Re: Rookie questions

["Mudry, Robert (CAP, AMR)" <rob.mudry@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Mike wonders...

>I'm new to the digest, so please bare with me.
>What's an M3/4 -  (is this the 4-door model?)

Yup.  

>I think I've got most of the abbreviations down, but I can't figure out
what
>"WOB" stands for?

Waste of Bandwidth

>Lastly, I have a brand new 1998 M3 4-door w/5-speed manual.  If I want to
>have Jim C. upgrade the computer, do I have to send the box to him or does
>he just send me a chip to plug in?  I've seen conflicting messages.  How do
>I contact Jim?

Your 1998 M3/4 has an OBD-II system.  The flash-chip is soldered to the DME
and can only be safely removed by Jim himself.  He's done it trillions of
times.  Would you want to risk damaging your DME?  I wouldn't - and I'm an
electrical engineer.  Your best bet is to try his authorized re-seller at
http://www.bonnevillemotorwerks.com/ <http://www.bonnevillemotorwerks.com/>
.
You missed him at the O'fest.  I hear he was downloading the flash code
through the diagnostic port in the parking lot of his hotel.  I sure wish I
was there, just for that. Jim, any chance you're gonna be in Wash DC area
anytime soon?   

>My M3 has only 800 miles on it so far - how long should I wait to do this?

I would personally wait till your break-in period is over.  Enjoy the car in
its virgin form, learn how to drive it, you'll appreciate the upgrade more
after you've familiarized yourself with your car.  Plus you may want to wait
for the "sooner-or-later" case of the infamous check engine light.  Happens
to all OBD-II cars.  The dealer will wipe JC code and you're back where you
started. 

Rob Mudry
BMW CCA#135536
'96 328is in virgin form (ya right!)

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