[Bob in St. Louis]

It's too bad I am not handy enough to install the CDV myself.

There are instructions in that link I posted above, if that helps.

Bob

[TomS]

As I recall, I removed the Clutch Delay Valve (CDV) from my 540i, just drilled it out, and put it back in for nothing other than time to bleed the line.  Or you could get one from Zeckhausen Racing to preserve the original.  From a dealer's perspective, the re-drilled one is undetectable so they can't claim you "modified" the vehicle.  It makes a huge difference in shifting smoothness on 1st and 2nd gear.  It is strictly a "nanny" device as I understand it.

[viggen]

Nope I don't know nuttin about fixing cars.  I did install my own wiper blades and the aux input in the ashtray into my headunit.   

I want to pay someone to get the CDV done.  But, the local guys won't even take my money.  It's like they refuse to educate themselves on things they are not already familiar with.   

Come to think of it, I can say the same about me... but, I don't wanna get my car is worse shape incase I screw up...

[Crimson]

It is quite simple and quick, and there is a ton of info available on the internet. But if you're still not comfortable doing it yourself and no mechanic will do it for you, try asking on a BMW forum for a volunteer that lives in your area.

[Bob in St. Louis]

Your local Beemer dealer is most likely afraid of breaking some Cardinal sin of the corporate machine.
The independant "corner" guys are just plain scared poopless as soon as you say, "Can you mod my BMW?"  

When are you coming to St. Louis next? I'll mod that sucker. That's right up my alley.  

Bob

[viggen]

Crimson: I kind of stopped at "bleeding the brake line" part.  I think I can learn how to do it if there was someone experienced looking over my shoulder.

Bob: I am in OC, CA.  I think if I ever go to MO, I'd be flying.  Thanks for the offer tho!

There is one guy in around my area who can do it.  He's a bit of a drive, so I always put it off.  He charges about $100 which I guess is decent.

[Bob in St. Louis]

Yea, MO is too far from CA for sure.
$100 sounds like a decent price. I have not researched where the valve is or how hard it is to get to, but the price sounds plausable. For the life you're adding to the (expensive) clutch it'll be money well spent.
Strange idea from a company like BMW.

Bob

[Imperial]

The Porsche 928 manual box is also a bit "slow" to shift with.
I don't know why this is so, but if it is a valve - Hm..

Imperial

[Folsom]

How unbalanced would an M3 be with a bike rack (maybe one or two bikes) be?

That is kind of my dream car, drive good, not horrible gas millage, and it takes my preferred vehicle anywhere I need to go. That or motorcycles are even better in all respects except transporting stuff...

[Levi]

I'm convinced!  My next car will be a BMW.

[Mack]

You will not regret it. I have a 550i with SMG and sports suspension. It handles like a dream especially at high speeds.

[Philistine]

Test drove the new M3 for a day last week - WOW
A perfectly balanced car that's incredible fun to drive.

Philistine,

Did you try the 135i coupe, as well?  I love the tighter looks better than the larger 3 series and with 300hp, 200 lbs less bulk and a price tag $15K less that seems like the performance sweet spot in BMW's line now.  I've read that it is somehow the same roominess inside, too.

If they ever bring the 5 door hatchback over I'll possibly be a buyer.  I think BMW concerned it will cannibalize Mini sales here with it, however (a thought they should banish in light of $4.00 gasoline now in US)

We have the 2004 325ci (convertible) 5 speed auto and, frankly, I find it a bit pig-like carrying around 3700 lbs.  Also, I'm a whopping 5'9" and feel a bit claustrophobic in it, too (unlike the Mini somehow....)

Like CTViggen, I have a SAAB 9-3 (tricked out handling and some power tweeks).  Bob - if you haven't gotten the Viggen Rescue Pack for your ride, you haven't nearly tapped it's potential or grip capabilities yet 

John

John,
Got to drive the 135i today - white knuckle, scary fast.  It feels like it accelerates quicker up to about 30 than the M3 but when you get over 70 it becomes very skittish in comparison.  Its the handling, high speed capability and the constant surge of power that differentiates the M3 over the 135i, the M3 just sits on the road better.  I talked to the salesman and he feels the same comparing the two, his next car is going to be the 135i (he drives an X5 currently) as its a great performer and not as $$$$$$$ as the M3.

[Folsom]

The better built, road hugging, and in control of power a car is the more it feels like a slow brick accelerating down the road. You do feel being set back in the seat some... The thing is you are a much much faster brick than other people on the road. I mean drive like an old Subaru hatchback non-turbo, it screams and hollars, does all sorts of weird things that make you feel like something is really happening, but oh you only hit 25mph in those 22 seconds...

[TheChairGuy]

John,
Got to drive the 135i today - white knuckle, scary fast.  It feels like it accelerates quicker up to about 30 than the M3 but when you get over 70 it becomes very skittish in comparison.  Its the handling, high speed capability and the constant surge of power that differentiates the M3 over the 135i, the M3 just sits on the road better.  I talked to the salesman and he feels the same comparing the two, his next car is going to be the 135i (he drives an X5 currently) as its a great performer and not as $$$$$$$ as the M3.

Hey Philistine,

Sorry, missed your post a couple weeks back.

Interesting comparison of the two models....and I suspect many will feel the last bit of driving and handling urge to be worth the extra for the M3.  Me? - I like the looks of the 1 series over the 3 series and saving 1/3 for almost the same performance seems like a worthwhile trade-off.  The 135i is probably still more solid handling and has more urge than most vechicles selling for similar money from other makes.

Hey, then there is the diesel 335D (I think that is the name...50 state clean diesel with direct injection and two turbochargers) soon coming.....something like 265HP and 450 lbs torque and near 30mpg average.  BMW is sure spinning out some neat vehicles these days.....

I just wish BMW made lighter interiors....it's so nice to get into a car that isn't baking in the sun swathed in charcoal or black interior here in sunny California.  A light colored exterior helps....but tan seats and light grey plastic fiddly bits and trim would be welcome (maybe they have that now...not sure )

John

[Philistine]

John,
Got to drive the 135i today - white knuckle, scary fast.  It feels like it accelerates quicker up to about 30 than the M3 but when you get over 70 it becomes very skittish in comparison.  Its the handling, high speed capability and the constant surge of power that differentiates the M3 over the 135i, the M3 just sits on the road better.  I talked to the salesman and he feels the same comparing the two, his next car is going to be the 135i (he drives an X5 currently) as its a great performer and not as $$$$$$$ as the M3.

Hey Philistine,

Sorry, missed your post a couple weeks back.

Interesting comparison of the two models....and I suspect many will feel the last bit of driving and handling urge to be worth the extra for the M3.  Me? - I like the looks of the 1 series over the 3 series and saving 1/3 for almost the same performance seems like a worthwhile trade-off.  The 135i is probably still more solid handling and has more urge than most vechicles selling for similar money from other makes.

Hey, then there is the diesel 335D (I think that is the name...50 state clean diesel with direct injection and two turbochargers) soon coming.....something like 265HP and 450 lbs torque and near 30mpg average.  BMW is sure spinning out some neat vehicles these days.....

I just wish BMW made lighter interiors....it's so nice to get into a car that isn't baking in the sun swathed in charcoal or black interior here in sunny California.  A light colored exterior helps....but tan seats and light grey plastic fiddly bits and trim would be welcome (maybe they have that now...not sure )

John

Well you have better roads than here in Pittsburgh (third world) so you don't have to put up with the holes and bumps - consequently the 135i will work great for you, the sales guy at my local dealership doesn't want the last 10% in handling that the M3 has so he's very happy to get the 1335i for himself.  It's only idiots like me that get fun out of pushing the gas peddle on a corner, when others are braking, that get a perverted pleasure out of the M3  
Also you can get lighter interiors now, they do a beige for instance, so this would work.
Diesel - I had a Volvo turbo diesel (Audi engine) in Europe to slow me down, it had so much low end torque it was even quicker than the BMW it replaced.  My first suprise when we moved to the US was the 1950's diesel technology (smelly, dirty, noisy and slow), wheres European diesels are quiet, fast and very economical.  I've driven BMW/Audi/GM/Ford diesels over the last few years in Europe and all of them have been very impressive: quick, quiet and very economical.  You do have to change your driving style to adapt to the the power which comes in at lower revs than a gas engine and dies off rapidly if you over rev, this does take some getting used to.  The BMW and Audi diesels are phenomenal though so you can't go wrong with gas or diesel.     

[viggen]

Got the CDV installed finally.  The mechanic I have been going to for years installed it for $28.  At first, he never said he could do it (but never said he couldn't do it).  I finally showed up at his place yesterday and showed him the Zeckhausen modified CDV free valve, and he started trying to figure out how to install it which took maybe 15 minutes.  Would have been faster if he actually read the Zechhausen website instead of trying to figure out how to install it on his own.  Atleast, I assume so since he's not a BMW specialist.  He usually repairs Japanese and American.  I started going to this guy since I got my Acura CLS a few years ago.  He's not the cheapest, but his work has always been worry free.  That's why I take my BMW to him.

I love my car, but I am still not happy with the shifter.  With the CDV removed, the shifts into 2nd gear are grind free.  But, depending on how fast I shift, there is still evidence of notchiness.  In terms of shifters, this ranks still ranks last compared to all the manual transmission cars I've previously owned or have driven.  My favorite shifters are BMW 3 series from the 90s with the NSX not far behind.

I still need a bit of practice.  After driving with the CDVed Z4 for so long, I am not used to driving one without CDV.  My timing on releasing the clutch when going into second is very off at the moment.  I would either under or over rev.  Oh wellz, practice makes perfect. 

Bottom line.  Shifter is much improved with the CDV removed.  However, even with the mod, the gear in the Z4 is still the worst I've driven/shifted.  But, I can live with it since the rest of the car is great.

[TomS]

When I did my CDV I also put in a short shift kit, weighted lever, and changed to Royal Purple lube.  All these things combined made the shifting experience in my 540i altogether better.

[IronLion]

Sorry if this is completely off topic but, to BMW owners, have you found that your cars require lots of maintenance?  I have this stereotype in my mind that is probably inaccurate that German cars such as BMW, Mercedes and even Volkswagen have a tendency to need lots of maintenance.  This is coming from someone who drives a very nice and very reliable Japanese car and I've always been curious about this so just wanted to ask. 

[Philistine]

Sorry if this is completely off topic but, to BMW owners, have you found that your cars require lots of maintenance?  I have this stereotype in my mind that is probably inaccurate that German cars such as BMW, Mercedes and even Volkswagen have a tendency to need lots of maintenance.  This is coming from someone who drives a very nice and very reliable Japanese car and I've always been curious about this so just wanted to ask. 

I see my BMW dealer once a year - State Inspection and annual service. 
Years ago they had issues with new model introductions but they''ve improved significantly.

[Bob in St. Louis]

I am still not happy with the shifter.........
still evidence of notchiness.........

I'm not qualified to talk much about BMW mods, but I've seen many different types of cars have better 'stick characteristics' if the fluid was changed. Not necessarily to new O.E. fluid, but to a different type of fluid.
Just putting a bug in your ear. Point to ponder. Do your research.

Bob