Reading Materials

[m3f_Hahnchen]

Hi,



This is my first post to the forum –although I look in it almost everyday…now that I want a BMW M3 E36 aka the best car ever- so I wanted to say hi and ask everyone’s opinion about reading materials.



I am looking for a book to learn more about automobiles. I know a fair amount already, but want to learn more about the parts under the bonnet –i.e. how thing fit together- Unfortunately, I grew up in a family that drove a minivan so never really got to learn about cars. Now I want to know everything before I go buy an E36 M3 so I can make all the necessary mods and know wtf I am doing to my car and why it is making my car faster and better.



So in all, are there any good books you all recommend that could further advance my knowledge of the interworkings of cars and specifically BMW M3s.



Good to be on board,



Hahnchen

[m3f_M3AN_5f4dc0ba80]

Hey dude, welcome! :beer:



As for reading material I'd do this (it's free too!):



1. Check www.howstuffworks.com for all the information you need to know how cars work right down to the internal combustion engine (suk, squeeze, bang, blow).



2. With your newfound knowledge on cars, read the FAQ section here and search for terms you're less familiar with. This will help translate what you learnt in #1 into BMW speak.



3. Post some questions here. With your attitude (a good one) and having done some prior research many will be happy to respond.



:thumbsup:

[m3f_KUpolo]

Great advise from M3AN. If you're up for some very heavy reading, pick up the Bentley Manual for the e36 M3.

[m3f_astan100_7ef66fbe89]

Anyone have any advice on books about racing and driving techniques used at the track?

[m3f_BlkBimM3R_4c5ffa766f]

I would suggest picking up the Bentley E36 manual also..I have this and so far it has helped me get through a lot of maintenance procedures... when I purchased my car.. I basicallly did an inspection II on it (by myself..not taking into shop).. so the manual paid for iteself already in savings...



I also have a BMW M book.. which talks about the M1, M3 (E30 and E36), the M5's, etc... but it mostly talks about the cars and not the internal workings... its at home and I'm working right now.. so I don't have the author/publisher off hand...

[m3f_Hahnchen]

Thanks,



I will look into both of those books.



Go Blue (vs. USC) on the 1st and Go M3 in my garage (soon).



M

[m3f_DesmoBob_e0fc43b145]

for info specifically about the E36 M3 there is a nice FAQ at:



http://www.eurospeed.org

[m3f_beguile_5c88ac03e9]

Allen, I have that one book on racing (and normal) driving techniques (I think I showed it to you before you left). If not, let me know when your back in town. It's a really good book and get very technical (lots-o-math). I'll try to find it and post the specifics about it at some point.

[m3f_BlkBimM3R_4c5ffa766f]

since its here in front of me.. this was the M book I was talking about..



not sure if their still sold or published anymore...



BMW M-Series by Chris Rees

M1, M3, M5, M635 and M roadster

Croydon, England : Motor Racing Publications, 1999, c1997.