new m3 problem

[MainMatt]

Hi people,

picked up an e36 m3 evo convertible yesterday, and it doesnt feel very quick, ive had one before and a 3.0 and they both felt very quick and accelerated quick when you plant your foot, when i do in this one the throttle doesnt seem to respond very quick and feels like its lacking power, the accelerator pedal also feels a bit stiff compared to the ones ive had before, any ideas?

[Neil.D]

The Cab weights about 100kgs more than the coupe so blunts the performance. If it feels more than that start with cleaning the MAF sensor.

http://www.louv.tv/cars/m5/MAF/

The throttle is controlled by the old fashioned cable. It may have stretched, so whilst a mate/wife/girlfriend/boyfriend/whatever sits with the engine off and holds full throttle, make sure you are getting WOT by trying to open it more with your hand under the bonnet. You cant fail to miss the moving part.
Oiling it will cure its stiffness. Unclip it, zip tie it vertical and periodically spray a lubricant into the cable and allow graviy to do its work. If you get a wet foot mat then you've sprayed in too much.

HTH

Neil.D

[MainMatt]

thanks for the reply, i had a convertible before which was a 3.0 and felt a lot quicker so i think theres more to it, will try what you have suggested, if it is the cable, would this restrict power?

[Neil.D]

It would restrict power but only because it works on a manual basis rather than 'fly by wire'. If the cable is stretched or unadjusted then you will clearly see that by the simple fact it will not open to WOT (wide open throttle). There is an adjuster on the engine to wind it in, or open it out.....just like your old BMX brakes had. Get someone to sit in it and plant the throttle with the engine off.

[MainMatt]

ok cool, ill try that tomorrow morning, thanks