Boston BMW Chapter Forum / Boston BMW CCA Forums / Car Related Forum

Rust on my 740i

mdangelo — Mon, 12 May 2008 07:52:59 GMT

Hello,

Oddly rust has surfaced along the bottom trim line of my 1998 740i. The body shop quotes $700 to repair but warns it will come back. New door asseblies are $800 at BMW Peabody; paint and installation is additional.

Has anyone experienced similar?

Veyr best,

Mike

Compression Test!

askahast — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:59:28 GMT

I have a 02 R50 Mini Cooper which I have just blown a plug I have just rethreaded the hole a the car is running. Would anyone in the Boston area with a compression test experience and or a OBD scan tool please contact Brandon @ 857-272-7197

BMWCCA Mid-Ohio Race School Trip Report

johnmdanskin — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 18:08:12 GMT

I just completed the BMWCCA race school at mid-ohio.

Overview:

Day 1

* 4.5 hours of track time in the rain on a track with very generous patches of new sealer. Very many people spun out including yours truly. I'd start to feel like a wimp, pick it up a little, and just gently start to skate off the track. I spun when I tried to do a lift rotate. The rotation part worked great.
* First 3 hours were "track familiarization" with DE passing rules.
* 45min starting with about 4 laps of two cars abreast, changing sides every lap.
* 45min in groups of 3, practicing multi-car passes.
* The track time was good. The exercises weren't as challenging as some fwy interchanges in Providence.
* I didn't notice when I was driving, but I must have been tense. I was complete sore all evening and into the next day. My whole body.

Day 2

* Three abreast. Several chances to do left, right, and especially middle. On the left or the right, you just stay on the edge of the track. In the middle, you watch your ***. When you are on the outside, it's really hard to keep up. The rim-shot is not a good line and you have to drive so much farther. And, oh, we are all on slicks and the track is wet, about 1 degree celsius, and smooth beyond belief. And then a bunch of open track WITH NO PASSING RULES. That's right. Just pass. Just like a race.
* Practice starts. Pace lap to start/finish and GO FOR IT! Into turn 1 three abreast. One group did 4 abreast. There was an instructor in that group, who felt that the other people shouldn't have been there... We did a bunch of these.

Day 3:

* "Qualifying". First about 3 practice starts, then open track with no passing rules. Basically, we are racing.
* RACE. 1 real start, then go. Check the video of the first 9 minutes or so.

Side-lights:
TC Kline was there all three days. He drove two different cars, a 135i with TC Kline suspension, and his carbon-fiber M Coupe. He drove by us in all conditions as if we were standing still. Both cars very fast, but the M Coupe is a rocket. TC removed 300 pounds from the car. I saw it pull a GT3. TC says it also out-handles the GT3. It's cheaper than a GT3 too. And Much cooler.

Impression:
OMG that was fun. I couldn't believe how much fun it was. WOW. DEs are going to be like taking a shower in a raincoat now. Worth doing, but not the real thing. I really hope nothing gets in the way of actually racing really.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g57rK4h-ghc

It looks like my times got down to 1:53 flat, although none of those laps are in the video, due to the utter lack of anything interesting. In the video my laps are probably more like 1:54 something or 1:55. I wasn't slow man on the track, but it was close. Just about all of the other cars could pull me on the straights, although there were at least two cars which couldn't, but which were faster anyway. Looking at my driving in the video, I honestly don't know how I could have gone much faster. With some more days at the track I could pick up my speed a little in some key sections (listen for lack of screaming tires), but I'm nearly at my limit to understand what I could do at this track. I'm going to see if I can get some coaching based on the video.

Actually, one thing is that I was understeering everywhere. I just added some rear camber and the rear sticks better and hence the car doesn't really drift evenly. I'm going to see what I can do about this. Either more swaybar (kick it up a notch) or tire pressure experiments.

I was surprised to see the spece36 cars pull me on the straights. It must be the amazing mini aerodynamics at work, because the mini should have hp->weight.

Tomorrow I get to drive home. It took me 13.5 hours to get here. I hope the traffic is better going home.

Driving in snow

bberma — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:24:06 GMT

I'd like to buy a late model 7 series. How are they in snow?

Adjusting parking Brake

dajablonski — Wed, 01 Feb 2006 16:07:18 GMT

Does anyone know how to adjust the parking brake on a 200 BMW 528i.

Audio modifications: rear speaker wire color?

zeroaltitude — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:55:32 GMT

Hello,

New to the forum and to the CCA -- good to be here!

I have a 135i (USA, coupe) and a standard audio system (not logic, not harmon kardon -- 'bmw professional' is the moniker). Perhaps any 3-series or even 5-series owner or tech who has worked on a standard (not logic7 or other upgrade) system would also know the answer.

On the 135i coupe, there are wires to be found by removing the panel that separates the rear window on the passenger side from the rear passenger side window on the right of the car. To remove this panel, you pry off an 'airbag' pop-off that covers a torex screw, remove the screw, and gently pry off the panel, which is held in place by a couple of snug fit posts. There are many wires in here.

The question is: what is the wire coloring for the rear speakers? What is the wire coloring for the trunk (boot) light power? I have access to a bunch of wires running into the rear shelf and trunk, and I want to T-tap the rear speakers for an aftermarket (high input) amp. I do /not/ want to mess up my in trunk light. I do not want to do anything else similarly dumb.

Does anyone know the speaker color coding for the rear speakers?

Thank you in advance,

Eddie

wheel speed sensor removal

markachambers — Mon, 20 Feb 2006 22:52:04 GMT

I need to replace the left front wheel speed sensor on my '00 328Ci. I've managed to remove the mounting bolt without shearing it off, but the sensor won't budge. Does anyone have any tips or tricks for getting these things loose? thanks, Mark

E39 wheel question

vwcrusher — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:37:12 GMT

Hi All,

I am new here, so I hope I am not committing a offense by asking this question.
I am looking to sell the original spider wheels (16") that came with my 99 528i (set of 4).

Where would you suggest advertising them?
And what in the world should I ask for them?
BTW they have Potenza (950s I think) mounted with lots of tread life left.

Thanks in advance

Recommendations for north shore auto detailer?

r6girl — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 13:29:01 GMT

We're new to the area and I've been looking for a good detailer in the north shore to prep my X3 for the winter (although I'm getting a late start on that given all the snow we've already gotten). While I know there are a number of detailers in the area, I'd like to find some referrals/recommendations on good ones with whom people have some direct experience - I don't trust simply reading their advertisements in papers and magazines or on craigslist.

I did a search here and only found one recommendation for a place in Winchester that doesn't seem to be in business anymore.

So, anyone have any recommendations? I have the sapphire black metallic paint that is pretty soft and hard to work with, as I understand it. I usually wash and wax my car myself (with Zaino products) and never let anyone else lay a hand on it. I'm looking for a full wash, clay, minor swirl removal, and wax/sealant for the exterior and good interior cleaning (leather cleaning and vacuum, no carpet shampooing).

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! :)

Subtle E30 Body Modifications

Healy325 — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 13:15:30 GMT

Hey People,

Before the coming Spring, I have to get my new Yoko's to comply with my lowered '89 325is. I am going with some wide tires on wheels that have the correct offset with no spacers required, but I will need a bit of extra clearance for the 225 rubber that I preferr (must have). Does anyone know of any bocy shops that can do a professional job of rolling my fenders without cracking the paint?

Thanks

2003 BMW 540i SPORT WHEEL SOURCE?

dilaar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:48:24 GMT

I am looking for two spare wheels for my 2003 540i; it has the staggered set up 18x8 in front and 18x9 in the rear. I would like to get 1 spare wheel for the front and 1 spare wheel for the back....I know that I am going to end up whacking one of mine soon enough and would like to have the spares before my planned road-trips this summer to "exercise" the 540i.

The wheels are Style 37 with the silver finish (not the chromed ones) with the little "M" insignias on them....

Any sources for used or re-furbished ones in this area? Or if someone has old spares lying around in their garage...these don't need to be cosmetically perfect but must not be out of round etc.

Matt

New Forum -- Ask a Professional BMW mechanic

DanChadwick — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:58:38 GMT

Those of you who have posted a BMW repair or maintenance question and still are having problems might want to try our new forum:

http://www.boston-bmwcca.org/InstantForum/Forum7-1.aspx

:D :w00t: :)

Engine Management help available!

Gavin — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:29:15 GMT

Hey everyone,
Just thought I should make it known that I am a certified engine management system tuner who is looking to do freelance work in the Boston area.

I am of course very knowledgeable in the workings of fuel injection (& spark of course), and would be more than happy to help people with any questions. I also know that a GREAT option for people looking to optimize their modified BMW engine (or even just get it running at all) is [b]MegaSquirt[/b], which I have loads of personal experience with and couldn't recommend more.

I love helping people out with this stuff. Feel free to email me, or come talk to me at the AutoX events. I'm the guy with the black 280z (yes, the one which spat fire on just about every shift for a few events last season, prior to my finally getting it on the dyno ; ).

Gavin

GavinWilliams@mac.com

84 318I IDLING PROBLEMS

84BURGUNDROT318I — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 10:43:17 GMT

hi, first post to the forum, i have an 84 318i runs great, except when it warms up it idles around 2200 rpm. i tried to reset the service indicator lights by crossing 2 of the wires in the service connector. i have sucessfully done this before with the diagram in front of me, but i tried to do it without it and must have shorted something out. now the car will start fine and warm up fine, but once it warm the rpms will increase to around 2200. also the temp gauge isnt working. im thinking it has to do with the check control circuit board, maybe the batteries are dead or i shorted them out. the fuse for the idle control valve is fine and if you unplug the idle air control valve the idle will go irratic like its supposed to. it just seems somehow, the car doesnt know that its warmed up. this really bothers me, and id actually pay to have it fixed if thats the case. and about the blue and white of attleboro guy, i took it there for a similar problem, {that time it turned out to be a fuse which i replaced myself} only after paying him 200 dollars to install a penny (no lie) with a hole drilled in it between the idle air control valve and the tubing to the throttle body. so it wont be going to him for this problem. if anyone , has any ideas id like to give them a try. this is my 2nd car and i do miss driving it, i guess its drivable but i look silly at redlights revving at 2200. but it did get alot better gas mileage than my maxima. any help would be appreciated.

thanks

Transmission

Dream26 — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 16:46:52 GMT

Will a E36 M3 transmission fit into a 325i?

Need someone to look at a 2002 in the Boston area.

danalyse — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:48:29 GMT

Looking to find someone to look at a heavily modified 02 in the Boston Area. Are there any similarly made 02 lovers out there who might take this on. Would pay if necessary. A good knowlege of the 02 is required.

Mechanic for a 1976 - 2002Tii Model

hs2002 — Sat, 25 Feb 2006 22:34:59 GMT

I just got a 1976, 2002Tii Bimmer. I'm looking for a good mechanic in or near Boston MASS. Any help would be greatly appreciated...

How many BMW's do you currently own?

m3jim — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 14:35:39 GMT

Subject says it all.

E39 Sport Seat Comfort Problem

eglt — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 08:24:56 GMT

I Have a 2003 503i sport package. Great car, but, the driver seat is killing me on long drives. Anything under 30 minutes is fine. I was thinking of swapping out the seat with a 'comfort' seat but I can't find one on the net. I've tried seat covers and pads and I've been using a folded blanket on the seat, but nothing really seems to help.

Anyone have a idea on some kind of seat pad or cover that actually works? Or know where I might get another seat? Thanks!

What independent repair shops have you PERSONALLY had good experience with?

DanChadwick — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:45:53 GMT

I have my bigger and/or track-related work done at Schneller BMW in Newbury (www.machschnell.com). It is a drive for me, but worth it. Mike Morris is a racer and very competant. He will also drop you off in Newbury to browse around while your car is being fixed, or he'll drop you at the commuter rail station. I've done both.

For smaller service work and routine maintenance, I've used Auto Engineering (aka Autobahn East) in Lexington. Very convenient to me. Free loaner if you book ahead. They also have a good Audi guy. www.autobahneast.net .

I had a battery tested and replaced at German Perforance Service behind the Fresh Pond shoping mall in Cambridge. Lots of race cars, especially Porsches. http://2002racing.com/ I like him and he seemed to know his stuff.

There are other well-regarded shops, but I don't have first hand experience (Turner in Amesbury, BPG in Stoneham, Landshark in Natick, Concord Motorsports near Concord, NH)

Boston Area shop for Inspection II?

mikeqube — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 07:18:58 GMT

Are there any independent shops in the Boston area that will do an Inspection II?

so, you want to rally

johnmdanskin — Tue, 13 Jun 2006 12:11:22 GMT

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6894297344002627039&q=audi

rally isn't de, but still sobering for anyone who likes to drive fast.

Ice Damage

agabriel — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:43:06 GMT

Hello,

My car got a pretty good hit on the hood from a falling a chunk of ice. Just want to see if any one on the forum has any experience with a local guy who can pull it out for me.

Thanks -

Good Body Shop near Cambridge?

mpowers — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 20:19:34 GMT

Can anyone recommend a good body shop near Cambridge, I need my '02 M3's hood replaced.

I have seen Mike's Auto Body and Dick's Dick's Auto Body recommended. Any experience with either of these?

Thnx

E36 M3 maintenance and mod suggestions needed

eyelise — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:15:36 GMT

Just purchased a 97 M3 with 70K of easy miles on it. I plan to track the car and use it for some daily driving. I've been speaking with the Turner shop and there are just too many options. I'd like to concentrate on the must do mods for the track and then the best bang for the buck performance enhancements. I was thinking along the lines of an adjustable suspension, possibly sway bars, track pads, racing brake fluid, and possibly steel brake lines, a safety harness (HRM), and wheels and tires.

Your suggestions are very welcome

Jeff

West Quincy Motors?

Sparks — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 19:20:39 GMT

Hello,

Has anyone had experience (good or bad) dealing with West Quincy Motors?

Thanks,

Paul, Weymouth

fuel filter location

passer — Sat, 20 May 2006 15:43:00 GMT

On a 1999 528i could someone tell me where the location of the fuel filter is.

2007 530xi engine noise???

Bozzie63 — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 10:10:45 GMT

I'm happy and proud to own my 1st BMW after having a horrible 4 years with a CLK320. But...

I noticed a slight "whistling" type noise (not very loud but I notice it) coming from the engine when I hit the throttle (doesn't matter if I'm parked or on the road).

So, I stopped by the dealership and had the shop forman listen to it. He said he's familiar with it and it's due to the alternator. And he said there's nothing that can be done. I asked if BMW corporate is aware and he said yes but they won't do anything about it as there is nothing mechanically wrong with the alternator so they chalk it up to an "engine characteristic". I have a hard time buying the explanation but he wasn't going to do anything about it.

So, do any of you know about this "enging characteristic"? Have you experienced a similar issue? If so, were you able to correct it? Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks...

E46 325i or 325ci

z28bryan — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 11:02:57 GMT

I was wondering how competitive a 325i or 325ci would be in their SCCA classes, specifically either STS, STX, or DS? I'm aware that the 330 cars are pretty competitive in DS.

Want to purchase E39

cdemeo — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 20:44:17 GMT

I have started my search for a 1999 528i and wanted to know what the typical issues are with this year/model. Are there any areas of concern to be aware of ?

What are the typical issues to look out for with the body?
What are the typical issues to look out with the engine?
Regarding mileage, at what point do you typically do a major service?

Thanks for the help,

E39 Vibration at 65mph

bike42ri — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:29:14 GMT

I have a 2000 528iT wagon with 282,000 miles on it. I have a vibration that starts about 62 mph and goes to about 70 mph. Other than that range, it runs smooth. I had this problem with my summer tires and I thought it was the tires. They need to be replaced next spring anyway. I put on my snow tires and have the same problem. I now think it is a suspension issue. I just had my lower ball joints changed this week and that did not help. Any suggestions on a fix or on a suspension/tire wheels specialist in the area?

Machining help available

KenM10759 — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 10:45:13 GMT

Hello fellow BMWCCA-Boston friends!

I don't think to visit here often enough (I'm most often on another non-BMWCCA site), but thought to do so after helping a guy. I figured this place is where the people I can help most easily might be. I'm a machinist by trade (or, I can make a face like one), and my Dad is a retired toolmaker. I helped him get a nice medium-sized lathe and a milling machine over the past few years, and we enjoy doing small jobs for people.

I had recently helped a fellow BMW owner who wanted to modify some E34 wheels to put them on his E39. It was fairly simple to bore out the hubs, and made him happy. I have also made aluminum hub-centric rings to "go the other way" for some GTO owners who wanted to put the 72.5mm BMW wheels on their 69.5mm GTO hubs.

If you have any machining-related issues, let me know. If it's not the right job for our manual machines, I can refer you to friends I have with CNC machines (though their rates would have to be much higher, naturally.) We also have an arbor press, so we might be willing to tool-up for doing bushing replacements, things like that. I don't want to pull business away from established, valued BMWCCA friends who may be already helping, but if what we can do makes sense for [i]you[/i], let me know. We're in central MA, and can meet up within an hour's drive.

Thanks,

Ken M.

[email]kp.mitchell@verizon.net[/email]

Metric Systems in Cambridge?

darxus — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 18:14:22 GMT

I'm looking at a 1999 E36 M3 tomorrow, which I'm hoping to buy.

A friend recommended this shop:

Metric Systems
286 Broadway
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 661-0442

It is wonderfully placed between where I live (Arlington) and work (Cambridge). But when I called they told me they don't do leak down tests (which I've been told is important on an E36 M3 due to the possibility of having been horribly shifted) or compression tests. Pre-purchase inspection is $70.

Do I need to find a different shop, or will they make me happy without a leak down test? Recommendations?

2003 330xi alarm set or door locks indicator when remote used

One3 — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 07:47:47 GMT

This is my third BMW and the others (both 5's) either sounded the horn or flashed parking lights or both when I locked or unlocked the doors from the the remote key fob.

The door locks on this 3 series are so quiet it is often hard to tell if the doors locked in parking lots or garages. Anyone know the secret to activating the notifications?

Keith Broyles

Mansfield MA

Lightweight Aftermarket Wheels

z28bryan — Wed, 31 May 2006 20:32:25 GMT

I was wondering what most people prefer for a decent quality, lightweight, aftermarket set of wheels that won't break the bank.

I am probably going to race my Acura TSX under H-Stock from now on, and I'm interested in what some of you guys prefer.

Thanks! :)

looking for a rental race car for memday weekend

johnmdanskin — Thu, 18 May 2006 09:41:10 GMT

My s54 engine is being replaced. I can't track it with 0 hours on a new engine, so I'm looking for alternatives.

I have 30 track days. I'm a careful 45 year old. In the event of an oopsie, I'm fully capable of making things right.

I'm interested in anything that handles and that'd be legal at a DE.

I've been calling all over, and I'm about out of leads.

thanks for any help

-john

Blue and White Motors

One3 — Wed, 18 Jan 2006 15:02:22 GMT

Have a 2001 5 series looking for shop for routine maintenance. Live in Mansfield, work in Boston....Does any have knowledge/experience with Blue and White Motors in Attleboro, MA?

lowering car

jadam — Sat, 13 May 2006 08:19:24 GMT

I just had TC Kline D/A coilovers put on my Z4. The height is the same all the way around. I've always heard the front should be lower than the rear. I measured just ahead of the rear wheel and just behind the front wheel, rocker panel to the ground. Does anyone know what a common differance should be? Is 1/2 inch. sound about right?

Recommend an Indie shop

MB530 — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 10:02:50 GMT

Hi, I'm tired of the dealer BS and high prices. Looking for an honest shop, quality work, reasonable rates (is this asking too much?) thanks..

WTB: E36 M3 4/d 5/speed

bander — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 15:52:05 GMT

I am looking for a clean 4 door, 5 speed M3, without paying top dollar. If you know of any good sources, please let me know!

byczerson@yahoo.com

Thanks