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

WTB E39 M5 Auto Folding Mirror Motor

dsargent — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 22:31:06 GMT

Someone nicked my pass mirror over new years. Can anyone point me to a source for the mirror motor or ideally just the aluminum bracket that attaches to the door trim itself? I'm Not talking about the motor that tilts the glass but the one that rotates the whole mirror up and out of the way... Ironically the one that would have prevented the nick in the first place.

I'd prefer to avoid the dealer as my motor is perfectly fine. 2001 E39 M5 with auto folding mirrors.

Thanks in advance.

Best handling car at any price poster - 1997 M3

cmanning — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 10:08:12 GMT

WTB or would appreciate vendor contact information.

Looking for a BMW garage near Belmont / Arlington / Lexington - electrical work

repenttokyo — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 20:35:00 GMT

My charging system on my 1991 525 recently malfunctioned and smoked a bunch of wires, my alternator, and my starter. I need someone who can check out my electrical system and diagnose what needs to be fixed. I am relatively new to the area and don't know where I should go - there are a few shops near me, but I have no idea as to their reputation. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

2000 540i Sport

Zeeb — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 14:54:25 GMT

Advice needed... I have a 2000 540i Sport that I purchased with 31K on it. It never saw snow or rain and it was treated by it's previous owner like a deity... meaning it is showroom perfect. Now it is seeing it's first salt and snow. How worried should I be about it deteriorating? I am considering buying a used AWD Suburu for the crappy winter days just to perserve it. If I choose not to do that, what can I do other than wash and wax it religiously to preserve it? How good was the factory rust preservation for that era E-39?

Scrapping dealership service?

agabriel — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:17:12 GMT

Hello,

At what point are folks scrapping dealership service? My 328 Ci is 9 years old, 106K miles and is starting to get expensive to maintain (read about $5k in service for the last year), plus I'm not entirely thrilled with the dealership. I don't abuse my car and I feel I'm being charged more than I should be. Do most independents charge for real time or "book time"?

Thanks,

Paintless Dent Removal

StefanB — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:24:37 GMT

Hi All,

Any advice on the best place in Boston/western suburbs for Paintless Dent Removal?

Thanks!

Stefan

Angel Eyes Installation

RJJ7946 — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:17:47 GMT

I recently purchased a set of Angel Eyes (Halo Lights) for my 2005 330xi. My local BMW dealer declined on installing them. Does anyone know of a quality shop knowledgeable with BMWs in the greater Worcester area that would do the work?

Two 235/40/18 Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2 snow tires

ozgur — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 10:19:10 GMT

Two 235/40/18 Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2 snow tires with well over 90% thread left. They look almost new. $150 for the pair. Located in Brookline, MA. Call (650) 387-8683.

Used Hoosier Racing Tire A6s For Sale

mattm — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:36:28 GMT

I have two Hoosier A6 275-35/18 and two 245-35/18 that are slightly used. I am asking $225 each plus shipping (new from Tirerack they are $290 and $282 respectively). I have about 12-15 runs on them. They and I are in Connecticut.

mattm "at" optonline "dot" net

Worth performance with 180,00?

murrayman23 — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:14:59 GMT

Hi guys, i'm new here. I just purchased a 1993 325IS in June and i was hesitant on adding performance parts to it. This car is in extremely good condition for the year and the mileage. It runs great, however, with 180,00 miles on it is it worth it to put money into?

WTB Snow Tire/Wheel Set: 205/50/17

Xinterp — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:44:32 GMT

Please post details with cost and pics if you have a set for sale. Thank you! :D

How about those great run flat tires?

twinlmlp — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:22:18 GMT

So it appears BMW run flats are falling flat. Road noise, vibrations etc.. Replacement needed within 10-20,000 miles... BMW is not saying much about this to date and certainly they have not notified owners of the problem they have. I cannot imagine that the ultimate driving machine is enhanced with all weather run flat tires.... Perhaps they shoudl rethink and return to real performance tires that last a bit longer, are cheaper and quieter....

buying used 525ia is this a every day car

tim shipley — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 11:41:27 GMT

I have a lot of intrest in buying a private sale on a 2002 525ia 70000 miles well maintained but no records. I need a car that will last a few years driving 500 miles a week. What should I look for ( Good or bad ) any input would be helpful

Improving performance of cars and drivers

Ivars — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:47:24 GMT

The information on the web site www.streetandtrack.net was developed with the help from some of the top technical gurus of our club and was originally intended to be published in paper form. It deals with many of the technical subjects, as well as others, that are of interest to drivers who want to attend a performance driving school or improve the performance of their cars without spending thousands of dollars.

Although the site is accessed by as many as 20 persons a day, including some from places as far as Finland, nobody has taken the advantage of posting a comment, opinion or a possible correction. Since the site is set up as a blog, this would be easy to do. So, if you think you have a better answer or have a topic that you like to see covered, send it in to the blog and see what the experts may say about it.

Looking for advice: E34 M5 or E39 M5

repenttokyo — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:10:23 GMT

I am looking to upgrade from my 1991 525i within the next few months. I have narrowed down my options to either an E34 M4 or an E39 M5. I will be daily driving the car, and using it in track events / autocross.

I love my current E34, especially the interior. The idea of it having 150 more horsepower is very appealing to me. I also really like the styling.

The E39 has also been appealing to me for a long time. The extra power and luxury is enticing, although the interior and exterior styling is holding me back - as is the price of maintenance. I currently maintain my own car, but I fear I would lose that ability with the E39.

The other issue: I have never ridden in / driven either car. It might not be too hard to rustle up a test drive of a local E39 M5 at a dealership, but E34's are as rare as hen's teeth. Are there any members who own either of these cars who wouldn't mind giving me a demonstration of their capabilities?

76 540i fuse box replacement?

fred.76.540i — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:34:27 GMT

Forgive the title. It's actually a 530i.

The fuse box (fwd driver side eng compartment) has a cracked clear plastic top. Important functions (wipers, high beams, etc) are continually dropping out without warning. The torpedo fuses and the fuse holders seem to be loose and corroded to various degrees. Should I replace
- just the plastic top
- and all the fuses
- and the fuse box itself?
- Is there a more reliable box I can sub and do away with these old-timey fuse problems for the future?

Thanks,

Fred

Magnet numbers for car

urban07sti — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:55:31 GMT

Any place locally (MA) to get magnetic numbers? Getting sick of putting on and taking off the painter's tape. Thanks!

Mandoulidis Auto Repair in Peabody - anyone heard of these guys?

tfd123 — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:22:40 GMT

Says they specialize in BMW repair and service. I've never heard of them but they have an '89 525i for sale that I might look at. Just wondering if anyone has ever had any dealings with them. Thanks.

Does racing void CPO warranty?

z28bryan — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:27:12 GMT

I'm looking at a few 3 series right now. Some have CPO and some don't. Can CPO be voided if they know I will use it for autocrossing?

What about if I put in my own minor modifications?

Leaking Sunroof Question

ubcmember — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:01:33 GMT

My body shop told me they would rather not touch the sunroof which surprised me. I have a 1986 528e I am restoring and it has a lazy sunroof which doesn't want to close tight. I live near West Quincy Motors but need to find out first from the forum where to go body shop or garage? Any suggestions where will be greatly apreciated, Jim

Is and M3 overkill as a daily driver?

jbell451 — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:33:13 GMT

I am a newbie here and wanted some opinions on what car to buy. I do not have a BMW now but I have had a 2002 in the past. I love cars and I have owned an 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider, one of the old German made 1973 Mercury Capri's w/ 2.8L v6 (that car was fun although pretty ugly) and I currently own a 67 Camaro RS/SS (it throws you back in your seat when you step on the gas but handles terrible).

I am looking to get a good handling, quick daily driver. I am also looking to join the club and participate in some of the events. I was debating between the 325 & 328 (i or is)with the sport package but i picked up the latest Bimmer mag and I got excited about the M3 article.

Is and M3 overkill as a daily driver? I also have a budget of about $16000 so were talking E36 or E46 for the 325 & 328 or E36 for the M3.

Hail!

DanChadwick — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:09:52 GMT

Hope everyone's car is OK. We got mostly pea-sized with a few marble-sized hail in Arlington. My car's in the garage, but the Audi is at my wife's work. We'll see....

Travelling to Buy Car Long Distance

z28bryan — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:56:29 GMT

Has anyone traveled several hundred miles to get a rare vehicle you want in a specific condition, color, miles, etc? I really want to get a 330i ZHP manual, with black leather, preferably silver cube trim, low miles, one owner.

Theres a nice one in Kentucky that I found online being sold privately. I would consider flying out there to pick it up. I just don't know if this is a good or a bad idea. I'm a paperwork fanatic and like to cover all bases and situations before they happen. Other than making sure all the documents are there and making sure the conversations with the seller give me a good gut feeling that he's sincere, what else could I do to make sure I'm doing the right thing?

Would there happen to be anyone out there who could provide any input on this subject?

Track tire suggestions for E36 M3

eyelise — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:59:11 GMT

I recently purchased an E36 M3 for track and daily driving. I'd like to hear peoples thoughts on the Kumho 710s, Victoracers, Hoosier R6, and Nitto Nt01s. I know BMW people tend to favor the RA-1s but I am wondering about the collective experience with other brands. I'm purchasing a track set of wheels and tires. My street tire is the Falken RT-615 which I highly recommend for OEM replacement. Interested in your thoughts.

BTW, I've been looking at sizing and plan to move to the same size tire all the way around. I'm having the front fenders rolled to accomodate 255/40/17s on 8.5" wheels. It appears the OEM 245/40/17 is as rare as hen's teeth in racing rubber. The Hoosier R6 does come in this size but I've been warned it wears very fast. The alternative is moving to 235/40/70 or 255/40/7.

I intend to use the set for HPDE and time trials. I usually run in the red run grps. I've been tracking various cars for about 8yrs and even attended Skips racing school. This will be my first real set of race rubber!!!!

Mass State Inspection Emissions on e34 530i

BlueE34 — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:07:40 GMT

Hello all,

I'm looking for an experienced shop in doing emissions work on BMWs, especially V8's. My current 94' 530i (160K) keeps failing on emissions even though I've replaced many parts and I have kept up with maintenance.

I am fully aware of the Nikasil problem and my engine doesn't seem to have this issue, I've had it compression and leak tested.

Cats have been replaced, complete intake reseal, all tune up items done always, not sure on smog pump status, and I've reset the adaptation values, all to only improve but not pass emissions testing. Idles well (for a V8 of its generation), and doesn't smell out the pipe, or blow smoke, and MPG is/are ok, zero engine hesitation and very fast.

One thing is that when my car is tested for some reason the engine status comes up as a 6 cylinder on the state inspection page. And also the emission results are very similar to what it was producing in year 2000 (i have paperwork) and by the standards of 2000 it still passes, but in 2008 some of the limits have been cut to 1/3 of 2000.

Personally I think the limits have become too stringent and the car is just fine. Any help or recommendation on a shop would be great, especially a MA Emissions certified place (so I can get the waiver after $200 of service). Thank you to anyone,

Patrick

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.

mass bumper questions

drmike73 — Tue, 20 May 2008 23:03:57 GMT

I am working on a 73 2002 project car which i have decided to use turbo flares and front airdam. Does anyone know if a front or rear bumper are required to pass inspection?

Dinan modifications

jpaul60768 — Fri, 30 May 2008 10:24:39 GMT

Anyone have any experience with Dinan modifications? I am looking at the s package modification for my car.

Thanks

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: :)