doug73cs

Fwardell: Yes, I have bled the system but the reset does not fix the warning light - still on regardless. I have a complete front and rear 320i upgrade using all new parts (Tii MC and SS brake lines at all four corners) and the brakes are still not even close (or safe). I have eliminated the pedal fade while holding the brakes on at the stoplights and there is NO fluid loss anywhere in the system. The only things not replace are the hard brake lines and this sensor unit. I'm assuming there is still air in there in spite of multiple flushes and bleedings so wondering if this brake pressure unit is pooched and trapping some air. I'm still looking for an answer as to whether bypassing the sensor and housing unit is an option but I wold like to know how the thing works. Nothing in the Blue Books. Doug

My 76 2002 has a Brake Pressure Switch in a housing with two lines entering from the MC and two exiting to the driver front caliper. My dash brake warning light has been on at all times whether the parking brake is set and when the spade to the sensor is disconnected the brake light operates normally (comes on when I set the parking brake). Does this thing do anything that can effect the operation of the brake system or is it just the hydraulic equivalent of a junction box? Any reason not to eliminate it with brake line? Anyway to test the sensor? Thanks

Always change just one thing at a time with 38's. I would increase the idles one size ( ie 50 to 55) first and try to get the idle screw down to no more than 1 1/4 turn preferably 1 turn. IF it improves bump it up another size until the idle screw is around one and the transition improves. The 3500 stumble might be the mains but it could also be the air which usually effects the 4000 + range. I would try a size smaller air jet which will richen the upper end and see if that works. If it is worse then go back to the original air jet and increase the main. This should give an indication where the problem lies. If you can find a shop with a wide band AF analyzer to stick up the exhaust or install one on the car you can see the fuel ratio displayed and optimize the tuning quicker.

Thanks all for the electrical advice - more to check. Tony - I think the poly suspension bushings are dampened by the tires on my 13" Exxim basketweaves. Going to 15" and lower profile rubber might make this more of an issue. I do have a set of new rubber motor mounts and coupling disc for the steering that will replace the urethane and hopefully reduce the vibes from the engine bay. The solid wood nardi steering wheel probably doesn't help. Mike hasn't made mayor. I've lived here since 1990 and I don't see him in the phone book - moved on I guess. I worked for OCO (Calgary Olympic Org) as Planner and Manager in 88 at Canada Olympic Park. Being the brakeman on a ride down the bobsleigh set the benchmark for wild rides for me. Doug

I've cut/pasted LMB's intro into 02 society I posted in February '09 and add, to my great relief, that it is safe to drive. The issues I've had with the 320i front and rear brake upgrade all came down to a defective "new" stock MC - brake fade on inclines waiting for the lights to change. Not good. Added a Tii MC from Mr Blunt and we're good to go. The Recaro's are in - a very close match to the tan vinyl and corduroy inserts of the original interior. Not my favourite colour but I wasn't going to change everything so the gobi sand interior stays. The console is ready for gauges this winter. Left to do this winter are larger sways, bigger wheels and better rubber, either a bumper tuck or something else and maybe some of the sun baked door and window rubber replaced. My annoying issues to sort out are electrical - the dash brake warning light is always on but has no bearing whether the brakes are applied or not, the electric chokes are not working and the fog's don't work. So at the end (for now) of this process the car is ready for Sheila to drive it, I've learned a lot about a lot of things - some of which I didn't really need to know, some things that worked when it bought it August 07 don't work now, I made mistakes that are sooooo dumb you could only do them as part of a conspiracy and I've only put 200 miles on it since I drive it from Portland. What is the dumbest thing I did? Not orienting the flywheel so TDC shows the timing marks - made tuning a bitch. Doug

I've cut/pasted LMB's intro into 02 society I posted in February '09 and add, to my great relief, that it is safe to drive. The issues I've had with the 320i front and rear brake upgrade all came down to a defective "new" stock MC - brake fade on inclines waiting for the lights to change. Not good. Added a Tii MC from Mr Blunt and we're good to go. The Recaro's are in - a very close match to the tan vinyl and corduroy inserts of the original interior. Not my favourite colour but I wasn't going to change everything so the gobi sand interior stays. The console is ready for gauges this winter. Left to do this winter are larger sways, bigger wheels and better rubber, either a bumper tuck or something else and maybe some of the sun baked door and window rubber replaced. My annoying issues to sort out are electrical - the dash brake warning light is always on but has no bearing whether the brakes are applied or not, the electric chokes are not working and the fog's don't work. So at the end (for now) of this process the car is ready for Sheila to drive it, I've learned a lot about a lot of things - some of which I didn't really need to know, some things that worked when it bought it August 07 don't work now, I made mistakes that are sooooo dumb you could only do them as part of a conspiracy and I've only put 200 miles on it since I drive it from Portland. What is the dumbest thing I did? Not orienting the flywheel so TDC shows the timing marks - made tuning a bitch. Doug

You mentioned a spray sound deadening material on the under side. Is that Lizard Skin? Quiet Coat? Did you also do the inside of the cabin? Great look with the inset head lights - hell of a car. Congratulations! Thanks

About the same price from Maximillian or BMW http://www.bmwmobiletradition-online.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=1733&mospid=47175&btnr=23_0296&hg=23&fg=05&hl=1

2 1/2" in the trunk and 5" below measured at the outside edge. The bottom of the tank is not flat so add 3" for the max depth. Overall, 7 1/2" at the perimeter and 10 1/2" at the centre. DC

Approx 24" x 24" including flanges. Do you need the actual dimensions? Photos? Doug

Thanks Clay. Tried #1 with no luck (don't think he understood the question) so #2 it is. Doug

I'm in the death spiral now. I tried to confirm part numbers for the turbo cable and Real OEM doesn't show it. The BMW part number from Autohaus is the same as the stock cable (which is too short) even though the text clearly states it is for the turbo. I cross checked the e21 parking brake cable ( which is what I've ordered) and it doesn't show the turbo or any other 2002. Will the e21 cable work or should I just order a block of BMW OEM fire wood to stick behind the rear wheel? More importantly, is it possible to either shorten the tube or install a new brake cable without pulling the hub off and disassembling the rear brake (in which case I'll leave it until the cables arrive to bleed the system and ACTUALLY DRIVE THE #@#!#$%%^&%$## car). Venting at self is complete. Safe to operate systems. Thanks for your help (and patience).

Damn. Damn, damn, damn, damn. Thanks Clay - I should have asked a long time ago. The interesting thing is that the part number shown for the turbo cable at AutoHaus Arizona is the same as what is in the 2002/Tii. The E21 cable is 34411114215. Doug

Anybody who has done the 320i rear brake upgrade - can you confirm that the 2002 stock parking brake cables are long enough? The Real OEM Cross Reference shows that the 34411103128 (HAND BRAKE BOWDEN CABLE) is common to both models. Doug

Bill: Do you need to cut the kick panel behind these for 5" speakers? I'm going to build a set and will try a couple of different configurations. I'll post the results. Doug

Great link - thanks. If I would stop taking L'MB apart long enough to snap a photo or two I would add it to the thread. Doug

What is in this thing? http://www.frank4cars.fotki.com/c--c/cars--coffee-72509/img_8194jpg.html

Read this first then ask questions. http://www.bmw2002faq.com/content/view/20/32/

I'm upgrading the rear to 320i drums and having difficulty installing the springs with the shoes in place which is the only way I can see getting the parking brake cable hooked to the lever arm. Any helpful hints on this would be appreciated. This isn't a transplant - it's being assembled out of all new parts so it isn't a bolt on as in the FAQ. Part of the difficulty is a thumb that is due for reconstruction in October that limits my hand strength (left). Thanks

I assume that the car wants to sit parallel to level ground for best handling so if your rocker valence is level the car is sitting correctly. If you don't like the gap above the front wheel and cut the coils accordingly, you may have a negative (or positive) outcome on steering or handling as the weight shifts to the front. It depends which has more significance - increasing the weight distribution to the front or lowering the center of gravity of the front. Probably none of this matters (so little real change) so cut and be happy - everything is replaceable with $$$.

I think I did bmw cupholder on ebay search and had lots of options to choose from. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Console-Cup-Holder-BMW-318-323-325-328-M3-5-7_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a1Q7c66Q3a2Q7c39Q3a1Q7c293Q3a2Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem2ea602c024QQitemZ200353693732QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_1291wt_1080 Look around for better price.

Should be able to get some at a good fabric store. How about ultra suede - same thing?

Mark - Here's my version of the centre console. I wanted lot's of potential for gauges in the future and a home for two coffee cups so I built a box using 3mm mahogany ply and overlaid a layer of 6mm fiberglass then sprayed the face with black crinkle finish. An endless number of configurations are possible limited only by your imagination and carpentry skills. The fiberglass work is very basic. The console sides (which needs to be recovered) are attached to the box which grip clinch nuts so very solid unit. Should still have room for three 2" gauges. Doug

Sherman - email sent. Doug