The BMW UUC Digest Volume 2 : Issue 196 : "text" Format Messages in this Issue: E34 cabin blower - low speeds cut out when AC on Re: Shipping Large items Re: Airbag Surprise! Re: '85 535i charging issue Re: E36 OBDII crankshaft position sensor recall, was: E36 misfire Z3 for sale Re: <Misc>Copycat motorsport wheels? Re: Heat Storage Reservoir Re: Where are all the Laguna Seca M3s? Re: O2 sensor as tune up part? Re: O2 sensor as tune up part? Re: O2 sensor as tune up part? Re: WTB: 2000 or 2001 e39 M5 Re: WTB: 2000 or 2001 e39 M5 Color-sanding my BMW...Need advice/tips
---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 21:56:26 EDT From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: E34 cabin blower - low speeds cut out when AC on Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi listers, a little problem has cropped up now AC weather has arrived. Our trusty '92 525iA's ventilation fan dies after a few minutes operation when using the 1-2-3 fan speed positions _and_ the AC is on. It seems to cut off more quickly at higher outside ambient temps (greater than ~80F) than at lower temps. It doesn't cut off at all when the AC is NOT on. The fan works again when switched to full speed (pos 4.) After perhaps 30 seconds lowering the fan speed to any position 1-3 and low speeds are again working. Cycle continues, after a couple more minutes at low speed the fan will shut off again, whereupon switching to high speed restores coolth. If when fan dies at low and I don't switch the fan to high, the low speed fan will kick on again by itself after a few minutes. The AC itself seems to be working OK, or at least cools nicely when the system fan is blowing. BTW, the system was converted last summer to R-134, with a new compressor, expansion valve and drier installed. I've got the Bentley manual, and perusing the wiring chart I see for the three low speeds a typical resistor grid which includes a thermal cutout, plus a direct full-voltage bypass for fan high speed. I assume the thermal cutout is either detecting an unacceptably hot condition, or the thermal cutout is faulty and sees a fault where there is none. I'm happy to replace the thermal cutout/resistor grid, however before doing so I'd like to know if there are any other issues of which I should be aware. TIA, Dan Kraeuter 92 525iA 178K 85 Golf 818K 76 2002 135K ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 22:20:48 -0400 From: "Chris Pawlowicz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: Shipping Large items Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> kyle asked > Well it seems that I have run into a problem. I have a > box that is 67x18x42 inchs with a set of bumpers in > them. UPS and FedEX show that this is to big of a item > to ship ground. I have shipped bumpers no problem via greyhound (way cheaper than fedex/ups also) max size (from the US website) is 30"x47"x82" which means your package is no problem they don't ship across borders though, not sure where your package is going chris pawlowicz '89 325i '99 z3 2.8 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 22:18:55 -0400 From: "KMS - Brett Anderson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "UUC Digest" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: Airbag Surprise! Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 1. As was pointed out by several others, I spoke too soon. E30 did not get the air bag/non air bag belts. So ignore my previous comment. 2. Your current question, later cars got a "softer" belt. There was a change in the webbing that did allow the belt to stretch further. It has nothing to do with the inertia reel mechanism. The webbing stretches further, knowing that the air bag will catch you. Lessens bodily damage caused by the belt, which can be quite severe. > -----Original Message----- > Brett, are you saying that the seat belt in an airbag car allows more > travel in a frontal collision than the seat belt in a non-airbag car? How > does that work exactly? My seat belt locks up all the time upon > deceleration, so I'm pretty sure it is not an issue with the reel lock-up > mechanism. Please enlighten me, and the dozens of others who have already > done this steering wheel swap. > > Thanks, > > Scottt Miller --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.516 / Virus Database: 313 - Release Date: 9/1/2003 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 22:20:54 -0400 From: "KMS - Brett Anderson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "UUC Digest" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: '85 535i charging issue Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Check for a voltage drop on the ground cable that runs from the alternator to the engine block. The age of the car suggests that this cable will be in poor condition. At a $10 list price from BMW, it's probably worth replacing as a precaution anyway. Brett Anderson KMS > -----Original Message----- > On my '85 535 the alternator warning light comes on rather dimly at > idle. If I rev to ~ 1K rpm light goes out. > After some freeway time (~10 - 15 mins) this behavior stops for some > time. Driving in stop and go, the light gets > a little brighter. The alternator bushings were recently replaced. So > what do you guys think: > --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.516 / Virus Database: 313 - Release Date: 9/1/2003 ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 May 2004 00:38:07 -0700 From: JKerouac <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Chris Pawlowicz <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, "[uucdigest]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: E36 OBDII crankshaft position sensor recall, was: E36 misfire Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Re: [UUC] E36 OBDII crankshaft position sensor recall, was: E36 misfire: Chris, The sticker placed on the strut tower after the recall was done says, "Crankshaft Position Sensor Campaign No. 99E-A01". This recall included an ECU remap that in the //M3 subjectively felt zippier than before. hth, Barry Chris Pawlowicz wrote: >barry >thanks for the info- you don't happen to have the recall # do you? >thanks >chrisP > > ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 May 2004 8:09:51 -0400 From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Z3 for sale Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> posting for a friend: 1999 Z3 coupe 2.8 Boston Green/Beige/Black. In Louisville, KY. 19,000 miles. VIN # 4USCK533XXLE95002, Sept 1998 build. Corbeau Seats, stock motor. 17" Radius R6 Wheels. All Mobil 1 at 3000 mile intervals. Hate to sell... really, really hate to sell, but I need a tow vehicle for my race car. New Lower Price! John Ackerman: 502-819-0935; or [EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 May 2004 08:39:29 -0400 From: "Michael Lawrence" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: <Misc>Copycat motorsport wheels? Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I bought a set of Contour copies for my old M3. Ending up replacing 2 of the wheels less than a year after buying them due to bending. They are not very strong. I have seen other cheap wheels like the ones shown have issues with the clear coat peeling off. It basically becomes un attached next to the spoke, then dirt starts to build up underneath the raised area, creating an eye sore that cannot be cleaned. I believe the owner peeled off most of the clear coat and then polished the rest off. The end result was ok, but took him hours to fix. That is a good price, but just budget bending 1 or 2 over the course of 30k miles. Plus, in a few years you might not be able to buy a matching wheel. Mike -> -----Original Message----- -> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -> [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of -> [EMAIL PROTECTED] -> Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2004 7:49 PM -> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -> Subject: [UUC] <Misc>Copycat motorsport wheels? -> -> -> Any comments on these wheels? or similar models "cast in -> Italy?" I love the forged motorsport look, but can't stand -> that OEM price. Going to email the seller to see if they -> can be more specifics about the manufacturer. -> http://tinyurl.com/25m7p Just wish I'd jumped faster at those $1k FM 10s a couple months back. TIA Marc Plante [EMAIL PROTECTED] Search the ARCHIVES:http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] ________________________________________________________________________ __ In memory of Michel Potheau - friend, enthusiast, founder of the BMW CCA. UUC Motorwerks - BMW Performance Fine-tuning and home of the Ultimate Short Shifter - accept no substitutes! 908-874-9092 . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 May 2004 08:46:50 -0400 From: "chet.dawes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: Heat Storage Reservoir Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Doug, You're not as late to the party as I am! Anyway, I'm familiar with a unit similar to what Henry suggested. I can't for the life of me remember who made it however so I'm probably not of much help. I used one of these to store hot coolant (about ~5 liters IIRC) after shut down and circulate it through the engine for quicker warm up. I did zero testing to determine how much impact it had during warm up, but I do know that after 12 hours the ~5L of coolant was still roughly 30 degrees (F) above cool ambient temperatures. The design intent of the unit was really to dump that still warm coolant into the heater circuit of the cooling system to provide passenger compartment heat for driver comfort. The thermal reservoir system had it's own electric pump to continue circulating fluid briefly after shut down and we set it up to expel the warm coolant on key-up before starting. Sorry I'm not more help on the issue, I'll see if I can dig up more information. Henry, such a unit does (or did) exist as of ~6 years ago. Who knows if they are still around? Chet Dawes Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 10:31:25 -0400 From: "Doug Foster" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: Heat Storage Reservoir Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I know I'm late to the party on this e-mail, but a couple years ago, when I was more involved in the automotive industry, we reviewed this concept. They had decent numbers for cold-start of the engine. The basic technology worked well, but in the end it comes down to the total cost of the system per car vs. other systems. It only made sense on certain extreme problem engines. A competing technology was basically a big hair dryer that hooked up to the cat and heated it up before you started the car. So, kinda like a glow-plug, you put your key in the ignition, turn it to start, wait, and then the car starts. Doug 94 540i with no magic heat resevoir -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of henry butt Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2004 11:36 AM To: UUC Digest Subject: [UUC] Heat Storage Reservoir Hi all A while back, I read that a certain German automaker ( or an after market firm ) offered a heat storage system for faster engine warm up in sub-zero temperature conditions by utilizing a few extra gallons of heated engine coolant stored in a Thermos-like insulated tank. The hot coolant is circulated thru the engine block when the car is restarted after resting for hours ( e.g. going home after the workday ). Any one has information on this ? Henry (from the Great White North) **************************************************************************************** Note: The information contained in this message may be privileged and confidential and thus protected from disclosure. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. Thank you. **************************************************************************************** ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 May 2004 07:33:51 -0700 From: "Scott & Charlotte Miller" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "UUC Digest" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: Where are all the Laguna Seca M3s? Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> GGC member Gary Porter bought a Laguna Seca blue M3 a couple of years ago. He even let me drive it, but since it was still being broken in, I could not rev it up into the Happy Range of the tach. But I digress. After a couple of autocrosses, he stopped coming, and I've not heard from him since. Here's my theory: Laguna Seca blue M3s are possessed. Once the owner becomes comfortable with their new car (a few thousand miles?), one day the internal demon surfaces and eats the owner while the car is still parked in the garage. The owners and their cars are never seen again. Where are Scully and Mulder when you need them? Scott Miller GGC BMW CCA >Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 11:57:20 -0700 (PDT) >From: Andre Yew <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subject: Re: White BMWs Was: Where are all the Laguna Seca M3s? >Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >This past weekend's driving school at Las Vegas Speedway given by the Sin >City Chapter had no LS Blue M3s, but there were a few Alpine White M3s, as >well as an Individual Blue Water Metallic (kind of like Silverstone Blue >on the M5), along with the usual silver, black, and Carbon Black examples. >Imola Red is also quite popular, as is the dark grey color. I was >wondering about where all the LSB M3s went, too --- I barely see any on >the street. Perhaps they're embarassed about their color choice? > >--Andre ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 May 2004 07:37:17 -0700 From: "Scott & Charlotte Miller" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "UUC Digest" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: O2 sensor as tune up part? Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Mark, it depends, how long do you go between tune-ups? My cars need an Inspection I or II about every 18K miles or so. I'm glad I don't have to replace my sensor that often, at $85 plus tax each. Mine isn't an E36, but the oxygen sensors are pretty much the same. Scott Miller GGC BMW CCA 1990 325i w/ new oxygen sensor, last one had less than 40K miles >Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 14:21:38 -0400 (EDT) >From: Mark Andy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subject: O2 sensor as tune up part? >Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Howdy, > >Anyone know if O2 sensors are a normal tune up part for a '93 325 motor? >I'm experiencing sluggish power compared to other cars... > >On other vehicles I've worked on, every now and then an O2 sensor would >work well enough to not throw a code, but still needed to be changed. Is >the 02 sensor on a '93 325 a lifecycled part? > >Thanks! > >Mark ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 May 2004 07:25:20 -0700 From: "Mike Hood-Douda" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "'UUC Digest'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: O2 sensor as tune up part? Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Mark and listers, On our '95 325i I replace the plugs about every 36K miles (Inspection II). I've only replaced the O2 sensor once at ~100K miles as a preventative measure. No fault codes indicated a need for one. Saw no improvement in mpg or detectable performance. Was averaging 25.6mpg before, same after. FWIW.. Mike -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Scott & Charlotte Miller Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2004 7:37 AM To: UUC Digest Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [UUC] O2 sensor as tune up part? Mark, it depends, how long do you go between tune-ups? My cars need an Inspection I or II about every 18K miles or so. I'm glad I don't have to replace my sensor that often, at $85 plus tax each. Mine isn't an E36, but the oxygen sensors are pretty much the same. Scott Miller GGC BMW CCA 1990 325i w/ new oxygen sensor, last one had less than 40K miles >Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 14:21:38 -0400 (EDT) >From: Mark Andy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subject: O2 sensor as tune up part? >Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Howdy, > >Anyone know if O2 sensors are a normal tune up part for a '93 325 motor? >I'm experiencing sluggish power compared to other cars... > >On other vehicles I've worked on, every now and then an O2 sensor would >work well enough to not throw a code, but still needed to be changed. Is >the 02 sensor on a '93 325 a lifecycled part? > >Thanks! > >Mark Search the ARCHIVES:http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] __________________________________________________________________________ In memory of Michel Potheau - friend, enthusiast, founder of the BMW CCA. UUC Motorwerks - BMW Performance Fine-tuning and home of the Ultimate Short Shifter - accept no substitutes! 908-874-9092 . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 May 2004 11:33:55 -0400 (EDT) From: Mark Andy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: UUC Digest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: O2 sensor as tune up part? Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Howdy, On Wed, 19 May 2004, Scott & Charlotte Miller wrote: > Mark, it depends, how long do you go between tune-ups? > > My cars need an Inspection I or II about every 18K miles or so. I'm > glad I don't have to replace my sensor that often, at $85 plus tax > each. Mine isn't an E36, but the oxygen sensors are pretty much the > same. This is a car we purchased with 126k on the clock, now its at 140k (in less than a year... :-) Its chipped, intake, exhaust. Its a combo daily driver / STX autocross car. The car seems to feel a little flatter than it did before, the mileage has dropped off a couple according to the computer, and it also doesn't feel as powerful as other STX E36 bmw's with similar setups. Since we've gotten it, I've done a bunch of various maintenance stuff, but have yet to change the plugs/wires (does the car even have wires or are they direct ignition?), though I have changed the fuel filter. In the next couple weeks I'll get around to installing the plugs I bought a couple months ago, along with an O2 sensor. I'll probably also do a compression test, just to see where things stand. Thanks for the info! Mark ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 May 2004 07:43:37 -0700 From: "Scott & Charlotte Miller" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "UUC Digest" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: WTB: 2000 or 2001 e39 M5 Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> jedinite, I've been watching the Roundel and newspaper ads for E39 M5s. $50K is about the lowest price I've seen. I don't think your friend is going to be able to be very picky about color and options if he or she is serious about a low price. And, of course, CPO cars are going to have higher prices. Good luck, Scott Miller GGC BMW CCA >Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 17:53:45 -0500 >From: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subject: WTB: 2000 or 2001 e39 M5 >Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Being the "car nut" I am, i'm always getting drafted to help friends and >co-workers make vehicle buying decisions. > >Right now I'm helping a friend trying to buy a 2000 or 2001 e39 M5. >Fellow enthusiast who is pretty particular about what he wants... > >Looking for a 2000 or 2001 model in the $40k - $50k range. Slightly >flexible on price outside that range for something stellar. > >Really wants it in either LeMans Blue or Imola Red, with the respective >two-tone interior to match. Would consider other colors that flow well >with the two-tone interior (silver with the black/silver comes to mind, >or possibly carbon black with the blue/black interior). > >Strongly prefers a car with Park Distance Control, and would prefer the >chrome/satin trim over the wood, but these items aren't dealbreakers. > >Anyone have any leads on a car that fits the profile? I've been through >eBay, cars.com and BMWUSA's CPO site, and have found a couple potentials >but we're still looking for more. > >Any digesters waiting for the e60 M5 that are ready to unload their e39, >that want it to go to a good home? > >Thanks! > >~jedinite ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 May 2004 10:04:01 -0500 From: Dennis Wynne <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: WTB: 2000 or 2001 e39 M5 Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Just about every ad I notice in the Roundel is accompanied by a too-high price tag :-) I did an advanced search on cars.com and found 171 E39 M5s listed ranging from $74k to $22k (salvage car) to $15k (price mistake?). There are probably 20-30 cars listed for $40-50k. At the time I got mine, I got a good deal on a CPO M5 with phone, K40 RADAR, extended free maintenance, and 9k miles. Good thing I am not trying to sell it now with these prices. Dennis 01 M5 silver/black At 07:43 AM 05/19/2004 -0700, you wrote: >jedinite, I've been watching the Roundel and newspaper ads for E39 >M5s. $50K is about the lowest price I've seen. I don't think your >friend is going to be able to be very picky about color and options if >he or she is serious about a low price. And, of course, CPO cars are >going to have higher prices. > >Good luck, > >Scott Miller >GGC BMW CCA > > >Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 17:53:45 -0500 > >From: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >Subject: WTB: 2000 or 2001 e39 M5 > >Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > > >Being the "car nut" I am, i'm always getting drafted to help friends >and > >co-workers make vehicle buying decisions. > > > >Right now I'm helping a friend trying to buy a 2000 or 2001 e39 M5. > >Fellow enthusiast who is pretty particular about what he wants... > > > >Looking for a 2000 or 2001 model in the $40k - $50k range. Slightly > >flexible on price outside that range for something stellar. > > > >Really wants it in either LeMans Blue or Imola Red, with the >respective > >two-tone interior to match. Would consider other colors that flow >well > >with the two-tone interior (silver with the black/silver comes to >mind, > >or possibly carbon black with the blue/black interior). > > > >Strongly prefers a car with Park Distance Control, and would prefer >the > >chrome/satin trim over the wood, but these items aren't dealbreakers. > > > >Anyone have any leads on a car that fits the profile? I've been >through > >eBay, cars.com and BMWUSA's CPO site, and have found a couple >potentials > >but we're still looking for more. > > > >Any digesters waiting for the e60 M5 that are ready to unload their >e39, > >that want it to go to a good home? > > > >Thanks! > > > >~jedinite > > > >Search the ARCHIVES:http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] > > >__________________________________________________________________________ >In memory of Michel Potheau - friend, enthusiast, founder of the BMW CCA. > >UUC Motorwerks - BMW Performance Fine-tuning and home of the Ultimate >Short Shifter - accept no substitutes! >908-874-9092 . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 May 2004 09:06:24 -0700 From: "Chris Marino" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Color-sanding my BMW...Need advice/tips Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Group, I'm about to color sand a 94 3 series and was curious as to whether or not anyone has some tips/tricks to doing this. I will be following the steps below and if this is not the procedure to follow, please let me know. 1. Wash (obviously) 2. Lightly wet-sand the car using 1500 grit sandpaper 3. Using 3M rubbing compound, machine buff the car 4. Using 3M polishing compound, machine buff the car 5. Using a good wax (Zymol), machine buff the car Have I missed anything? Chris ------------------------------ End of [bmwuucdigest] digest(15 messages) **********
