Woodcliff Lake, NJ STEP Jan 4, 2010 - First day tips

[TJMax]

I can't find the other thread made by someone who was in my class so i'll start a a new one. As you guys can see, class is right around the corner. Bear with me if these questions were answered before but i'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that memorizing paint codes, engine codes, tranny codes, vin breakdown, and E deisgnations since 1975 aren't ALL necessary for DAY 1 at STEP, right? I ask because i've gotten the E designations down for the most part and still don't have the Touring Series and the Motosport series down 100%. I've got a few of the engines down to an extent, and didn't know what would be a waste of time vs. what wouldnt. The packet on the STEP site highlights certain things so that helped, just wanted to get a few tips on what I would need for the first day. Any advice, tips, tricks? :-) Thanks.

Oh yeah, how is it that some guys start class 2 months later at my location? Classes do overlap and I will get to see Gil and some of the others from here around the facility i'm guessing?

[P2Hakes]

I start there March 1st


As far as what to memorize:
BMW will start you with ST050 Technical Systems
This will familiarize you with BMW's systems, cars, engines, history, scan tools, etc.
If STEP is anything like the 3 month Fast Track class I took it will move fast. Be prepared to learn fast, ask questions, and dive right in.


P.S. have you found any reasonable price apartments in the area?
All I can find start at $1000 and go up.... fuck that.

[TJMax]

I start there March 1st


As far as what to memorize:
BMW will start you with ST050 Technical Systems
This will familiarize you with BMW's systems, cars, engines, history, scan tools, etc.
If STEP is anything like the 3 month Fast Track class I took it will move fast. Be prepared to learn fast, ask questions, and dive right in.


P.S. have you found any reasonable price apartments in the area?
All I can find start at $1000 and go up.... fuck that.

Yes, there are loads of places for like $600 a month. I live 15 minutes from Woodcliff Lake, but I still get the emails Mr. Rice sends out regarding housing. Really nice deals he finds us. Email him and ask to be put in that little chain mail for apartments. Oh and talk about being ahead of the game, you're a fast track student who is now going to do the full step program? Shyt, that's crazy.

But I really wasnt asking about what they will start me off with, more of a question of what you're expected to know on day one.

[BrassDrummer]

All I can really say is don't expect ANYTHING. Go in your first day, with an open mind, and be ready to learn. Memorize as much as you can now, so that when you start, you'll 1)Be ahead of the game, and 2) You will be able to start learning more, instead of messing around with E Designations, engine codes and all that the first few weeks.

Paint code numbers... don't worry about, just know where to find them. Work on Vin # location, and the basics on deciphering it, E designations, Engine Designations, which engine, in which E designation for which year. Memorize basics like Fluids, Oil types, and all the things that won't take you that much time. Once you think you're done studying... you're not. Keep studying. Good Luck!

[bowmang]

All I can really say is don't expect ANYTHING. Go in your first day, with an open mind, and be ready to learn. Memorize as much as you can now, so that when you start, you'll 1)Be ahead of the game, and 2) You will be able to start learning more, instead of messing around with E Designations, engine codes and all that the first few weeks.

Paint code numbers... don't worry about, just know where to find them. Work on Vin # location, and the basics on deciphering it, E designations, Engine Designations, which engine, in which E designation for which year. Memorize basics like Fluids, Oil types, and all the things that won't take you that much time. Once you think you're done studying... you're not. Keep studying. Good Luck!

is that your super badass white taurus with the black wheels i saw the other day at the training center?

[BrassDrummer]

is that your super badass white taurus with the black wheels i saw the other day at the training center?

Hahaha yeah... Thats the Taurus. Are you Driving an F01 Still? I saw a few of them this past week in the parking lot.

[TJMax]

All I can really say is don't expect ANYTHING. Go in your first day, with an open mind, and be ready to learn. Memorize as much as you can now, so that when you start, you'll 1)Be ahead of the game, and 2) You will be able to start learning more, instead of messing around with E Designations, engine codes and all that the first few weeks.

Paint code numbers... don't worry about, just know where to find them. Work on Vin # location, and the basics on deciphering it, E designations, Engine Designations, which engine, in which E designation for which year. Memorize basics like Fluids, Oil types, and all the things that won't take you that much time. Once you think you're done studying... you're not. Keep studying. Good Luck!

Thanks for the heads up. That's exactly what i was looking for.


is that your super badass white taurus with the black wheels i saw the other day at the training center?

Are you being facetious? There's really a bad ass taurus somewhere out there? No offense, please post a pic, lol.

[BrassDrummer]

Thanks for the heads up. That's exactly what i was looking for.



Are you being facetious? There's really a bad ass taurus somewhere out there? No offense, please post a pic, lol.


Haha... I don't know if Bad ass is the right combination of words for it... Here's a picture.314979

[bowmang]

is that your super badass white taurus with the black wheels i saw the other day at the training center?


haha, nice!

yea, i still have an F02 (until next week probably). we had an RTE meeting this week, so there were a few there... mine is the beige one

[BrassDrummer]

haha, nice!

yea, i still have an F02 (until next week probably). we had an RTE meeting this week, so there were a few there... mine is the beige one

Oh ok Nice. We noticed alot of people there in a meeting. We were in the F01 class last week, but were going back to classroom 7 (I think? I have no idea how the numbers work now) For Diesel.

[bowmang]

Oh ok Nice. We noticed alot of people there in a meeting. We were in the F01 class last week, but were going back to classroom 7 (I think? I have no idea how the numbers work now) For Diesel.


nice. i'm actually back in town again today and tomorrow for some internal training.. so you'll probably see a bunch of F01s again!

[TJMax]

Hey guys, first day of STEP for me is this Monday out here in NJ. All I got was another confirmation call and check up, beyond that, no kind of start up package, uni, or anything of the sort. Im not even sure what to wear exactly, but i'll sift through the pages of my acceptance stuff and notes I wrote down from the interview and phone call I guess.

[gil64]

Hey guys, first day of STEP for me is this Monday out here in NJ. All I got was another confirmation call and check up, beyond that, no kind of start up package, uni, or anything of the sort. Im not even sure what to wear exactly, but i'll sift through the pages of my acceptance stuff and notes I wrote down from the interview and phone call I guess.
i think you wear your school uniform but orientation is a couple of hours right. anyway good luck and ill be tere soon.

[TJMax]

Hey Gil, thanks, yeah I just went over the orientation checklist from the step site download.

[bowmang]

awesome, good luck!

i think i'm going to jersey for business in a couple weeks.. maybe i'll see ya there!

[TJMax]

AMAZING first day! The learning environment is like no other. ESP my classmates, you guys are just as focused as I am, lol.

[BrassDrummer]

AMAZING first day! The learning environment is like no other. ESP my classmates, you guys are just as focused as I am, lol.


Haha Awesome man. Hopefully you keep it up. It gets tough the further in you go. Learn and memorize as much as you can in the beginning.

[kahluastud412]

The way I hear people talk about the program is almost scary. Honestly how hard is it?

[BrassDrummer]

The way I hear people talk about the program is almost scary. Honestly how hard is it?


Its pretty intense. Definitely the hardest education scene I've ever been in. You get once shot to get it right. If you fail out, you're done for good. If you don't make it in... you don't get another chance.

It's the real deal, and should be taken as seriously as we make it to sound on here.

[TJMax]

He's absolutely right. My first week, and we were tested and quized at least 3 out of the 4 days. You're expected to know ALL the group numbers, New E designations, some old, and ALL the engines that go in them. Abreviations galore. This is the first week. If you're not studying hours and hours a day, you will fail. 79 is failing. You get the hang of it though. I've gotten 90s so far, studying my ass off. I'll put it this way, I commend guys who work and do this. I can't see how you could possibly pull it off. You have to memorize so much in so little time.

If you want an idea of what its like, You have 2 hours to have all the presidents of the united states, their terms, their party, and their birthdates. And you will be tested on it. If you fail, bye bye, lmao.

Thats what its like being in STEP to me, lol. But you find that when you apply yourself and really are committed, its not so bad.

[04turbo]

can't wait until I start in march...i have been waiting for a long time :redspot

p.s.

group numbers...does anyone have an easy way to remember them ...they are kicking my butt

[BrassDrummer]

can't wait until I start in march...i have been waiting for a long time :redspot

p.s.

group numbers...does anyone have an easy way to remember them ...they are kicking my butt

Sepearate them into sub captions... 0-10 are all training and information type stuff. 11-19 are all engine stuff, 20-29 are all trans type stuff, 30-39 are all steering, tires type stuff, so on and so forth.

[TJMax]

can't wait until I start in march...i have been waiting for a long time :redspot

p.s.

group numbers...does anyone have an easy way to remember them ...they are kicking my butt


LMAO, I kid you not...

http://www.amazon.com/Kevin-Trudeaus-Mega-Memory-Superpower/dp/0688153879

I memorized them in 15 minutes. Cant forget them either.

[BrassDrummer]

LMAO, I kid you not...

http://www.amazon.com/Kevin-Trudeaus-Mega-Memory-Superpower/dp/0688153879

I memorized them in 15 minutes. Cant forget them either.

Are you kidding man? I've always been curious if things like that work. I might have to try it out lol. That would be awesome. i hate forgetting stuff.

[04turbo]

LMAO, I kid you not...

http://www.amazon.com/Kevin-Trudeaus-Mega-Memory-Superpower/dp/0688153879

I memorized them in 15 minutes. Cant forget them either.

If it doesn't work you owe me 10 bucks ;)

[TJMax]

^^ If you pay attention to the audio book, or read his regular book, and it doesnt work, ill paypal you the money with paypal fees, LMAO. I didnt believe the bullshyt until I tried it, my aunt had the audio book laying around I gave it a listen for the first 5 minutes, tried an exercise on paper, and couldnt believe I memorized a list of just 20 different words I wrote down, memorized it up down, left right, lol. Just listened to the rest and it stuck with me til today. Oh I can write down the list I wrote 2 years ago also. Thats how well it works, lol.

[gil64]

whats the difference between an m54 engine and an m54tu

[mikeb9623]

does that audio book actually help you?? i start in woodcliff june 28th gonna have a hella time memorizing everything .

[bowmang]

i'll be in jersey on monday for a week....

[bimmerboy328i]

whats the difference between an m54 engine and an m54tu


There is none, there is no such thing as an M54TU. M54 is a TU of the M52TU and M52 motor.

Back on topic, NA's training facility in New Jersey is awesome. I was not a STEP graduate, but I am sure the class is very good.

[gil64]

:help:helpwhat does tu stand for

[I3MW]

:help:helpwhat does tu stand for

technical update.

[bowmang]

:help:helpwhat does tu stand for


technical update.


and when they started with the new generation engines (N designation) it turns to K... which stands for cost project.

[bowmang]

ok.. i need a tip

where's a good place to get a drink and dinner or something around these parts?

[gil64]

starting in march cant wait but im a little unfocused on studying tj how is it going

[TJMax]

starting in march cant wait but im a little unfocused on studying tj how is it going

Whats up, its going great. PM me if ya want. When's your start date?

[gil64]

mar first but orientation is feb 26th did you wear your uniform or a suit and tie

[bowmang]

mar first but orientation is feb 26th did you wear your uniform or a suit and tie


everybody in my class wore their UIT uniforms except me... because i didn't go to UTI.

on a side note... i met Mr. Rice when i was in town last week... that guy seems crazy :rofl

[Pinzon89]

haha Wild Rice is crazy...Crazy cool. lol. Great guy and actually a real enthusiast unlike many working for BMW. Knows tons about all the old cars too...could talk foerever about them. It was great when we wanted to distract him from giving us a test or for prolonging a lecture..
- How long are you in NJ Matt? I think they are getting some snow tomorrow.. We had too guys head up there early for training to they didn't get stuck in it. Hopefully you got something with x-drive. Oh and the pizza place right up the street before your hotel is a good place for food. Also the chinese place in the same shopping center as the grocery store...called something weird i forget what it was called but didn't sounds like a chinese place has good food. I think only take out though. Take care

-Erick

[bowmang]

oh i'm already back in california.. but i had a 535xi when i was there.

i didn't have any pizza... but i went to peppercorns for happy hour a few times... that's a good place.

[Broox]

Also the chinese place in the same shopping center as the grocery store...called something weird i forget what it was called but didn't sounds like a chinese place has good food.
Marco Polo!!!

[TJMax]

mar first but orientation is feb 26th did you wear your uniform or a suit and tie

Just as the letter said, tech school uniform.


everybody in my class wore their UIT uniforms except me... because i didn't go to UTI.

on a side note... i met Mr. Rice when i was in town last week... that guy seems crazy :rofl


haha Wild Rice is crazy...Crazy cool. lol. Great guy and actually a real enthusiast unlike many working for BMW. Knows tons about all the old cars too...could talk foerever about them. It was great when we wanted to distract him from giving us a test or for prolonging a lecture..
- How long are you in NJ Matt? I think they are getting some snow tomorrow.. We had too guys head up there early for training to they didn't get stuck in it. Hopefully you got something with x-drive. Oh and the pizza place right up the street before your hotel is a good place for food. Also the chinese place in the same shopping center as the grocery store...called something weird i forget what it was called but didn't sounds like a chinese place has good food. I think only take out though. Take care

-Erick

You guys better quit, you know those guys check this stuff out, lol. It kept getting brought up a few times already. "TJ MAX on the forums!" from a few instructors, lol. I was like...:help that wasn't me! HA HA


oh i'm already back in california.. but i had a 535xi when i was there.

i didn't have any pizza... but i went to peppercorns for happy hour a few times... that's a good place.


Marco Polo!!!

Still haven't quite discovered the area yet. Hit Phil's Pizzeria and Panera so far.

[04turbo]

Snow day for step tomorrow? If not good luck :stickoutt

[gil64]

hey did you guys get a snow day

[TJMax]

Snow day for step tomorrow? If not good luck :stickoutt

Nope


hey did you guys get a snow day

Hell no. Got an hour and a half early dismissal, that was about it.

We're at the point where tasks are getting really interesting anyway, so we don't really want to miss out on em, lol. :buttrock

[gil64]

Nope



Hell no. Got an hour and a half early dismissal, that was about it.

We're at the point where tasks are getting really interesting anyway, so we don't really want to miss out on em, lol. :buttrock
unreal have you gotten your hands dirty? And have you worked on the fs yet:)

[TJMax]

unreal have you gotten your hands dirty? And have you worked on the fs yet:)

Of course. Well not too dirty, the cars are all pretty new, lol. Pulled off a dash, got to do some R & I on a 2010 M5, did a few cool things so far, you'll enjoy it, im sure.

[gil64]

Of course. Well not too dirty, the cars are all pretty new, lol. Pulled off a dash, got to do some R & I on a 2010 M5, did a few cool things so far, you'll enjoy it, im sure.
awesome. its been slowing down at the shop but i did two driveshaft bearings on ml 320 this week, they are pretty easy. I might be cut to 3 days a week unless it picks up my boss thinks i wont be able to work anyway with all ill be learning.

[TJMax]

awesome. its been slowing down at the shop but i did two driveshaft bearings on ml 320 this week, they are pretty easy. I might be cut to 3 days a week unless it picks up my boss thinks i wont be able to work anyway with all ill be learning.

I promise you won't. Esp not yourself. I take on an engine swap or tranny swap job on the weekends, beyond that, its tough o do anything but study and answer review questions when you're home.