BMW328is: Feedback from Ground Control

Friday, December 23, 2011

I received email recently from Jay at Ground Control in response to my recent camber plate research. I learned some new things about Ground Control's Street camber plates as well as BMW front suspensions in general so I thought I'd forward those revelvations to you in the latest blog entry. As this will probably be my last entry of 2011, I've also included my traditional year end summary. Enjoy the read, and safe wrenching to all in 2012.

BMW328is: Stereo Volume Control Malfunction

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Several years ago I replaced the stereo headunit when its volume control started to misbehave. When I noticed the very same behavior had returned recently I decided to pick up a new unit. Unfortunately, a quick call to my dealer's parts desk confirmed that E36 headunits have been added to the ever-growing list of parts no longer available from BMW. That convinced me I needed to look to the aftermarket for a solution, but as usual the options are few and costly.

BMW328is: Fixed Steering Noise

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Today I replaced the upper steering column bearing in record time and eliminated the steering noise. A short video comparing the new and old bearings accompanies this report. Enjoy.

BMW328is: New Roundel, Steering Parts

Saturday, November 12, 2011

This week I ordered and received the parts I think will fix the upper steering column noise that has developed recently, I conducted an experiment with Gummi Pflege rubber seal restorer, and inadvertantly discovered a new and fun way to remove the Roundel emblem from the front of the car that involves an E30 M3.

BMW328is: Back to Winter Tires

Sunday, October 30, 2011

A freak nor'easter gave us our first snow of the season so I decided to swap the PS2s for the existing set of Winter Sport M3s a few weeks early. While I was at it I completed another routine oil service. The perk was that I completed the work in my brother's new building.

BMW328is: Custom Window Shade

Friday, October 21, 2011

I decided to protect the new rear parcel shelf with a custom rear window shade fabricated from some commonly-available reflective foil-backed insulation. The result is a perfect fit. The full story, as well as a requested update on the toybox, is just one click away.

BMW328is: Updated Brakes DIY

Saturday, October 16, 2011

Last year during the rear suspension overhaul I completely dismantled the parking brakes, installed new parts and then adjusted them. I realized recently that I hadn't updated my Brakes DIY article to reflect the knowledge I gained in the process so that oversight has been corrected.

BMW328is: Interior Overhaul Wrap Up

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Although I have yet to resolve how I will recover the pillar trims and sunroof panel, today I was able to finish the few things necessary to put the E36 back into service. So as they say in the film biz, that's a wrap.

BMW328is: Interior Overhaul Day 8

Sunday, September 25, 2011

I installed the new FSU, tested the iPod adapter, and managed to install the headliner by myself without cursing loud enough to upset anyone in the next zip code. I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Or, maybe that's an oncoming train. Not sure. In any case, you may find the latest interior overhaul update interesting.

BMW328is: Interior Overhaul Day 7

Saturday, September 17, 2011

A huge burden has been released: the new sunroof cassette is installed and function checked. My short "vacation" is over so I'm back to the salt mine this week. I expect to wrap up a bulk of the project and return the vehicle to service next weekend. Until then, feel free to absorb the glittery details and pictures on the latest restoration update.

BMW328is: Interior Overhaul Day 6

Friday, September 16, 2011

Another important day at the garage. I managed to remove the old sunroof cassette and learn what I'll need to install the new unit. Check out the latest update.

BMW328is: Interior Overhaul Day 5

Thursday, September 15, 2011

I installed the new parcel shelf today and was forced to repair the other rear side panel in the process. Several lessons learned today and lots of small tips for anyone crazy enough to attempt this work. Check out the latest entry in the ongoing saga of the interior overhaul.

BMW328is: Interior Overhaul Day 4

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Several parts including a new sunroof cassette arrived yesterday and today I installed the repaired brake light assembly, removed and repaired the driver's side rear panel and then did a little planning with respect to the iPod adapter installation. Next on the list is a another chat with my technician to confirm the proper installation technique for the sunroof cassette since I don't want to put that expensive part at risk under any circumstances. Full story with lots of pics in 3...2...1...

BMW328is: Interior Overhaul Day 3

Monday, September 5, 2011

I managed to get a lot of work unrelated to the BMW done today so I naturally finished up the day working on the E36. I managed to troubleshoot and repair the tail lamp assembly and finish preparation of the new parcel shelf. The full story awaits.

BMW328is: Interior Overhaul Day 2

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Although I'm calling this an "interior" overhaul, today I worked mostly on the outside of the car replacing the rear window and sunroof seals. Of course, I also removed the parcel shelf as I must use it to prepare the new part for installation. Don't worry. I posted a lot more pictures this time to satisfy your insatiable desire for car pr0n.

BMW328is: Interior Overhaul Begins

Saturday, September 3, 2011

After accumulating more than a fair share of parts I decided to start the interior overhaul today. The primary goal for the day was removal of the headliner and after about two hours of careful disassembly the headliner is safely out of the car. I only posted one picture in this entry due to a lack of time, but it's a goodie.

BMW328is: Intermittent HVAC Blower

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

As if I needed to add something to the work queue for the E36, particularly on the heels of a difficult weekend dealing with the effects of Hurricane Irene, an intermittent blower motor has prompted the need to install a new FSU. The new part is on order. Read the full story in the latest maintenance update.

BMW328is: Interior parts, air pump disassembly, etc.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

While I sit at home waiting for Hurricane Irene to pass through the neighborhood I decided to put my time to good use and post some pictures of the latest parts that have arrived in prep for the interior overhaul, the innards of the secondary air pump I removed earlier this year, and even a few more showing progress of the toybox and the dealer's new shop. Enjoy the read.

BMW328is: Interior Overhaul - First Parts Arrive

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Well, here we go again. I've sorted out the parts availability issues and managed to order what I think I'll need to complete the first phase of the interior overhaul project. A bulk of the parts have arrived and they're now available for your viewing pleasure.