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voltron posted:Can anyone recommend a good HID kit for the E36 Euro Bosch lights? Or recommend a decent street coilover kit for a sexy ride height?
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Apr 1, 2013 03:29
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voltron posted:Or recommend a decent street coilover kit for a sexy ride height? I've used DDM Tuning kits for fog light applications with great success. Considering the lifetime warranty and cost (all Chinese stuff) it has worked out rather well. Regarding suspension, I'm eyeballing MCS two-way systems for my E92 -- just trying to figure out all the hassle I'll encounter while converting the rear to a true coilover. I rode in an E46 with a set of 3-way customs that blew me away. Friends in the E36 community had positive things to say regarding the older Tein kits; I've also been impressed with TCKline's offerings.
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Apr 1, 2013 04:12
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voltron posted:Or recommend a decent street coilover kit for a sexy ride height? Purple HIDs are best HIDs. e: Don't ever put HIDs in a housing designed for incandescent filaments. User Error fucked around with this message at 04:18 on Apr 1, 2013 |
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Apr 1, 2013 04:16
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Crustashio posted:I didn't realize there was a koni kit. Those will be much better for a "stock" ride, bilsteins are loving HARSH. I would honestly never recommend them for anything on the street. H&R or Eibachs will probably be fine - you'll basically get to stock 330i sport package ride height. OEM springs aren't really an option unless you feel like paying 4x the price of any other springs. I had an E46 325xi 5spd for three years with the H&R coilover kit. The H&Rs are Bilsteins and most BMW people would call them harsh, I didn't think they were but they allowed a lot of wheel travel and body roll. I also ran 245/40/18's all around, 235/40/18 and 265/40/18 stagger, 245/40/18 and 265/40/18 stagger on a set of 18x8.5 / 18x9.5 wheels for 60k miles without a driveline issue at all. You can't run RWD coilovers because the strut setup in the front is different. You can't easily swap the car to RWD as the front subframe, engine mounts, etc are all different. You can't just pull the front driveshaft because the tcase is of the 'open' variety. Uhhh, what else...? I know this stupid car front to back now. BlackMK4 fucked around with this message at 04:40 on Apr 1, 2013 |
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Apr 1, 2013 04:35
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voltron posted:Can anyone recommend a good HID kit for the E36 Euro Bosch lights? You're going to blind people and compromise your own visibility with this setup unless you do something like a TSX retrofit. The Euro Boschs are already miles ahead of the stock American ones. If you're an rear end in a top hat like I am and need HIDs regardless, just buy some cheapies and throw them in the fog-light housings.
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Apr 1, 2013 15:00
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Has anyone ever decoded the BMW color-code/spring-table for e36s? Google was coming up dry. What came on the car ('96 m3 coupe) was Eibach Pro Kit on the rear (with stock dampeners, which rubbed like crazy and threw camber way off. Way to go, P.O.) and the front is four yellow stripes, but I don't know for sure if those are stock or not. Whether or not they are stock, they are both jacked - one is broken and the other has somehow slipped past the spring perch. Because my wallet is kind of tight right now and I really just want to get back on the road and will be overhauling the entire suspension in a few months, I'm looking for take-offs on ebay/craigslist and would like to find something as close to stock as possible. I found a local guy with a set of rears from a 1997 m3 coupe (four pink strips) which so far seem close enough to get around on, so at least my tire isn't rubbing the fender every time make a left turn.
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Apr 1, 2013 16:00
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FIRST TIME posted:If your ambient temperature sensor comes loose it will always ding at you because your computer will think that it's like -26F outside. Maxwells Demon posted:Another route to consider is that your digital clock might have the 'Memo' function on. It would give me 2 or 3 beeps at the top of every hour while it was on and unnerved me until I turned it off. Not an April Fool's thing, and vaguely related to RWD+snow: this morning it was -10 C, though there's been considerable melting over the weekend. I got stuck in my parking spot last night, a neighbour heard me uselessly spinning my (not terrible but not great winter) tires and came out to give me a yank with his Explorer. Amusingly, his tow-cover says "I use this to tow Chevs", though he said he mostly uses it to pull Hondas. Now he's done a BMW! Less amusingly, my screw-in tow hook is now bent because he had to pull me sideways. I haven't tried to get it out, yet.
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Apr 1, 2013 17:53
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So, I've tried googling to no avail, and this is seriously frustrating me. http://youtu.be/iBcXBL91aGg I tried moving the seat all the way forward, greasing (white lithium was recommended) what tracks I could see, and then moving it all the way back and doing the same. Has anyone had any luck with greasing something else? The sound is incredibly loud, and is the one thing really wrong with the car currently...
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Apr 2, 2013 03:53
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Deceptor101 posted:So, I've tried googling to no avail, and this is seriously frustrating me. It looks like it's moving pretty slow too. You might want to research whether or not you have to grease up your seat gears or replace them all together. You would have to remove the seat from the car to do that.
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Apr 2, 2013 05:12
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Both seats do the same thing, seems hopefully more likely that they just need lubing rather than both motors dying. Maybe one of the PO's kids hosed with the seats all day though 
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Apr 2, 2013 05:21
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Was reading R+T today when I came across this: http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-reviews/road-tests/road-test-my-blue-heaven-bmw-135is The argument is very similar to what happens with every generation of new BMWs, about them losing their soul or their driver connectedness or what have you, but what I've heard about the F30, I suspect it might be closer to the mark this time. I haven't driven one yet - regardless, the commentary could apply to several manufacturers in our era of CVTs and electric steering and 5,000 different 'assists'. The same issue shocked me with the news that the new E63 is AWD only, as will be future S-Class based AMGs.
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Apr 2, 2013 06:53
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blk posted:Was reading R+T today when I came across this: The 135is doesnt have a loving LSD? what.
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Apr 2, 2013 07:19
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blk posted:Was reading R+T today when I came across this: I recently had my car in for service, and in that duration was sent off with a new 328i sedan spec'd with the sport package trimmings. While it was something to commute in, I felt really as though I could be in a wide variety of other models and hardly distinguish from one another. I'm curious to see what is done with the new platform as it matures.
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Apr 2, 2013 07:28
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blk posted:Was reading R+T today when I came across this: You also have to remember that the majority of 3 series buyers buy the 328i stripper model. Its more of a "badge thing" than actual driving experience. I get why BMW is doing all this, its easier to sell 10,000 cars at 30,000 a piece vs trying to sell 6,667 cars at 45,000 a piece. It stinks, but its business. Don't take it personally.
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Apr 2, 2013 16:25
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concise posted:Yeah, E46 and I was afraid I wouldn't find much. Though there is an Eibach spring kit available at Tire Rack and a spring + Koni FSD shock/strut kit at ModBargains.com. Anything good/bad to say about Eibachs and Koni FSDs? Does having AWD pretty much preclude me from everything besides stock? Just chiming in to say that this is far and away your best option. FSDs are magic. If you want to blow your mind, combine with a swaybar kit and you'll have a car that rides as nicely as stock, but handles absolutely perfectly.
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Apr 2, 2013 17:04
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coolskillrex remix posted:The 135is doesnt have a loving LSD? what. As far as I'm aware, no BMWs come with LSDs other than M cars. It is a bit silly considering Civic SIs and V6 Mustangs and poo poo have LSDs from the factory. But I have to say it has tons of grip as is.
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Apr 2, 2013 18:29
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Stardotstar posted:Just chiming in to say that this is far and away your best option. FSDs are magic. If you want to blow your mind, combine with a swaybar kit and you'll have a car that rides as nicely as stock, but handles absolutely perfectly. I wish I could since I've read so many good things about them, but unfortunately there aren't any FSDs made for E46 XI's. I have no idea what the problem would be since they're offered for the 330i, but I'm putting together an Eibach / Koni Sport Yellow suspension upgrade kit instead. What car are you running FSDs on?
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Apr 2, 2013 21:54
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lazer_chicken posted:As far as I'm aware, no BMWs come with LSDs other than M cars. It is a bit silly considering Civic SIs and V6 Mustangs and poo poo have LSDs from the factory. But I have to say it has tons of grip as is. I think he was referring to the M135i, which has done nothing to earn an M badge.
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Apr 2, 2013 22:14
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Ronnie B. posted:I think he was referring to the M135i, which has done nothing to earn an M badge. So a RWD, 320 horsepower hatchback lauded as one of the best driving cars you can buy today that also just happens to sell for Audi A3 money isn't worthy of an M-badge? Jesus H. Christ, that's one of the stupidest opinions I've heard in a long time.
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Apr 2, 2013 23:46
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lazer_chicken posted:As far as I'm aware, no BMWs come with LSDs other than M cars. It is a bit silly considering Civic SIs and V6 Mustangs and poo poo have LSDs from the factory. But I have to say it has tons of grip as is. This is a correct statement post-1995; however BMW CCA is working to lobby BMW NA to resume offering LSD options in "S" models, such as the soon-to-be-late 335is.
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Apr 3, 2013 00:28
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The boat for complaining about misuse of the M badge sailed years ago. edit: Who wants to lend me 2500? And also find me an M60B40 with 6speed. http://novascotia.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-1994-BMW-5-Series-530i-Wagon-W0QQAdIdZ470703435 Crustashio fucked around with this message at 01:07 on Apr 3, 2013 |
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Apr 3, 2013 00:32
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Cross post from AI pics thread: So hot.
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Apr 3, 2013 07:01
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What was the big issue with the first E92 335i's? I remember hearing some complaints about a major engine problem.
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Apr 3, 2013 16:57
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blk posted:What was the big issue with the first E92 335i's? I remember hearing some complaints about a major engine problem. I think its just the HPFP really is the big issue. A few turbo issues here and there, but I would almost bet 75% are owner neglect, and the rest being genuine failures.
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Apr 3, 2013 17:06
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The N54 engine used through 2010 or 2011 (depending on exact model) had issues with the high pressure fuel pumps failing, sometimes at very low mileage and sometimes repeatedly. There was a big fiasco over it and some kind of recall, I'm not sure of all the details. The N55 replaced the N54 and it seems to have fixed the issue. Note that although the N54 and N55 perform almost identically, they are quite different in that the N54 is a twin turbo and the N55 is a single twin-scroll turbo. BMW, of course, tried to hide the transition by branding both engines as "TwinPower Turbo" despite the fact the N55 only has one turbo. So if you're looking at a 2010 or 2011 turbo BMW make sure you know which one is in there, and make sure you check on the HPFP history if it's an N54. I wouldn't necessarily avoid an N54 but make sure you are aware of the recall and warranty status on that specific car before you buy it.
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Apr 3, 2013 17:11
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How lovely is the quality on those aux inputs that physically take over an FM station instead of doing it wirelessly? Obviously the wireless ones are trash, and I'm guessing the hardwired ones aren't much better. Unless you want to replace your radio head unit, I just can't think of any other way to get an aux input in a '93 E36. I don't care about having controls or a display or anything, I just want a simple male to male headphone jack with "good enough" quality. Unfortunately the OEM input kits for E36 are like '95 or '96 and up. Ideally I would find something that could go right in this spot:  Anyway, anyone with an older E36 have an audio input solution that works well enough?
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Apr 3, 2013 19:47
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Mr. Onslaught posted:How lovely is the quality on those aux inputs that physically take over an FM station instead of doing it wirelessly? Obviously the wireless ones are trash, and I'm guessing the hardwired ones aren't much better. My '99 E36 has a 3.5mm headphone jack on a long cable (I can pull it out to about 1-1/2 feet) coming out of a hole in the slot where your sunglasses are (and it doesn't prevent me from putting stuff there). As far as I know the wire just runs directly to the back of the fairly basic Pioneer aftermarket unit that is installed.
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Apr 3, 2013 19:59
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I just use a tape adapter.
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Apr 3, 2013 20:16
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Mr. Onslaught posted:How lovely is the quality on those aux inputs that physically take over an FM station instead of doing it wirelessly? Obviously the wireless ones are trash, and I'm guessing the hardwired ones aren't much better. e: Use the CD changer input.
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Apr 3, 2013 20:32
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concise posted:I wish I could since I've read so many good things about them, but unfortunately there aren't any FSDs made for E46 XI's. I have no idea what the problem would be since they're offered for the 330i, but I'm putting together an Eibach / Koni Sport Yellow suspension upgrade kit instead. Helped a friend put them them on his 330i coupe last April (soon after they debuted). Got to do some back-to-back drives in his car vs. my E46 stock sport suspension and the difference was utterly massive. Incredibly cushy ride over irregular pavement and speedbumps and such, but very firmly controlled during slaloms and spirited driving. He already had swaybars which obviously helped bodyroll, but the before/after with just the shocks was just incredible. E: they are on my list of things to buy this year. Koni is having a sale now through May, and their website (and several distributors) have really excellent prices. $630 shipped for 4 magic shocks seems like a deal to me! Stardotstar fucked around with this message at 21:35 on Apr 3, 2013 |
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Apr 3, 2013 21:33
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Lowclock posted:Actually, the hardwired ones tend to work a lot better. The CD changer ones are '96 and up only. Same for the thing Kenshin is talking about. Would you say the hard wired FM thing is acceptable quality?
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Apr 3, 2013 22:32
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Mr. Onslaught posted:The CD changer ones are '96 and up only. Same for the thing Kenshin is talking about. I have a GOgroove FlexSMART in my e36 and honestly it works great. It's bluetooth so it automatically detects your phone, and it is much better than the POS DICE unit I had in there beforehand (why yes I'd love to hear my alternator). Quality is great - you'd think you were listening to a CD itself. If you have a C33 radio you can actually solder a aux input right onto the circuit board...if you'd prefer that route. http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=239069 Realjones fucked around with this message at 23:05 on Apr 3, 2013 |
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Apr 3, 2013 23:02
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Of course I'm biased since I own one, but I think the F30 bashing is bullshit. My 335ix 6MT with the handling package is fun as hell. 
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Apr 3, 2013 23:45
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Mr. Onslaught posted:The CD changer ones are '96 and up only. Same for the thing Kenshin is talking about. It will sound about as good as a nice tape adapter usually.
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Apr 4, 2013 05:11
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Tape adapters are the way to go. Watch out for your cellphone trying to get signal in barren places though. For some reason tape adapters will pick up on them and they will be twice as loud as any music playing.
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Apr 4, 2013 06:21
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Maxwells Demon posted:Tape adapters are the way to go. Watch out for your cellphone trying to get signal in barren places though. For some reason tape adapters will pick up on them and they will be twice as loud as any music playing. Yeah, this happens to me at the exact same couple of spots on my daily commute. Tape adapters rock as far as being the easiest way to get a clean signal to the stereo in my E34 but it sucks when it starts picking up all that interference when you're out in the middle of nowhere.
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Apr 4, 2013 06:37
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Out of curiosity - are you guys on a GSM-based carrier? When I was on AT&T I used to get a lot of feedback from my phone into the radio as it negotiated...something (kind of a 'dut-dut-dut!' at various speeds every so often), but now I'm on Sprint (CDMA) and it's gone away entirely.
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Apr 4, 2013 14:02
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Lowclock posted:Really? Hmm, my old E34 has it. Off the top of my head the E34 stereo wiring is a mess of 4-5 different configurations, depending on whether it's new or old E34, 'premium' stereo or basic, cd changer, etc.
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Apr 4, 2013 14:34
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televiper posted:Out of curiosity - are you guys on a GSM-based carrier? When I was on AT&T I used to get a lot of feedback from my phone into the radio as it negotiated...something (kind of a 'dut-dut-dut!' at various speeds every so often), but now I'm on Sprint (CDMA) and it's gone away entirely. Yeah GSM for me, and the same sound. So maybe you can ignore all that if you're on CDMA.
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Apr 4, 2013 15:23
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Maxwells Demon posted:Yeah GSM for me, and the same sound. So maybe you can ignore all that if you're on CDMA. I used to be able to tell when some guy at was getting a text message or a call because his AT&T phone would make a bunch of noise over the computer speakers. It was pretty annoying.
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Apr 4, 2013 15:54
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