ec437

I think the later radios are different - the 93 and 94.  90-92 may be the same.

My radio does much the same thing, related to wet weather.  If it rains, it loses almost all volume.  Everything works, just no sound output.  When the sun comes out, and the car dries up, the radio and everything in it works fine again.

I sent it to Bob at Factory Car Stereo Repair.  Being Florida, it worked perfectly on his test bench for three weeks without interruption.  No fault found.  To Bob's credit, and my permanent admiration for his business, he sent the unit back to me (west coast of Canada) at no charge.  Very impressive. 

Now that winter is closing in, the radio is sporadic.  So much for the much lauded "Nakamichi".  No aftermarket Pioneer has ever done this to me.

I am considering an aftermarket adaptor, and using a DIN or DIN and a half Pioneer unit, if such an adaptor also includes a harness adaptor.

I haven't checked on the price of a Lexus exchange unit, which I would put in myself quite easily, but I think the cost would require a couple of nitro pills to swallowed first.....

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I would think that the problem with your radio would be located elsewhere in the car?

fix that suspension if you don't want the clunks! :P

Blake- I see that you have passed me on the mileage now.  I have "only" 234,500.  :D

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I'm just trying to keep up with Lloyd Laycook in Utah--I'll beat his 550k someday! :D I do manage to rack up a few miles-about 13k in 7 months.

google "BMW e codes" if you're dying to know more, which I'm sure you are, seeing as how you are on a lexus board and all. :P

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I'd love to know more, and I am going to google. Just because I'm in this Lexus club doesn't mean that I don't care for all other makes other there. We actually discuss other makes in here a lot, but we do it in a constructive, non mud slinging way unlike some online clubs because we know what Lexi are good at and what they aren't. My favorite thing is when an Acura owner comes cover and starts saying what a better performing car it is over Lexus, and we agree. Lexus is a smooth comfortable car with very little(or no) sport characteristics-that's why the aftermarket in the US is so limited for this make. Lexus offers the best package for my wants, so that's why I'm driving them(ES and LS). I don't take S or hairpin turns at 60mph or any spirited driving, so I go for a car with a smoother, docile ride. And, it's always a plus that I can fit my long legs in! lol When I want some kind of sporty weekend car, chances are it won't be a Lexus(eventhough the SC430 is an amazing looker. However, it's interior looks..hmm...petite!). Something like an e63 sound be nice! ;) Or a S52. It turns out that I like the two weirdest BMW's out there! lol

One more for you: what's your handle mean. I googled that too, but I only came back with various BMW club handles. And, I think I found pics of your car before it met with that damn Neon. It's got Oregon tags and your LOC handle. Actually that's 2 more...why is the Mcoupe(the one that is the hatchback/wagon) have a S or did I find the wrong number? Is this her(nice looking car)? http://www.justaddbrains.com/viewtopic.php?t=2086&start=15

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haha, nice work! Yep, that'd be my beloved BMW! You'll find me on bmw30.net, e30tech.com, automotiveforums.com, and various other message boards under the same name. The ec are my initials, and 437 is my favorite number.

The S52 is the engine code for the engine in the M coupe. Its an inline 6 in standard BMW fashion, although they were formerly known for their outstanding 4 cylinders. They also use (both now and for the past few decades) V8's, V12's, and in the upcoming M5, a V10. All of the non-motorsport division BMW cars (m stands for motorsport, therefore the m3, m5, m coupe, and other m models that are now discontinued are the motorsport models) have an engine code that begins with an "m", not an "s".

For example, the engine in a 1989 m3 (an e30 m3) would be the s14. The engine in a 1989 325is would be the m20, specifically the m20 b25. The reason for the "b25" is to differntiate from the other I6 (the m20 b27, produced less power but more torque, also 2.7L instead of 2.5L) used mostly in the base models of the e30. It was phased out after '87.

Some other engine codes are as follows:

most common engine in the e36: m50 (this was the 2.5L I6, also available in the US were a 1.8L I4 and in the later years of the e36, a 2.8L I6.)

in the e36 M3: s50

in the e46 m3: s52

in the e34 M5: s38

in the e32 750il: m70

in the 850: also the m70

BMW also used their m20 b27 and b25 in some of the e28 (early 80's) 5 series.

If you hadn't already picked up on this, BMW names their non-motorsport cars (not sure how they name the SUV's) by the series, and then the engine displacement.

ie, a 325i is a 3 series car with a 2.5 liter engine. A 328i is a 3 series car with a 2.8 liter engine. etc, etc. The only exception that I know of is the e30 325, 325e, and 325es. Although not named as such, they actually had a 2.7 liter engine.

If the name of the car includes an "x", it is all wheel drive.

If the name includes an "s", it has the sport package, which usually includes a different interior (better seats, mostly), an LSD, and stiffer suspension.

I'm not sure what the meaning of the "c" is anymore. It used to be generally used as the unofficial name for a cabrio, but now they are using it in the names of non-cabrios.

I really know FAR too much about german automobiles.

By the way, here is one of my more favorite pictures of my BMW before I had to let her go:

I trust that none of you will do anything devious with the license number :P , as I'm not hosting that picture and can't edit it now.

I might post more pictures later.

A little early but it's going to get down near 30 this weekend in Ohio and I was wondering what amount of weight in the trunk, over the rear axle, was best for traction.  Through the winter I always try to keep a full tank of gas and my traction system doesnt always work, not that it really helps that much anyways.  I drive in the mornings when they don't always have time to get to all the roads and I need traction!  Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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I'll go ahead and assume you're using proper snow tires, since you live in Ohio. Just out of curiosity, does Lexus make any all wheel drive sedans and/or coupes?

BTW, I don't know the answer to your question. sorry.

I've got a JL Audio 12" W6 subwoofer and a 350 watt kenwood amp complete with all wiring that I got for free. Is there any way I can install it on the factory sound system?

Edit: I hate being a noob. ;) I just noticed the audio forum. Mods, if you would?

BMW names all of it's body styles with codes: "e" followed by a number. The "e" stands for the german word for "development". The e30 is the 3 series made between 1983 and 1991. The next 3 series, ('92-'99) was the e36 and the current is the e46.

Here are some more codes for those that care:

e32- late 80's/early 90's 7 series

e34- early 90's 5 series.

e31- 8 series

google "BMW e codes" if you're dying to know more, which I'm sure you are, seeing as how you are on a lexus board and all. :P

Sorry it came across that way, it wasn't intended to. Its just that you have to drive the car to appreciate it.

I bought the lexus because I needed a good deal on a nice car, and I found this lexus before I found a BMW. From what I see here 150,000 isn't that high of mileage at all! I have to admit that this is nearly the nicest car I have ever driven, but it just isn't my style. This is a great luxury car, but I want a car with the emphasis placed on the sports side of driving, which the older lexuses simply don't offer.

BTW, I'm still actively searching for a BMW :)

Yes, you are very correct. I haven't driven the other generation LS. But, after owning & driving the Gen. I LS I can say that it is the wrong car if you want sports&luxury in one package.

I also find BMWs to be very attractive also.

Hey, good luck on your BMW search. Keep us posted, if you decide to sell your LS later on. B)

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thanks, will do!

I bet it faired better than the Neon!

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Oh my yes it did, you should have seen that crumpled piece of sheet metal...

Why do you miss your BMW???

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Why do I miss my BMW? You ever driven an e30 before? Or any BMW for that matter...

I miss it because it was an all around awesome car. One of the best looking cars to come out of the 80's, it was easy to mantain, very reliable, and fun to drive. It held the road like an NSX, braked like a champ. It was economical and solid at high speeds. It had a roomy trunk and an interior made for the driver. Not to mention all the cool features on the onboard computer. BMWs really are the ultimate driving machine. I hope to find another before the year is up...

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I just simply asked!! Nothing personal. ;)

sidenote: Why did you even consider a Lexus with such high miles if you feel so strong and passinate about BMW?

After my first Lexus experience. I can't even think about buying a non-Lexus car, unless it is free or on buy one get two free deal!

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Sorry it came across that way, it wasn't intended to. Its just that you have to drive the car to appreciate it.

I bought the lexus because I needed a good deal on a nice car, and I found this lexus before I found a BMW. From what I see here 150,000 isn't that high of mileage at all! I have to admit that this is nearly the nicest car I have ever driven, but it just isn't my style. This is a great luxury car, but I want a car with the emphasis placed on the sports side of driving, which the older lexuses simply don't offer.

BTW, I'm still actively searching for a BMW :)

Just wondering- if the BMW was so grand, why did you sell it? 

I agree with 91LS400- these cars are so smooth, that the tires and mounts are sensitive.  You can feel about any other vibration, because the engine is so smooth.  I also agree about the engine.  Even though my 90 LS400 has its quirks, it has nearly 235K miles, but the engine and transmission still operate like brand new- extremely smooth and NO oil usage/leakage between the 3K mile changes.  Very impressive I think.  I have no doubts that the engine/transmission in my car will go to 300K or even 500K if properly cared for.  Great cars- just costly to maintain.  Good luck with your new LS and welcome to club.

BTW- what do you mean about the "LSD"?   

Why do you miss your BMW???

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Why do I miss my BMW? You ever driven an e30 before? Or any BMW for that matter...

I miss it because it was an all around awesome car. One of the best looking cars to come out of the 80's, it was easy to mantain, very reliable, and fun to drive. It held the road like an NSX, braked like a champ. It was economical and solid at high speeds. It had a roomy trunk and an interior made for the driver. Not to mention all the cool features on the onboard computer. BMWs really are the ultimate driving machine. I hope to find another before the year is up...

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The reason I had to part with it was because it got totaled by a dodge neon srt4 :(

LSD=limited slip differential. Sorry 'bout the lingo, the BMW boards were full of gearheads and racing nerds. :P

Why do you miss your BMW???

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Why do I miss my BMW? You ever driven an e30 before? Or any BMW for that matter...

I miss it because it was an all around awesome car. One of the best looking cars to come out of the 80's, it was easy to mantain, very reliable, and fun to drive. It held the road like an NSX, braked like a champ. It was economical and solid at high speeds. It had a roomy trunk and an interior made for the driver. Not to mention all the cool features on the onboard computer. BMWs really are the ultimate driving machine. I hope to find another before the year is up...

149,000 miles, great shape, $5700.

I miss my BMW.:cries:

Anyways, what're the specs on these cars? Does mine have an LSD?