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Recently purchased a 1998 M3 Evo SMG, it's done 99k miles with service history and renewable warranty.
Everthing is as I expected, however, when in 'E' mode, from standstill, enthusiastic acceleration SOMETIMES results with a 'train coming to a halt' sound coming from underneath the car. I'm guessing it is coming from the gearbox/clutch area.
As you know, a problem rarely appear in the presence of BMW technicians, would anyone have any ideas to the mysterious sound?
Originally posted by b3toy@Feb 21 2005, 12:18 AM Recently purchased a 1998 M3 Evo SMG, it's done 99k miles with service history and renewable warranty.
Everthing is as I expected, however, when in 'E' mode, from standstill, enthusiastic acceleration SOMETIMES results with a 'train coming to a halt' sound coming from underneath the car. I'm guessing it is coming from the gearbox/clutch area.
As you know, a problem rarely appear in the presence of BMW technicians, would anyone have any ideas to the mysterious sound?
Originally posted by b3toy@Feb 22 2005, 04:41 AM Thank you all for reading my posts.
Guess I'm asking the wrong people.
Looking at your topics, I should of guessed you lot are unknowledgable.
Off to enjoy my M3 and I'll just let the warranty take care of it when it becomes a problem!
Thanks admin for a great site, will be returning periodically to have a laugh at some of these threads!!!
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Saying we are not knowledgable is not actually quite right. not all of us have the smg model. Mine is manual. without having the same setup and having the same issue how would one be able to diagnose your problem? Have you gotten a manual on your M3 and looked at some of the problems? If you have not done research on your part you can't really blame us. If you are so worried about it and it is under warranty then take the vehicle in and get it looked at instead of waiting for it to become a problem. Good luck with your issue and i hope you are able to get it resolved.
Perhaps I was just harsh, at least I've provoked a reply! I not looking for answers entirely, just some pointers and maybe's will be suffice. I haven't had a BMW for over 10 years now and boy, have things changed since my E30 323i. The sound seems to have gone now, so it really bewilders me.
Just got it back today, after an oil service. They have spotted excess oil around the head gasket, so they cleaned the engine, now I have to put on a few hundred miles and re-book it in. Hopefully, the oil was from the VANOS when it went (replaced under warranty). I like the fact that BMW will collect and deliver your vehicle when it's in for work, handy if your BWM garage is not near by.
I'm still a novice to BMW motoring but I like it already, especially the peace of mind you get with warranty, break-down cover and MOT insurance. I think it is worth the extra costs.
Oh, Chant, compliments on yours, it looks immaculate, do keep it away from sunlight though...
Originally posted by b3toy@Feb 22 2005, 09:59 AM Perhaps I was just harsh, at least I've provoked a reply! I not looking for answers entirely, just some pointers and maybe's will be suffice. I haven't had a BMW for over 10 years now and boy, have things changed since my E30 323i. The sound seems to have gone now, so it really bewilders me.
Just got it back today, after an oil service. They have spotted excess oil around the head gasket, so they cleaned the engine, now I have to put on a few hundred miles and re-book it in. Hopefully, the oil was from the VANOS when it went (replaced under warranty). I like the fact that BMW will collect and deliver your vehicle when it's in for work, handy if your BWM garage is not near by.
I'm still a novice to BMW motoring but I like it already, especially the peace of mind you get with warranty, break-down cover and MOT insurance. I think it is worth the extra costs.
Oh, Chant, compliments on yours, it looks immaculate, do keep it away from sunlight though...
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You have to realize that the SMG-I gearbox is extremely rare and was never sold in the United States. Alas, I'm pretty sure the majority of members on this forum are from the States so they really wouldn't know how to help you out.
Originally posted by b3toy@Feb 22 2005, 10:59 AM Perhaps I was just harsh, at least I've provoked a reply! I not looking for answers entirely, just some pointers and maybe's will be suffice. I haven't had a BMW for over 10 years now and boy, have things changed since my E30 323i. The sound seems to have gone now, so it really bewilders me.
Just got it back today, after an oil service. They have spotted excess oil around the head gasket, so they cleaned the engine, now I have to put on a few hundred miles and re-book it in. Hopefully, the oil was from the VANOS when it went (replaced under warranty). I like the fact that BMW will collect and deliver your vehicle when it's in for work, handy if your BWM garage is not near by.
I'm still a novice to BMW motoring but I like it already, especially the peace of mind you get with warranty, break-down cover and MOT insurance. I think it is worth the extra costs.
Oh, Chant, compliments on yours, it looks immaculate, do keep it away from sunlight though...
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thanks I do keep er garaged and drive my audi for everyday stuff. I am glad that the noise is gone. When the VANOS was replaced did they also change the head gasket? forgive me but mine does not have vanos so i dont know where it is on the engine. If it was not replaced then i would drive it and recheck the headgasket to see if there is anymore buildup if there is you could be losing the gasket. My BMW dealer was nice enough to loan me an X5 when mine went in for service. That is a nice ride :-)
So the U.S. got 5 speed and no VANOS? We had the 6 speed manual and 6 speed SMG. What is the B.H.P. on stock U.S.? Any performance times? Just wondering what's the camparison, I got 321bhp, top speed of 157mph (limited), 0-60mph in 5.4 seconds and 0-100mph in 12.8, averaging 25.7mpg. There's no traction control. The U.S. model had softer springs and traction control, I believe. My brakes are M5 style and are very good, but the hard ride makes it bumpy on motorways. The steering could do with closer ratio, but it is quite a good balance on motorways. I love the seats best, head and shoulder support, very comfy.
The SMG - I didn't mind wether my choice car had manual or SMG, both suits me fine. I thought the SMG box was a bit jerky at first, but you soon learn to tame it, even when it is in 'E' mode, i.e. economy mode/fully automatic. In auto mode, you can further choose sports or ice mode. When you get use to manual mode, you can almost make it respond like a conventional box. In normal driving conditions, the SMG is the more freindlier box and on track, there is not much of a difference in performance. However, I would imagine a manual to be more fun, but I'm so lazy...
Back to the oil problem - BMW did mention the oil leak was from the head gasket, I'm not sure if this was replaced along with the VANOS, which is mounted on the left side of the engine. Until I take it back in, I'm not sure if it is the gasket or if it was uncleaned residual from the VANOS. Whatever it is, I should be in good hands...
I don't have any pics but here is my car as advertised.
Yes unfortunatley we werent as fortunate as you European's. You get the great toys and we get the good ones. I PM'ed you a forum that will help you out alot more with the SMG. But I would say you are in the right area but Ive never been lucky enough to luck under a Euro Spec E36 M.
Originally posted by b3toy@Feb 22 2005, 08:02 PM Ahh, so most people are from the States, I see.
So the U.S. got 5 speed and no VANOS? We had the 6 speed manual and 6 speed SMG. What is the B.H.P. on stock U.S.? Any performance times? Just wondering what's the camparison, I got 321bhp, top speed of 157mph (limited), 0-60mph in 5.4 seconds and 0-100mph in 12.8, averaging 25.7mpg. There's no traction control. The U.S. model had softer springs and traction control, I believe. My brakes are M5 style and are very good, but the hard ride makes it bumpy on motorways. The steering could do with closer ratio, but it is quite a good balance on motorways. I love the seats best, head and shoulder support, very comfy.
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sorry b3toy, my bad yes mine does have the VANOS. this is my first M3 and only hed er for two weeks so still learning the ins and outs. Yes we do have the ASC traction control and i have to say that the ride is quite smooth. What do the seats in the EURO model look like? can you take some pics? here are some pics of the interior of mine. Is yours different?
I hope you don't have any problems with that head gasket. I know here at BMW that one gasket is almost $400 to fix. Some of the extended warranties here through the dealers can be pricey. they offered me a two year limited warranty for $2700.
Originally posted by Chant+Feb 23 2005, 02:27 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Chant @ Feb 23 2005, 02:27 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-b3toy@Feb 22 2005, 08:02 PM Ahh, so most people are from the States, I see.
So the U.S. got 5 speed and no VANOS? We had the 6 speed manual and 6 speed SMG. What is the B.H.P. on stock U.S.? Any performance times? Just wondering what's the camparison, I got 321bhp, top speed of 157mph (limited), 0-60mph in 5.4 seconds and 0-100mph in 12.8, averaging 25.7mpg. There's no traction control. The U.S. model had softer springs and traction control, I believe. My brakes are M5 style and are very good, but the hard ride makes it bumpy on motorways. The steering could do with closer ratio, but it is quite a good balance on motorways. I love the seats best, head and shoulder support, very comfy.
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sorry b3toy, my bad yes mine does have the VANOS. this is my first M3 and only hed er for two weeks so still learning the ins and outs. Yes we do have the ASC traction control and i have to say that the ride is quite smooth. What do the seats in the EURO model look like? can you take some pics? here are some pics of the interior of mine. Is yours different?
I hope you don't have any problems with that head gasket. I know here at BMW that one gasket is almost $400 to fix. Some of the extended warranties here through the dealers can be pricey. they offered me a two year limited warranty for $2700.
Cheers
Chant
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Sorry Chant, I don't have the means to takes pics yet, but will do in due course.
Try and get an unlimited mileage warranty, then it would be worth it. You mentioned you had a VANOS, that alone would cost £1,500 to £2,000. But it all depends how long you want to keep the car, I intend to get my £9,000 worth...
Originally posted by DoTheDew@Feb 23 2005, 08:31 AM Yes unfortunatley we werent as fortunate as you European's. You get the great toys and we get the good ones. I PM'ed you a forum that will help you out alot more with the SMG. But I would say you are in the right area but Ive never been lucky enough to luck under a Euro Spec E36 M.
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I would of liked traction control though, wasn't available until the E46, oh well...
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