A few years ago I wrote about common problems with the E30 central locking and how to fix them. Two of most common E30 Central locking/Power locking issues and how to fix them Well, its time to revisit the topic, because I have figured out the once and for all solution. You see, even...
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So you’re trying to get Techstream going, but you keep getting errors; let me help you solve all of them in one place.   Toyota Techstream 0xC0040001 Error – This error is due to a firmware limitation, there are generally two firmware versions of the J2534 connector. Version 1.4.1 and Version 2.0.4. To access...
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The cowcatcher airdam was only sold on IS and ES models in 87. The ‘is’ got a 4 slot model and the ‘es’ got a 2 slot model; behind the airdam was an oil cooler. IS airdam: ES airdam: The problem is that the brackets for this airdam are long NLA (no longer available)...
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Most results when searching topics about sway bars involve high level extrapolations about understeer, oversteer, body roll and preferences; all important but it doesn’t help to understand how sway bars actually work. Hopefully I can simplify it enough where it starts to make intuitive sense. The primary principle behind a sway bar is to...
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So you suspect a rattle in your exhaust system, but how do you know which heat shield or which component is the culprit? 95% of the time a true rattle that exhibits itself at certain RPM’s is attributed to a loose exhaust heat shield. The sound is most pronounced at specific RPM’s because of...
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A rotor screw is used to hold the rotor against the hub face without the wheel on. It is removed only when changing the rotor after removing the caliper carrier. Being so small, and in such a rust prone area however, it is very likely to become seized. This one screw often translates a...
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When removing the rear subframe on an E30, there is always a possibility that either of the two old bushings will be oxidized and therefore seized/stuck in the body. The OE subframe bushings are made up of an aluminum sleeve with a thick rubber coating around it. The aluminum sleeve protrudes at the top...
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Bringing it back to the basics this week. Changing brakes on any car with disk brakes is a routine maintenance item and is certainly a job for a novice DIY’er. However, for something so routine, there are multiple ways to perform the job. However, even though there are multiple ways to theoretically get to...
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A great video from spain showing exactly how to rebuild an M20 head and how to install it back on the block. Three things I would recommend doing differently from the video: 1. Always send the head out to the machinist to check for warping and cracks instead of trying to do it yourself....
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There are two problems with the front sway bar link mounts on the E30. First, instead of the bushing shackle mounting by means of two bolts, BMW instead decided to use a slotted end, and one bolted end.   The problem with the slotted design is that the slot first needs to be inserted...
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