW indicated that their market research has confirmed that Americans don�t like the idea of spending any money whatsoever on repairs or maintenance of their vehicles. Since Americans also invented the concept of a throw-away society, BMW is merely offering Americans what they want. This trend is expected to be followed by other manufacturers as BMW proves its worth in gaining market share. In order to implement this technology to its fullest, BMW is expected to make all vehicle and engine components out of space age plastics which are recyclable by design. This technology was first successfully proven in the experimental plastic radiators and plastic impellers on water pumps which contained a secret internal timer causing them to self destruct at a set interval. BMW thereby sold a lot of replacement radiators and water pumps at a tremendous profit in parts and labor. In order to market this new breed of cars, BMW is expected to announce a new style of financing/purchase plan which will encourage the trade-in or recycling of every new car at its first birthday. Thereafter, penalties and interest will be punitive in nature. NEW DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS In a bold move sure to be followed by other major auto manufacturers, BMW has today announced that a new diagnostic tool will be implemented in all of their worldwide dealerships. The tool is known as an Adaptive Spirit Transmogrifier and is said to be capable of diagnosing even the most difficult to find problem based upon its ability to communicate with spirits who have crossed over to the other side. For quite some time now, independent shops worldwide have successfully enlisted psychics and mediums in an attempt to fix BMWs latest problems. Only now has BMW finally admitted that the problem actually exists and taken this action. The new tool is said to be capable of exorcising demons, evil spirits and even the most feared spirits of them all, the spirits of intermittent driveability. The tool has been developed at the cost of thousands of dead chickens and great expense to BMW, but actually works by reprogramming the Electronic Control Units to filter out unwanted possessions and hauntings. Madame Tureaud, a descendant of the well known Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau of New Orleans, offered this explanation, �Dem cars has been way too complicated for sum time now and dis device merely combines proven chicken bone reading technology wit what dem Germans tink is da cat�s meow in lectronics. Hell, dem ghosties is tired of us humins interfering wit dere wavelenghts. Dey is gonna preciate dis�� Special Southern Edition BMWs In response to an overwhelming demand from the Southern part of the United States, BMW has finally begun to offer customized versions of their cars. A number of options will be available from the new division, aptly called Mobile Home Traditions. Included among these options are the following: Gun Racks for the rear parcel shelf; a Childproof Ammo Box, with a carved Roundel emblem on it; a Tear-Away Seat Belt for those who wish to be "throwed clear" in the event of an accident; a Towing Package, including a hitch which allows the towing of a double wide trailer (extended mirrors are included); a VCR package which includes a complimentary copy of Deliverance; and for those who like to chew, a Brass Spitoon with a hand-enameled Roundel on its side. Jim Wheeler Autowerks South, Inc. 2212 Hickory Avenue Harahan, LA 70123 504 738 2156 ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 01 Apr 2000 12:48:10 -0800 From: Scott D Miller <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] speaking of dangerous autocrosses..... This, of course, begs the question, what was the course doing running so close to a grassy knoll? And of course, all the "grassy knoll conspiracy" theorists will be coming out of the woodwork again... Scott Miller GGC BMW CCA #44977 >Date: Sat, 1 Apr 2000 07:24:46 -0800 (PST) >From: Carlos Lopez <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: Re: [uuc] speaking of dangerous autocrosses..... > >Neil H wrote: >>My bud, Pete (Champaign, IL SCCA autocross coordinator-type-guy) told >>me that he heard that someone rolled a M3 LTW in Ohio (Columbus?) at >>an SCCA event last weekend (no injuries). Apparently, it went sideways >>into a grassy knoll, dug in, and flipped. Anyone know about this? >>Details? > >No details but this one seems to match your description. > >http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Peaks/4527/bmw.htm > >Carlos >91 M3 <snip> ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 1 Apr 2000 16:13:54 EST From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [uuc] (WA) FS:'80 Alpina 635CSi Absolutely no connection, please do not e-mail me. Located in very NW corner of WA, saw ad in paper. "1980 635CSi Alpina BMW. Imported from Germany. Loks and runs great. Must see!!! $3500 obo 360-961-0147" that's all I know. Cam 87 325 ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 1 Apr 2000 18:42:59 -0500 From: "Rob Levinson - UUC Motorwerks" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] 4WS. Stability. Turning Circle. Different Modes. Compliance. Parallel park that Prelude right next to a brick wall... then attempt to drive away without leaving paint. Slight problem, nothing a body shop can't fix. - - Rob - ----- Original Message ----- From: Neil Deshpande <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] 4WS. Stability. Turning Circle. Different Modes. Compliance. > I think I read this more than 11 years ago (when I was about 14 or so) so I can't be sure, but the Honda Prelude 4WS had two modes/phases - contra-phase and same-phase. > The contra-phase involved the rear wheels and front wheels turning in opposite directions to reduce turning circles. This happened only at low speeds. ------------------------------ End of [uucdigest] V3 #554 ************************** _________________________________________ | 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 ����������������������������������������
