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29 March 2008. Blog entry by DaBoss.
A fellow BMW enthusiast recently asked me to refer him to a site that provides one-stop
information and services for car buyers. This request reminded me of a site (Car Seek) that
I used to rely on for information on buying
new cars. So I visited the site again
and was pleasantly surprised by the changes that have been made to the site since my last
visit.
The site is currently a one-stop center for new car buyers providing information on new
auto reviews, dealers, prices
and even a buying guide. The information in the site is quite comprehensive and contains
reviews, news and articles on a whole lot of car makes (including my favourite make - BMW).
I especially like the availability of services in the site - namely in the areas of providing
quotations; and referrals to financing and insurance.
The reviews on the BMW section of the site is also quite comprehensive and covers basically
all the BMW models. I picked up a few pieces of information which were new to me. That alone
was worth a visit to the site.
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4 December 2006. Blog entry by DaBoss.
I came across this really interesting site while browsing the Internet for BMW videos.
Dragtimes.com contains a good collection of
drag-racing videos
and pictures (many of which include BMWs). These videos and pictures are basically submitted
by members and reviewed by editors before they are published.
Based on a quick review of the site, I can see that the site has a database that consists of
more than 9,000 1/4 mile drag racing timeslips for
fast cars and motorcycles.
A horsepower calculator
is available to provide a horsepower estimate calculated from the car’s ET, trap speed and weight.
Users can be kept informed of the newest fast cars through a RSS feed and an email notification system.
Syndication scripts are available for automotive website owners to present live drag racing timeslip
data directly on their website - I may just use it for BimmerCenter!
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24 August 2006. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
I just read an article in Wired News that BMW is expecting to develop a highly complex
robotic parking-assist system that can park itself in very tight parking spots while
the driver waits outside and watch. All you need to do is to step out of the car and
press a remote control button!
BMW expects the technology will be available within three years and will implement it
largely as an add-on to the existing high-tech components already available in the car.
Raymond Freymann (managing director of BMW group research and technology) mentioned that
most of the required components are already in the 7-Series.
Such news does make me wonder if luxury car
manufacturers like BMW are going overboard
in providing expensive technology that is more 'fun and exciting' rather than
practical.
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4 May 2006. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
It is interesting to read in the news that David Beckham (the English football star)
had 2 of his BMW X5 SUVs stolen in the past 6 months by high-tech car thieves using
laptops loaded with special software to crack the keyless entry and ignition systems
in the SUVs. A wireless connection was made between the laptops and the systems in
the SUVs to start the engines and open the doors. Experts suspect that it took less
than 20 minutes for the thieves to break into each SUV.
Many BMW enthusiasts have quickly come in to defend the BMW system by suggesting the
privileged information regarding the way the software works and the encryption keys
employed by the system have been compromised. Regardless of whether it is a weakness
in the actual system or a weakness in the process of keeping the information from
such thieves, it is a weakness nevertheless - since poor Beckham's BMW X5 SUVs were
indeed stolen.
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18 November 2005. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
I was at the workshop recently doing a routine engine oil service (every 5,000 miles)
together with an auto-transmission oil change since it’s been almost a year. I started
changing the gearbox oil yearly, between 18,000 to 20,000 miles, after I swapped the
original 4-speed automatic gearbox for a 5-speed ZF unit. It’s been almost 5 years now
and the gearbox has been working faultlessly with gear changes as smooth as any e34 I’ve
driven. There was another owner there at that time who was collecting his car (also an e34)
and he told me that changing the auto-transmission oil yearly is a waste of money and might
do more harm than good as had happened to his car. I’m not quite sure how putting in fresh
fluid could adversely affect the working of the gearbox. Anyway, I’ll continue doing so,
unless there’s a sound explanation not to, since it’s been working well for me thus far.
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6 December 2005. Comments by theDogger:
I am looking for some info. on the tranny swap. I have a ZF320 to swap into a 95 e34
525 and have question on what model parts do I buy? |
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1 February 2006. Comments by Gunnar Heinrich:
In my experience, the E34 5-Series rank as some of the hardest used BMWs. Something
about those cars and their drivers made them drive like VW Golf drivers on crack. The
result were shot suspensions and transmissions plus tired engines. Still, they were so
much fun to drive. |
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5 July 2006. Comments by jr:
I'm glad it's working well |
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4 November 2005. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
There were some comments and feedbacks with regards to Alpina wheels and bodykits for the
e34. Instead of replying to them individually, I’ll summarize my opinions here. I like
Alpina wheels because it’s a classic design that does not go out of style. Just look at
pictures from the Internet and
magazines;
and you will probably find that Alpina wheels look universally good on most BMWs
including the e30, e36, e34 and e39. I also remember reading that Alpina parts do more
than just make your car look good. Their bodykits have been designed to enhance the car
performance. So why have I not mentioned or considered Alpina bodykits on my e34? I guess
that's mainly because I’m not into bodykits. Even if I were, used Alpina bodykits for the
e34 are even more difficult to locate than their wheels! I’d probably settle for a set of
used BMW M-Tech bodykit. Also, Alpina bodykits work better as a total package - i.e. with
accompanying body stripes, wheels and badges!
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4 February 2006. Comments by Redrooster NZ:
I have just bought a 728 ..4 years old. The paint on the wheels has almost all gone.
I appears acid or similar has done the damage. Even the spare has the problem. Is this
a common thing please? |
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13 October 2005. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
A couple of weeks after deciding against the 18" Alpina wheels, I was really itching to
get this process of looking for wheels over with. When a friend offered his set of AC
Schnitzer Type 1 to me I bought them without hesitation. The wheels were not in the best
of condition so I had them sent to be refurbished. I'm rather pleased with the buy because
it's the look I'm after for my car. I don't see many e34s riding on AC Type I which is a
pity because they look good and are much easier to clean compared to the multi-spoke
Alpinas! Most of the AC Schnitzer wheels I've seen on e34s are of the Type III variety.
In my opinion, the Type I design is better suited to the e34 BMW 5-series because of their
understated design. I have resisted fixing side skirts and rear spoilers as I want to look
discrete and I'm happy that the AC Type I wheels will continue the theme.
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11 February 2006. Comments by Wheel choices:
I have a 74 bmw 3.0 that Im converting to a 3.5 with a 5 speed. I have the option of
wheels and paint since Im restomodifying the car. Im thinking of 18 inch alpina rims on
rosa red paint with a roll bar and tan leather any ideas yourself. Email me with
sudjestions. jjay911@yahoo.com Jeff |
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5 September 2005. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
After months of patience, I couldn't believe my luck when I got a call from my regular
workshop informing me that there's someone who's looking for a buyer for an original set
of Alpina wheels - wow! The wheels are currently on the owner's e34 and it seems that the
owner is switching to BMW M-parallels. With cash in my pocket I drove to the workshop that
weekend hoping to return with my dream wheels. As soon as I saw the car (it's a 535i that
looked menacing in black complete with Alpina bodykit), I thought the wheels were
exceptionally huge and wide for 17". As it turns out, they were 18" Alpina wheels 9x18" in
front and 10.5" wide on the rear - unbelievable! The owner said he had bought them used
but assured me they are genuine Alpina items. To cut the story short, I decided not to buy
those wheels. I didn't feel comfortable primarily because I had set my mind on 17" wheels
to maintain some ride quality and also because I was a little suspicious on the
authenticity (I recall that Alpina only had 17" wheels on their B10). So, still no
wheels...
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16 September 2005. Comments by NorwayBmw:
I absolutely agree with you to go with the 17". I recently bought a used set of ALPINA
17" Classics with 235 tires front and back for my 1995 E34 5.20i and it absolutely looks
and handles marvelously. it also enhances both the sportyness AND the understated
elegance that i love about my e34. In addition i also had the car lowered 40mm making it
slightly more aggressive. Awsome! highly recommended! |
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22 August 2005. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
After talking to some guys from the local IASCA (mobile audio competition) scene and
doing a lot of thinking and research, I decided that I'll look for a xtant 2200ix as a
start for my system revamp. I plan to use the 2200ix for the front components and keep
the 3300c to drive a pair of midbass and the subwoofer. Most of whom I have spoken to
have advised me to get a TRU T4.100v2 amplifier and dispose the current xtant 3300c
amplifier. TRU seems to be one of the most popular brand for amplifiers right now.
However, I like the looks of my xtant 3300c and they don't sound too bad either.
Although the xtant 2200ix is probably not a match for the latest TRU/Brax/Zapco
amplifiers in terms of sound quality but it is at least a visual match for my existing
xtant 3300c amplifier! I've heard quite a few installs with varying equipment since and
my opinion is that with decent amplifiers and speakers, there is more to be gained from
investing in good installation rather than spending on 'better'/more expensive
amplifiers.
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4 August 2005. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
I recently met up with a friend who moved from performance modification and illegal
street racing to in-car-entertainment (ICE) after being married for a couple of
years. Given the amount he would have otherwise spent on tyres with killer prices
like Michelin Pilot Sport 2, Pirelli P-Zeros and the likes; and meddling with bigger
turbo systems, he got himself a very advanced "beginner" (according to him) car audio
install. He's got the usual big names/expensive competition-grade items in his
car - Alpine 7998 head-units, Focal speakers, a couple of TRU technology amplifiers
and a hard-hitting Brahma subwoofer. I have listened to some of my favourite/reference
CD tracks on the system and also played the few mandatory test tracks from a CD
supplied free-of-charge by his installer (to help him demonstrate and show-off the
qualities of his system and the installer's work). I guess I have to admit that I
was pretty impressed. It highlighted the inadequacy of my own car stereo in so many
areas that I now have the urge to upgrade the system. I definitely need to get cleaner
and more powerful amplifiers to drive the front components. I am also considering
moving the speakers from stock locations to custom kick panels.
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22 August 2005. Comments by Medical Billing Services:
See what happens when you get married. Soon you will have dual playstations in the back seats. |
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15 July 2005. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
A friend of mine knew I was looking for wheels and informed me that his friend has a set
of BMW M-Parallel wheels for sale. I wasn't really interested because they were 18-inch
but was persuaded to consider them as they come with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres with only
about 3000 highway miles into them. When I saw the wheels, the rear tyres were much wider
than what iI'm comfortable with - 235/40/18 in front and 265/35/18 in the rear. I knew
then that I wasn't going to buy those. Other than that, the wheels looked to be in decent
condition - with just kerb marks on a couple of them. It seems he had them taken off just
a few weeks back together with the Bilstein sport suspensions after his wife complained
about the harsh ride. He passed the car to his wife after getting himself a Mercedes
(saw a menacing-looking black W210 E-class with massive wheels and AMG body kit outside
the house). What a guy!
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8 July 2005. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
I still haven't found suitable wheels for my e34. I'm fussy when it comes to wheels
because they have such a major effect on the looks of the car. The e34 BMW has a very
understated elegance that I would like to maintain. So the latest avantgarde-styled fancy
wheels won't do! There are a few basic criteria for my choice wheels. They've got to be
17-inch (probably the best compromise between handling and comfort); of known quality from
better-known aftermarket manufacturers of BMW wheels; and also period correct for the e34.
I would settle for any one of the following - Hartge Design A, AC Schnitzer Type 1 or
Alpina. I like Alpina the best by association with the awesome Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo.
However, realistically, the best bet would be the AC Schnitzer wheels because I don't
fancy the chances of locating a good set of Alpina or Hartge wheels in the correct fitment.
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21 June 2005. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
I received a call from a friend asking me for my opinion on getting a 1996 e36 318i. He
drives a heavily modded Mitsubishi Evo 6 with suspension as hard as rock (that's the only
thing I remember!). While happy with it, he knows it is not suitable for his new sales
function that involves long distance travel and probably the need to drive customers.
Hence his decision to buy a "cheap BMW" as a second car. With his budget, he was also
persuaded to try a 1995 e34 525i. He was surprised that the "heavy and old" looking car
drove much smoother (besides being in better overall condition) and handled better.
Knowing him, its almost pointless talking about maintenance, build quality and ride
quality. An image-conscious late 20s fast-and-furious party-maniac bachelor will almost
always enjoy the e36 more. Even if I can convince him the e34 is a better buy, he'll
probably come back after a few months (maybe weeks after he sees some modded e36) cursing!
So I told him a BMW is still a BMW - just get whichever that excites him more (but look
for a 6 pot e36 instead). The rest can be upgraded!
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18 June 2005. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
It's been a month since my last post as work and other commitments have kept me occupied.
Likewise, the car has been neglected too. Oil change is overdue - I normally do this
regularly at 7000 km intervals using Castrol Magnatex semi-synthethic. The "Inspection"
warning light has been showing for more than a month and the service indicator is down to
2 green bars. Not to mention that the car hasn't been washed for 2 months. Anyway, the
car continues to run flawlessly and I'm sure it will despite the recent slip in its
maintenance and care. After the next service, provided there's no major work required,
it's time for my next upgrade - a new set of wheels to replace the tired looking stock
15-inchers. I'm on the lookout for a nice set of AC Schnitzer Type I wheels.
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17 May 2005. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
It's been a while since I did anything to the car. Actually, I did have to send it into
the workshop a couple of weeks back to repair damages caused by an accident. There was
damage to the front bumper (cracked) and dents on the bonnet and front side panel. I was
considering replacing the damaged bumper but decided to have it patched instead after
getting a quote on the price of a replacement bumper - a used one. The repair job was
decent but I was not pleased with the way they handled my car. The glovebox latch and the
gear lever cover was damaged when I received my car. Those were easily fixed. The thing
that couldn't be fixed was the slight difference in the shade of grey paint they used.
It's not so bad on the front bumper and bonnet but it looks terrible on the front
side-panel. I've now got to think about re-spraying the entire car.
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26 April 2005. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
I saw pictures of the face-lifted e65 7-Series on the Internet. As far as I can tell,
external styling changes were made to the front and the earlier "not so well liked" back
of the car. I'm pleased that BMW has chosen to go back to the more traditional looking
integrated rear light clusters. However, I would have preferred the L-shaped rear lights
assembly as compared to the inverted L-shaped (although it is not entirely obvious due
to placement of the clear portion of the lights on the rear wings at the bottom). They've
also made some changes to the rear-bumper that contributes to the rear looking more
'trim' and less bulky. These changes have given the rear a fresh new (yet traditional BMW)
look from it's early dumpy-looking design. However, I like the the changes they've made to
the front even more. The updated shape of the double kidney grille and headlamp designs
make the e65 7 Series look stylistically more exciting and dynamic like a fast big car
rather than a chauffeured limo. Overall, definitely a nice looking 7.
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4 April 2005. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
The upgraded brakes are fantastic! I can confirm that brakes from the e32 750i work very
well on the e34 and they provide much more stopping power compared to those on the e34
525i. The other lesson I learned from this experience is that in order for brakes from
the e32 750i to work properly on the e34, upgrading the brake servo and master cylinder
to those from the e32 7 Series is a must. I think the used servo and master cylinder that
was fixed to my car came off an e32 740i. Nevertheless, they seem to work quite well. This
upgrade definitely ranks high amongst those I'm most pleased with because it brings a
smile to my face every time I step on the brake pedal. The only downside, and it's a minor
irritant rather than anything of concern, is the whooshing sound from the bigger servo.
One normally wouldn't notice the sound when braking. It is only obvious especially when
you pump the brakes whilst the car is stationary. The other bit that annoys me is the
extreme squealing which I'm told is caused by the brake pads. I will need to do
something about the latter.
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13 March 2006. Comments by DZeckhausen:
You can usually stop the squealing brake problem by properly bedding the brakes in.
Here's a step-by-step set of instructions I wrote:
http://www.zeckhausen.com/bedding_in_brakes.htm |
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