Hearing the Getrag rattle for the first time can be unsettling. This rattle is a common sound produced by Getrag transmissions, especially the 5-speed models found in E30s, BMWs, and GMs, when the car is in neutral and the clutch is not engaged. The rattle disappears when the clutch pedal is pressed or the...
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Although there are a multitude of reasons why your central locking may not be working (Microswitches, actuators, fuses, previous owners attempts) there are two major flaws in the design of the E30 central locking system that often fail and contribute to 80%+ of the central locking problems people experience. The first is the internal...
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The on board computer (OBC) in an E30 uses two regular light bulbs wired in series on a removable circuit board to light up the display on the OBC. Because they are wired in series, if one light-bulb goes out both go out. The bulbs are not supposed to be replaceable as they are...
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There are many online based ETK systems like realoem and bmwfans.info for BMW parts and most work great, however none are as accurate and up to date as the ETK directly from BMW. Luckily BMW has their ETK available online with a general login. To access it just press the link below and enter the...
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Supplementary Article for control arm bushing options: https://www.rtsauto.com/e30-control-arm-bushing-upgrades-also-applicable-to-e36-comprehensive-guide-on-control-arm-bushings/   Recently picked up a E30/E36/E46 control arm bushing specialty tool which made the job extremely easy as far as getting the finished bushing carrier with bushing onto the control arm shaft. This article only really applies to OEM rubber bushings as poly and solid bushings...
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It is not always justifiable to spend the money on a specialty tool, however in the case of rear axles a little investment goes a long way.   The problem with many german cars and particularly E30’s is that the tolerance between the hub splines and the axles splines is VERY small causing a...
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Wheel bearings can be deceiving since they can often only be heard when the wheel is spinning in excess of 30mph; they produce a howling, growning, sometimes grinding sounds that increases frequency with speed. The problem: You drive around and around and try to figure which bearing it actually is, and thinking to yourself if...
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Supplementary Article for specialty tools and bushing install: https://www.rtsauto.com/control-arm-bushing-specialty-tools-and-tips/     When talking about control arm bushings, there are two ways to “upgrade” and I use that word loosely because upgrade is relative. The first way is to add rigidity to the bushing to prevent deflection under steering and braking, the second being the positioning of...
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One essential part of the M60B40 swap into an E30 or otherwise is to eliminate EWS if you got an engine from an EWS car. EWS is a security system meant to prevent your car from being stolen and subsequently started. The reason the 404 DME (0261200404) is used is because it does not...
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I had been looking for OEM esque rubber floormats for my E30 and after years of searching have come across something that truly looks OEM, and is OEM (except that these are made for an E82 by BMW). OEM BMW part number: Black – 51472239697 Grey – 51470439165 Beige – 51470439166 The best part...
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