Do it Yourself
A place to find DIY guides to doing car repairs/mods/etc.
Brake lines for BMW’s and E30′s: the Bubble flare not the Double flare
Many people are not aware that there are different types of brake lines, different types of flares (with different unions), different materials that they can be made of, or how to cut, and flare them properly. The most common brake line size for most BMW’s and particularly true for E30′s is 4.75mm with a...
Read More »
E30 Rear subframe and subframe bushing removal and install
This is a step by step DIY on how to remove the whole E30 rear subframe assembly, and how to remove and install stock and aftermarket subframe bushings: 1. Put car on 4 jack stands, in the back since you will be removing the subframe, the rear jack stands will hold the...
Read More »
The easy way to remove and install E30 trailing arm bushings
My way is not only faster then most traditional ways, but its also makes the trailing arm bushing come out without much resistance. Things you will need: 30mm socket Bigger C-clamp or PREFERABLY a vise Box cutter KY lube (not required, but if you have it I recommend using it) First Cut off...
Read More »
The easy and cheap way to change transmission fluid on an E30
There are two basic challenges to changing the transmission fluid on the E30 for the DIY’er. The first is to find a 17mm hex (a shallow 17mm at that) to undo the transmission fill and drain plugs. The second challenge is how to actually get new fluid back in because the drain plug is...
Read More »
How to fix a sloppy and worn E30 shifter and make it tighter then original (video included)
By design E30 shifters are doomed to go sloppy over time because the materials that keep it tight are made out of things like rubber and hard plastic. Here is the no-bullshit way of getting that shifter tight again. You will need parts 6 and 13 from the dealer. Part 2 from a...
Read More »
Fixing E30 odometer gears
There is a very high probability that through the life of an E30 the odometer gears will go out. If your odometer gears are original and are still functioning as they should then consider yourself lucky. If you plan to own your E30 for the distant future then it will be worth bookmarking this page!...
Read More »
E30 M60, M62, V8 Engine mounts
Most every maker of m60/m62 engine mounts currently is basing off the idea of using subframe spacers. I have covered where this idea of using subframe spacers came from here: www.rtsauto.com/mounting-an-m60-m62-without-subframe-spacers-and-without-drivetrain-angle/ Essentially the person who wrote one of the first DIY for the swap used subframe spacers, and because others were religiously following that...
Read More »
E30 Stock radio auxiliary and/or ipod player install
This cool idea is courtesy of bimmerforums member “So Live”: Well, I love my ipod and always will. Im sure many of you are the same way. I have no real reason to buy a whole new head unit other than for my ipod. Ive done some research and found that some people with...
Read More »
Crackling and/or popping stock radio – fix
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 »
Service interval indicator and inspection reset E30
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 »