| Welcome to our BMW technical articles section. We've gathered a vast collection of useful articles to help you repair many items on your BMW. Save money by avoiding your mechanic and perform the repairs using the information we've provided here. Can't find what you're looking for? Try our Search Engine, or hop over to our Technical Bulletin Board, and ask your question to the thousands of members who post messages there every day. |
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| Engine & Clutch |
| BMW Belt ReplacementHere's some short instructions on this very basic of maintenance tasks.
Applies to: All 4/6-cyl BMWs |
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| BMW Oil ChangeThe most common task to do on your BMW - the 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines are covered here.
Applies to: All 4/6-cyl BMWs |
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| 3-Series Clutch ReplacementOur biggest and most comprehensive article yet. From start to finish, all the instructions are here, along with about 70 photos too!
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs |
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| Clutch Slave Cylinder Replacement & BleedingClutch pedal feeling spongy? Try replacing your slave cylinder and rebleeding your system.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs |
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| Valve Cover Seal ReplacementThe valve covers on the BMW four and six cylinder engines are very prone to messy and annoying leaks. The valve cover seal replacement is an easy task, as shown in this technical article.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| BMW Spark Plug Replacement Spark plugs are an important part of your engine - make sure that they are replaced every 10,000 miles or so, to keep your ignition system running smoothly.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| BMW Camshaft Removal / InstallationWayne has found a solution to the problem of how to remove your BMW camshafts without using the $1400 special factory tool. Complete technical article here with all the info...
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Camshaft Timing & VANOS Unit InstallationNeed to retime your cams? VANOS unit need replacing? Here's the details on timing your engine, and the install of this tricky unit.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs |
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| Rod Bearings & Oil Pump Nut ReplacementIf your engine has ever suffered from a loss of oil pressure, then the first thing you should do is replace your rod bearings.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs |
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| Oil Pan Gasket ReplacementThese gaskets often leak with age, and replacing them can be a messy job. Find out the best way to get it done with as little frustration as possible here in this article.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs |
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| E30 Timing Belt ReplacementOne of the most important maintenance tasks for the six-cylinder E30 engines is the replacement of the rubber timing belt. Be sure to read this article, even if you will not be performing the job yourself.
Applies to: E30 3-Series BMWs with 6-cyl engines |
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| Machine Shop 101If you're considering a top-end rebuild then stop right there. Read this first before you take any other steps towards having your cylinder head overhauled.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs |
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| Intake Manifold RemovalHey, if we can do it, then you can too. Just be patient and follow through all the steps illustrated in this article.
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs with 6 cylinder engines |
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| Camshaft Position Sensor ReplacementIf the camshaft position sensor is not operating properly, your car will run very erratically, and perhaps not at all. See how easy it is to replace and restore the smooth purr to your engine.
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs |
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| Crankshaft Position Sensor ReplacementLike the camshaft position sensor, you'll certainly want to replace this unit as soon as it fails. Find out how by reading this article.
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs |
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| Lower Chain Tensioner ReplacementNoisy timing chain operation is indicative of worn tensioners. Be sure to do the job right by upgrading to the later style tensioners if your car doesn't have them already.
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs |
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| Head Gasket ReplacementOh boy... a blown head gasket is never good news. This project isn't for everybody, but if you're up for the task, be sure to follow the instructions here.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs |
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| VANOS Oil Line and Solenoid ReplacementOne of the worst places for oil to leak is on top of the engine. Clean up that greasy mess and prevent it from happening again by replacing this oil line.
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs with VANOS |
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| Turbos and Superchargers for Your BMWWe know you're curious about forced induction. Find out what you need to know first if you're seriously considering this route.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs |
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| BMW Engine Management SystemsIf you're looking to squeeze the most performance out of your motor as you possibly can, then an Electromotive TEC3r system is certainly the way to go.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs |
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| Time To Rebuild?Wayne Dempsey outlays the tests and evaluations that you should perform on your engine before deciding it's time for a rebuild.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Valve Adjustment Made EasyStop paying your mechanic to adjust your valves - it's really not that difficult. Jared shows you how to on the 3-Series E30 six-cylinder engines.
Applies to: E30 six cylinder engines (1984-91) |
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| Dyno TestingWho isn't curious about how much power they're transferring to the wheels? Learn about all the basics here before you strap your car onto a dyno for the first time.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Ignition Troubleshooting ChecklistMikko Kosonen has compiled a neat list for owners of all cars to check when they are experiencing problems with their ingnition systems.
Applies to: Early carburated BMWs |
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| Cooling System |
| BMW Cooling System Flush & FAQ Check it out - more than you ever wanted to know about your cooling system, why you need to maintain it regularly, and how to change that pesky coolant.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| BMW Thermostat Replacement When replacing your water pump, you should also replace your thermostat as well. Here's easy instructions on how to swap it out.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| BMW Water Pump Replacement The old-style water pumps used plastic impellers that were prone to failure. Replace yours now before it's too late.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| BMW Radiator Replacement Got a pin-hole leak in your radiator? Want to upgrade to a better cooling one? It's pretty easy to remove and reinstall your radiator.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Fuel Injection |
| Fuel Filter ReplacementYou should replace your fuel filter about every 10,000 miles or so. This technical article shows you how to perform this relatively easy maintenance task.
Applies to: All BMW |
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| DME RepairGot some problems with your DME? Want to know how to stop the horrible DME "flooding" problem on early E36s? Check out this informative article.
Applies to: All BMW |
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| DME Chip UpgradeWant some more HP out of your car? Try an inexpensive chip upgrade, and be on the road in 30 minutes with more performance.
Applies to: All BMW |
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| E30 Chip Install| Applies to: All E30 3-Series BMWs (1983-93) |
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| E36 Fuel Pump ReplacementWorried about doing this swap? Don't be - we have all the info you need, including your pre-flight safety check!
Applies to: All BMW 1996 and later |
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| Replacing the Fuel Pump & Fuel Level SenderIf your pump is noisy and loud, or the fuel pressure in the engine compartment is below what is needed for proper fuel injection operation, then its probably time to replace it.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs |
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| Monitoring OBD-II Fuel InjectionNeed to figure out why that check engine light is on? Want to emulate a rolling dyno? PC-based OBD-II software has made great strides to bring this information to your fingertips.
Applies to: All BMW 1996 and later |
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| Installing a Performance Intake SystemA properly designed cold air induction system can give your car a little boost in performance, but make sure you know what you're getting first by reading this article.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs |
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| BMW Fuel Injector ReplacementIf your injectors are leaking, or you're thinking they are clogged, here is a step-by-step procedure on how to change them out.
Applies to: All BMW 3-Series E36 1992-99 |
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| Oxygen Sensor Replacement E36Got an E36 BMW? Wayne shows you how to replace the O2 sensor easily!
Applies to: All BMWs (1992-2000) |
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| Oxygen Sensor Replacement E30Gas mileage got you down? Need to replace your O2 sensor, but are not exactly sure how? Jared Fenton guides you through this relatively easy task.
Applies to: All BMWs (1984-1991) |
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| All About Oxygen SensorsJared Fenton discusses the in and outs of oxygen sensors.
Applies to: All BMW |
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| Reading Fault Codes on BMW Fuel Injection SystemsCheck engine light on in your car? Not sure how to fix it? Use the techniques outlined in this article to figure out which problems are causing the light to come on. See also Jared Fenton's write-up on reading fault codes.
Applies to: All BMWs (1984-2000) |
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| Fuel Filter Replacement| Applies to: All E30 3-Series BMWs (1983-93) |
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| Fuel Injector Cleaning| Applies to: All E30 3-Series BMWs (1983-93) |
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| Idle Speed Troubleshooting| Applies to: All E30 3-Series BMWs (1983-93) |
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| Painting Your Intake Manifold| Applies to: All E30 3-Series BMWs (1983-93) |
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| Suspension |
| E36 Control Arm ReplacementGot a bent or worn out front control arm? Replacement is not that tough if you have the right instructions...
Applies to: All E30 3-Series BMWs (1983-93) |
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| E30 Rear Sway Bar Bushing Replacement Jared shows us how to stiffen up the rear suspension of your 1984-1991 3-Series BMW with the replacement of the rear sway bar bushings.
Applies to: All E30 3-Series BMWs (1983-93) |
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| E30 Rear Sway Bar Drop Link ReplacementLearn how to replace this often-failing part with this handy article from Jared Fenton.
Applies to: All E30 3-Series BMWs (1983-93) |
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| Front Springs and Shock ReplacementPelican regular Jared Fenton shows us how easy it is to restore proper handling and how to lower your E30 3-Series BMW to boot!
Applies to: All E30 3-Series BMWs (1983-93) |
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| Rear Springs and Shock ReplacementJared finished up with part two of spring and shock replacement for the 1983-93 3-Series E30 cars.
Applies to: All E30 3-Series BMWs (1983-93) |
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| Alignment on Your BMWAny modification or repair made to your suspension system is bound to affect its alignment. Even though it's still important to know a good alignment shop, learn how you might be able to align your car at home in this article.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1984-99) |
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| Front Suspension OverhaulYour shocks aren't the only parts of the suspension system that wear out. Take the time to overhaul the entire front end carefully and you'll feel much better that you did so. Really!
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1984-99) |
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| E36 Performance Suspension / Lowering Your BMWThe PSS performance suspension kit from Bilstein is one of the top performing kits available for the E36 3-Series. Learn how to install it correctly in this article.
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs |
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| Installing a Strut Tower BraceA strut tower brace links the top of the shock towers to insure that the towers do not bend when the chassis is flexing. Find out more about how they work and which designs are best in this article.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1984-99) |
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| Replacing Rear Shock Mounts| Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1983-99) |
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| Installing the Lower Cross BraceM3s and all convertible models had these installed from the factory to increase chassis rigidity. Installing one on your E36 coupe or sedan is an easy upgrade for any motoring enthusiast.
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs |
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| Front Wheel Bearing Replacement| Applies to: All E30 3-Series BMWs (1983-93) |
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| Front Suspension Bushing Overhaul| Applies to: All E30 3-Series BMWs (1983-93) |
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| Motor Mount Replacement| Applies to: All E30 3-Series BMWs (1983-93) |
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| Rear Sway Bar Drop Link Replacement| Applies to: All E30 3-Series BMWs (1983-93) |
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| Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement| Applies to: All E30 3-Series BMWs (1983-93) |
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| Transmission & Driveshaft |
| Installing a Short Shift KitInstalling a short-shift kit (SSK) is probably the number one most popular upgrade for these 3-Series cars. Detailed instructions on the process are here in this tech article.
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs (1992-99) |
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| Replacing Shift BushingsLoosey-goosey shifter got you down? Transmission grinding? Perhaps it's just your shift bushings that are worn. Find out how to replace them here.
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs (1992-99) |
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| Replacing your Driveshaft Center BearingGot driveshaft noise? Perhaps it's your center driveshaft bearing. If you're replacing your flex disc (below), you should check out this article as well.
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs (1992-99) |
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| Replacing your Driveshaft Flex Disc / GuiboThese flex discs crack and fail all the time. The good news is that replacement is relatively easy! Check out this article for detailed instructions on this procedure.
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs (1992-99) |
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| CV Joint, Boot, and Axle ReplacementClunk! Looks like it's time to replace your CV axles. Find out what you need to know about the procedure here.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs |
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| Replacing your Transmission MountsPrevent expensive mis-shifts by keeping your transmission mounts in top shape. Or install UUC Transmission Mount Enforcers to keep them in line.
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs (1992-99) |
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| Transmission RemovalGetting to that clutch is no easy task, but it can definitely be done by the average home mechanic. Following this step-by-step process, you can hardly go wrong.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1984-99) |
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| Replacing Manual Transmission FluidOne of the easiest tasks to perform on your BMW is to change the transmission or differential oil, but just in case you need a bit of guidance, be sure to read this article first.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1984-99) |
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| Replacing Your Automatic Transmission LinesLeaky line got you losing fluid? Replace your lines with the procedure here.
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs (1992-99) |
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| Replacing Your Automatic Transmission FluidThis procedure is a bit difficult without the right knowledge and know-how, which we provide for you right here.
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs (1992-99) |
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| Replacing Your Differential Fluid |
| Limited Slip Differential Swap (LSD)| Applies to: All E30 3-Series BMWs (1983-93) |
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| Exterior |
| Blacking Out Your Chrome Trim |
| BMW Roundel Emblem ReplacementJared Fenton shows you the really easy steps to improving the looks of your BMW, with the simple front or rear Roundel replacement.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Replacing the Window Regulator and MotorHave you gotten tired of having to open your door and get out to retrieve your burger at the drive thru window? Well lucky for you, so have we.
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs |
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| Sunroof Removal and RepairBMW sunroofs can be very confusing items if youve never worked on one before, but hopefully this article can help you out the first time around.
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs |
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| Tire and Wheel SizingPutting the wrong size tires on your wheels can alter your speedometer readings and might not look right.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1983-99) |
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| Using Car Bras & Car FilmProtect your paint by installing a car bra or car film the right way.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1983-99) |
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| Personal TouchesJust some of the many things you can do to enhance the look of your BMW is illustrated in this article here.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1983-99) |
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| M3 Mirror UpgradeInstalling M3-style mirrors is one of those neat projects that can really add some spice to the look of your car, while not really taking up too much of your time.
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs (1992-99) |
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| Convertible Rear Window ReplacementConvertible rear windows are certainly one of the least resilient parts on the exterior of your BMW. Learn how to replace it in just a few basic steps here.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1983-99) |
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| Convertible Top Adjustment and RepairThe BMW convertible top is one of the most complicated systems on the car. While some problems are easy to fix, others can definitely be a hassle.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1983-99) |
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| Installing a Rear SpoilerSome cars just look a lot better with spoilers, and the BMW 3-Series is one of them.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1983-99) |
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| Replacing Hood ShocksAre you getting tired of having your front or rear trunk lids fall on your head? Its probably time to replace your hood shocks.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1983-99) |
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| Concours Corner: Cleaning Your Engine, Part INeed some tips on this seemingly daunting task? Bev Frohm teaches the dos and don'ts of cleaning your engine in part one of this series.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Concours Corner: Cleaning Your Engine, Part IIPart II covers more of the procedure in getting your engine to shine.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Concours Corner: All About BrasOnce again, Bev offers up some suggestions and tips learned from experience with her concours winning 911.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Concours Corner: Washing Your CarBev Frohm gives us some tips and tricks for washing your car in this article which is the first in a series.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Concours Corner: Polishing Alloy WheelsBev Frohm offers up some tips and tricks for polishing and maintaining your Fuchs alloy wheels to a mirror finish.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Interior |
| Retrofit a Tilt Wheel on Your E36Lars Staack supplies all the details on how to install tilt-steering wheel functionality onto late-model E36's.
Applies to: E36 3-Series BMWs (1996-99) |
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| Steering Wheel ReplacementA new steering wheel can completely refresh your driving experience into something new again!
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs |
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| Headliner ReplacementWhat's up? Your ugly, old headliner. Fortunately, replacing it may not actually be as difficult as you think.
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs |
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| Door Panels and Lock TroubleshootingThis article specifically targets the replacement of the door lock assembly, but because there are so many moving parts on the door, just about everything about the door panels is discussed as well.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1984-99) |
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| Power Seat RepairDid you know that seats are actually one of the most complicated components on the E36 3-Series? Well, you do now.
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs (1992-99) |
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| Seat Removal & Sport Seat InstallationConsidering a swap to M3 seats? Or aftermarket sport seats, perhaps? Learn how to do it right here.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1983-99) |
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| Installing an Aftermarket Shift KnobNot sure if you can do the install? It's really easy - just check out these nstructions on the topic, and get it done in about a half an hour. More information available here.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1983-99) |
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| Concours Corner: Rubber Strip ConditioningEver wonder what to use on your precious rubber stripping? Concours winner Bev Frohm gives us some suggestions for prolonging the life of your weatherstrip.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Electrical, Headlamps, and Gauges |
| Blinking Sidemarker Modification| Applies to: All 1984-91 BMW 3-Series |
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| On Board Computer (OBC) Converstion / RetrofitDo you have an early BMW with only one OBC connector, but want to add one of the later-style computers? Lars Staack has figured it out, and explains all in this guest technical article.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| BMW Euro Ellipsoid/Angel Eyes InstallationYour standard headlights might be up to snuff on most roads, but once you convert to ellipsoid style lighting, you'll wonder how you ever drove without them before.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs |
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| Installing an HID Lighting SystemIf the Ellipsoids still aren't enough for you, learn about what the ultimate alternative is.
Applies to: All 1984-99 BMW 3-Series |
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| Replacing Lenses and BulbsBroken lenses aren't just eyesores, but they can get you a ticket too. Well, if they're broken, then you might as well replace them with something that looks a little better too! Clear Euro-style lenses just might do the trick.
Applies to: All 1984-99 BMW 3-Series |
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| Air Conditioning Maintenance & UpgradeThis article is not intended to be a repair manual for your A/C system, but to serve more as a guide on how the system works, and the maintenance involved with its upkeep.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1983-99) |
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| Alternator Troubleshooting and ReplacementOne of the nice things about the configuration of the BMW engine is the relative ease with which you can replace the alternator.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1983-99) |
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| Troubleshooting Electrical ProblemsOne of the most common problems with older cars is the existence of intermittent and annoying electrical problems. Learn how to troubleshoot them here before touching any wires.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1983-99) |
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| Replacing the Headlamp SwitchReplacing this switch is relatively easy, so if yours is broken, now's the time to fix it!
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs (1992-99) |
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| Radio Head Unit InstallationIs your 10-year old radio head unit just not cutting it any more?. Crank up the tunes with an aftermarket unit - the install procedure is documented here.
Applies to: All 1984-91 BMW 3-Series |
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| Brake Pedal Switch ReplacementHave all your brake lights stopped working all of a sudden? It's probably your brake pedal switch - replacement is a 30 minute job.
Applies to: All 1984-99 BMW 3-Series |
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| Blower Resistor Pack ReplacementIf your blower fan switch only works on high, then you could have a faulty resistor pack.
Applies to: All 1992-99 BMW 3-Series |
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| Resetting the Airbag Warning Lamp (SRS)Doing some electrical work on your car, and now all of a sudden, the air bag lamp is on? This lamp is a huge pain - now there is an easy way to reset it!
Applies to: All 1984-91 BMW 3-Series |
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| Installing a CD ChangerFind out which CD changers work with your factory stereo and learn how to install it correctly here!
Applies to: All 1984-99 BMW 3-Series |
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| E30 Instrument Light Replacement Burned out bulbs getting you down? Find out how to replace them with this handy article.
Applies to: All 1984-91 BMW 3-Series |
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| E36 Instrument Light ReplacementE36 models have even more of these little bulbs to deal with. Make sure you disconnect the battery first!
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs |
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| Installing Colored Gauge Faces |
| BMW Oil Service Light ResetJared Fenton shows you how to reset that annoying service light without taking your car to the dealer.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Installing an AlarmDecrease the chances of your precious ride from being stolen by choosing a quality alarm system and installing it properly.
Applies to: All E36 3-Series BMWs |
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| Starter System TroubleshootingHere's a great guest article by James K. Thorusen that describes in detail the problems and solutions for troubleshooting your starter system problems.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Starter ReplacementNow that you've determined that the starter is bad, learn how to replace it without electrocuting yourself by reading this article here.
Applies to: All 1984-99 BMW 3-Series |
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| VDO Gauge Repair and RefurbishmentThis is a Pelican Technical Article covering the replacement of gauge faces, odometer repair, calibration checking, and module replacement.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| An Easy and Inexpensive Ignition Cut-Off SwitchHere's a little trick that will disable the ignition system on your car, preventing your pride and joy from being stolen.
Applies to: All BMWs with points ignition |
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| VDO Clock RepairDemick Boyden offers a neat little procedure for getting the tick back into your dashboard clock.
Applies to: All BMWs with mechanical clocks |
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| VDO Clock Repair #2If Demick's article on clock repair doesn't fix your clock, then you might want to try Mack Overman's tips and tricks...
Applies to: All BMWs with mechanical clocks |
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| Replacing Service Indicator Board Batteries| Applies to: All E30 3-Series BMWs (1983-93) |
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| OBC Lamp Replacement| Applies to: All E30 3-Series BMWs (1983-93) |
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| Exhaust & Climate Control |
| E36 Muffler ReplacementMuffler rusty, too loud, or too soft? Replacement is easy with this simple-to-follow tech article.
Applies to: All BMW |
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| E36 Heater Valve Cleaning/FlushingIf hot air is no longer blowing from your climate control system, then a clogged heater valve could very well be the culprit.
Applies to: All E36 BMW 3-Series |
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| Air Conditioning Maintenance & UpgradeThis article is not intended to be a repair manual for your A/C system, but to serve more as a guide on how the system works, and the maintenance involved with its upkeep.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1983-99) |
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| 3-Series E30 AC Recharging| Applies to: All 1984-91 BMW 3-Series |
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| Brakes |
| Brembo Big Brake Kit UpgradeNeed more brakes? The Brembo kit is the top-dog in performance brakes. Wayne R. Dempsey shows you how easy the installation can be.
Applies to: All BMW |
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| Emergency Brake AdjustmentIs your e-brake not working too well? Put it back into adjustment in less than 30 minutes.
Applies to: All BMW |
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| Brake Pad ReplacementWant to know how to perform this relatively easy task and save some money at the same time? Check out our step-by-step instructions on brake pad replacement.
Applies to: All BMW |
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| E30 3-Series Parking Brake Adjustment Can't pull that handle? Learn how to adjust your parking brake once and for all, and keep your car from rolling down hill.
Applies to: All BMW 3-Series 1984-91 |
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| BMW E30 3-Series Cross-Drilled Brake Rotor UpgradeJared Fenton walks us through the process of upgrading your E30 to cross-drilled rotors for better braking.
Applies to: All BMW 3-Series 1984-91 |
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| Bleeding BMW BrakesAnother tricky process. Here's a couple of hints and tips gathered from some good and bad experiences in brake bleeding.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Parking Brake Shoe ReplacementThe last time your car rolled down a hill should be the last time your car rolls down a hill. Replace those important brake shoes now before gravity gets the best of you one day.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1984-99) |
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| Brake Line ReplacementRepeated heat cycling and fluid contamination will eventually cause the inside of the line to swell and the outside to crack. You've been warned, so now it's time to take action.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1984-99) |
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| Replacing Brake DiscsStop! Yes, that's exactly what you want to do... but you can't always do so effectively if your brake rotors are worn too thin. Learn how to replace those old discs properly in this article here.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1984-99) |
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| Rebuilding BMW Brake CalipersGot a frozen caliper? Learn how to rebuild those calipers the right way by following these simple steps.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Rear Brake Disc Replacement| Applies to: All E30 3-Series BMWs (1983-93) |
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| Replacing Front Brake Discs| Applies to: E30 3-Series BMWs |
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| Painting your CalipersOnce you detail your calipers, no one will be able to tell the difference between your stock ones and the lobster claws of the big reds.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Miscellaneous |
| Air Filter ReplacementNew to working on your car? Not sure where the air filter is? Check out this simple article.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| BMW Designation FAQ Confused about which models mean what? What's an M50 motor? What does the 'is' mean in your 325is? Pelican's own Jared Fenton answers your questions in this handy reference FAQ.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Jacking Up the E36 3-SeriesMost common tasks need the car to be jacked up in the air. But where should you place the jack, and what is the safest method of lifting it? It's all answered here
Applies to: E36 3-Series (1992-1999) |
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| Stubborn Bolt/Stud RemovalWe've all encountered the fastener that just won't budge. Here are the basics (and last ditch efforts) about removing stubborn bolts or studs.
Applies to: All 3-Series BMWs (1983-99) |
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| Front Speaker Installation| Applies to: E30 3-Series BMWs |
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| Rear Speaker Installation| Applies to: All E30 3-Series BMWs (1983-93) |
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| Tire Size CalculatorEver wondered what the exact dimensions of tires are for your car? Plug in the confusing tire size (ex. 215/60/16), and it will give you physical dimensions.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Hot Rodding Your Floor JackWhat can we say, Tom Sharpes has way too much time on his hands...
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Home Toe-in and Camber AdjustmentJohn Rogers offers a neat article with specs on adjusting your toe-in and camber with homemade tools.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Street Dyno!Recording the ignition spark pulses into a wave file and processing it using the software can give a pretty accurate HP/Torque rating for your engine.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| All About GasolineHere's a document that explains everything that you may have ever wanted to know about gasonline. This covers everything from formulations, to smog tests, to octane ratings.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Synthetic Oil or Not?Think you're spending too much money on synthetics? Check out this article, and make an informed decision.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| All About Motor OilsEver wondered about the forumlations of motor oils? This document explains the differences, and the formulations, and why which one is best for your car.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Transmission Final Drive ComputerHere is a little program John Rogers wrote to do some speed vs RPM calculations after he did a rally a couple of months ago. It's pretty fun to play around with.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Building an In-Dash Air-Mixture MonitorGabriel Pennella offers a great article on building a monitor that you can use while driving to fine-tune your performance.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| MIG Welder Maladies & Bodywork Book ReviewKyle Ehler offers some advice on MIG Welders, and some opinions on some bodywork books.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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| Welding Primer & ReviewMany thanks to Mike Cooley and John Dunkle for writing this primer on welding. Check it out if you're interested in learning more about 'the black art of welding.
Applies to: All BMWs |
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