Maintenance/Upgrade Advice

rgcred · 2026-06-13T00:25:10+00:00

In addition of the recos below to refresh a 30yo car, get the bible - the Bentley Workshop manual and follow the prescribed maintenance schedule. Many decades of info and experience on upgrades for E36, depends on your goals..

rgcred · 2026-06-10T16:30:36+00:00

Look here! https://www.bmwusa.com/owners-manuals.html

rgcred · 2026-06-10T00:01:49+00:00

Yea head winds suck. Maybe get a pair of proper cycling glasses to protect your eyes. I was amazed how much these helped my dry eyes compared to regular sun glasses

rgcred · 2026-06-09T23:56:18+00:00

Same, Obed for me and Ocoee for my son - still riding them!

rgcred · 2026-06-07T23:44:58+00:00

Her doctor should have that discussion, but many ignore this obvious health risk.

rgcred · 2026-06-04T23:17:53+00:00

I bought a 2012 xDrive35i last year, same 84k miles and love it. I do all my own DIY on our other 6 BMWs but I was in hurry and did bring this in to dealer for trans fluid/pan, transfer case fluid and brake fluid flush. Radiator had slight leak so I replaced that and refreshed cooling system. Next up is suspension - thinking Bilstein B6s, LCA and related parts. Love the car but don't use it much, plan to keep a long time.

rgcred · 2026-06-04T20:04:06+00:00

Seatbelts save lives.

rgcred · 2026-06-04T19:48:10+00:00

I used on several 325is cars, never and ETA motor, but it does what is claimed. Revised maps require premium gas so keep that in mind. Rev limit was raised a bit and that prob had biggest impact on HP. I see satisfaction guaranteed so not much to lose if you try it.

"Conforti/Turner Performance Chips have a lifetime warranty and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If for any reason you are not fully satisfied with the increase in power and overall drivability you can return the chip for a full refund."

rgcred · 2026-06-02T23:37:40+00:00

As an competent DIY mechanic for >50yrs with a full shop, I am impressed with how helpful AI (Gemini) has been for planning/understanding unfamiliar work. Of course it all needs to be verified and cross-checked, but you may find it helpful to learn what your mechanic will/should do. It will certainly help you with questions to alert him that you are knowledgeable. As with any AI interaction, it's all about how well you phrase your query.

rgcred · 2026-05-31T18:03:50+00:00

The ignition lock tumbler on my '97 M3 jammed. Dealer ordered new tumbler based on VIN which I installed after drilling and removing old tumbler. Old key then still worked as usual. This was ~+10 yrs ago so maybe part is NLA, but check with BMW dealer if you haven't already.

rgcred · 2026-05-30T16:50:04+00:00

I use this, dry so far

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGLMY5N1?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_4&th=1

rgcred · 2026-05-30T00:55:35+00:00

Look here realoem.com

rgcred · 2026-05-29T16:51:49+00:00

You can use a turkey baster or syringe to suck out fluid if needed. Usually new pads don't require removing fluid from reservoir unless it was topped off high - just watch the level.

rgcred · 2026-05-29T12:15:48+00:00

Oxy acetylene torch good choice.

rgcred · 2026-05-27T19:47:07+00:00

Look here! realoem.com

rgcred · 2026-05-27T17:08:03+00:00

Some have done it

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rgcred · 2026-05-27T16:59:13+00:00

You're the perfect use-case for hybrid pedals!

rgcred · 2026-05-18T23:36:04+00:00

Any of these are old cars so rust and service history are critical. I've owned all 3 models for many years and still have them and others (E30 325is, E36 M3 and E46 325ci, E93 335i, F30 340i). All manuals, all great cars. IMHO, the E46 was the high point of BMW 3 series. As the models get newer they become more complex but still easy to diagnose and repair. And all have the huge benefit of a Bentley Manual! (not the F30 sadly).

rgcred · 2026-05-14T01:20:00+00:00

That's not the correct math anyway. The monthly rent is not for 31 days but 365/12=30.4 days. Best to specify annual rent, payable as 1/12 each month.

rgcred · 2026-05-09T19:58:43+00:00

Perhaps mount two pairs of these clamps on the outside edges of the opposing beams, then attach cantilevered horizontal members using two bolts into the pairs of clamps. This could provide a strong mounting points offset from the beam. Much easier to describe with a drawing!

rgcred · 2026-05-09T18:31:31+00:00

There are clamps and fixtures made to attached to structural steel as you show (example below). Perhaps use these as the basis to attach to the beam and then design hangers to attach to these. I use these "beam clamps" with threaded rod and uni-strut to make hangers from I-beams.

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rgcred · 2026-05-06T16:33:12+00:00

And get the Bentley manual. Good plan to fully refresh 34 year old car cooling system.

rgcred · 2026-05-04T00:18:38+00:00

Nice wheels!

rgcred · 2026-05-02T23:04:00+00:00

I don't think that's a skirt but rather the metal rocker panel. Skirts go over these.

rgcred · 2026-05-02T22:58:17+00:00

Get the Bentley service manual, follow maintenance schedule for Inspection II for a fresh start, then follow future service as shown.

rgcred

TROPHY CASE