The BMW UUC Digest Volume 2 : Issue 491 : "text" Format Messages in this Issue: Re: WSJ article Re: WSJ article Fw: HELP!!! My BACK UP LIGHTS ON and it won't go out. Re: Fw: HELP!!! My BACK UP LIGHTS ON and it won't go out. Re: Fw: HELP!!! My BACK UP LIGHTS ON and it won't go Re: Fw: HELP!!! My BACK UP LIGHTS ON and it won't go Re: Fw: HELP!!! My BACK UP LIGHTS ON and it won't go Re: E46 Pre-purchase questions Re: E46 Pre-purchase questions 15x7 e36 wheels wanted FS M50 OBD1 2.5L Engine, 5spd trans, drivetrain GGC Driving School at Laguna Seca <E36> Spark plug confusion Re: <E36> Spark plug confusion Re: E46 Prepurchase questions
---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 21:12:01 -0500 From: Ben Keyes <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Raza Uddin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, [email protected] Subject: Re: WSJ article Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Raza wrote: > I like the EVO and the STi but their styling is very "ricey" and have > some of the worst interiors I have ever seen. Also, the STi > especially is very heavy. I did enjoy the car when I drove it during > a monsoon track session at Thunderhill. the STi is around 150lbs lighter than most E46 M3's (3,175 IIRC) and I wouldn't call that "very heavy". the Evo weighs within the 15 lbs of the STi. this is no coincidence, as they need to be at that weight to make it into a particular EPA weight class and return more favorable MPG numbers on the EPA's test cycle, which is different depending on the weight class. the interior on the STi isn't completely horrible (esp with the upgrades for '05 from '04) but the stock seats are not that good. Evo interior is much more cheap, but it has much better seats. neither of them are VW-quality or anything, but that's not their mission in life. in the right color (white) the STi is relatively innocent looking if you're not car-savvy. swapping out the trunk for a normal WRX trunk loses you some feel thru high-speed sweepers (apparently, I've not done it, but it's documented by people with track time in otherwise identical cars who I trust) but it's not the end of the world. the big scoop is functional in terms of feeding the larger STi intercooler, so I'd leave it alone. the Evo is more in-you-face than the STi but the taillights are fugly. haven't driven an Evo, but the more lag, more nervous, less torquey character vs the STi makes me think I made the right choice, esp given the significant cost difference between the equally-equipped (diff-wise) MR & the STi and the suspect quality & warranty-nazi moves that Mitsubishi has inflicted on it's customers. all that being said, my STi is for sale (~$23k give or take) as it's too much car & too much $$ to be a daily driver while I have a dedicated track car. replacement ? E34 M5 - much more suited to my particular commute and in the case of the car I bought, around 45% of the cost & with 99% of it's depreciation taken care of. with a driver of equal skill with the same level of simple mods - track pads, added camber, track tires - I suspect that an STi would give an E46 M3 a lot of trouble on the right track. but given that it's 60% of the price (new) and a more capable 4-season machine, plus with the availability of an additional 50 hp & ft-lbs for less than $2k, it's quite a bargain. Ben too many cars ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 10:58:57 -0500 (GMT-05:00) From: Brian Daley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: WSJ article Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> -----Original Message----- From: Steve Stoner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Jan 11, 2005 8:17 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [UUC] WSJ article <snipped> >Witness the new Mustang convertible that lowers and raises the door glass ala >e36 coupe, a feature that really >bugged me the first time I test drove an >e36. </snipped> I hope for their sake Ford did a better job of it. You've hit on one of my great pet peeves. Without question this is the least reliable "feature" of my '94 325ic. I've grow accustomed to taking my doors apart at least once a year, usually after the window drop hasn't been working for several months and I finally get sick of finding just the right spot where the door will close but not leak when it rains. The BMW engineers are much too impressed with how clever they are. First they design in a problem, then design unnecessary complexity into solving it. I haven't been able to get them to work consistently for more than a few months at a time, and you have to buy the whole latch assembly to replace them. And oh by the way, a number of other features depend on the same switches. When they're not working the brain doesn't know if the doors are open or closed. You don't get the buzzer if you've left the headlights on, and you can't double-lock the car. This is particul! arly a problem with a convertible as you can simply reach in and open the door from the inside handle while the central locking also unlocks the glove box and trunk. Thanks BMW engineers! <end rant> Brian '94 325ic - with working windows...for now...it's only been about 3 months since I had the doors apart. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 21:39:09 -0500 From: "lieb923" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "UUC GARAGE" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, "UUC DIGEST" <[email protected]>, "son of the garage" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, "BentleyPublishers-TECH" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Fw: HELP!!! My BACK UP LIGHTS ON and it won't go out. Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: HELP!!! My BACK UP LIGHTS ON and it won't go out. > Got out of my car today and noticed the rt. back up light was still on. > Tried to work the shift lever around. Recycled the ign. switch a few a few > times, no change. Opened the trunk and removed a HOT! halogen bulb. I have > been using these bulbs for years without a problem. This was a FIRE > waiting to happen. Anyone BTDT? > Norman Lieberman '97 528/5 in phila. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 22:07:54 -0500 From: "KMS- Brett Anderson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "UUC Digest" <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Fw: HELP!!! My BACK UP LIGHTS ON and it won't go out. Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reverse lights are controlled by the LKM via the IKE, initiated by the DME. In layman's terms, the reverse light switch sends a signal to the DME (engine control unit), which passes the information on to the IKE (instrument cluster). The IKE then tells the LKM (Light Control Module) that it would like reverse lights, and the LKM complies.. So..... your problem could be in any of those areas. Why one? Not sure, although it's entirely possible that each light is a separate circuit out of the LKM, I don't have access to the diagrams at home. My guess is high wattage halogen bulbs have finally taken their toll on the LKM's circuitry. Brett Anderson KMS > -----Original Message----- > > Got out of my car today and noticed the rt. back up light was still on. > > Tried to work the shift lever around. Recycled the ign. switch > a few a few > > times, no change. Opened the trunk and removed a HOT! halogen > bulb. I have > > been using these bulbs for years without a problem. This was a FIRE > > waiting to happen. Anyone BTDT? > > Norman Lieberman '97 528/5 in phila. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 09:32:17 +0000 From: nick brearley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "UUC Digest" <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Fw: HELP!!! My BACK UP LIGHTS ON and it won't go Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> At 22:07 11/01/05 -0500, "KMS- Brett Anderson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >Reverse lights are controlled by the LKM via the IKE, initiated by the DME. > >In layman's terms, the reverse light switch sends a signal to the DME >(engine control unit), which passes the information on to the IKE >(instrument cluster). The IKE then tells the LKM (Light Control Module) >that it would like reverse lights, and the LKM complies.. To the uninitiated that looks a bit like sophistication for sophistication's sake. Presumably there must be a valid reason?? Possibly BMW likes all those PCBs, connectors and splices to have that warm cosy feeling from knowing that they are intimately involved in the everyday running of every last bit of the car... BTW Brett, thanks for the tip on fixing the false readings from the coolant level sensor. Right on the money. Again. Nick ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 10:50:03 -0800 From: "Marco Romani" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Fw: HELP!!! My BACK UP LIGHTS ON and it won't go Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> it's not just BMW. Just about any GM truck built after 2001 is pretty much like that too. Fords too, maybe even at a earlier date. I doubt there are many new cars out there right now that do not use some variation of what Brett described. Marco -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of nick brearley Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2005 1:32 AM To: UUC Digest Subject: Re: [UUC] Fw: HELP!!! My BACK UP LIGHTS ON and it won't go At 22:07 11/01/05 -0500, "KMS- Brett Anderson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >Reverse lights are controlled by the LKM via the IKE, initiated by the DME. > >In layman's terms, the reverse light switch sends a signal to the DME >(engine control unit), which passes the information on to the IKE >(instrument cluster). The IKE then tells the LKM (Light Control Module) >that it would like reverse lights, and the LKM complies.. To the uninitiated that looks a bit like sophistication for sophistication's sake. Presumably there must be a valid reason?? Possibly BMW likes all those PCBs, connectors and splices to have that warm cosy feeling from knowing that they are intimately involved in the everyday running of every last bit of the car... BTW Brett, thanks for the tip on fixing the false readings from the coolant level sensor. Right on the money. Again. Nick 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, 12 Jan 2005 10:58:04 -0800 From: Mark Dadgar <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: Fw: HELP!!! My BACK UP LIGHTS ON and it won't go Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> On Jan 12, 2005, at 1:32 AM, nick brearley wrote: >> Reverse lights are controlled by the LKM via the IKE, initiated by >> the DME. >> >> In layman's terms, the reverse light switch sends a signal to the DME >> (engine control unit), which passes the information on to the IKE >> (instrument cluster). The IKE then tells the LKM (Light Control >> Module) >> that it would like reverse lights, and the LKM complies.. > > To the uninitiated that looks a bit like sophistication for > sophistication's sake. Presumably there must be a valid reason?? > Possibly BMW likes all those PCBs, connectors and splices to have that > warm cosy feeling from knowing that they are intimately involved in > the everyday running of every last bit of the car... There are actually some really good reasons for this: 1) it dramatically reduces the wire count in the car, which is cheaper to design, cheaper to manufacture, and cheaper to maintain 2) modern auto electrical systems are pushing the boundaries of what a reasonably-sized car alternator can produce. Reducing the amount of wiring, particularly fairly long runs of it, reduces transmission losses due to resistance. Increasing the alternator size has other issues (heat, weight, economy) and would require larger mains, a larger battery, etc. 3) you can do some clever things like substitute other lights in case of burned-out bulbs, etc. Multiplexed wiring harnesses are the future. As Marco pointed out, most GM trucks are this way now. In fact, GM pioneered this technology in a production vehicle with the Cadillac Allante back in the late 80's. - Mark ----- [EMAIL PROTECTED] Check out my JustRacing Home Page at: http://www.justracing.com/homepage/mdadgar ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 18:42:49 -0800 (PST) From: Andre Yew <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: E46 Pre-purchase questions Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> On Tue, 11 Jan 2005, Tammer Farid wrote: > 1) Did the E46 control arm issue get resolved? Is this a > point of weakness on the '02 cars? Not sure. I've heard people just going through them even after fixes. FWIW, my car ('00 328Ci) has almost 67K miles on it, 5 percent of which were spent on a track, and I haven't yet had to replace mine (knocks on wood). > 2) Does this car have a "lifetime fill" transmission? If > so, are there other compatible fluids? Yes. The Redline fluids I've been using have been working well so far. I've switched to 30K intervals. Speaking of questionable fluids, you may want to check to see if the oil filter's been changed to the newer longer-lifed kind if they've been following factory oil intervals. The oil change kit part number for that is 11 42 7 512 300. > 3) Is the '02 compatible with the iPod linking system? Yes. > 4) Do the new motor families suffer from the same cooling > issues the M5x E36 did (radiator necks breaking, etc.)? Mine hasn't yet (knocks on wood yet again), and according to my service advisor, they haven't seen any E46 come in with radiator problems, FWIW. There were a couple of recalls related to the thermostat, so make sure those are done. The rubber lining along the door openings tend to fall off, but that can be fixed with some glue from 3M. Rear shock mounts have issues as usual. Window regulators tend to break, as does some clip inside the sunroof (both will make their windows inoperable). Also, the final stage resistor pack in the HVAC tends to die (the AC fan acts like it's possessed, or just dies). From what I've read, these are pretty much standard BMW issues. --Andre ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 18:47:52 -0800 (PST) From: Andre Yew <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: E46 Pre-purchase questions Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> On Tue, 11 Jan 2005, I wrote: > > 3) Is the '02 compatible with the iPod linking system? > > Yes. I should add that this is true only if you have an in-dash CD player. If you have an in-dash tape player or Nav or a CD changer, no iPod link for you. --Andre ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 10:52:35 -0500 (EST) From: Mark Andy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: 15x7 e36 wheels wanted Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Howdy, Anyone got some stock 15x7 e36 bmw wheels sitting around they want to get rid of? I need a couple sets... One for street wheels (so they shouldn't be _too_ ugly) and one for track wheels (appearance doesn't matter). They need to be straight/round... Cheaper is better. Could trade a set of 17x7.5 '95 M3 oem wheels in fair condition (visually ok, pretty straight) for two sets of good condition 15x7's... Thanks! Mark (in Pittsburgh, PA) ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 10:55:12 -0500 From: CsWs <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: FS M50 OBD1 2.5L Engine, 5spd trans, drivetrain Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I was going to use the engine in my racecar to run DM in BMWCCA. but lack of sufficient budget drives the sale. I have for sale a complete engine and drivetrain form a 93 525 5spd. Perfect as a plug and play on the E30 M50 conversion. Has the oil pan and Oil pump you need. For the engine & trans which includes AC, PS pump, HFM, exhaust manifold, and wiring harness with ECU I am asking $1700 obo 3:23 diff non-LS I believe(?) $300 obo Plenty of parts from 93 525 as well I am flexible with price and with what I will take/leave with the engine. Will also separate engine and trans. I live in MI, but I have contacts in Ohio, Indiana, and, Chicago to potentially reduce cost. I may be passing back into NJ in Feb sometime as well. Please email me privately if interested Thanks Karl Rentler ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 10:37:14 -0800 From: Mark Dadgar <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: E36M3 E36M3 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, UUC Digest <[email protected]> Subject: GGC Driving School at Laguna Seca Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> BMW CCA Golden Gate Chapter has a special one-day driving school at Laguna Seca on Monday, February 7th. This school is for Advanced and High-Intermediate drivers (A and B group) as well as novice and intermediate MINI owners. Laguna Seca dates are in extreme demand this year as the track is shutting down for 6 weeks of construction in May and June, thanks to the upcoming MotoGP race. So if you are interested in some track time at Laguna Seca, this is a great opportunity. Prices are $249 for BMW CCA members and $289 for non-members (includes a one-year BMW CCA membership). More info at: http://www.ggcbmwcca.org Please feel free to forward this info if you know of someone who may be interested. See you there! - Mark ----- [EMAIL PROTECTED] Check out my JustRacing Home Page at: http://www.justracing.com/homepage/mdadgar ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 11:33:50 -0800 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [email protected] Subject: <E36> Spark plug confusion Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Either I was given the wrong owners manual or there has been an update to the spark plugs spec'd for the M3. In the owner's manual it calls for either the Bosch F7LDCR/NGKBKR6EK. but if I go around to common sources such as Eurasian or BavAuto they call for a Bosch FGR8KQC. What and why the difference? One other wrinkle this is a SC'd motor, should the plug be different for this set up? Thanks, Kevin ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 14:47:40 -0800 From: Jim Bassett <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: <E36> Spark plug confusion Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Quoting [EMAIL PROTECTED]: > Either I was given the wrong owners manual or there has been an update to > the spark plugs spec'd for the M3. In the owner's manual it calls for > either the Bosch F7LDCR/NGKBKR6EK. > > but if I go around to common sources such as Eurasian or BavAuto they call > for a Bosch FGR8KQC. > > What and why the difference? Easy: '95 M3 - Bosch F7LDCR/NGKBKR6EK '96+ M3 - Bosch FGR8KQC (actually, an FGR8KQE now) So, which M3 do you have? :-) Cheers, Jim Bassett 1998 M3/4 - Bosch plugs 1993 325is #44 JP - uses same as '95 M3 ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message was sent using IMP, the Internet Messaging Program. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 11:53:13 -0800 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [email protected] Subject: Re: E46 Prepurchase questions Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Rob says: "Only the ocean has a "lifetime fill". " Not according to AE van's imagination... let's see if that obscure reference is caught. -Kevin ------------------------------ End of [bmwuucdigest] digest(15 messages) **********
