Lurkers, come out of the closet!

[Jim Ochi <jochi@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

OK, folks - there have been several posts from lurkers who lurk because
they feel that they don't have anything to contribute.  So, as a public
service, here are some answers to recurring threads - when the thread comes
up again (and it will!) you can be the one to answer!.  Please, one answer
to each lurker.

1.  Bon Ami is very good for cleaning your windshield, but be careful to
get the stuff that says it's for glass on the label - the other stuff may
scratch your glass.  It may be in a square can, and can be found in
hardware stores.

2.  Slick-50 and other similar oil additives are a crock of crap - they
don't do anything, and may even cause trouble by clogging oil passages, etc.

3.  Chips - JimC is da man, check http://www.bonnevillemotorwerks.com for
the latest vendor list.

4.  Lexol on the inside, Zymol on the outside.  Be sure that you don't buy
Zurtle Wax by accident - real Zymol can't be found at your local chain
autoparts store.  Try Larry Reynolds at Car Care Specialties.  And ArmorAll
is evil.

5.  Some people follow the Service indicator lights for oil changes
(usually this means that they have an oil change every 7500-9000 miles).
Others change every 3000-3500 and ignore the lights.  Big debate about
what's better, no definitive answer.

6.  "WOB" means "Waste of Bandwidth" 

7.  If the lifters in your E36 M3 make tapping noises when you autocross or
drive on the track, overfill your oil by half to full quart of oil.

8.  The "E" numbers that people use are references to the different
body/chassis codes that BMW uses.  A full list can be found at
http://cbsgi2.bu.edu/bmw/FAQ.1

9.  To remove the fog light on an E36, open the hood and look down at the
fog light assembly.  You should be able to see a catch - insert a
screwdriver into the top notch where the brake duct attaches to the air
dam, look down at the fog light again and steer the screwdriver to the
catch.  Press the catch, and the fog light should pop right out.

10.  "Slow in, fast out"  (use this one whenever someone asks about driving
technique, or complains about the handling of their car - remember to nod
sagely as the person talks about understeering through turn x at racetrack
y, then answer by saying "Slow in, fast out"...)

There you go - I expect to see 10 new people posting to the digest.  If the
long-timers on the digest each contribute some more common answers, we
should be able to get all the lurkers posting in no time...

Jim Ochi
jochi@domain.elided

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