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fbloogyudsr
Guest
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 Posted:
Thu Nov 11, 2004 9:39 pm Post subject:
Re: BMW Company History help... |
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"Grant" <news@mason.sh> wrote
"Texas" and the British English spelling of "programmes" in the same
sentence; Bush would have a fit... ;->
Floyd
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Jeff Strickland
Guest
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| Posted:
Thu Nov 11, 2004 10:35 pm Post subject:
Re: E36 Wheels and Suspension questions |
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I have inspected them, and they are fine.
It is possible that they are needing replacement since I last checked them,
but they look fine, I have no noises from suspension parts clanging against
one another and the tires wear evenly despite never, that's n-e-v-e-r,
getting a wheel alignment. If I needed bushings, at least one of those
things would not be a true statement, I ought to hear noises, have poor tire
wear, or rerquire alignments. Something would be amiss if the suspension
bushings were gone, however I completely agree that even in the best of
cases, I have to be close to needing new suspension parts even if I am
confident they are fine today. I can only assume that because I live in
southern CA., where it never rains - much less snows - there is very little
that will attack the rubber under my car. You guys that live where there is
actual weather will have a different experience than I have.
"Richard Sperry" <richardsperry@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:x_mdnZglIIvz0g7cRVn-gQ@comcast.com...
| Quote: | Jeff, if you have 200K on your car and you don't think you need to inspect
/
replace bushings, you are in for a surprise. RSMs are a replacement item
by
at least 100K along with lcas and rtabs. I would have them checked out.
"Jeff Strickland" <spamcatcher@yahoo.net> wrote in message
news:10p4jpsbfl825a6@corp.supernews.com...
"Jim P." <guysanddolls5nospam@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:HPKdnenLNJpDCAzcRVn-ig@comcast.com...
Hi All,
I have a '96 328i, all stock, with about 96,000 miles. I bought the
car
in 2002 with 54,000 miles on it. I live in the New York city area.
Some questions on a couple of topics:
1- Would there be any suspension components/ bushings due for
replacement
srtictly based on this mileage? If so, recommendations?
I have a '94 325i that is also stock, except I upgraded the wheels
recently
to 17" from an M3. I bought my car at 100,000 in 2000, and now have
200,000.
I put an average of 25,000 miles per year over 4 years. I have no reason
to
think I need any bushings or other suspension components.
2- I'd like to switch from the original 15" wheel/tire setup to 16"or
17"
when I take off my snow tires next spring. I see a lot of aftermarket
wheels, at tirerack for example, that are said to fit the car, but have
a
different offset than the stock BMW wheels. How important is it to
maintain
the exact offset? Is there an allowable difference of a few mm? What
about
the use of spacers? They don't seem like a suitable alternative seeing
how
the stock wheel sits over the center hub.
Let me urge you to go to eBay and do a search on 'BMW OEM E36 17"
WHEELS'.
You can modify the search string, drop OEM and/or E36, or change the
size
to
16", and get a different mix of results. If you leave the OEM in the
string,
you will cut out the after market rims (for the most part) and get a
listing
of factory original rims that are take-offs where somebody is changinf
from
the size you are searching on to an even larger size.
I scored a set (all 5) of rims from an M3. The tires that go on these
rims
are 225/45x17. They are within 1% of being the same size as the tires
(225/55x15) that came off, and are very colose to the 205/60s that you
probably have today. The 225/45s are nearly an inch wider than the
205/60s,
but they will fit without any modification to your car. The offset of
the
M3
rim is correct for your car. The wider tires will not allow chains, but
you
have a set of snow tires already so this should be OK. Alternatively,
you
can put on a 205/50x17 and then you can use chains if you need them
before
the start of the official snow season and get caught out in the snow.
Check this link for the BMW offerings (I got the Style 22, M3 Double
Spoke)
http://www.kalach.easynet.be/bmw_wheels.htm
TIA to all!
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Dave Plowman (News)
Guest
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| Posted:
Thu Nov 11, 2004 11:43 pm Post subject:
Re: Yes - car washes do scrape the paint! |
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In article <kgs7p0li8ccck6rr5emd40dlbmgb0n0iug@4ax.com>,
Dan Drake <ddrake@comcast.notthis.net> wrote:
| Quote: | My point is that I prefer to use it - and wash the crap off it
periodically, which includes running it through those nasty ol' whirly
brush car washes.
|
Perhaps I'm too sensitive, but I'd rather leave it until I get time to
wash it by hand than put up with those horrid swirly scratches.
But I enjoy washing a car. Until I notice the latest car park ding. I
then weep. ;-)
--
*Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are (usually) unnecessary *
Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
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Jason G
Guest
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| Posted:
Thu Nov 11, 2004 11:56 pm Post subject:
Re: Good SoCal used car? |
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In article <2vcqsaF2k2aetU1@uni-berlin.de>, Matt O'Toole says...
| Quote: | They're lots of fun, but most people wind up having the top up most of the
time.
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But it is SO worth it for the other times.
I live in San Diego county, and have had convertibles for the last 7 years.
Between May and November, the top is down a LOT. I once went 2 months without
once raising the top.
To the OP: Get the convertible. When you are tooling down the Pacific Coast
Highway, there is nothing better than going topless. It's even fun for short
trips to the store and whatnot, it is so nice here for so long. The first
glorious spring day going to the beach, you'll kick yourself if you don't get
the ragtop.
In really nice weather when I do need to do a long freeway commute, but am
aching to enjoy the nice day, I use foam earplugs. Drastically reduces the
roar, but can still hear horns and such perfectly fine.
As for dust-- so what! You aren't buying a car just to keep it clean! Throw a
few bucks at it every once in a while for a detail, drop the top and DRIVE! |
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KoKaineBoy
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 12, 2004 12:11 am Post subject:
Re: Yes - car washes do scrape the paint! |
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No... Not Bull. Any car wash that has a brush or soft cloth touch the car
will scrape the paint all to shit. If you give me $5 I'll take an old dirty
rag or some 2000grit sandpaper and scrape it up just as good! I'm even
skeptical to run my car through a touchless wash where the jets of water blast
the dirt against the paint.
I'll stick with handwashes even in -15 weather!
Bradwith Furnsfeather
| Quote: | Bull.
It's just a car. Mine goes through a *brush* carwash once every two
weeks or so.
--
Dan Drake
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KoKaineBoy
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 12, 2004 12:13 am Post subject:
Re: BMW Company History help... |
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www.amazon.com - search bmw! This will give you a listing of all the bmw
books out there with descriptions of the content.
A great resource for brand specific research!
| Quote: | Thank you all for your responses, if you have any more I will be checking
back frequently.
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Frank Kemper
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 12, 2004 2:04 am Post subject:
Re: Good SoCal used car? |
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Jason G <jrgusenet@yahoo.REMOVE-x-THIS-x-PART.com> haute in die Tasten:
| Quote: | In really nice weather when I do need to do a long freeway commute,
but am aching to enjoy the nice day, I use foam earplugs. Drastically
reduces the roar, but can still hear horns and such perfectly fine.
|
I have an E30 convertible with a factory windshield. The shield can be
installed within minutes, and it covers the rear seats. The upper part of
the windshield can be folded down in a second, just reach behind you and
fold it away when you want fresh air. I have done 400 mile trips with the
top down and speeds up to 100 mph. If you keep your windows and the
windshield up, this is absolutely no problem. If I were living in SoCal, I
would definitely get a convertible.
One last hint: When driving a convertible for hours in the open sun, sun
protection and some cap or hat on your head is essential. Due to the wind
you will not notice the approaching sunburn.
Frank
BTW: I have never used earplugs, not even in winter.
--
please replace spam-muelleimer with fk-newsgroups for e-mail contact
Citroen - Made in Trance |
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Jason G
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 12, 2004 2:42 am Post subject:
Re: Good SoCal used car? |
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In article <Xns959EE08473BAFeldosampleman@130.133.1.4>, Frank Kemper says...
| Quote: |
I have an E30 convertible with a factory windshield. The shield can be
installed within minutes, and it covers the rear seats.
|
Ah, okay, that is called a 'windblocker' in the US. From your e-mail address I
assume you are in Germany. Took me a minute to figure out what you meant. We
use "windshield" to refer to the glass directly in front of the driver. I guess
that would be "windscreen" in Europe?
I've been looking in to getting a windblocker, just haven't done it yet on the
new 330Cic. I assume it mounts into the two holes on the side of the rear seat
side panels?
But:
| Quote: | If you keep your windows and the windshield up
|
With the windows up, it doesn't feel like as much freedom to me, and the view is
obstructed. And it doesn't look as cool. :-)
| Quote: | One last hint: When driving a convertible for hours in the open sun, sun
protection and some cap or hat on your head is essential. Due to the wind
you will not notice the approaching sunburn.
|
I discovered this firsthand when I bought my first droptop, a Miata!
| Quote: | BTW: I have never used earplugs, not even in winter.
|
By "earplugs" I mean small foam pieces inserted into the ear canal, not
something covering the whole ear. Plugs are solely for noise reduction. In the
US, the word for full-ear coverings would be "earmuffs".
I do, however, wear a knit hat when the temperature is below about 55F. The top
of my head is the only place that gets cold, from the airstream. |
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Dan Drake
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 12, 2004 4:18 am Post subject:
Re: Yes - car washes do scrape the paint! |
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On 11 Nov 2004 19:11:00 GMT, kokaineboy@aol.com (KoKaineBoy) wrote:
| Quote: | No... Not Bull. Any car wash that has a brush or soft cloth touch the car
will scrape the paint all to shit. If you give me $5 I'll take an old dirty
rag or some 2000grit sandpaper and scrape it up just as good! I'm even
skeptical to run my car through a touchless wash where the jets of water blast
the dirt against the paint.
|
(difficult to trim effectively for context due to top posting twit)
You misunderstand. I accept that wear and tear occurs. I am under no
illusions that a car can be used, yet somehow preserved in showroom
condition at the same time, as some weird people think you can do. My
point is that I prefer to use it - and wash the crap off it
periodically, which includes running it through those nasty ol' whirly
brush car washes.
Jeez, it's just a car. It's not supposed to last forever.
--
Dan Drake |
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Dan Drake
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 12, 2004 5:27 am Post subject:
Re: Yes - car washes do scrape the paint! |
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On Thu, 11 Nov 2004 23:43:13 +0000 (GMT), "Dave Plowman (News)"
<dave@davenoise.co.uk> wrote:
| Quote: | But I enjoy washing a car. Until I notice the latest car park ding. I
then weep. ;-)
|
Yes, but right after that I also breathe a sigh of relief, because
after the first stone chip or door ding rapes your virgin daughter,
so to speak, then you care less about it. It would be nice to have a
'new' three year old car, but you can't - at least not if you use it.
And yes, I *did* have a virgin daughter at one time...
--
Dan Drake |
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Kevin Oberle
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 12, 2004 7:16 am Post subject:
Re: Traffic Ticket in Toronto |
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"HDR" <hdr@rogers1.com> wrote in news:koCdnWUS46bp1AzcRVn-jg@rogers.com:
| Quote: |
Thanks all who responded; requested a trial date today which can take
up to 6 months in Ontario for a court date.
I am leaning towards going it alone.
|
Good luck, I hope you do well. Is your main hope that the officer doesn't
show, or do you intend to mount a defense?
I tried to protest a ticket in Toronto some years ago. I had talked to
some cops and worked up what I though was a pretty good case. But then the
officer got up on the stand and lied outright about the facts, changed the
whole situation around. I didn't manage to recover from the shock in time
to adjust my defense in any meaningful way.
So my advice is to be prepared. |
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klee8888@gmail.com
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 12, 2004 8:32 am Post subject:
Re: Good SoCal used car? |
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Wow, lots of great input here. Now should be greatly concerned about
buying a used 330ci (or cic) with say, 40-50k miles? I'm looking at
2001s or thereabouts. By this point, the original warranty is usually
done. I'm thinking of getting used and then adding on a warranty from
say, WarrantyDirect who can get me to 100k/4yrs w/ $100 deductable for
about $2000 more, or $2770 for their "bumper-to-bumper"
Or perhaps the CPO route? Which seems pricier, but you do get the
roadside service and loaner vehicle. But the coverage doesn't seem to
go quite as far.
Or maybe go w/out a warranty ?? If properly maintained, maybe it isn't
necessary? But that doesn't necessarily mean the previous owner took
great care. A paid inspection would be assumed of course.
I guess my big fear is that I buy something out of warranty, drive
about 2 months and then have things start to fall apart. But then
again, maybe I'm used to the Audi that my family once leased... |
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Frank Kemper
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 12, 2004 1:38 pm Post subject:
Re: Good SoCal used car? |
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Jason G <jrgusenet@yahoo.REMOVE-x-THIS-x-PART.com> haute in die Tasten:
| Quote: | Ah, okay, that is called a 'windblocker' in the US. From your e-mail
address I assume you are in Germany. Took me a minute to figure out
what you meant. We use "windshield" to refer to the glass directly in
front of the driver. I guess that would be "windscreen" in Europe?
|
The "windblocker" is called "Windschott" in Germany, a "schott" is a
barrier to block something. Usually a "schott" defines something to block
water. The front window is called "Windschutzscheibe" which means
(translated directly) "wind protection screen"
| Quote: |
I've been looking in to getting a windblocker, just haven't done it
yet on the new 330Cic. I assume it mounts into the two holes on the
side of the rear seat side panels?
|
I do not know how it gets installed into the car. Mine has two hooks which
engage into the openings where the safetybelt come out of the bodyshell.
And on the rear side it is held by the convertible top compartment lid.
Attaching and detaching is a 3 minute job, which you can do alone and
without any tools. My windblocker was delivered with a protective cover
made of canvas. Folded together and wrapped into that cover, the
windblocker can be stored in the trunk. I am quite sure that the
windblocker for the new convertibles behave the same.
| Quote: | With the windows up, it doesn't feel like as much freedom to me, and
the view is obstructed. And it doesn't look as cool. :-)
This is a constant issue between windblocker users and non users. For me it |
is a choice. If I like fresh air, I put the windows and the windblocker
down, if the fresh air is too much, I put both up. Others have to close the
convertible top instead. The view is only obstructed, when I look into the
rear mirror, and ,honestly, when I drive at 100 mph, I do not really care,
if my car looks cool or not;-)
| Quote: | By "earplugs" I mean small foam pieces inserted into the ear canal,
not something covering the whole ear. Plugs are solely for noise
reduction. In the US, the word for full-ear coverings would be
"earmuffs".
|
Yes, I know. I have not used them nevertheless. Compared to the E46, the
E30 has a very thin top which is quite noisy - at speeds lower than 80 mph
it makes no big difference wether the top is up or down;-)
Frank
--
please replace spam-muelleimer with fk-newsgroups for e-mail contact
Citroen - Made in Trance |
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David Haqeman
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 12, 2004 6:49 pm Post subject:
Re: Yes - car washes do scrape the paint! |
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"Dave Plowman (News)" <dave@davenoise.co.uk> wrote in message news:<4d0c66b4b1dave@davenoise.co.uk>...
| Quote: | In article <kgs7p0li8ccck6rr5emd40dlbmgb0n0iug@4ax.com>,
Dan Drake <ddrake@comcast.notthis.net> wrote:
My point is that I prefer to use it - and wash the crap off it
periodically, which includes running it through those nasty ol' whirly
brush car washes.
Perhaps I'm too sensitive, but I'd rather leave it until I get time to
wash it by hand than put up with those horrid swirly scratches.
But I enjoy washing a car. Until I notice the latest car park ding. I
then weep. ;-)
|
Last month the guys at the front of the carwash...whose job is to
power wash the brake dust off the wheels...use plastic brushes on mop
handles after applying a chemical of sorts.
They nonchantly dip the brush head into a tub of solution and BRUSH
THE HOOD AND LOWER DOORS NEAR THE ROCKER PANELS....after using it on
the wheels!
I went ballistic...and sure enough, I have left to right hairline
scratches on the hood (bonnet).
Dumbasses!
David H. |
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klee8888@gmail.com
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 12, 2004 7:13 pm Post subject:
Re: Good SoCal used car? |
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Thanks for the advice. I'll test drive the two anyway, can't hurt
right?
Here's another question though, should I be concerned about buying a
used 3-series with say 40-50k miles? By this time, the factory
warranty is pretty much expired if not already expired. I suppose I
could purchase a 3rd party warranty from someone like Warranty Direct
who, for about $2000 can extend it for 4 more yrs or total 100k miles,
whichever comes first. Do you think its worthwhile?
Or are BMWs that are well maintained generally trouble free? I guess
my main worry is that I go out, buy a 2001 330ci, and end up taking to
the shop repeatedly, each time forking out more and more to cover
various repairs from wear and tear.
I know having a ASE-certified mechanic inspect the car before buying
goes without saying, but is there any other advice one might have? I
considered the CPO programs, but they seem to add quite a bit more in
cost than is worth it -- for the same cost differential, I can
generally get something with a few less miles and still be able to put
on the extended warranty.
What are the opinions -- warrantys overrated? |
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