Secondary Air Pump...New Tire Question...Shocks?...Sway Bars?

["Joseph T. Baptista Jr." <jbaptista@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Occasionally at start-up, it sounds like a cat is stuck in my engine
compartment.  The noise appears to be coming from the secondary air pump.
Has anyone had this problem?  How involved is the repair?

Second question, I need new tires for my 96 328i (Tire Size: 225 50 R16)
asap!  I live in New England but will never drive this car in the snow or
ice.  I am looking for a performance tire with good ride quality and decent
tread life.  I have no plans to be at the track, street-use only.

Last question, I am looking to improve the performance handling of the car.
I have no plans to install larger wheels so the need to install springs is
limited, I think.  Should I go with sport shocks or sway bars?  If so, what
does everyone recommend?

Thanks in advance.

Respectfully submitted,

Joe Baptista

1996 328i (E36)
BMWCCA #309409
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