Is it really so bad?

[m3f_FireWalker]

I have recently purchased a 1999 E36 M3 Convertible and generally I'm delighted with it - it's a joy to drive but I do have a few niggles and I wonder whether it's stuff I have to live with or whether I've just bought it from a poor dealer...

1) Climate control - there's no power in the fans, and the air conditioning is rather poor - is this normal

2) Leaking roof - whenever it rains there's drips coming in from inside the front side windows

3) The roof when down doesn't tidy away completely - is there anything I can do to improve this?

4) The stereo (standard Professional) is rather poor and very unbalanced (all the power is in the rear). What do you suggest to improve this? (without spending lots of cash or filling the boot with high-end hi-fi!)



I can live with all of this but would just like to know if I *have* to...



Any suggestions would be most welcome,

Thanks,

Paul

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

I have recently purchased a 1999 E36 M3 Convertible and generally I'm delighted with it - it's a joy to drive but I do have a few niggles and I wonder whether it's stuff I have to live with or whether I've just bought it from a poor dealer...

1) Climate control - there's no power in the fans, and the air conditioning is rather poor - is this normal

2) Leaking roof - whenever it rains there's drips coming in from inside the front side windows

3) The roof when down doesn't tidy away completely - is there anything I can do to improve this?

4) The stereo (standard Professional) is rather poor and very unbalanced (all the power is in the rear). What do you suggest to improve this? (without spending lots of cash or filling the boot with high-end hi-fi!)



I can live with all of this but would just like to know if I *have* to...



Any suggestions would be most welcome,

Thanks,

Paul





1) Recharge your ac system. Check for leaks. AC systems don't get weak, they leak. Check your final stage resistor for your fans, its may be bad or going bad.

2) Check the seals that are along the side of the top where the windows meet up at. Make sure your the windows go up when you close the door too.

3) Hard to tell without seeing it, have your string kit checked in it to make sure its pulling everything where it needs to go...

4) Difficult. I would upgrade to a new headunit personally. Have your factory amp checked also. I have been in several e36's that when the fader is set to the middle, theres more output to the rear, really haven't thought much of it.

[m3f_Markesq_53919446a8]

Convertibles have Sunroofs? :clap:

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Yes, and roosters lay eggs. Didn't you know?!



Just a minor technicality....



Heh, its been a long day....



Read my above post for my real answers.. this was just a test I tell you!

[m3f_97BLKM3COU_0f375e15e2]

Also replace your in cabin micro-filter, if it is getting clogged, the air flow could be compromised. Is your climate control on Auto? Maybe the airflow is being directed somewhere else?

[m3f_ziggy]

I drive a 98 and the A/C leaked all it's freon out last year. Had it recharged and it leaked out again over a few months. Going to try address the proper fix this $ummer!

[m3f_FLi GLi]

1) Climate control - there's no power in the fans, and the air conditioning is rather poor - is this normal



No. As others have said try having the A/C recharged.

For the fan, I would start with the fuse, then relay (if there is one) then the resistor pack (as was already mentioned).



2) Leaking roof - whenever it rains there's drips coming in from inside the front side windows



It could be seals, or the top could not be properly adjusted. Check around, I'm sure you have a specialty shop that does convertible work. Or you could take it to the dealer.



3) The roof when down doesn't tidy away completely - is there anything I can do to improve this?



Not exactly sure what you mean by this, but on mine the canvas doesn't lay completely below the line of the trunk before the cover starts to come down. The cover does push my canvas down a bit, but it's just bunched up fabric...it's not pushing the whole frame or anything like that.



4) The stereo (standard Professional) is rather poor and very unbalanced (all the power is in the rear). What do you suggest to improve this? (without spending lots of cash or filling the boot with high-end hi-fi!)



BMW factory headunits are notoriously horrible (my buddy has had a couple E39 5-series with the high end factory systems and they all **** big donkey...well, you get the idea). You might try just replacing the headunit. More power and better balance dynamics from an aftermarket headunit might bring the stock speakers to life some, and not be as bad as "filling the boot with high-end hi-fi".



I can live with all of this but would just like to know if I *have* to...



Of course not!! The only limit to how many "imperfections" you have to live with in your M is your Visa limit :whistle:



FLi

[m3f_FireWalker]

Thanks guys.



1) I had my A/C re-charged - it works perfectly now

2) I had a new pollen filter - that has fixed the problem too

3) the hood has a plastic strut which had come out of its fittings, it's better, but there's still some bunched up fabric - will look into it next service

4) Will look into aftermarket head-units - also have an iPod & would like to get IceLink for it but E36 is not supported - another reason to upgrade...



Thanks for all your help