Showing posts with label to. Show all posts
Showing posts with label to. Show all posts

Friday, May 31, 2013

Infiniti G37 To Get Mercedes Engine


TireKicker regulars know we love us some Infiniti G37. Now , the Renault-Nissan-Daimler alliance may mean Mercedes-Benz power under the hood...an inline four to help with economy and emissions. 

Full story at Automotive News. 

Sunday, May 12, 2013

How to Test the IAC Valve on a BMW 525I


1. Place the BMW’s transmission into Park (automatic) or neutral (manual transmission) and apply the parking brake. Leave the engine running.
2. Connect a scan tool to the BMW’s diagnostic data port, which is under the dashboard just above the pedals on the driver’s side.
3. Power on the scan tool and choose “Bi-Directional Tests” from the main menu. Select “IAC Valve Actuation” from the tests menu.
4. Use the scan tool’s buttons to open and close the IAC valve. The idle speed should rise and lower without pressing the accelerator. If the IAC valve does not respond to the scan tool by raising and lowering the engine idle speed, then it is faulty.

How to Replace the Odometer Light in a BMW Z3 Instrument Cluster


1. Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery. Ensure that you have the code for your radio if it is the OEM stereo, since disconnecting the battery resets it.
2. Remove the Torx screws that hold the instrument cluster to the dash pod with a T20 Torx bit and a ratchet.
3. Protect the plastic on the gauge panel with a piece of flannel. Also lay a heavy towel on the steering column to offer more protection.
4. Slide a very thin tool (feeler gauge, thin spatula, etc.) between the cluster and the gauge pod on the edge near the center of the car. Very gently pry the cluster out far enough so that you can access the wires on the back of it.
5. Disconnect the three electrical connectors that go to the back of the cluster. The connectors are released by pressing the tabs down where they connect and pulling the wires out. Move the cluster to your workbench and lay it on a soft towel.
6. Replace the two odometer bulbs by turning and pulling them out of the instrument cluster and installing the new ones. Use a small screwdriver to help twist in the new bulbs. The odometer bulbs are beige. All of the other bulbs are black.
7. Place the instrument cluster back in the dash pod and connect the three electrical connectors. Carefully slide the cluster back into place and tighten the two Torx bits. Enter the radio code if needed and reset the clock.

Hubcaps and Wheels Easy and Economical Ways to Customize Your BMW


Automobiles are essentially built to serve a purpose, to facilitate transport from one point to another. They are machines manufactured solely to perform their function. However, for most people, a car is more than just a machine but a work of art as well. Consider a BMW, with its solid engineering, sleek lines and exceptional quality and you will see a marriage of art and technology. A BMW commands respect in the automotive world. Renowned for its innovative engineering and technology, a BMW is made to perform. There is a reason why a BMW is called the "Ultimate Driving Machine". It is because the BMW experience elevates driving to the level of pure pleasure.

Yet, there is more to the BMW than its legendary engineering, responsiveness, precision and agility. A good look at any BMW and anyone can understand why these vehicles have captured the hearts and minds of many car lovers through the years. A BMWs design is classic and timeless, with clean, sleek lines and distinct details. BMW is always forward-looking in its designs. It has established a standard, which other carmakers follow. Because of the BMWs excellent design quality, it has earned a special place in the hearts of car lovers all over the world.

Car lovers also enhance the looks, elegance and functionality of their BMWs by customizing their vehicles. Car customization is a good way for the car owner to express his individuality and personality through his car. However, creating a completely new look for a BMW or any car can be very expensive. There are a many customization parts and accessories available. The possibilities are endless as to what appearance your BMW can take. It is only limited by the imagination. Body kits, spoilers, wings, decals, bumpers and other accessories are commonly used to customize a car.

However, an easy and economical way to customize a BMW without spending too much is by installing a new set of BMW wheels or BMW hubcaps. BMW wheels, like all BMW Parts, are engineered according to the highest standards. Nevertheless, these factory wheels are similar to thousands of other BMW wheels. Thus, you can introduce a sharper and sportier image to your BMW by installing a new set of good-looking Hubcaps. They are easy to find in the auto parts market and there are dozens of design options. Hubcaps and wheels are common auto products available in auto parts stores.



Saturday, May 11, 2013

How to Replace a Thermostat on an Audi 2 8


1. Place a floor jack under the transmission cross member and jack the front of the Audi off the ground. Place a jack stand on each A-Arm and lower the vehicle onto the jack stands. Make sure the emergency brake is in place or a wheel chuck is placed behind the rear tires to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards while you work on it.
2. Place a drain pan under the petcock of the radiator and drain the radiator fluid into the pan. Depending on the age of the Audi, the petcock may be hard to open due to exposure to road dirt and salt over the years. Use a pair of pliers but be cautious as the valve easily breaks if excessive force is used. Once the fluid drained, close the petcock.
3. Trace the lower radiator hose from the radiator to the location where the hose connects to the engine. The location is to the right of the engine crank and may be difficult to see from under the vehicle. Depending on your comfort level, you may want to complete the rest of the job from the top of the engine, not the bottom.
4. Remove the radiator hose from the thermostat cover by squeezing the two metal tabs located together on the retention band clamp. A pair of needle-nose pliers is suggested for this task. With the tabs squeezed together, pull the radiator hose off the cover.
5. Remove the two bolts that secure the cover to the engine block with a boxed-end wrench. Unfortunately, there is not enough room for a ratchet. To remove the bolts, make short quarter turns of the wrench, as that is all that is possible in the limited space. With the bolts removed, pull the cover off the engine block.
6. Remove the gasket O-ring that fits into the bottom of the thermostat cover. If the cover does not have an O-ring, inspect the engine block for it. It sometimes sticks to the engine block.
7. Pull the thermostat out of the engine block. Take note that the end with the pin sticks out of the engine block. Place the new thermostat into the engine block so it sticks out in the same manner.
8. Place the thermostat cover back over the thermostat and thread the bolts in as far as you can with your fingers. Tighten the bolts with a boxed wrench.
9. Reattach the lower radiator hose to the thermostat cover. It helps to slide the clamp backwards on the hose and then push the hose onto the cover without the clamp. Then use the pliers to squeeze the tabs and slide the clamp into place.
10. Fill the radiator with a 50/50 mix of radiator fluid and distilled water.

How to Change Brakes on a BMW


1. Loosen the lug nuts on both front wheels by turning them 1/4 turn counterclockwise.
2. Raise the BMW up using the floor jack. Jack under the front jack point.
3. Place jack stands underneath the pinch welds of the BMW and lower the vehicle onto the jack stands.
4. Finish loosening the lug nuts and take the wheel off.
5. Unbolt the top and bottom brake caliper mounting bolts on the BMW and secure the caliper to the coil spring above the brake assembly with the zip ties.
6. Remove the brake pads by taping them out with a rubber mallet.
7. Place the face of the brake pad over the caliper piston and then place the c-clamp over the back of the brake pad and caliper assembly. Gently force the caliper piston back into the caliper by tightening the c-clamp.
8. Insert the new pads and reassemble the brake system. Installation is the reverse of removal.
9. Repeat steps 4 - 8 with the other front wheel.
10. Put the wheels back on, tighten the lug nuts and lower the vehicle. Torque the lug nuts to 100 foot-lbs once the wheel is back on the ground.
11. Raise the rear of the BMW using the rear jack point and place the jack stands under the pinch welds in the rear of the vehicle.
12. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands and then repeat steps 4 - 8 for the rear wheels.
13. Put the wheels back on, tighten the lug nuts, and lower the rear of the vehicle. Then, tighten the lug nuts to 100 foot-lbs.

How to Operate Defrost on a BMW


1. Above the radio, locate the symbol or drawing on the button that resembles a windshield. Once you have located the button push it and it should illuminate. In models from the early 90s to 1999 there will be a knob. In the 2000-2008 models, there will be a button.
2. Once you push the button, you have activated the windshield defrost option. In models from the early 90s to 1999 you will have a knob. In this case point the line on the knob towards the symbol of the windshield.
3. Once you do this, find the dial that shows the temperature of the desired air flow. With this feature, you can control the desired temperature, whether you need warm or cold air to blow on the windshield.
4. Locate the button or knob that is used to control the level of the airflow. Again, this will depend on the year of BMW. Adjust the level of airflow that you desire. You will see any fog on the window start to dissipate rapidly. If it does not start to evaporate, try using the opposite temperature that is blowing.
5. Turn the dial to the color blue which represents cold air. Any fog that is on the window should evaporate. If the problem persists, spin the dial to red. This will make warm air flow through the vents, and should solve the problem
6. problem.

How to Reset the Door Locks in a 2002 Ml430


1. Insert the key for your 2002 ML430 in the ignition. Do not turn the key while in the ignition. You do not need to start the car to reset your key.
2. Press and hold the Lock button displayed on your key fob while the key is inside the cars ignition.
3. Continue to hold the Lock button down, and pull the key out of your vehicles ignition. Keep holding the Lock button even after the key is out.
4. Press the Unlock button five times in a row. Make sure to keep holding the Lock button when you do this.
5. Release the Lock button to complete the resetting process.

Friday, May 10, 2013

How to Replace a Driver 039 s Side Airbag in an Audi TT


1. Park the car and turn off its ignition. Open and secure the vehicles hood. Locate the Audis battery near the front of the engine compartment. Remove the negative battery cable from the battery terminal by loosening the cables bolt with the wrench.
2. Open the drivers door and locate the fuse panel on the lower part of the dash, under the steering wheel. Pull out the fuse labeled Airbags to fully deactivate the airbag system.
3. Unscrew the panels of your steering column with the screwdriver and carefully remove them. Locate the airbag inside the column. Loosen and remove the bolts holding the airbag in place, located behind the steering wheel, with the wrench. Pull the airbag out until you see the wires connecting it to the Audis electrical wiring harness. Unplug the airbag from the wiring harness and discard the airbag.
4. Plug the wires of the replacement airbag into the cars wiring harness. Gently push the airbag into the column, ensuring that it does not twist up as you do so. Bolt the airbag in place behind the steering wheel. Replace the column panels and secure them with the screws.
5. Open the fuse panel and reinsert the airbag fuse. Reconnect the negative battery cable to its battery terminal and tighten it with the wrench. Close the Audis hood.

How to Add HID Headlights to My BMW


1. Open the hood and unscrew the mounting screws on the backside of the BMWs headlight assembly.
2. Pull the headlight assembly forward.
3. Unplug the halogen power connector from the headlight ballast.
4. Turn the headlight counterclockwise and pull the headlight out of the back of the headlight housing.
5. Insert the HID bulb into the headlight housing assembly. Align the tabs on the headlight with the notches in the headlight housing.
6. Plug the electrical connector from the HID converter ballast into the HID bulb ballast.
7. Plug the factory halogen electrical connector into the back of the HID converter ballast. Your BMW is now set up for HID headlights. The converter ballast will use your factorys headlight wiring to power the HID bulbs.

How to Copy a BMW Key


1. Locate the motorcycle registration or title. Obtain the key code if available. Make sure the paperwork displays your VIN number.
2. Verify the vehicle identification number (VIN) to that on the bike. The VIN is located on the right hand side of the steering head.
3. Bring your drivers license, registration and key code to the closest BMW Motorrad dealers parts department to request a replacement key.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Add extra space to your car with roof boxes


Roof boxes are among the most important accessories that you need, to his car Add. They provide him with extra space and make room for the baggage that can record boot of the car. So, they get good job during the time, when is demanding additional suitcases or other accessories. They serve especially if you go on a journey to far-away place.

An additional accessories that you can bring up on the car is roof rack. People like to adventure sports such as cycling and mountaineering must some kits contain that can squeeze them in the trunk of a car. Pastimes such as fisheries requires also carry simple some such devices, the boat House is not enough. The very physical structure of these things also can not be accommodated within a box.

So, it is the need, a new accessory, roof rack. In contrast to roof boxes, this element has no limit of space. It take the load of the bicycles, fishing and other such kits, the not collapsible. The roof rack use physically disabled persons for the purpose of conducting their wheelchair. There are specially designed frames, that these people use their chairs the racks by itself, without the help of someone help.

Like all other car accessories, roof boxes [http://www.directcaraccessories.co.uk/catalog/roof-barsboxes-c-3310.html] are made by a number of manufacturers. Some of them are less well known, while others are of high reputation. MOMO Corse is one of the well-known brands in the field of automotive accessories. Fields of that mark are flashy, stylish and durable. They are available on the Internet. The virtual shops on the Internet have almost all car accessories in their business. You can buy roof boxes or roof rack from these operations minus the hassle of physical activity.



How to Set the Memory Features for the Audi


1. Turn on your car and turn on the radio.
2. Skip to the radio station that you would like to save.
3. Choose a number to save the radio station to and press the numbered button while also pressing down the Memory button on the stereo.
4. Hold the two buttons until the radio beeps and the display flashes, which indicates that the radio station has been saved.

How to Change a Front Marker Lamp in a Mercedes C230


1. Turn the C230s headlight switch to 0. Turn off the engine and open the hood. Inspect the area behind the front lighting case. Find the black front marker lamp access cover. It is the outboard cover, closest to the fender on either side.
2. Grasp the access cover handle and turn it counterclockwise to unscrew the cover. Attached to the other side of the cover, youll find the front marker lamp. The cover doubles as the socket.
3. Pull the lamp straight out of its socket. Put on clean gloves and open the replacement lamp package. Insert it straight into the socket.
4. Attach the access cover/socket back against the rear side of the lighting case. Turn the cover clockwise to reattach it to the case. Close the cars hood.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

How to Diagnose a Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor


1. Connect a OBDII-type engine code reader to your car using the connection port underneath the steering wheel area. Turn the ignition to the on position but do not start the engine. Let the code reader connect with the car computer to see if it will generate a code for a faulty mass air flow sensor. Confirm whether the sensor is actually triggering a malfunction code or not. Erase the code stored in the computer using the reader tools. Turn the car off and disconnect the code reader.
2. Raise the hood and locate the air filter box. Open the air filter box and pull out the old air filter. Use a shop vacuum to suck up all the debris, dust and dirt inside the filter box. However, do not poke the vacuum into the cavity going to the mass air flow sensor.
3. Turn off the vacuum and use a screwdriver to disconnect the hose clamp holding the intake hose to the bottom of the mass air flow sensor going toward the engine. Pull the hose off and place it clear of the sensor. Carefully disconnect the wiring to the mass air flow sensor itself. Use the screwdriver to carefully push the connection tab free if the wiring junction uses a snap-lock to connect. Place it safely clear of the sensor unit.
4. Use a screwdriver with a star-shape, or security Torx bit if the sensor is secured to the air filter box with screws having star-shape heads. Use a regular screwdriver if the screws are Phillips-head or flat-head style. Carefully loosen and remove the sensor screws and put them in a safe place to avoid losing them. Use the shop rag to carefully twist the sensor back and forth by hand until it comes free from the air filter box.
5. Move the sensor unit to a clear workspace. Put a shop rag underneath it and do not touch the sensor mechanism inside. Attach the spray nozzle to your bottle of mass air flow sensor cleaner and spray the sensor clean with five or six good sprays. Spray downward so the excess hits the rag underneath. Examine the wire inside without touching it to confirm it is clean. Let the unit air dry on the rag for 30 minutes.
6. Reattach the sensor, without touching the inside wire mechanism, to the air filter box and following the above removal steps in reverse order. Install a new air filter in the air filter box and close it up. Confirm you reconnected the sensor wiring, re-installed the sensors screws, reattach the air hoses and re-tightened the hose clamps. Check for missing tools as well. Close the hood and restart the car. Let the engine warm up and drive it to check if the sensor gives off a trouble code again. Replace the sensor unit completely if it does.

How to Repaint a Mercedes


1. Sand the Mercedes with 330-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface and remove the top layer of the clear coat paint. This step also removes any light scratches or nicks in the paint. Hold the sandpaper flat against the surface while sanding.
2. Use the 600-, 900- and then 1200-grit sandpaper on the surface of the Mercedes with water. Sand the entire vehicle with the lowest grade, then sand it again using the 900- and then 1200-grit paper. Keep all of the sandpaper soaking wet while sanding to prevent the buildup from scratching the surface. Using the different levels of sandpaper ensures the surface is smooth and free of scratches. Rinse the car and allow it to dry completely.
3. Cover any areas that wont be painted using masking tape and paper. Cover the tires and wheels, window glass, trim, mirrors and door handles so paint doesnt cover them. Wipe the surface with wax and grease remover and a towel. This evaporates quickly and doesnt need to be cleaned off.
4. Spray three to five thin coats of paint onto the surface of the Mercedes. The thick layers of original primer and paint already on the Mercedes allow the new paint to be applied in thin layers with full coverage. Hold the sprayer 6 to 8 inches from the surface and use left and right strokes.
5. Apply three coats of clear coat paint on top of the new paint on the Mercedes. Wait a full 24 hours before handling the surface of the car.

How to Check the Transmission Fluid Level in a 1998 Audi A6


1. Park the 1998 Audi A6 in a safe and level work environment. Set the emergency brake.
2. Jack up the front of the 1998 Audi A6 and put the jack stands under the designated front jacking points on both sides of the car. Then, lower the Audi onto the jack stands. Pull the jack out.
3. Move the jack to the rear of the Audi and jack it up in the air. Place the jack stands under the designated rear jacking points on both sides of the Audi. Then lower the car onto the jack stands. The whole car has to be on jack stands so that you will be able to get an accurate transmission fluid reading.
4. Crawl under the driver side of the Audi near the driver side door. Locate the transmission pan on the bottom of the transmission. Then, locate the transmission fluid fill plug on the very front of the transmission pan.
5. Slide the fluid catch pan under the transmission fluid fill plug on the front of the transmission pan. Then, remove the fill plug with the 1/2 inch drive ratchet and socket by turning the fill plug counter clockwise. Pull the fill plug out of the pan.
6. Crank the engine and let it run for about two minutes to heat up the transmission fluid. Keep the engine running while checking the transmission fluid level.
7. Stick you finger inside the fill hole and locate the fluid level. The transmission fluid should be either coming out of the fill hole when you remove the fill plug or the fluid level should be at or near the plug hole with the engine running.
8. Put the fill plug back into the pan and tighten down with the ratchet and socket. Remove the fluid catch pan from under the car. Turn the engine off and reverse the steps for jacking up the Audi to remove the jack stands.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

How to Refresh your XM radio signal


1. Turn your XM radio on. Position the antenna -- if a standalone receiver -- facing skyward. If you are refreshing an in-car unit and you park the vehicle in a garage, pull the vehicle out of the garage.
2. Tune your XM radio receiver to station 0 and observe as an eight-digit, alphanumeric code appears on the screen -- this is the XM radios ID. Notate this ID. Please note that SiriusXM does not use the letters I, O, S or F in radio IDs.
3. Tune your XM radio to channel 1.
4. Log onto the internet and direct your browser to the SiriusXM website.
5. Place the pointer over the Help & Support link on the top, right of SiriusXMs website, and click Refresh My Radio.
6. Type your XM radios ID in the text box labeled Radio ID (ESN or SID), and click Send Activation Request.
7. Wait approximately five minutes as your radios signal refreshes. A message on the display alerts you when the refresh is complete -- the exact message varies, depending on the style of receiver.

How to Replace a Mercedes 039 Side


1. Remove the screws holding the front frame over the front of the mirror glass housing using a screwdriver. Set the screws aside. Carefully pull the mirror frame away from the rest of the mirror housing.
2. Put on thick work gloves to protect your fingers. Remove any broken shards of mirror, and throw them away.
3. Heat the surface of the glass with a heat gun to loosen the glue holding the remainder of the mirror in place. Pry the glass away from the mirror housing with a putty knife.
4. Apply adhesive remover to the adhesive still present in the mirror housing. Allow the adhesive to sit for about three minutes. This will eat away the remaining glue and make it easy to remove. Wipe the adhesive away with a soft cloth.
5. Apply a line of silicone adhesive to the mirror housing frame surrounding the interior of the mirror housing. Press the replacement glass inside the frame. Hold the glass against the frame with your hands.
6. Tape the mirror in place with electrical tape. Wrap the tape around the entire mirror housing several times for stability.
7. Replace the exterior frame over the mirror glass. Screw the frame into place. Leave the tape around the mirror housing for 24 hours while the glue dries completely. Remove the tape after 24 hours. If necessary, unscrew the top mirror frame to remove all tape pieces.

How to Replace the Side Light for the BMW X5


1. Press your fingers against the back side of the side turn signal indicator cover, and push forward. The cover will slide off, exposing the bulb beneath.
2. Grasp the bulb with your fingers, and turn it counterclockwise. Pull the bulb out to remove it. Discard the old bulb.
3. Insert a new, five-watt W5W bulb, and turn it clockwise.
4. Replace the turn signal indicator cover, and press your fingers against the front side of the cover to lock it in place. Replace the other side turn signal indicator, if necessary.