Coolant Flush

Next I will show you how to flush your cooling system on your e46 3 series. For this job you will need a jack and stands, a catch pan, new coolant, a flat head screwdriver, and a 19 mm wrench. First jack up the car and put it on stands. Take off the radiator cap be sure the car is cool and the cooling system is not pressurized! Then loosen the hose clamp on the hose on the bottom of the radiator. Pull off the hose and let it drain into the catch pan. Next locate the 19mm plug on the exhaust side of the motor(located in the yellow circle). Remove this and let it drain completely. Next reinsert the drain plug and reconnect the lower radiator hose. Unscrew the bleeder screw located next to the coolant reservoir on the upper radiator hose. Then get your coolant, if it is not mixed be sure to mix it first, I would recommend BMW coolant. Fill the system through the reservoir until coolant comes out of the hole where the bleed screw was. When this happens tighten the bleeder screw and fill the reservoir to the top. Put the radiator cap back on and you have successfully flushed your cooling system.

Suggestions

If anyone needs a how to for a BMW I am willing to help. Suggestions are welcome!! Thanks

Spark Plugs

Alright this weeks post is changing spark plugs. For this how to a will be using the m20 motor which is found in a abundance of BMWs from the early 80s to early 90s particularly the e30 3 series. The tools you will need are a 10mm socket, 5/8 spark plug tool, and a ratchet. The supplies you will need are sparks plugs, six for the m20, and some anti-seize. I would recommend NGK plugs as they have never let me down. Alright first remove the two 10 mm nuts on the wire holder to get it out of the way. Then remove the wires from the plugs, located by the yellow arrows, do not get these wires mixed up. If you are unsure just take one off at a time. Once the boot is removed from the plug unscrew it from the head. The new plugs should be gapped correctly so you do not have to gap the plugs. Get a new plug and put a little anti-seize on the threads, this enables you to get the spark plug out again down the road, screw the plug back into the head and tighten. Specs are 15-22 ft lbs but chances that you have a torque wrench is slim so just tighten them moderately not super tight. Repeat this on all the other plugs and plug the boots back on the plugs. Reattach the wire holder and close the hood and drive the "ultimate driving machine".