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".

Oil Change

My next topic is how to change your oil. I will use the e46 3 series as a example again. The tools you will need for this job are a 36mm socket, 17mm socket, a ratchet, oil pan and jack or ramps. The supplies are 7 quarts of your preferred choice, and an oil filter kit. I would recommend a Mann filter and lubro moly 10w-50 oil. First unscrew the oil filter with the 36mm socket, you need to do this first as the filter housing can trap up to a quart of oil. This is located on the picture with the yellow arrow. Next take off the oil cap so the oil can drain faster. Now jack the car up, if you are using ramps set them up before anything else as after the first steps the car is in operative. Slide under the car with your 17mm socket, ratchet and the oil pan. Locate the drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. Unscrew the drain plug and let the oil drain, be careful if the car was recently run it will be hot. While you are waiting for the oil to fully drain you can remove the filter cover. The cover and filter will come out as one, discard the used filter and o-ring. Replace them with the new filter and o-ring. You will also receive a new crush washer for the drain plug be sure to discard the old one and replace it. When the oil is drained fully screw the drain plug, with the new crush washer, back in the oil pan and tighten. Screw the filter cover, with the new filter and o-ring, back into the housing and tighten it until it stops. Fill the engine with 7 quarts of your preferred oil and put the cap back on. To reset the service light on the dashboard put the key in the ignition, hold down the trip button and turn the key one click. Continue to hold the trip button until reset is displayed on the dash. Then release the trip button and press and hold it again until it reads 15525. You are now done changing your oil, clean up and drive it like you stole it.

Filters

To start this blog off I will begin nice and easy, by showing you how to replace the two air filters located on the 98-05 3 series. If you can not accomplish this job you should probably not be underneath the hood of a car. I will start with the engine air filter, unhook the clips on the air box. Located where the yellow arrows are pointing. Then lift up on the upper portion of the box and pull the filter out. If the filter is dirty it should be replaced with a new one which can be obtained at any parts store. I would recommend Mann filters as they are a better quality. Next is the cabin air filter which filters out allergens, pathogens, and smells. Press down on the clips, located where the white arrows are pointed, and turn 90 degrees to undo them. Lift up the cover and check the underside of the filter as the air flows upwards. If the filter is dirty it should be replaced with a new one. To put the cover back on, press down on the clips and turn 90 degrees. You have now successfully changed your cabin air filter and engine air filter.

http://www.bimmer-mag.com/

e34

My Car after a fresh wash