The BMW UUC Digest Volume 2 : Issue 488 : "text" Format Messages in this Issue: WSJ Article/G35 WSJ Article/G35 Re: WSJ Article/G35 Re: wagon in Hood river Re: sorry for OT (EOM) Re: E30 325i fan / radiator issue <E30> Stock wheel tire choices Re: <E30> Stock wheel tire choices Re: WSJ Article <E30> Convertible Hardtop Re: WSJ article Re: WSJ article Re: WSJ article E46 Antenna Re: WSJ article
---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 08:26:15 -0800 From: Tom Kosmalski <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: WSJ Article/G35 Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For a variety of reasons (deleted to relieve reader boredom), I need a wagon, even if it's a small one. If the G35 were available in that configuration, I would have chosen it hands down over the 325iT, for all the reasons others have already mentioned. Tom K. Hood River E46 325iT, and Still Missing the Torque of a Bigger Engine ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 09:20:24 -0800 From: "Rex Tener" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: <[email protected]>, "Rex Tener" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: WSJ Article/G35 Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > For a variety of reasons (deleted to relieve reader boredom), > I need a wagon, even if it's a small one. > If the G35 were available in that configuration, I would have chosen > it hands down over the 325iT, for all the reasons others have already > mentioned. I would have bought the G35 wagon if they made one. Instead I got a Mazda 6 Sport Wagon, 220HP V6, with a 5-speed manual transmission. It is a nice car for the money. There are no new BMW's I want and I doubt I will buy a new one in the next five to ten years. Even though our household is a prime BMW demographic and we have/had three new M Cars over the last ten years. I like the E46 M3, but not enough to get rid of our E36 M3 and S54 M Coupe to get one. Rex Tener [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 13:57:27 -0500 From: "Robinson, Lee" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: WSJ Article/G35 Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > I would have bought the G35 wagon if they made one. Instead > I got a Mazda 6 Sport Wagon, 220HP V6, with a 5-speed manual > transmission. It is a nice car for the money. Quite nice, I'd say...... > > There are no new BMW's I want and I doubt I will buy a new > one in the next five to ten years. Even though our household > is a prime BMW demographic and we have/had three new M Cars > over the last ten years. I like the E46 M3, but not enough > to get rid of our E36 M3 and S54 M Coupe to get one. I wouldn't trade either one of those (especially if I had an S54 Mcoupe!!!!!) for that ponderous luxobarge. The E46 M3 is definitely more in the AMG vein than the BMW M. That car feels heavy in all aspects of driving. I was so disappointed by the driving experience--it very clear why the Z06 (& even run of the mill C5) can spank this car all over any track, autocross, back road, etc. Hell, I bet Ben's STi or any given Mitsu Evo could run circles around this thing without breathing too heavy....I loved the S52 Mcoupe I drove, and can only expect that the S54 could possibly be the latest model BMW I could see myself in......well, when depreciation brings it down into an engineer's price range anyway..... > > Rex Tener > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [EMAIL PROTECTED] Lee ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 12:11:32 -0500 From: "Marc Plante" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: wagon in Hood river Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Can't discuss b/c it's OT, but I went through your decison and opted for an Audi AR, though a BMW 540it (used) was a close second. The AR has a lot more useful carrying capacity, plus it has adjustable ride hieght if you're working with child seats. The 325 was a wagon, but didn't have enough capacity. Also tough to get my wife to go to a 2.5 from a 3.2L M3 I'm jealous of your hometown and it's sailing potential. I have a Progressive Composite board and quiver of sails gathering dust in my basement. Marc Plante E36 M3/4 Vienna, VA ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tom Kosmalski" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: [UUC] WSJ Article Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 08:21:21 -0800 > > SNIP: Or, you can leave it just like it is, & it's a spitting image > of an Accord > from a distance...... > > Hogwash! The new 5 likens more to an Altima (and a slightly > bloated Altima at that). > > The new 5 touring sure looks nice, though. Please don't tempt a > larger portion of this list by offering a V8 version with a manual > tranny! > > 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: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 12:17:34 -0500 From: "Marc Plante" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: sorry for OT (EOM) Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 13:18:43 -0500 From: Don Stevenson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Subject: Re: E30 325i fan / radiator issue Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I agree with all who mentioned motor mounts, this is probably the issue. There is also a bump stop that keeps the engine from going forward, this is underneath closer to the passenger side of the engine. The rubber pads fall off the bump stop or better yet the whole thing gets left off after sloppy work. If this is a track car you can get better performance and longer life by using 6 series motor mounts (not sure of the part #) or the yellow Urethane mounts for the E30 sold by Ireland Engineering. Don Stevenson BMWCCA Boston 1988 325IS KP#49 1987 325IS Street **************************************************************************** This message is intended for the addressee only and may contain privileged or confidential information. Unless you are the intended recipient, you may not use, copy or disclose to anyone any information contained in this message. If you have received this message in error, please notify the author by replying to this message and then kindly delete the message. Thank you. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 12:51:27 -0600 From: "Paul Craven" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Subject: <E30> Stock wheel tire choices Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi all, I know this has been covered in depth before, but since there are fewer and fewer tires out there for 14" wheels, I wanted to see if anyone had found anything special in the 205/60/14 "plus one" size. I have found (in order of cost) Dunlop A2 Sports, BFG TA's, Yoko ES 100s and Michelin XGTH4's. On a previous E30 I put on a set of the Firestone SH30's and liked them a lot as a decent all-season general use tire. The ES100's were erecently discussed as being noisy and they are not an all season, so they are not high on my list (I have a truck for full on snow use, but I drive the E30 otherwise). Anyone have any recent experience good or bad with the above? Maybe some other tire? Of course any of them would be an upgrade from the Road Hugger Radials I now have (really, that's what they say on them). Regards, Paul Craven 93-325ic - now with a hardtop! ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 12:07:20 -0800 From: donna seeley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: UUC digest <[email protected]> Subject: Re: <E30> Stock wheel tire choices Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Paul, I have ES-100s on my E30 325i and E36M3. I really like the handling for a cheap tire. Note: the E30 also has E30M3 springs, offset CA bushings, and Bilstein Sports, which improved the handling more than the tires <g>. With the offset bushings, I get rubbing on the front fender liner at full lock, but not appreciably more with the 205s than the 195s. I'm not so sensitive to noise since I used Yoko A032Rs as E36 street tires for two years (just turned up the stereo at 40mph!) but the ES-100s are _much_ louder on the E36 than the E30. Just for the sake of data, I'm thinking of trying something else on both cars next time. Donna 89 325i, "Sal," weekend fun car 88 M3, "Guido," weekend big fun racecar 97 M3a/4, genderless soulless commuter car On 1/11/05 10:51 AM, "Paul Craven" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hi all, > I know this has been covered in depth before, but since there are fewer > and fewer tires out there for 14" wheels, I wanted to see if anyone had > found anything special in the 205/60/14 "plus one" size. I have found > (in order of cost) Dunlop A2 Sports, BFG TA's, Yoko ES 100s and Michelin > XGTH4's. On a previous E30 I put on a set of the Firestone SH30's and > liked them a lot as a decent all-season general use tire. The ES100's > were erecently discussed as being noisy and they are not an all season, > so they are not high on my list (I have a truck for full on snow use, > but I drive the E30 otherwise). Anyone have any recent experience good > or bad with the above? Maybe some other tire? Of course any of them > would be an upgrade from the Road Hugger Radials I now have (really, > that's what they say on them). > > Regards, > Paul Craven > 93-325ic - now with a hardtop! ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 11:08:47 -0800 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [email protected] Subject: Re: WSJ Article Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Lee, No way for me to post the article. Good summary however. I was particularly galled by Bangles comments (sneer?). While the engines and suspensions or our beloved marque continue leadership positions, the surfilcial and functional elements of the exterior and interior do not. It's worrisome. -Kevin ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 13:15:34 -0600 From: "Paul Craven" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Subject: <E30> Convertible Hardtop Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Just thought I'd share recent experience on this. Last week I bought a used BMW factory hardtop from Bavarian Enterprises in St.Louis (nice folks to work with). These hardtops are a terrific addition to the E30 convertible. Much warmer and quiet, nearly as quiet as a hardtop car (actually more quiet than my wife's Volvo XC). Very nice and worth the high $ they go for. Regards, Paul Craven 93 325ic - Wow the radio even sounds good. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 12:01:40 -0800 From: Raza Uddin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: WSJ article Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >And goes on to show that they stand behind making the > barf-mobiles that they are creating now, even with slumping sales. It > covers how BMW's competitors have closed the performance gap & even > surpassed what was once the industry benchmark, with a quick blurb about a > CCA instructor who was a devoted BMW buyer who bought a new S4 instead & > another who chose a G35 for it's better performance. Lee, What is your source for BMWs slump in sales? From what I can find, BMW-Branded cars for the first time, topped 1 million units rising 10.3 percent from 2003(http://www.dw-world.de/dw/briefs/0,1574,1455723,00.html). It seems to be cyclical that "purists" write-off newer models as not as great, I think, to save the face of their vehicle. I have no shame in admitting the E46 M3 is a superior car to my E36 M3, my only problem is finding the money to buy one! I like the new styling direction simply because BMW is taking chances and innovating, not like Audi and Merc who just recycle and update older designs. Yet if exterior styling is a prob em, there should be no problem about their technology: BMW power trains are some of the most innovative and sophisticated, build quality seems to be as it always has been if not much improved, and convenience technology is, in my opinion, the best of any car manufacturer. That said, it seems that you take a lot of stock in your CCA friends moving to the Audi S4. Two personal friends of mine have bought S4s after their M3/4s and their only reason for switching was that there is no M3 sedan, the 330i ZHP would be considered a "downgrade" from an M car, and the M5 was too expensive for their needs. They still feel that the E36 M3/4 is a much more agile, nimble car and would be much faster if it had the same power as the S4. And I would argue that the S4 doesn't offer any performance advantage over the E46 M3 if pure track impressions are concerned. I would have settled with a ZHP, but I am a BMW fanatic. Paul, As you did mention in your comparison, your 328i is not new. That said, your particular car is 9 years old but the E36 chassis and its technology is in many ways more than 13 years old (1992 production). The E36 also marks BMWs first foray in CAD and it presents some weaknesses/problem areas that need to be addressed in most cars. Yet, the chassis still seems to be the inspiration of all companies trying to get into BMWs pie (i.e. Fords new Mustang) But, I think your comparison is a little unfair. If you are going to compare vehicles, compare the G35 to at least the E46, as they have both benefited from advances in technology as compared to the E36. Even still though, E36s tend to still have an advantage over newer cars. Ask my 350z owner friends how they fare against my stockish (exhaust and software) M3/4 at the track. The base 330i and base G35 are very similar cars, and on pure specs, the G35 would win. But it isn't always about the numbers, its about the driving feel. Car and Driver, who had both the G35 sedan and coupe in last years 10 best, didn't think they were good enough to retain their titles. The BMW 3-series remains on the list for 14 consecutive years, a feat only bettered by Honda's Accord. Being very involved with the Nissan community (part of a Nissan club) and having wrenched, tracked, and lived with 4 Nissan 300zx Twin Turbos I can say the variants (350z and G35) are very capable cars, but feel like bloated, but very fast sedans (even the coupes). They've lost the immediacy and willingness of the older Z32 models and, while good cars, they are not great in my eyes. Drive Safely, Raza ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 15:36:38 -0500 From: "Robinson, Lee" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: WSJ article Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Lee, > What is your source for BMWs slump in sales? From what I can > find, BMW-Branded cars for the first time, topped 1 million > units rising > 10.3 percent from > 2003(http://www.dw-world.de/dw/briefs/0,1574,1455723,00.html). According to the WSJ, they are up 3%, but without the X3, they would be down 8% (or vice versa). Perhaps numbers for the US market only. According to the article, sales of the 5, 7 & Z4 are all down. If the new 3 is as ugly, I'd bet the same fate awaits. > > It seems to be cyclical that "purists" write-off newer models > as not as great, I think, to save the face of their vehicle. > I have no shame in admitting the E46 M3 is a superior car to > my E36 M3, my only problem is finding the money to buy one! Have you driven one? I was always kinda disappointed in the E36 M3, despite it being a really great car. I was really excited about the E46 when I first saw it, because it again looked like an M3 should....at the expense of 3500lbs though. The driving experience left a lot to be desired, especially compared to the far better cars you could buy new. The E36 is the best bang for the buck, but I would want an S54 Mcoupe. The previous 2 generations of M3 were very competitive in their price class, the E46 is just 'vette & Jap import fodder. For the Europeans, it must be even more disappointing, as they only gained 12hp from the E36...... > > I like the new styling direction simply because BMW is taking > chances and innovating, not like Audi and Merc who just > recycle and update older designs. Yet if exterior styling is > a prob em, there should be no problem about their technology: > BMW power trains are some of the most innovative and > sophisticated, build quality seems to be as it always has > been if not much improved, and convenience technology is, in > my opinion, the best of any car manufacturer. Have you seen the new Benz's. Sorry, but the SL & new SLK are far better looking than just about anything on the road--especially the Z4. They are very updated from previous designs. Even the C class is a good looking car now. Audi's just look like someone pumped a little too much air in them. BMW's on the other hand, seem very incongruous from almost any angle. The Z4 has strange un-matching lines that don't seem to make a point other than (we spent more on metalforming). The other cars are no picnic either. What they really look like is a product that was designed by a bunch of people who never talked to each other until the project was done. They said, I have this & I have this....they stuck those together, & we ended up with what you see on the roads. I'm not really aware of any staggering engine/suspension changes between models, & have only heard complaints about the electronics & their reliability. The $45k 330i makes less power than a Nissan Altima or Honda Accord V6!!!!!! Both are available with 6-speeds too, I believe. The CL & TL make almost 50 more HP. The CL, IS300 & G35 are all available with really trick LSDs, & you can get Brembo brakes from the factory on the G35. The C230 sport has a trick diff & 4-piston front brakes. The CTS-V has a 400 'vette V8 in it & Brembo brakes. I'd say all of these companies right now are working their way ahead of BMW when it comes to performance cars. > > That said, it seems that you take a lot of stock in your CCA friends > moving to the Audi S4. Two personal friends of mine have bought S4s > after their M3/4s and their only reason for switching was > that there is no M3 sedan, the 330i ZHP would be considered a > "downgrade" from an M car, and the M5 was too expensive for > their needs. They still feel that the E36 M3/4 is a much > more agile, nimble car and would be much faster if it had the > same power as the S4. And I would argue that the > S4 doesn't offer any performance advantage over the E46 M3 if > pure track impressions are concerned. I would have settled > with a ZHP, but I am a BMW fanatic. I would expect a lot to be more agile than a 4000lb Audi S4!!!! :) That came out of the WSJ, btw. I was a BMW fanatic, but BMW just seems more interested in turning out luxury cars than the driver's cars they built their reputation on......looks more & more like a Subie may be in my future, although I do like the Mcoupe, but suspect the STi may be better. > > > Paul, > As you did mention in your comparison, your 328i is not new. > That said, your particular car is 9 years old but the E36 > chassis and its technology is in many ways more than 13 years > old (1992 production). > The E36 also marks BMWs first foray in CAD and it presents > some weaknesses/problem areas that need to be addressed in > most cars. Yet, the chassis still seems to be the > inspiration of all companies trying to get into BMWs pie > (i.e. Fords new Mustang) I believe most of this was carried over to the E46...... > > But, I think your comparison is a little unfair. If you are > going to compare vehicles, compare the G35 to at least the > E46, as they have both benefited from advances in technology > as compared to the E36. Yes, you should give the BMW a few hundred extra pounds to work with. ;) > Even still though, E36s tend to still have an advantage over > newer cars. Ask my 350z owner friends how they fare against > my stockish (exhaust and software) M3/4 at the track. 350Z? Yaaawn. I've eaten those on the track with my positively archaic E30 M3.....of course, it's also handed a smackdown to all the E36 & E46 cars it's shared the track with......If it were just more cost-effective. I drove the track-package 350Z, & would put an E36M3 against it any day! The G35 feels a lot more confident & refined somehow--a lot more BMW. If the RX-8 had some power, it might be the benchmark for sports sedans (excepting the STi which is kinda special). > I can say the variants (350z and G35) are very capable cars, > but feel like bloated, but very fast sedans (even the > coupes). Exactly like the BMWs you are comparing them too....... > > Drive Safely, > Raza Lee ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 15:09:12 -0500 From: Neil Maller <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Subject: Re: WSJ article Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> on 1/11/05 11:23 AM, "Robinson, Lee" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > To end the article Mr. Bangle, the chief culprit of atrocious BMWs, is > quoted as saying about it's core customers leaving: "Sometimes you leave > people behind. But then you also pick up new people." To which Bangle should have added: "And now they're leaving us behind." Neil 96 M3 - Bastard child 88 MB 300E - Gone after 240K+ miles 03 525iT - New arrival, Sterling Grey Metallic 77 MGB - Original owner, need to sell 05 Mini - Cooper S on order ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 12:19:14 -0800 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [email protected] Subject: E46 Antenna Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> A cow-orker just bought a 323Ci which has a stick antenna. He has seen some E46s with the fin antenna, and being somewhat anal about appearances, he wants to change to the fin-type. Questions: Is this technically feasible? In other words, are the two antenna types equivalent and compatible? I seem to recall that these cars use a diversity antenna system? So in other words, does the diversity electronics care what is attached to the external antenna wire? I don't need to know how to install it, since he won't be doing his own work. If the two antennas are not interchangeable, could he swap out the whole stereo system to make it work? Any options here? Is this making any sense? TIA, Scott Miller GGC BMW CCA ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 14:29:26 -0600 From: Scott Staewen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Joel Gallun <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: [email protected] Subject: Re: WSJ article Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> It can be found at: http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=49791 > >> Too bad nobody posted the article, as it goes much farther than > >> that. > > Was this only in the print edition or was it online too? I couldn't find > it. If it was online could someone post a link? > > Joel ------------------------------ End of [bmwuucdigest] digest(15 messages) **********
