It’s become increasingly common for owners to convert early E30 M20 cars to the later-style radiator setup. However, that conversion requires a long list of additional parts—new hoses, mounting brackets, water pump, coolant crossover, expansion tank, and more. In reality, this conversion is completely unnecessary. The trend has largely been driven by the assumption...
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Sanden Compressor Conversions for M20-Powered BMW E30s M20-powered E30s were originally fitted with one of three air-conditioning compressors: Bosch, Seiko (largely identical to Bosch), or Denso. This guide specifically focuses on converting E30 M20 cars that were originally equipped with Denso 10P15E compressors to a Sanden compressor. The reason for this focus is the...
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These hose adapters allow you to install a Sanden SD508 / SD709 / SD7H15 / SD5H14 compressor on an M20 engine while retaining all factory A/C lines. This makes the Sanden a drop-in replacement (with appropriate bracket and belt). These require no modification to factory oil cooler lines or fuel cooler lines. Reference this...
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It only takes 3 screws to remove the bottom panel of a BMW CM5908 Radio. There you will find the code jumpers; these jumpers, based on how they are soldered determine the radio code. Note where the jumpers are numbered TDC-0 through 5: Jump only TDC-5 to set code 25142: *Pictured is TDC-2 jumped,...
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Lloyd mats offers a trunk mat pattern for the E30 that fits well overall. It appears to include a bit of extra material near the battery tray area—likely to accommodate E30s with batteries mounted in the engine bay. It’s not a major issue; just a slight trim is needed, and everything fits perfectly. Details:...
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*The following is likely to be almost identical for the KE-83 KBM, the 4 channel version of this 2 channel KE-81 KBM radio. Important Radio Security Code Considerations: Cassette Mechanism Belt Issue: Over time, the original factory cassette belts degrade into a soft, mushy substance. Attempting to operate the cassette mechanism in this state...
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With the widespread use of NGK V-Power spark plugs (NGK 5077 – ZGR5A) in E30 M20 applications, it’s important to stay vigilant about their replacement intervals. These plugs feature a smaller electrode surface area, which, while great for ignitability, tends to wear faster. As the electrode wears down, the spark plug gap increases, which...
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Removing and installing the rear subframe bushing on an E30 is a labor-intensive task that typically requires dropping the rear subframe. Not anymore! Modeled after the now-unavailable OEM tool originally designed for this job, this tool lets you remove and reinstall the rear subframe bushing without having to remove the subframe. And if you’ve...
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Most places will tell you to try to track down each abs speed sensor connector, but really, you can just check all sensors right at the ABS computer module. To get to this module and plug only takes removing 3 half turn screws. With a multimeter you can check resistance on connector pins: 4...
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By now, most M20 engines have undergone multiple timing belt services. As part of this process, the upper timing cover is typically removed. Two bolts secure the cover to the aluminum cylinder head, and one of them in particular, the smaller M6 bolt is notorious for stripping its threads. The distributor cap depends on...
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