After 30+ years the tiny seals in the E30 AC system should be changed; its one of the most common leak points and often missed because any manifold measurements are taken with the valves in use. Nearly all Schrader valve cores, like the ones found on the E30 R12 lines are replaceable. As not...
Read More »

On many pre-1988 E30s, the lines that originate from and lead to the reservoir (low pressure) terminate in banjo connections that consist of a hose and a band clamp. The two lines are: 16X22MM 32411131545 12X18MM 32411131524 The hoses adhere to a DIN standard that is NBR/CR: NBR inner, single textile reinforcement, CR outer...
Read More »

If you own a pre-OBD 2 BMW, especially an E30, there are three indispensable tools: a smoke machine for finding vacuum leaks, a radiator pressure tester for coolant leaks, and the focus of this post, a torque screwdriver for worm gear hose clamps. Older BMWs are from a generation that predates the use of...
Read More »

There really is no need to be paying $12+ bucks for a cassette drive belt. Most forsale just take advantage of the fact that they know the belt length and width, you don’t and for that you end up paying exponentially more. All you need to know is that the drive belt is a...
Read More »

You’ve likely read in the owner’s manual or heard about the specific time (X years) and mileage (Y miles) recommendations for changing your vehicle’s coolant. But have you ever wondered why? The primary, yet often overlooked reason, is electrolysis. In the galvanic series, aluminum is more anodic compared to steel. This means aluminum will...
Read More »

Many people who restore old Alpine radios just keep taking switches from other radios; but in general, to get the best longevity, new switches should be used. The E-SWITCH TL6275BA2PQRG can be used with the use of custom 3D printed caps. To make the switch work, you will need to 3D print this cap...
Read More »

Every wondered if you could connect an OBD scanner and get useful data out of the E30? Most forum posts will say you can only get codes, but that’s just simply not true. Snap on Ultra with a BM-1B Adapter (EAA0355L74A) and DA-5 OBD 1 adapter cable (EAX0068L01A). A little older, and less expensive...
Read More »

The biggest issue in north america is that most non-dealer replacement keys for the E12,E21,E23,E24,E28 and E30 are made of brass. Over time this brass gets weakened and ends up breaking off in the lock or ignition. In Europe, there are brands like the Silca HU50AP that are made of steel. Even with shipping,...
Read More »

To replace the batteries and capacitors on a lithium battery E30 SI board you will need: Two CR14250SE-FT batteries Three 100uF/16v axial capacitors One 10uF/16v radial capacitor One 47uF/16v radial capacitor When mounting the batteries, depending on production date, the double feet may be wider than original; this can be overcome by folding in...
Read More »

Many E30 owners don’t realize that the airflow meter in their cars is a wear item. Though it has a wear profile with an exceptionally long use and time horizon, one that hasn’t been seen for decades, many E30s have now reached the point where their AFMs are beginning to fail. To determine the...
Read More »