New Jersey BMW CCA

While I, too, think that your oil-change regimen might be overkill, the only way to know for sure is to have the oil analyzed.

On the website "Bob Is The Oil Guy", you may find an "out-of-the-can" analysis of the oil you use. You can then compare with your used-oil analysis.

Sorry, I forgot to log in before posting the foregoing.

It sounds like the gauge pointer moves with the fuel level, but the pointer does not indicate more than 1/2 tank, even when the tank is full.

If so, then I agree that you should try using Techron.

For the E36 M3, the cats should be built into the front exhaust-pipe assembly, like on an E30, for example. So to replace the cats, the front-pipe assembly is replaced as a unit, with both cats.

Why do you think you need cats?

There is a difference between plain torque + angle [eg: M10 cylinder-head bolts, which can be reused], and torque-to-yield [which is also torque + angle but uses bolts designed to be stressed beyond the yield point], which should be replaced. The bolts that attach the control-arm-bushing bracket are...

Replace both bushings. Have the front toe checked/reset. BMW prescribes that the bracket bolts and underbody-brace bolts be replaced. I am unsure why they want the bracket bolts replaced, as the bolts are not locktited or torque-to-yield. I replace them. The brace bolts are angle-tightened [and I be...

If I understand you correctly, the extended shock shaft [not the cartridge] is about an inch longer on the new fronts. I have seen this before when installing Bilsteins. Provided the spring is still under slight compression when installed [shaft nut tightened], you should be OK. If the spring is loo...

You should come to the meeting at Circle BMW on the 21st. Perhaps Ms. Costa, the BMWNA Brand Protection Manager, would be interested in a Bimmer with Porsche calipers!

Sorry to be late chiming in on this one. Your E90 should have the CBS [Condition-Based Service] indicator system. You should not need any special tools or scanner to reset the brake-lining wear indicator. Your experience resetting it [where it will only reset after repeated attempts, even while foll...

You can consider Dave Graham at the Oldwick Villiage Garage. The first time I met him he was tuning a multiple-weber setup on a Ferrari.

The traditional method for bleeding brakes on a rwd or awd is RR-LR-RF-LF. On modern cars with 4 individual brake lines running from the ABS to the wheels, I'm not sure how important it is to follow the traditional sequence, but I do. As for the clutch, I don't think it matters if you do it first or...

Consider Rennsport Motor Works in Hackensack. Sal Puleio has been taking care of NJ Chapter bimmers for more than 30 years. 201 489 5577

Matt, thanks for reading our driver-school materials.

Although it would be a nice touch for you to provide a CG-lock for the front-passenger seat, we do not require that you do so.

-Vic

Fuse 28 is involved with the start, auto-trans control, central locking, and EWSII circuits.

In order to narrow down where the short is, try not using the central locking and see if the fuse stays good. If good, take a shot and try unplugging the gas-cap-flap actuator.

-Vic

Is the cluster calling for oil or inspection service or are you trying to reset the cluster while it is still showing "green"? Has your reset tool worked on your car in the past? To reinforce Ray's advice, be VERY careful if you try the jumper method, and be sure to use a small bulb [not a brake or ...