[Hawkshaw]

Originally Posted by ElCapitan

So when are we having a meet fellows?

Drop a post when you get your e91 and the mods installed...and make sure I get a bit of notice (I need to make sure she's tip top, and get the baby seat out of the back )

Took advantage of the OK weather yesterday and gave my e90 a much needed bath...and dry...I forgot how nice it felt to drive around a shiney ride.

[ElCapitan]

I should wash my 330. She needs it so bad. You guys would prefer to see the modded E91 over the E46 M3?

[Nablu]

I've been using Dunlop M3 DSST this winter on my 17" OEM rims. I bought them at 1010Tires.com in the fall. I am planning to purchase 18" rims and tires this spring (I think I would worry too much with 19"'s here). I would love to see those CSL reps.

I am still trying to sort out if I should risk dropping the car with springs (Eibach Pro-kit or H&R) leading to premature strut failure? Alternatively, add some gas shocks (KYB? suggested by Nick at Halifax BMW) in addition to new springs?

I am anxious to hear your thoughts guys.

NAA

[vladdy]

Originally Posted by ElCapitan

I should wash my 330. She needs it so bad. You guys would prefer to see the modded E91 over the E46 M3?

Congrats on your new ride ElCapitan. Haven't come across one here in Halifax yet.

[vladdy]

Originally Posted by Nablu

I got to experience a flat last week with a RFT for the first time. The alarm warning came on but the car drove no differently. A visual inspection revealed no difference in appearance and the "flat tire" felt no different to the touch.

Only when I checked the pressure was it evident there was zero pressure in the nail punctured tire. Scotia on Robie repaired it, I reset the sensor and that was it.


NAA

That is good to know that Scotia was able to repair your RFT puncture. I have been reading varying opinions about whether the RFT can be repaired or not so its good to know that Scotia was able to do it for you.

[Hawkshaw]

Originally Posted by Hawkshaw

Drop a post when you get your e91 and the mods installed...and make sure I get a bit of notice (I need to make sure she's tip top, and get the baby seat out of the back )

Took advantage of the OK weather yesterday and gave my e90 a much needed bath...and dry...I forgot how nice it felt to drive around a shiney ride.

Clearly I spoke too soon...after the drive to work this morning, she's not quite as shiney as she was yesterday

[Hawkshaw]

Originally Posted by vladdy

That is good to know that Scotia was able to repair your RFT puncture. I have been reading varying opinions about whether the RFT can be repaired or not so its good to know that Scotia was able to do it for you.

+1

Good to know. My coworker with the e60 530xi has had two flats with his run flats in the last 3 months! Although, he doesn't really get how the RFT's work...he was complaining to me when the first one happened that he thought that it was impossible to get a flat tire with the RFT's. I don't know if he didn't think there was actually air in there or what!

Nice enough guy, but kinda the sterotypical "I want a BMW because it says BMW" kinda guy. Knows jack about cars, but has some pennies to rub together, so buys a BMW. I told him to take out the Lexus GS and the Infiniti M (both of which rated higher than the 5er in C&D's comparison tests) when shopping, but his mind was made up before ever getting in the ride.

[Hawkshaw]

Originally Posted by ElCapitan

I should wash my 330. She needs it so bad. You guys would prefer to see the modded E91 over the E46 M3?

Hmmm...can you bring 'em both? Just use the e91 to tow the M3...no problem. Tape some pilllows to the rear of the e91 and to the front of the M3 and you're good to go.

[Hawkshaw]

Originally Posted by Nablu

I've been using Dunlop M3 DSST this winter on my 17" OEM rims. I bought them at 1010Tires.com in the fall. I am planning to purchase 18" rims and tires this spring (I think I would worry too much with 19"'s here). I would love to see those CSL reps.

I am still trying to sort out if I should risk dropping the car with springs (Eibach Pro-kit or H&R) leading to premature strut failure? Alternatively, add some gas shocks (KYB? suggested by Nick at Halifax BMW) in addition to new springs?

I am anxious to hear your thoughts guys.

NAA

I would love to help you out, but I'm afraid I've got to plead dumb when it comes to suspension mods...El Capitain or Alan Coles would be your guys (atlantic canada guys anyway). Longtran would probably the overall guy to talk to on e90post.com.

[vladdy]

Originally Posted by Hawkshaw

Clearly I spoke too soon...after the drive to work this morning, she's not quite as shiney as she was yesterday

I know how you feel. I washed mine Sunday as well. Although I am still not brave enough to wash it outside yet. I have been washing it inside using ONR this winter. Looks like it's going to stay in the garage for another day or two.

[ElCapitan]

Originally Posted by vladdy

Congrats on your new ride ElCapitan. Haven't come across one here in Halifax yet.

Thank you very much. You will get to see at our first official Halifax E90post.com meet.

Originally Posted by Hawkshaw

Clearly I spoke too soon...after the drive to work this morning, she's not quite as shiney as she was yesterday

That is the maritime weather for you. I used to wash my E46 330xi every weekend and 2 out of 3 Mondays it was dirty on the way to work.

Originally Posted by Hawkshaw

+1

Good to know. My coworker with the e60 530xi has had two flats with his run flats in the last 3 months! Although, he doesn't really get how the RFT's work...he was complaining to me when the first one happened that he thought that it was impossible to get a flat tire with the RFT's. I don't know if he didn't think there was actually air in there or what!

Nice enough guy, but kinda the sterotypical "I want a BMW because it says BMW" kinda guy. Knows jack about cars, but has some pennies to rub together, so buys a BMW. I told him to take out the Lexus GS and the Infiniti M (both of which rated higher than the 5er in C&D's comparison tests) when shopping, but his mind was made up before ever getting in the ride.

Oh well his loss. You are like me. When someone is asking me for car shopping advice, I don't recommend BMW right away. I first ask what are the vehicle is for (priorities, etc). His guy could have found a more suitable car for himself have he tested them all.

Originally Posted by Hawkshaw

Hmmm...can you bring 'em both? Just use the e91 to tow the M3...no problem. Tape some pilllows to the rear of the e91 and to the front of the M3 and you're good to go.

If you guys want to see both the E46 and E91, my wife and son will have to come. No towing... Sorry.

Originally Posted by Hawkshaw

I would love to help you out, but I'm afraid I've got to plead dumb when it comes to suspension mods...El Capitain or Alan Coles would be your guys (atlantic canada guys anyway). Longtran would probably the overall guy to talk to on e90post.com.

I am no expert. I am still on the fence about installing springs only. I have no money for shocks and wouldn't know which ones to buy(bought 4 sets of rims with tires, two sets of springs Euro Xenon, blacklines and various trims). I will install my CSL 18" replicas on the E46 330xi and E91 328xiT first and see how is the ride height. Some people say that the Eibach Prokit and H&R Sport are designed to work with stock shocks no problem and the shocks life will not shorten by as much as others are mentionning. I will probably get the springs installed to see for myself.

Alan Coles would be more the guy to go to since he is a track junky. I wish I could afford to track... Maybe I can be part of Alan's pitcrew. Would be a great opportunity to learn a lot about cars.

[Hawkshaw]

Originally Posted by ElCapitan

If you guys want to see both the E46 and E91, my wife and son will have to come. No towing... Sorry.

Will the M3 fit in the e91's trunk?

[ElCapitan]

Originally Posted by Hawkshaw

Will the M3 fit in the e91's trunk?

I will try once I get the E91 I promise.

[Hawkshaw]

Originally Posted by ElCapitan

I will try once I get the E91 I promise.

That's all I ask, a little effort.

Hey, did you say at one point that you were a dentist in the military, or was that someone else? I bring it up only because my wife is a hygienist, brother-in-law is a dentist, step-mother-in-law is a hygienist, and father-in-law is an orthodontist. My kid's destined for well maintained teeth.

[Hawkshaw]

Originally Posted by ElCapitan

We will put a meet & greet together... Where is Alan Coles been?

I just sent him a PM to let him know we're talking about him behind his back.

[ElCapitan]

Originally Posted by Hawkshaw

That's all I ask, a little effort.

Hey, did you say at one point that you were a dentist in the military, or was that someone else? I bring it up only because my wife is a hygienist, brother-in-law is a dentist, step-mother-in-law is a hygienist, and father-in-law is an orthodontist. My kid's destined for well maintained teeth.

Yes I am a dentist in the military. You have good connections with the dental world.

Originally Posted by Hawkshaw

I just sent him a PM to let him know we're talking about him behind his back.

Good job.

[Hawkshaw]

Originally Posted by ElCapitan

Yes I am a dentist in the military. You have good connections with the dental world.

Dinner parties are great...they talk about teeth the whole time and I just smile and nod. My sister-in-law is lawyer, so sometimes we talk about the weather.

[ElCapitan]

I usually try not to talk shop too much when I am socializing. But I am always willing to answer questions.

[Hawkshaw]

From Alan Coles:

Hi Paul:

To make a very long story somewhat shorter I'll give the "Coles Notes" version (all puns intended).

My wife decided we needed to go on vacation (1st two weeks of February) and I couldn't tell her how much I've had to spend on the M3 the past 2 years so I had to go along with the idea, which meant that I had to work like hell before we went and after to try and adjust for it. We took a Caribbean cruise and I was only back for about 1 week when I got hit with this damn Noro Virus that's been going around (lost 10 pounds in 8 hours - but never want to do it that way again). That put me off my feet till the first of the month and I've been running/spinning my wheels since then.

It also nixed the E92 Coupe and I ended up getting the new Lincoln MKZ. It's a very good car for what it's trying to do, just not what I wanted. At least I've got the M3 for playing. Couldn't justify the extra $6,000-$8,000 over the 48 month lease when I've now got the cruise to pay for on top of all the other bills, etc., including the sweet UUC LTW Flywheel and Stage II Clutch setup I brought back from vacation for the M3.

I'll take a look at the Canadian forum to see if there's anything I can add, if the thread is relatively current. I sorta fell away from it in the disappointment I felt over having to bail on the E92.

A meet would be good. Keep me posted.

Regards, Alan
__________________
Alan Coles
95 M3 (M-Perfect ) http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2078238
well modified - 236 RWHP - Arrest Me Red
--------------------------------------------
Sponsors: Amsoil, Bimmerworld
When only the best will do!
--------------------------------------------
03 Volvo S60 AWD - 236 ft/lbs TQ @ 1,500 RPM
(when the lease is up an E92 335 would do nicely )

[AC53]

Originally Posted by ElCapitan

We will put a meet & greet together... Where is Alan Coles been?

Hi guys:

Sorry for the long absence. Got tied up with vacation, Noro Virus, trying to make up for all the lost time and now trying to pay all the bills.

The meet sounds great. OK if I show up in my E36 M3? Due to additional financial constraints, I've had to nix the E92 Coupe and ended up with a Lincoln MKZ. I know, I know, but it actually is a very good car for what it's designed to do. The new 3.5L 263HP/249TQ engine was named by Ward's Automotive as one of the 10 Best Engines for 2006 (along with BMW's 335i and 328i engines - Ford had 3 winners and BMW 2, 5 out of the 10 Best). It's interior was named Best in Show at the Annual Automotive Interiors Show in the Premium Car class, and it's sound system (the only THX II certified system available) was named the best system available in 2006 (14 speakers incl 2 subs, 12 channels and 600 Watts).

I couldn't afford the extra $8k over the next 48 months between the loaded MKZ (everything except Nav) and a base E92 and be able to keep my M3. Therefore, because I decided I'm definitely not ready to part with the M3, I couldn't get the E92.

Were you looking at something soon, or in the summer? If it's in the summer, did you want to do a Forum only meet or combine it with one of the Bluenose BMW Club meets, like the BBQ they've planned for this summer at one of the members cottage/farm in Blandford?

Originally Posted by Hawkshaw

I would love to help you out, but I'm afraid I've got to plead dumb when it comes to suspension mods...El Capitain or Alan Coles would be your guys (atlantic canada guys anyway). Longtran would probably the overall guy to talk to on e90post.com.

Regarding shortened springs reducing the life span of struts/shocks, this is less a problem with mild drops of 1" or so than it is with >1.5".

As for Eibach vs H&R, I've heard more positive comment on the Eibach than the H&R from those that have experienced both, but know folks that are happy with both. I've only had Eibach (Pro-Kit on the M3 and one other set about 20 years ago). The Pro-Kit works well. I've got it hooked up with Koni Sport Adjustable, and Ground Control's Strut Housings (they're stronger than the BMW units and have better pickup points, etc.). If you can wait until ElCapitan installs his H&R's, he'll be able to give good feedback.

I think, for most of the BMWs (I've only driven an E92 for about 100km in the city so don't have much of a feel for them yet), they're in more need of sway bars than springs, if one is looking for improved handling. The springs will give a nice look though. My E36 M3 is lowered and the BBS RGR 18x8.5" rims fill the wheel wells completely so if the primary purpose of shorter springs is looks than you'll likely be quite happy.

For struts/shocks, KYB have a good reputation but I've only got experience with Koni Sport Adjust ables. I've had 5 cars over the past 20 years that I've used for modifying and 4 have had Koni SA's. What can I say, I like them.

With regard to getting things installed and aligned, the dealer should likely be your last resort. Unless they've changed they didn't typically want to do anything outside factory spec and don't have much experience doing so.

Scotia Tire in Cole Harbour can do it but, to be honest, their alignment guy is too much of a prima-dona for my liking and while he knows more than most (which isn't saying much) he knows less than he thinks he does. Rob McCabe, mechanic/alignment specialist at Vantage Motors (VW dealership in Truro, owned by Derek Lugar, ex-Halifax BMW mgr) is likely the best guy around for actually doing any custom work. Most people here don't know it, but he and Derek are two of the best race car drivers in North America. They both race for Derek's race team Vantage Racing and regularly win/podium at Lime Rock, Watkins Glen, Road Atlanta, Sebring, etc. The SCCA had to change their rules a few years ago because these two guys were winning so much. Mike Williams at Hillcrest VW used to do all the racing Porsches and was very good, but he's not doing hardly any custom work anymore so he's no longer strong in this area.

PS - The BMW Advanced Driving School dates are June 9/10 and September 8/9. Let me know if anyone is interested in participating (just under $500 for each weekend), the schools can get filled up 1-2 months in advance. You don't need to be in the school to come out and watch. Exercises in the morning and lapping in the afternoons.

Regards, Alan

[Nablu]

Thanks for all the information and tips...great advice Alan!

NAA

[ElCapitan]

Originally Posted by Alan Coles

Hi guys:

Sorry for the long absence. Got tied up with vacation, Noro Virus, trying to make up for all the lost time and now trying to pay all the bills.

The meet sounds great. OK if I show up in my E36 M3? Due to additional financial constraints, I've had to nix the E92 Coupe and ended up with a Lincoln MKZ. I know, I know, but it actually is a very good car for what it's designed to do. The new 3.5L 263HP/249TQ engine was named by Ward's Automotive as one of the 10 Best Engines for 2006 (along with BMW's 335i and 328i engines - Ford had 3 winners and BMW 2, 5 out of the 10 Best). It's interior was named Best in Show at the Annual Automotive Interiors Show in the Premium Car class, and it's sound system (the only THX II certified system available) was named the best system available in 2006 (14 speakers incl 2 subs, 12 channels and 600 Watts).

I couldn't afford the extra $8k over the next 48 months between the loaded MKZ (everything except Nav) and a base E92 and be able to keep my M3. Therefore, because I decided I'm definitely not ready to part with the M3, I couldn't get the E92.

Were you looking at something soon, or in the summer? If it's in the summer, did you want to do a Forum only meet or combine it with one of the Bluenose BMW Club meets, like the BBQ they've planned for this summer at one of the members cottage/farm in Blandford?

Regarding shortened springs reducing the life span of struts/shocks, this is less a problem with mild drops of 1" or so than it is with >1.5".

As for Eibach vs H&R, I've heard more positive comment on the Eibach than the H&R from those that have experienced both, but know folks that are happy with both. I've only had Eibach (Pro-Kit on the M3 and one other set about 20 years ago). The Pro-Kit works well. I've got it hooked up with Koni Sport Adjustable, and Ground Control's Strut Housings (they're stronger than the BMW units and have better pickup points, etc.). If you can wait until ElCapitan installs his H&R's, he'll be able to give good feedback.

I think, for most of the BMWs (I've only driven an E92 for about 100km in the city so don't have much of a feel for them yet), they're in more need of sway bars than springs, if one is looking for improved handling. The springs will give a nice look though. My E36 M3 is lowered and the BBS RGR 18x8.5" rims fill the wheel wells completely so if the primary purpose of shorter springs is looks than you'll likely be quite happy.

For struts/shocks, KYB have a good reputation but I've only got experience with Koni Sport Adjust ables. I've had 5 cars over the past 20 years that I've used for modifying and 4 have had Koni SA's. What can I say, I like them.

With regard to getting things installed and aligned, the dealer should likely be your last resort. Unless they've changed they didn't typically want to do anything outside factory spec and don't have much experience doing so.

Scotia Tire in Cole Harbour can do it but, to be honest, their alignment guy is too much of a prima-dona for my liking and while he knows more than most (which isn't saying much) he knows less than he thinks he does. Rob McCabe, mechanic/alignment specialist at Vantage Motors (VW dealership in Truro, owned by Derek Lugar, ex-Halifax BMW mgr) is likely the best guy around for actually doing any custom work. Most people here don't know it, but he and Derek are two of the best race car drivers in North America. They both race for Derek's race team Vantage Racing and regularly win/podium at Lime Rock, Watkins Glen, Road Atlanta, Sebring, etc. The SCCA had to change their rules a few years ago because these two guys were winning so much. Mike Williams at Hillcrest VW used to do all the racing Porsches and was very good, but he's not doing hardly any custom work anymore so he's no longer strong in this area.

PS - The BMW Advanced Driving School dates are June 9/10 and September 8/9. Let me know if anyone is interested in participating (just under $500 for each weekend), the schools can get filled up 1-2 months in advance. You don't need to be in the school to come out and watch. Exercises in the morning and lapping in the afternoons.

Regards, Alan

Alan, glad to hear from you. I am sorry you were sick and that you had to let go the E92. OTH, I am happy you had a good vacation and that you are happy with the MKZ. Sounds like a good car.

I will probably go to the track weekend in June with the M3. Sounds like a blast. If you have any details please let us know.

I hope you will stay and contribute to this forum. Of all the car forums I go to this one has a well balanced atmosphere. We need well experienced enthousiasts like you here to share your knowledge about cars, tracking, performance mods, etc.

I have no experience as a mecanic but I would love to be able to help you with your track-ready M3. I could learn so much from you. Do you need pitcrew staff? The wife might let me expand my car hobby a bit.

The future meet is still at an embryonic stage. We haven't thought of using the Bluenose as a venue. We wil have to determine the 3 W (When, Where and Who).