After having removed the incorrectly installed aftermarket radio (wiring was completely incorrect) out of my E30, I put back in the stock radio that came with my car when I bought it and wired it back to stock. After turning the radio on I noticed a terrible crackling and popping sound when I would...
Read More »

Contrary to popular belief you do not need a reset “tool” to reset the service indicator and inspection lights on your dash. All you need is a simple piece of wire (strip both ends): This wire will act as a jumper wire between two terminals. Some people suggest using a wire with a fuse...
Read More »

Where and how to access ECU: I have tried to illustrate where and how to access the ECU, it is in the glove box compartment. To access it open your glove box and undo the two screws holding the plastic cover that is at the “ceiling” of the glove box compartment, under there you...
Read More »

M20 E30 engines are flat tappet engines and require periodic valve adjustments. The loved and distinctive sound of M20 ticking especially when cold, is because of the flat tappet design. The reasons to adjust your valves includes increased compression because both intake and exhaust valves close fully. Increased fuel economy, and generally improved performance....
Read More »

Changing the engine mounts is a fairly simple concept, however knowing some tips and tricks makes the process a lot quicker. I found it easier to lift the engine and change one mount at a time. I did not have to lift the car to do this job. Both sides: Undo the top nuts...
Read More »

  Transmission mounts are fairly easy to change. Do not attempt to change the mounts unless you have a car jack handy to support/lift the transmission (just a normal jack, im not referring to anything special; scissor jack, hydraulic jack, whatever). The reason you need a car jack and cannot use a jack stand...
Read More »

On a 25 year old E30 it is hard to know what options were original to the car and what options were added later by previous owners. Take for example my E30, it has the original white exterior with a cardinal red interior. However after decoding my VIN I discovered the cardinal interior was not original to my...
Read More »

I recently acquired another E30 and am officially back in the E30 scene. Unfortunately the car had an overheating problem among other things, and facing a 2500 mile trip ahead of me, this overheating problem needed to get sorted. Basically at idle and while driving the heat gauge would climb right around the 3/4 mark (should be at 1/2)....
Read More »

It is no surprise that an M60 / M62 requires more cooling capacity. There were two styles of radiators in M20 e30’s 1988+ and pre 1988. If you have 1988+ then an e36 or a Z3M (e36/4) radiator will fit without modification. If you have a pre 1988 then ‘it drops in, no mods,...
Read More »

So your thinking, man I really dont like those bottle caps (stock rims) on my E30. A mistake a lot of people make is they intuitively think that a bigger rim automatically equals a bigger overall wheel diameter. Tire sizing is determined by calculating the mm width of the tread, percentage of that width...
Read More »