Cheap keyless entry for a BMW E30 (LB-402 AliExpress or smaller LB-408): You can add keyless entry to an E30 for under ~$20 using an LB-402 keyless entry kit. The LB-402 (or LB-408) ties into the factory Central Locking Control Unit (CLCU) by triggering the E30’s lock/unlock request inputs. Where the E30 central locking...
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BMW Alpine CM5908 Radio Recap — Electrolytic Capacitor BOM (22 caps) Posted for posterity, referenced from R3v. If you’re rebuilding the amplifier section of the BMW Alpine CM5908 radio, a full electrolytic recap is one of the best “baseline repairs” you can do. Electrolytics age, drift, and dry out over time, which can lead...
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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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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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*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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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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The E30 is provisioned for two trunk lights, but only in very rare circumstances was it actually ever fitted with both. On all North American E30’s, there is only one trunk illumination light, normally a 5W festoon bulb. Provisioned in this context means, that there is already a cut out in the trunk to...
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If you’re experiencing an ABS issue where the brake pedal causes the ABS to pulsate or activate even when the vehicle is idle, the likely culprit is a failed ABS module relay. The good news is that these relays are straightforward to replace. There are three relays that control the entire ABS system: An...
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When buying or refurbishing E30 seats there are many spots to look out for: Seat top mounting tabs: The seat top is held together to the seat bottom by way of two mounting ears, and these fatigue and break.   Seat Frame Base: There are multiple area to look out for where the sheet...
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