[uucdigest] Monday, August 6 2001 Volume 03 : Number 4107 _________________________________________________________________ | | Search the ARCHIVES: | http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] | | Visit Richard Nott's Ultimate BMW Database: | http://www.gis.nsw.gov.au/staff/rnott/bmw/bmw.html | | 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. | Technical Problems? Send 'em to [EMAIL PROTECTED] |__________________________________________________________________ In this BMW UUC Digest: [uuc] the incredible sucking sound of your front splash shield heading south [alex.fadeev@veriz] [uuc] Re: Parking Brake Help! [John Bolhuis <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>] Re: [uuc] <E28> fan clutch question [Jeff Pharr <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>] RE: [uuc] Re: Ofest routes ["KOHLBRENNER,MICHAEL (A-hsgAndover,ex1)" <mi] Re: [uuc] <E28> fan clutch question ["Gary Derian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Re: [uuc] Project X [Tammer Farid <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>] RE: [uuc] <E28> fan clutch question [Don Eilenberger <deilenberger@monmou] [uuc] <E36 stereo> Infinity Kappa opinions? [Tammer Farid <tammerfarid@ya] [uuc] Re: rotate tires+no tread left [[EMAIL PROTECTED]] [uuc] <E36 cabrio> windblocker question [Tammer Farid <tammerfarid@yahoo.] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2001 14:42:30 -0400 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [uuc] the incredible sucking sound of your front splash shield heading south Well folks, I knew this was bound to happen sooner or later. And last afternoon it did. That is to say that I lightened my '95 M3 by depositing the splash shield on the road at triple digit speeds. I was making sure that I finally cured my front end rattle. The rattle is gone, the C-clamps holding front Eibach to front subframe worked themselves loose. But now I need to come up with a replacement for the front splash shield. I'm currently looking at three options (pretty much in the order of preference): 1. Buy a JTD aluminum splash shield replacement. The only reason I haven't placed the order yet is that a). I've read some less than enthusiastic reviews of this product on the digests b). it requires removal of the OEM 'pork chops' which may leave front fender liners without firm attachment points in the front 2. Buy another OEM splash shield and experiment with modifying mounting points to keep the shield in place at speed. 3. Buy another OEM splash shield and install it as is - waste of money? What do you all think about any of the above three options? I'm particularly interested in JTD aluminum splash shield replacement reviews! TIA, alex f ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2001 11:44:39 -0700 (PDT) From: John Bolhuis <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] Re: Parking Brake Help! On Mon, 6 Aug 2001, Joel Smernoff wrote: > While attempting to adjust my parking brake last night, was > loosening the two bolts on the parking brake cable end under the > handbrake lever. The passenger side nut would back off, but > cranking on the driver's side nut would just wind up the cable and > not loosen the nut. > > what is the secret trick to keeping the parking brake cable from > spinning when loosening these nuts? getting tired of cursing at > the car late in the night! ;-) IIRC, the cable ends are hexagonal beyond the threads. Grab 'em with a small wrench. - -- "It is an honor to be Cookie Monster." -Sesame Street spokeswoman Audrey Shapiro ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2001 11:51:53 -0700 (PDT) From: Jeff Pharr <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] <E28> fan clutch question Now I understand. I was under the impression that the fan clutch was disengaged at cool engine temps and engaged at higher engine temps. No dependence on engine speed. Several other replies I got seem to make this assumption as well... But as Gary explains: At idle or low engine speeds the clutch is engaged for improved cooling. At higher engine speeds the clutch is disengages for power savings. This makes a bit more sense. So is the fan clutch dependent on engine temp AND engine speed, or is it purely engine speed? - --Jeff Gary Derian writes... Why bother what, cooling? A mechanical fan is more powerful and reliable than an electric fan. But when driving at medium to high speeds, it is not needed and consumes power unnecessarily. The solution is to incorporate a clutch so the fan pulls plenty or cooling air at low speeds, yet does not waste power and fuel at higher speeds. > What is the purpose of the fan clutch? > > I'm assuming it locks up as enging temp increases to > provide more cooling, but why bother? > > --Jeff __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Make international calls for as low as $.04/minute with Yahoo! Messenger http://phonecard.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2001 14:51:09 -0400 From: "KOHLBRENNER,MICHAEL (A-hsgAndover,ex1)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: RE: [uuc] Re: Ofest routes From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] In a message dated 8/3/01 7:17:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time, KOHLBRENNER,MICHAEL (A-hsgAndover,ex1 writes: << I just did the Mapquest thing to verify and the route from the I84 entrance to the Mass Pike, I90, then I290 through Worcester, then I495 to I93N is 9 miles SHORTER >> > If you rely solely on Mapquest you will be like the morons > who take a right turn into the canals in the Miami area, a > weekly event. I only used Mapquest to calculate the mileages -- I already knew the specific routes to compare. > ...495 prescribes a wider arc than does 128/95. Looking at a > real map (the kind you can fold up) will bear this out. Looking at a real map shows that even though it is the wider loop, you only go from about the 9:00 position to about the 11:30 position on I495 and it is a pretty tight arc up there. Going to or from the Cape/South Shore to I93 or worse, I95, is where you use the whole loop and where I agree I495 makes a much longer drive. I had used Mapquest to avoid having to hassle with measuring off the map. To verify, I just measured the two routes using a piece of wire on a AAA CT/MA/RI map. The I290 -> I495 route came up 8 miles shorter than the I90 -> I95/128 -> I93 route. Mapquest had said it was 9 miles shorter. They are probably more accurate than I was. Best regards, Mike Kohlbrenner ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2001 15:04:15 -0400 From: "Gary Derian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] <E28> fan clutch question The fan clutch has a viscous drive that has limited torque capability. It does not engage like the drivetrain clutch or the a/c clutch. It has the capability to transmit more torque or less torque, depending on how much fluid is in the drive chamber. The triggering event is temperature. When hot air is blowing through the radiator, a bimetal spring opens a valve causing the drive fluid to enter the chamber with disks. When there is fluid between the disks, they drive the fan. At high rpm, the disks slip more and limit the fan speed. When the air blowing through the radiator cools, the bimetal spring moves and the drive fluid is pumped into a holding chamber. This causes the fan clutch to freewheel. So, the clutch is controlled by the temperature of the air coming through the radiator, and also limits fan power at high engine speeds, even when engaged. Gary Derian <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Now I understand. I was under the impression that the > fan clutch was disengaged at cool engine temps and > engaged at higher engine temps. No dependence on > engine speed. Several other replies I got seem to > make this assumption as well... > > But as Gary explains: At idle or low engine speeds > the clutch is engaged for improved cooling. At higher > engine speeds the clutch is disengages for power > savings. This makes a bit more sense. > > So is the fan clutch dependent on engine temp AND > engine speed, or is it purely engine speed? > > --Jeff > > > Gary Derian writes... > Why bother what, cooling? A mechanical fan is more > powerful and reliable > than an electric fan. But when driving at medium to > high speeds, it is not > needed and consumes power unnecessarily. The solution > is to incorporate a > clutch so the fan pulls plenty or cooling air at low > speeds, yet does not > waste power and fuel at higher speeds. > > > What is the purpose of the fan clutch? > > > > I'm assuming it locks up as enging temp increases to > > provide more cooling, but why bother? > > > > --Jeff > > > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Make international calls for as low as $.04/minute with Yahoo! Messenger > http://phonecard.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2001 12:54:03 -0700 (PDT) From: Tammer Farid <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] Project X I wish to speculate on Rob's latest piece of drool material: - --- Rob: > The only thing I can say at this point is that you might > know how much I > miss my '88 M5 Turbo. It's a '98. What '98 has a power-to-weight ratio similar to the E28 M5? The E36 M3. Or has Rob grown to like his more "mature" E34 M5's civilized manners? I will guess it's a heavily modded M3 (along the lines of Katerina--how is Powell, anyway?), or perhaps a blown E39 540i. Now taking wagers. Oh, and a Bimmer is joining the family--I think my parents are going for an E39 530i, 5-spd, other options undecided. The test drive of the 3.0-liter car made my M50 feel pretty anemic. Tammer Farid E36 Cabrio <--great BRAKES E39 Sedan coming soon <--I'll help BREAK it in. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Make international calls for as low as $.04/minute with Yahoo! Messenger http://phonecard.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 06 Aug 2001 15:54:57 -0400 From: Don Eilenberger <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: RE: [uuc] <E28> fan clutch question Jeff asks "why bother?" >What is the purpose of the fan clutch? > >I'm assuming it locks up as enging temp increases to >provide more cooling, but why bother? > >- --Jeff Deosn't exactly 'lock-up' - but the speed differential between the fan and the engine becomes closer with increasing temperature.. Why - so that the fan isn't taking as much power off the engine when it isn't needed (it's also quieter..) CAFE standards.. The engine fan can take several HP to run at full tilt, so there is a noticeable gain by adding the clutch. Don Eilenberger, Spring Lk Hts, NJ JMP#1 FOT2.A [EMAIL PROTECTED] NJ Shore BMW Riders web page: http://www.njsbmwr.org/ Moderator - BMW E39 Enthusiasts: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bmwe39 Friends don't let friends use Microsoft Outlook ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2001 13:10:52 -0700 (PDT) From: Tammer Farid <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] <E36 stereo> Infinity Kappa opinions? Hello Group: I've now saved some cash and will tackle the weak stereo in the 325iC. For financial and aesthetic reasons, I will keep the stock head unit/CD changer, upgrade front speakers, add one 8" sub (probably), and add an amp to run it all. I was looking at the MB Quart component speakers that drop in to the front doors, but recently got an opportunity to get the Infinity Kappa components (5.25" woofer, 1" tweeter) at about $100 under MSRP. Anyone have opinions on these speakers? Are the woofers shallow enough to fit without kick panel modification? I have not been able to listen to them yet, and it may be a week before I can, so I will value any input you can offer. Also, if anyone knows of a way to get decent bass response without a sub, please let me know. My trunk is tiny enough already! It may be significant that my rear seats do not fold down, and there is no ski pass-through. Tammer Farid __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Make international calls for as low as $.04/minute with Yahoo! Messenger http://phonecard.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2001 13:27:30 -0700 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [uuc] Re: rotate tires+no tread left John, I do not think inflation is your problem - at least not in the tires. :^) The following comments are from someone who has never owned an E36. The tire pressure recommendations from BMW NA were not specific to the convertible. They ALWAYS recommend low front/high rear inflation on ALL BMWs. Those pressures set up understeer, which BMW NA's attorneys feel exposes them to fewer lawsuits. I run about 3 more PSI in my front tires than in my rear. I've done this with every BMW I've owned. This cancels out some of the understeer. Despite occasionally wearing out the inside edges of my rear tires due to the negative camber, I've never had a set wear out in as little as 5K miles. Running equal pressures is not going to cause this problem. Last time you posted on this subject, several of us advised you to get the alignment checked. If I recall, you did that. Were adjustments made? Give this some time to see if it worked. Meanwhile, if you are worried that the problem still exists, buy some cheaper tires until you're sure. Scott Miller GGC BMW CCA >Date: Sun, 5 Aug 2001 21:34:34 -0400 (EDT) >From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (John Hart) >Subject: [uuc] rotate tires+no tread left > >Hi <run-on description with lots of exclamation points and probably improper use of apostrophe's' snipped> >Cheers >John-96 328is cabrio, M3 3.23/LSDiff, etc. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2001 13:14:10 -0700 (PDT) From: Tammer Farid <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] <E36 cabrio> windblocker question I received the windblocker from the P.O. It is great in town. However, where I need it is on the highway, and therein lies the problem. It blows down flat at about 70 mph. In a turn it blows over at lower speeds. I examined it for some sort of locking mechanism but there seems to be none. Am I missing something? Tammer Farid __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Make international calls for as low as $.04/minute with Yahoo! Messenger http://phonecard.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ End of [uucdigest] V3 #4107 *************************** ________________________________________ | Please visit these UUC-approved BMW parts vendors/service providers: | (listed alphabetically) | Camptown Automotive - http://www.camptownauto.com | Circle Tire Co. (used & classic BMW parts) e-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] | Detailwerks Chicago Inc. "Chicago's Premier Automotive Appearance | Center" . http://www.detailwerkschicago.com |==================================================== | Koala MotorSport . BMW technical information, special tool sales/rental | http://www.koalamotorsport.com |==================================================== | Taylor BMW - http://www.taylorbmw.com - Doc Bimmer! | UUC Motorwerks . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com |__________________________________________
