99 323

[Sloan]

What's up,

I recently purchased a 99 323 and attempted to smog it with the engine light on. The code says it's something to do with the charcoal canister (vent filter for the fuel tank). Anyone with info on repairing it myself is greatly appreciated. Also, I have a shimmy in the front when the brakes are applied. Any good deals on new rotors?
Thanks!

[shogun]

As for the light, check the hoses and the fuel tank breather valve. Check if the gises are brittle or crack or are blocked, check the valve. Bookmark this link for future use. You can also use your VIN and the you have exactly the parts of your car. Click on the drawings to enlarge.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=AM33&mospid=47718&hg=13&fg=15
Also check the rubber parts at the airflow meter, if there is any air leaking.

If the rotors are warped you can feel it (most times)while gently applying the brakes. you'll feel the on-off-on of the brakes. if you are getting a big shake when the brakes are first applied and then it goes away or if you let off the brakes and re-apply and it goes away it's most likely the control arms. and don't be fooled it can be the upper or lower or both.
Brake brank: that is a kind of religious question. Some like Zimmermann, Balo, and the expensive Brembo.
I have Balo from Germany and bought it from Autohaus Arizona
http://www.autohausaz.com/catalog/lookup_parts.cfm?SubcategoryID=1896&VehicleID=1352618&CFID=547978&CFToken=48583351

Many people here on the board have good experiece with BMA
http://catalog.bmaparts.com/epcvsoapimc.epc?cookieID=1IU0QMEIG1MI0FCO02&drillid=8&subcatid=801030@@Front+Discs+%26+Drums&source=BIMMERINFO&clientid=bmaparts

Compare prices. Sometimes the one or the other is cheaper.
Here is a long list of BMW online vendors, also some sell used parts
http://home.earthlink.net/~hainesinutah/bmwvendors/
Bookmark that list too.