[ajvee]

Originally Posted by M3x2

its very similar, actually, just on slippery terrain. no longer need to add water for the skid pad. it's fun. i did it last year in the E63, and plan on it this year in the e90

I just registered as well! I am pretty excited for this!

[prelude2perfect]

Originally Posted by MNm3

Here is another winter car control clinic in case you don't want to wait...

Find an empty parking lot during or after a snow storm and have at it. Watch out for the 5-0

That's how I learned! Along with empty roads during big snow storms over in the North East where I grew up.

When it comes to learning how to drive a car safely in the snow the only thing you really need to do is take that car out in snowy conditions and push it to the limit in a safe area like a parking lot or an empty road. You just need to know what the cars limit is as far as traction, cornering, and braking. Parking lot drifting definately helps teach you how to correct yourself after loosing traction at higher speeds.

It's all about building confidence in the vehicle you normally drive.

[ajvee]

Originally Posted by prelude2perfect

That's how I learned! Along with empty roads during big snow storms over in the North East where I grew up.

When it comes to learning how to drive a car safely in the snow the only thing you really need to do is take that car out in snowy conditions and push it to the limit in a safe area like a parking lot or an empty road. You just need to know what the cars limit is as far as traction, cornering, and braking. Parking lot drifting definately helps teach you how to correct yourself after loosing traction at higher speeds.

It's all about building confidence in the vehicle you normally drive.

Can you let me know of a police free parking lot?

[airwolf878]

Originally Posted by IRL-MN

How are all you lowered guys getting on these days? I'm having issues with clearance all over the city with my stock sport suspension. I avoid most of the worst streets, but every so often a big pile of icy snow is unavoidable. It's torture hearing the scraping sounds from the underside of the car

I was thinking about the BMW Performance suspension in the spring, but after this past few weeks I don't think I'll bother...

I actually haven't had any problems yet. But I also strictly avoid unplowed streets.

[prelude2perfect]

Originally Posted by ajvee

Can you let me know of a police free parking lot?

The Home Depot right by my house is a great spot. They usually leave the far side of the parking lot away from the entrance mostly unplowed (not sure what it's like now after the 14" we got here though) and you can't see it from the road.

A cop would have to be a real dick to give you a ticket for doing it in an empty parking lot where no one can get hurt, ecspecially if you tell him the truth that you are trying to learn how to drive in winter conditions more safely in your car.

[M3x2]

Originally Posted by prelude2perfect

A cop would have to be a real dick to give you a ticket for doing it in an empty parking lot where no one can get hurt.

I can put you in contact with at least 10 people in the TC's who have been ticketed in the last few 2 years for this, in the exact same conditions you describe.

[ajvee]

Originally Posted by M3x2

I can put you in contact with at least 10 people in the TC's who have been ticketed in the last few 2 years for this, in the exact same conditions you describe.

hahah thank you! I was half considering scoping out empty parking lots tonight.

[BSME90]

Originally Posted by prelude2perfect

A cop would have to be a real dick to give you a ticket for doing it in an empty parking lot where no one can get hurt, ecspecially if you tell him the truth that you are trying to learn how to drive in winter conditions more safely in your car.

I don't recommend it though. A few years back, I found an empty parking lot, did some manuevers, and someone passing reported me. Cop came, luckily just gave me a warning.

Originally Posted by Nick.CBR

Just give it to Rogers when you pickup your decklid... They'll recycle it through Keystone...
Nick

Thanks, I'll try to contact the representative that took trunk from me.

[ajvee]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Gary and I were talking about this. Thinking about putting a bid on this and making a project of it for the winter. What say you guys?

Nick - How much would a full paint job cost on this?

Could I keep the entire thing under 10k including the buy it now cost.

[ajvee]

Originally Posted by Nick.CBR

Anvar,

To do that car right you really need a spot to work on it. IMO that is a pretty big project car. A very cheap paint job will cost 1300-2000. Good upwards of 5K.
I'd pass. There are nicer M6s out there if you think you have 10K to spend on one.

Nick

Thanks Nick! Would you say the basic criteria should be that the car is rust free? I really want to get a euro one.

[prelude2perfect]

Yeah I'd definately pass on that one too. Too much work

[IRL-MN]

My basic criteria are for a solid body with no rust and good paint. Like Nick said, any kind of quality body / paint work is going to be multiple thousands of dollars. On 80's bimmers, there is no way you would ever get that money back, so it doesn't make sense to me. (Although if you are restoring something that you plan to keep forever this may not be as relevant). Anyway, I would be fine with a car needing interior work and some mechanical work - nothing terminal obviously and a euro conversion. I have the will and space to do that kind of work, but at this point in my life I don't want to take on a bare metal restoration (when I do it'll be 356 or short wheelbase 911 ). Anyway, the E30 I hope to get will more than likely come from CA or down south as everything up here seems to have rust issues. You just need patience, the right car is out there!

[IRL-MN]

Originally Posted by Nick.CBR

Any of you guys using the Bimmer Post iPhone app?

I'm finding that it doesn't work all that well - I've had it for a couple of months now and it seems to have gotten worse.

Nick

I thought it was cool when it first came out. Now I think it's a POS. Half the sub-forums won't load, I just get a connection error. I've reverted back to Safari, even though the pop up reminding me of the app is annoying. Did I mention that the app is a POS???

[IRL-MN]

Originally Posted by Nick.CBR

Yeah man, those are the same feelings I have with it. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't the only one with the "connection errors".

You get an iPhone 4 yet? Sweet for browsing the forum with the higher res screen.

Nick

haha, you are not alone man! The Chicago guys even have a thread about it in the Great Lakes section lol

I haven't gotten the iPhone 4 yet. My gf needs a new phone too, and after four trips to the store, she hasn't made a decision yet. I'm hoping this evening might be different

[IRL-MN]

Originally Posted by Nick.CBR

My gf is the same way. I stopped caring about what she has for a mobile device.

Nick

haha, that's one way to go!

You any closer to finding a car?

[BSME90]

Originally Posted by Nick.CBR

Any of you guys using the Bimmer Post iPhone app?
I'm finding that it doesn't work all that well - I've had it for a couple of months now and it seems to have gotten worse.
Nick

I stopped using it on my iPhone 4. I've been having the same issues as you. Some threads (especially USA-Great Lakes) don't load, I get a Connection Error. Like Gary, I use Safari and it works just fine.

[Reedomn]

Guys....I was reading about the 1M tonight and am really not "M"pressed with it. Primarily because of the way it looks and the price which I think is way too high! I mean, who is going to dole out 50k for a 1M when you can get a lightly used e9x M3 for that or less!!

Curious what you guys think?...

fyi...bunch more snow coming over next 2 days....

[ajvee]

Originally Posted by Reedomn

Guys....I was reading about the 1M tonight and am really not "M"pressed with it. Primarily because of the way it looks and the price which I think is way too high! I mean, who is going to dole out 50k for a 1M when you can get a lightly used e9x M3 for that or less!!

Curious what you guys think?...

fyi...bunch more snow coming over next 2 days....

As a former 135i owner, the car's Achilles heel was the handling and the body roll. This was partly due to the track and tire widths. I think they have sorted this issue by transplanting the M3 suspension parts, wheels, and tires. I think the car will be a great handler as a result of being lower and wider.

I think the car is a looker! Its bulldog stance is very reminiscent of the E46 M3 CSL, which is a timeless design in my opinion.

Though the car only has 340 bhp and the engine is an N54, I think it will be a hoot to drive. Even in stock form, the 135i was quick, so the 1 M coupled with the GIAC stage 1 or 2 tune will be brutal especially now that it has the suspension to support it.

The price is pretty high, but enthusiasts aside, I think this will be a niche car. The 135i coupe itself is pretty uncommon and I think this car will be even more so. So I think BMW can get away with the price that they are asking.

End of the day, I would rather keep my M3 more for personal reasons than anything. It has an awesome engine, though the constant revving on account of the gorgeous exhaust note is taking a toll on the fuel economy.

[ajvee]

Originally Posted by Nick.CBR

Well, I don't think there is really any specific criteria for a project car other than you actually have a title for it and it's not stolen.

I mean it just depends on your goals and your resources (including money). My '83 GT Mustang is rusty and pretty much junk to just about anyone; however, it's going to be my project because it was my first car and I'm willing to put money into it at some point. However, if I was just a fan of the "four eyed" Fox body cars, I'd totally pass on my car and find one that is rust free. And even then, rust might not matter if you have a shop full of welders and are good with body filler.

I mean, project cars are typically a huge project that can last years depending on your time and money situation. You need a spot for it to sit and time/money to collect parts and rebuild things/have them rebuilt. Unless you're monster garage, you're not going to just buy an old M6 and then restore it in a month.

What is cool is ANYTHING can be restored. Doesn't matter what shape it's in; just how much you want to spend. Just becaues the car is restored, doesn't mean it's going to command the money you put into it. That said, maybe finding one that's done already or in good enough shape that it might just need some minor things may be a better idea?

Nick

I guess the selling point for this one is that it will be an opportunity to put a modern classic back on the road. It would be doing a bit of "automotive public service" of sorts.

Watch out for sub-frame cracking issues on the pre-03 M3s.

[ajvee]

Originally Posted by Nick.CBR

Sub-frame cracking, huh? I'll have to check that out. Is it M3 specific?

I just put that cover for sale so let me know if you want it.

I hear ya (kinda) on the M6. I guess you have to really want to do it. There are plenty of cars online that were purchased and as soon as they brought the car home, they realized they were way over their head in terms of time and money commitment.

Regarding the 1M - I think it's a pretty fair deal all things considered. I for sure agree with Anvar in that it's a niche market car. I'd imagine it will be a fun one for the collectors at some point. The N54 (HPFP aside) is an awesome engine as most of you can attest to. The fuel milage, power, torque are amazing not to mention it's smoothness, yet it still has character.

I don't really care for the nav setup they did on the 1 series and the gauges don't do a lot for me. The body work is way cool and in general, I just think it's a cool little car. That said, I'd prefer an E92 M3.

Nick

Yes, the subframe issue is specific to the M3. I think they sorted it in 2003 or maybe it was 2004.

I would pay someone to do all the work on the M6 hahahahahahha.

[ajvee]

Originally Posted by Nick.CBR

Lol. Well, get ready to spend some big money. For some perspective, I figure my Mustang will take around 20-25 grand to have someone do it top to bottom. That's interior/body/engine. I get the feeling this is a little pipe dream though, Anvar; you're always full of ideas when you getting a track car?

Nick

Track car has been stalled due to no fault of my own. I had scoped out a sweet, track prepped 318is, but the car started to have some problems that the owner thankfully disclosed before I checked out the car.

I call it my personal economic stimulus! I didn't know it would be that expensive man! 25k for a mustang!!

[MNm3]

Originally Posted by ajvee

End of the day, I would rather keep my M3 more for personal reasons than anything. It has an awesome engine, though the constant revving on account of the gorgeous exhaust note is taking a toll on the fuel economy.

In a way, we sort of own a small piece of automotive history... the last (at least for now) of the high-revving, normally aspirated M engines. And yes, unfortunately to have fun with them, your fuel economy goes to shit.

I for one am looking forward to test driving an 1M if they have one. I think it will be a blast to drive and I do like the looks of it.