The BMW UUC Digest Volume 2 : Issue 541 : "text" Format Messages in this Issue: Re: <E30> Handling with offset control arm bushing Re: <E30> Handling with offset control arm bushing Re: <E30> Handling with offset control arm bushing Re: <E30> Handling with offset control arm bushing The KYB Controversy Re: The KYB Controversy Re: <E30> Handling with offset control arm bushing Re: Stuck seat belt retractor Hog Ring Pliers BMW Tool needed Re: <E30> HVAC Fan Experience. Fitment Problems with UUC SS Exhaust on E36 M3 Re: Fitment Problems with UUC SS Exhaust on E36 M3 Re: Fitment Problems with UUC SS Exhaust on E36 M3 e30 OBC mileage functions E46 UUC Exhaust
---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 18:53:44 -0500 From: "marshall lytle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "'Nancy and Bob Fluharty'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, "'BMW Digest'" <[email protected]> Subject: Re: <E30> Handling with offset control arm bushing Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I had m3 offset bushings on both my street/auto-x e30 325is and my scca its prepped e30 325is race car. The race car had no power steering and had a locked rear diff. Zero issues with turn in, steering sensitivity or stability with either car. This mod is a no-brainer, especially if you already have the parts. There is nothing to be hesitant about. The degree of change is so small that 90% of the people wouldn't even notice if you swapped them onto their car without telling them about it. Just do it! :-) Marshall -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Nancy and Bob Fluharty Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2005 6:24 PM To: BMW Digest Subject: Re: [UUC] <E30> Handling with offset control arm bushing Chris said: > in my experience I have found that > -the bushings make the car much more stable at higher speeds (90mph+) > -the bushings make the car noticeably more difficult to turn in I've been sitting on a set of these for a year, trying to decide if I want to install them. I know many people like them, Mike Miller LOVES them, but there are dissenters like Rich D who think the added caster is a bad thing. I'm planning to step up my autocross participation this summer, so I'm not looking for slower turn-in. For that matter, I've never felt any deficiency in high-speed stability. Do others agree with Chris? If that's the consensus, then I don't want them. Other views? Bob Fluharty 87 325is/3.0 Cincinnati 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: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 21:01:19 -0800 From: "Scott & Charlotte Miller" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "UUC Digest" <[email protected]> Subject: Re: <E30> Handling with offset control arm bushing Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have the factory E30 M3 offset lower control arm bushings on my '90 325i, which I autocross. Turn-in and cornering are definitely improved. I'm very happy with the results, and I will definitely go offset next time they need to be replaced. Anyone planning to autocross their car with offset bushings should check to see if they are legal in your intended class before installing them. Scott Miller GGC BMW CCA >Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2005 23:24:26 -0000 >From: "Nancy and Bob Fluharty" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: "BMW Digest" <[email protected]> >Subject: Re: <E30> Handling with offset control arm bushing >Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Chris said: > >> in my experience I have found that >> -the bushings make the car much more stable at higher speeds (90mph+) >> -the bushings make the car noticeably more difficult to turn in > >I've been sitting on a set of these for a year, trying to decide if I want >to install them. I know many people like them, Mike Miller LOVES them, but >there are dissenters like Rich D who think the added caster is a bad thing. > >I'm planning to step up my autocross participation this summer, so I'm not >looking for slower turn-in. For that matter, I've never felt any deficiency >in high-speed stability. > >Do others agree with Chris? If that's the consensus, then I don't want them. >Other views? > >Bob Fluharty >87 325is/3.0 >Cincinnati ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 08:45:53 -0500 From: "Weimer, Matt J." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "BMW Digest" <[email protected]> Subject: Re: <E30> Handling with offset control arm bushing Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I think I may have just soiled myself. That has to be one of the most classic replies to a post in digest history. Gary, I read this at work, everyone already thinks I am crazy...laughing out loud at my computer does not help. Matt Weimer Hoosier Chapter '88 iS '95 M3 ----------------------------------------- Original Message: Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 18:28:16 -0500 From: "Gary Derian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Subject: Re: <E30> Handling with offset control arm bushing Castor lubricates the alimentary canal. Don't use too much or it will leak out. Caster is the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side. <snip> Gary Derian ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 19:25:38 -0500 From: "Stan Jackson Jr." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Subject: Re: <E30> Handling with offset control arm bushing Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Ya got me on "castor". Oops. Yup, I understand the definition of caster. I did not mean to say the shift of the wheel is caused by the additional caster, but rather by the offset bushing -- which is installed to gain caster. I'm still wondering whether the offset bushing pushes the wheel towards the outer fender or the inner fender liner. My concern was that by using an offset CAB backwards, I might get too little caster (or theoretically even negative caster, but I doubt it). Sounds like you do not think that would be a problem on a 325iX. In which case, the backwards offset CAB would give me slightly better turn-in on a 325iX -- which is what I want. Thanks, Stan > From: "Gary Derian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > Castor lubricates the alimentary canal. Don't use too much or it will leak > out. > > Caster is the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side. > Positive is when the angle slopes up and rearward. > > iX's have much less caster because the front wheels drive. Caster would > create torque steer. Drive torque reacts about the steering axis at the > center of the hub. Brake forces react about the steering axis at the tire > footprint. > > Gary Derian > > > >I agree that with a track suspension, high speed stability is not an issue. > > > > More castor pushes the wheel into the fender (outwards) or into the inner > > fender liner (inwards)? > > > > So now consider the 325iX. I don't know the actual stock castor, but I > > know > > the strut towers are MUCH more vertical than on a RWD E30. The AWD > > probably > > adds to high speed stability. Understeer and turn-in response are issues. > > I'm thinking that a Delrin offset bushing installed BACKWARDS might be > > great > > on the iX. Any thoughts? > > > > Stan ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 18:33:29 -0600 From: "BMWBits" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Uucdigest" <[email protected]> Subject: The KYB Controversy Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hate to contravene a noted professional like Jenny , but I HAVE to disagree here . I have installed KYBs almost since the day they started being imported to the US and have had NO failures at all in that time . Most applications were 2002, but the set I put on my wife's 82 Mercury Capri were as good the day they watched that POS go to the scrapyard as when I installed them 12 yrs earlier . In general the Gas Adjusts are stiff on both jounce and rebound so matching them with stock springs will result in a very jiggly (overcontrolled ) ride ..they need some stouter springs to 'make them work' but as a cheap alternate to other options they are pretty good. Maybe the benign road-environment around Seattle (no salt, just water ) enabled them to survive well ? Relative to the much-vaunted Konis (reds ) ...I have a pile of their strut inserts in my Seattle basement where they ALL have collapsed at the bottom -they go from being round to a distorted triangle-shape that jams itself into the outer-housing and makes it extremely difficult to remove them . I didn�t install any of them, but I sure suffered during the replacement process !! Havent had problems with Boge or Bilsteins either so cant knock them . DO make sure tho' that if you buy/install Bilsteins you put the warrantee and record of purchase in a very safe place where you WILL be able to find them . That famous replacement warranty is strictly for the original purchaser and they WILL make you prove it . Bill Proud , 35 yrs messing with BMWs ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 05:39:48 -0600 From: Jenny Morgan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: BMWBits <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: Uucdigest <[email protected]> Subject: Re: The KYB Controversy Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have no problem with your disagreement, as most car opinions, including mine, ultimately come down to personal, ancedotal experiences. Have at! Jenny On Feb 14, 2005, at 6:33 PM, BMWBits wrote: > Hate to contravene a noted professional like Jenny , but I HAVE to > disagree here . > I have installed KYBs almost since the day they started being imported > to the US and have had NO failures at all in that time . Most > applications were 2002, but the set I put on my wife's 82 Mercury Capri > were as good the day they watched that POS go to the scrapyard as when > I > installed them 12 yrs earlier . ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 18:00:55 -0800 From: JKerouac <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "[uucdigest]" <[email protected]> Subject: Re: <E30> Handling with offset control arm bushing Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Wrt front control arm bushing hole positioning, there is another option for hole position. Since the bushing is round, the hole can be positioned anywhere around the circle. The halfway up and out position, 10:30 if you're looking at the rear of the bushing, was what I found to be fastest for autocrossing on a lowered E30. That's the midpoint between max camber and max caster. Some may like the results better with the hole all the way in the straight up 12:00 position. Reason this hole repositioning is effective another suspension geometry effect, bump steer. Ideally, the front control arm ought to deflect to horizontal at maximum lean. That would be max possible caster and negative camber. With a lowered car, the outer ball joint can end up above horizontal wrt the inner ball joint. In that orientation, as the car lean, the tire gets pulled inward rather than pushed outward. Thus beyond the horizontal control arm position, camber is lost, not gained. Relocating the inner ball joint higher or outer one lower is not realistic on any bimmer after the 2002 and Bavaria. With an offset bushing, raising the hole, and therefore the rear of the arm, can be done. This plays a geometric sleight of hand since the plane the arm sits in now tilts forward, and effectively places the outer ball joint lower than it had been in the front to back plane the arm makes from the bushing hole forward to the inner ball joint. Thus the bump steer effect is reduced or eliminated, depending on how much the car has been lowered. This can be visualized by putting the front end on stands, then mounting a strut w/out the spring, and observing arm deflection at various strut lengths and bushing hole positions. Barry Christian Els wrote: >Carlos Lopez wrote: > >>If you want Miata like turn in response I recommend the delrin bushings >>from Bimmeworld (since those are the only ones I've tried) >> >>Were these centered or offset? >>I went with centered delrin bushings on my DSP/Spec E30 car after >>having run offset rubber (oe M3) bushings previously and I really >>enjoyed how steering response 'tightened up' with the delrin but >>didn't notice any extra harshness due to that change, nor did I notice >>any change in turn-in characteristics as a result of switching from >>offset back to centered. $0.02 Christian Els Columbia, MO >> ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 23:27:10 -0500 From: "Dennis Liu" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "BMW List" <[email protected]> Cc: "'nick brearley'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: Stuck seat belt retractor Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> John V. wrote: >Being a safety item, I'd suggest speaking with your service rep and if >they won't cover it, calling BMWNA. I cannot FATHOM BMW not wanting >this fixed, even if it IS on their nickle. Nick wrote: >I would be inclined to go for a bona fide replacement part. You >mentioned Wife and Child in your post, that alone would decide the issue for me... >Know your limitations is the rule here IMHO. No doubt others have >greater skills and experience to advise you on this. ________________ Yeah, I think you're right. I was hoping that there was simply "technique" to get the belt to release that I'm missing. I'll give the rep at my dealership a shout, and if not, then I guess I'll try escalating it (how does one go about calling BMW NA, anyway?). It wouldn't be so annoying but for the facts that (a) this happened to the OTHER rear belt last year, and (b) it's like we're abusing the belt, we're just following the darn instructions! Vty, --Dennis '00 528iT with recalcitrant rear belt Outside of Boston, Taxachusetts ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 20:52:44 -0800 From: "Scott & Charlotte Miller" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "UUC Digest" <[email protected]> Subject: Hog Ring Pliers BMW Tool needed Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Who else but the Germans would have different size hog rings? Probably a perfectly good engineering reason for this, too. Lighter hog rings for higher performance? Sorry that I'm not much use here. Why can't Mr. Upholstery Guy just use American hog rings? Does this need to be authentic for coucourse competition? Scott Miller GGC BMW CCA Not sure what size hog rings Kevin Chinn used on my seat covers > Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2005 19:39:59 -0500 > From: Ed MacVaugh <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: Hog Ring Pliers BMW Tool needed > >I found hog rings for my E30 seat recover project in the ETK parts >catalog. 52 10 1 945 543 > >Anyone have access to the special tools database who can tell me the >number of the corresponding pliers? > >My upholstery guy says that BMW uses a smaller size rings than US cars >and his pliers can't keep hold of the smaller rings. > >Anyone? > >Thanks, > >Ed ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 21:28:18 -0800 From: "Scott & Charlotte Miller" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "UUC Digest" <[email protected]> Cc: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: <E30> HVAC Fan Experience. Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I've been told that the problem is the crappy rivet connection points at the ends of the coil spring resistors. Supposedly you can flow some solder over them to fix the problem. But you need a Real Manly soldering iron, not some cutesy little girly soldering iron (like mine). Faced with either buying a Real Manly soldering iron or just replacing the resistor pack, I replaced the pack. Scott Miller GGC BMW CCA >Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 14:03:27 -0800 >From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >To: [email protected] >Subject: <E30> HVAC Fan Experience. >Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Two weekends ago on of the PM routines on the E30 was to fix the HVAC fan. >It only worked in Position #4 where the switch directly shunts the battery >to the fan. > >After checking the unloader relay and fuses and voltages at those points >the other obvious candidate was the resistor plate under the squirrel cage. >After removing the firewall cover and fan shroud removal of the resistor >pack showed no problems. The resistors were intact. I cleaned the pack and >mating connectors and still no operation. > >Next I cleaned the contacts on the center contacts below the resistor >coils. I assume this is a bi-metalic switch that would open if a resistor >gets too hot. Still no normal operation. > >Next cleaned the spade connector on the front of the motor (brush?). Nope, >no change. > >The circuit is pretty simple. If the switch works and the pack is good it's >got to be something obvious. Indeed it was. On the upper back of the fan >motor is a second connector. After removing and cleaning this connector and >tightening up the female side of the spade the circuit worked. I think the >last person looking into the system might have gotten the male spade >between the plastic insulator of the female connector and its connector. > >-Kevin ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 10:17:32 EST From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [email protected] Subject: Fitment Problems with UUC SS Exhaust on E36 M3 Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> My son recently purchased a UUC stainless steel exhaust for his '96 M3, and after installation he noticed a couple things: First, it's loud as hell! Is it suppose to be that much noisier than stock? Second, the fitment isn't what he thought it would be, and it definitely doesn't fit as close to the cowling like the ads show...it protrudes out much too far. He's seriously considering returning it. Now, I've always heard good things about these exhausts...are we missing something? Any thoughts or advice? Thanks, John Weese '88 ///M5 (98k) Justin Weese '96 ///M3 (36k) ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 10:32:17 -0500 From: "Rob Levinson * UUC Motorwerks" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Fitment Problems with UUC SS Exhaust on E36 M3 Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi John, The System*U is known to be an "aggressive" exhaust... but it will definitely break in and get noticeably quieter after 500-100 miles (or less if you really romp on it!). A single DE will also do the trick. I have been in communication with Justin via e-mail over the weekend and am expecting a call from him this afternoon to discuss the installation. - Rob ----- Original Message ----- From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2005 10:17 AM Subject: [UUC] Fitment Problems with UUC SS Exhaust on E36 M3 > My son recently purchased a UUC stainless steel exhaust for his '96 M3, and > after installation he noticed a couple things: > > First, it's loud as hell! Is it suppose to be that much noisier than stock? > > Second, the fitment isn't what he thought it would be, and it definitely > doesn't fit as close to the cowling like the ads show...it protrudes out much too > far. He's seriously considering returning it. > > Now, I've always heard good things about these exhausts...are we missing > something? > > Any thoughts or advice? > > Thanks, > > John Weese > '88 ///M5 (98k) > Justin Weese > '96 ///M3 (36k) > 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, 15 Feb 2005 11:08:04 -0500 From: "Steve Stoner" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Fitment Problems with UUC SS Exhaust on E36 M3 Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> John wrote <First, it's loud as hell!> Yes it is. My initial reaction upon installing mine was that it was too loud and maybe I had made a mistake. No sneaking up on anybody with the UUC. It is a major change and will take some getting used to. And... <Second, the fitment isn't what he thought it would be, and it definitely doesn't fit as close to the cowling like the ads show...it protrudes out much too far.> Are you saying that the pipes seem to extend rearward beyond the rear apron? It does, but not drastically. I trimmed a little of the inside of the exhaust path from the apron for side clearance as the angle of the opening and the angle the pipes were taking was a little off. The trimming isn't noticeable externally to speak of. You can fiddle with the hangers a little bit to adjust fitment. And <Now, I've always heard good things about these exhausts...are we missing something? Any thoughts or advice?> Nope, think you about have it covered. Great sound, NO STEALTH. I felt very conspicuous driving the car after first installing the UUC exhaust, I've gotton over it. Steve Stoner 97M3, UUC exhaust and some other stuff ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 10:34:17 -0500 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [email protected] Subject: e30 OBC mileage functions Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> All, I've recently completed my refresh of my dash including new ni-cad batteries and re-soldering of my speedo which stopped working two years ago. The speedo works as does my cruise control (not that I use it, but hate the idea of the car having it and not functioning) but my OBC mileage functions don't work. Affected by this: Avg MPH, Avg MPG, Range.....max mph works fine though. Any ideas? Also , I replaced the bulb on the back of my OBC and the readout lights just fine but my OBC buttons are not lit at all. Is this the light board? As always thanks to all who lend their experience to this group. Dave 84 325e ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 09:18:07 -0800 From: Tom Kosmalski <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: E46 UUC Exhaust Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Seeing the recent posts on the noise level of the UUC exhaust for the E36 M3 makes me wonder what people think it might be on their new system developed with Corsa for the E46. I had 95%+ settled on installing this system this summer, but now I am second-guessing myself based on noise concerns. TIA for any opinions! Tom Kosmalski Hood River, OR E46 325iT ------------------------------ End of [bmwuucdigest] digest(15 messages) **********
