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Incidentally, BMW cars are Bimmers, not Beemers. Beemers are motorcycles. Most people get this wrong, but if you're into BMWs, you mightas well get it right. There is a BMW car magazine named Bimmer (not Beemer). Also, the bylaws of the BMWCCA clearly state that BMWs are Bimmers. Bavarian Autosports sells T-shirts that have pictures of a BMW motocycle and a BMW car on the front with the words Beemer and Bimmer under the respective pictures. Under that are the words "Any questions?".
Hmm, you've got an electrical problem.
If the battery is indeed not leaky, there may be a constant current drainage from your battery when your car is off due to a faulty switch or some unknown path to ground.
If no leakage exists, it may be that your alternator is not fully charging up your battery.
I'm not a mechanic but, I'd check all three of the following: check the battery first (you say you already did this), check the alternator/battery charge-up, and also check if significant leakage exists when car is off even if alternator found to be bad..may also have a short which will make your alternator work harder all the time.
Funny, I thought that's what computer monitoring systems were for. All of these faults are detectable and should be relayed to you via computer. For 60k car..I would expect this.
Taking it to a dealer is probably your best bet.
my 2 cent
Joseph
San Diego
I am looking to purchase a used '98 or '99 M3 convertible. Can anyone give me some advice on what scheduled maintenance should have been done or what mechanical (or other) issues to watch out for? The cars in my price range have from 90,000 to 129,000 miles on them. Is there a need to have the timing belt changed at a particular interval, or the water pump or other major maintenance interval near those miles?
I'm enthusiastic about the car, but do not have any BMW ownership experience.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!
--Rob
They are correct.
Hard to believe when my 85 Toyota had it. What say ye? Any thoughts.
I've owned a couple of e36 3ers and I never gave the three speed wipers a second thought. From my perspective, the only thing that can ruin an E36 M3 is an automatic transmission The E46 3ers do have variable intermittent wipers, so you could always trade up. OTOH, I'm sure you can find more than a few 1985 Toyota owners who would be eager to swap you even for your M3 :P
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Change brake fluid every two years using a quality DOT4 such as ATE Super Blue Racing. Flush it every year if you track it.
Manual gearbox and final drive should get changed at @60,000 mile intervals(every second Inspection II). I'd suggest a quality synthetic Dexron II ATF for the gearbox, and a good synthetic 75W-140 GL-5 gear oil for the final drive. I use Royal Purple, but Amsoil, Mobil 1, Redline, and Valvoline make suitable equivalents. Again, I'd halve the frequency if I used the car at HPDEs.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
The plugs get changed at the Inspection II. If the belts have never been changed I'd do it now. Also check the belt idler and tensioner pulleys. If any of them are noisy or wobbly they need to be replaced.
Would you replace the water pump at this point?
In my experience the lifespan of BMW six cylinder water pumps is 60000-100000 miles. It couldn't hurt to change it, it's a fairly simple procedure. Some vendors are selling a replacement pump which is supposedly much more efficient and durable, but the long-term data isn't in yet. It's expensive- around $195 as compared with $70-$80 for an OEM pump.
I'd also think about replacing the radiator; the OEM units have a bad habit of failing at the most inconvenient times. If you plan on keeping the car I'd recommend installing Zionsville Autosport's Alloy Radiator with Hi-Po Kit.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Ask away, I'm happy to help.
What plugs do you recommend?
The BMW ETK(parts CD) calls for either a Bosch F7 LDCR or a NGK BKR 6 EK.
Anything else you can think of?
You might want to pick up the E36 Bentley service manual- on either paper or CD. You should also check out this E36 DIY page.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Probably not for at least 150K more miles.
When replacing the belts, should the pulleys and tensioners be replaced?
It wouldn't hurt to replace the tensioner/idler pulleys; they usually begin to fail in the 100K-130K range. If one does let go it can be a real pain- ask me how I know...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
PS. what an amazing car
Valve clearances should be checked at every Inspection I and II. I'd also change the fuel filter at every Inspection II.
breaks have minor occasional squeak
That's not too unusual. Try braking harder and see if the noise goes away.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Shocks, struts, and wheel bearings often last over 100,000 miles. U joints rarely fail on a stock M3, but I would inspect the driveshaft center bearing and guibo at every oil change. If you start hearing a thumping noise from the rear of the car it usually means that the rear shock mounts(RSMs) are toast. There are lots of replacement options but I prefer the Meyle HD RSM which can be found at UUC Motorwerks.
AND-what exactly are you?-a mechanic, an enthusiast, a racer-what?
I'm just an enthusiast/home mechanic who has owned and wrenched on BMWs since 1983.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Well, this is a helpful document.
What do you drive now?
1995 318ti Club Sport(original owner)
2004 X3 2.5(wife's car)
1999 Wrangler Sahara
1996 Triumph Speed Triple(when I want to go REALLY fast)
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
I looked at several Beemers and just missed out buying a really nice K75S, but I'm glad I bought the S3. With Triumphs, depreciation is your friend...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
1. Key in 0 or off position.
2. Press and hold odometer button and turn key to 1 or acc. position.
3. Keep button pressed until any of the following words appear in display: "oil service" or "inspection", with "reset" or "re".
4. Press and hold button again until "reset" or "re" flash. If there is no "flash", minimum consumption value has not been met.
5. While display is flashing, press button briefly to reset service interval indicator. After display has shown new interval, the following will appear in display for approx. 2 seconds:"END SIA"
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
you can buy a tool for this from www.bavauto.com for around $70 .
I am new at this site . I have an 2003 m3 convertible. No problems to speak of...my fingers are crossed.
good luck,
phil
As noted above, an SIA reset tool is NOT needed to reset the SIA on most BMWs from @11/00 forward. However, if you plan to work on your BMW, then I would advise purchasing the appropriate R5/FCX-II from Peake Research, which will allow you to read most BMW fault codes.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
#1- If I replace the RSMs, should I replace the rear shocks at the same time? If so-with what?
#2-what would be the top 3 performance enhancing changes I could make on my 95 M3? I am not looking for more speed, just even more pleasure driving. Thank you so very much. Steve
Well, if the RSMs are quiet I'd probably and leave them alone. As for shocks I'd go with either Bilsteins or Konis.
#2-what would be the top 3 performance enhancing changes I could make on my 95 M3? I am not looking for more speed, just even more pleasure driving.
1. Attend several BMW CCA drivers schools- per year.
2. A Conforti Euro Intake Kit
3. UUC Sway Bars
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
The only extended warranty I'd consider would be the one offered by BMW, which essentially mirrors the CPO warranty. FWIW, I've also been looking at E46 M3s, and if I buy one I'm just going to roll the dice and forgo any additional warranty. The E46 M3 has proven to be quite reliable and I feel comfortable with assuming that risk.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
best regards,
Ian
(PS Watch "CRIMINAL MINDS" Wednesday Nights at 9pm on CBS....thankyou.)
Also, when the radiator and the rear shock mounts look pristine, how many of you E36 owners have replaced them anyway?
Probably a setting on the onboard computer. The speed or ice alarm would be my guess.
Also, when the radiator and the rear shock mounts look pristine, how many of you E36 owners have replaced them anyway?
I'd definitely replace the radiator within the next six months or 6K miles. In an E36 of your vintage the radiator can fail without warning at any time. It's a fairly inexpensive procedure that you can do yourself. If you plan to keep and/or track the car I'd consider fitting the Zionsville Autosport all metal radiator. It's not cheap, but it cures the radiator problem permanently.
When the rear shock mounts start to go you'll hear them. Replace them with the Meyle HD RSMs from UUC Motorwerks.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Unlike a radiator, the RSMs will give you an audible warning, so you can certainly wait until you hear them.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Thanks!
Do you have access to the car's service records? That would help determine what service the car needs. In any event, I would change the oil at 7.5K intervals using Castrol 10W-60 and a BMW filter. Brake fluid needs to be changed at least every two years using a quality DOT 4 fluid, such as BMW, Castrol LMA, or ATE Super Blue Racing. If your car sees the track(and it should), change it every 6 months. Coolant should be changed every two years using BMW Coolant ONLY. I'd follow the Service Interval Indicator for all other service. Your owner's manual contains information on the SI system.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
I know that the self adjusting pressure plate has caused problems in the MT cars. Most people swap it for a conventional pressure plate, which has a better "feel" and is more reliable. I don't know if that's possible with your car. I'd check with the guys at UUC Motorwerks and see what they recommend.
Also everytime i go to that dealership he's trying to tell me i'm due for a Brake fluid Flush???? How often should i do that???
Street driven cars cars can have the fluid flushed every two years(DOT 4 fluid ONLY). Cars that see track use should change the fluid every 6 months.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive