Get ready for spring – perform a pre

the newsletter of Bavarian Autosport
Get ready for spring – perform a pre-spring
inspection of your BMW/MINI and save big!
Winter can be tough on our BMWs and
MINIs (not to mention the people who drive
them). After suffering through weeks of
cold, dark, wet weather, it’s only natural
that we look forward to the milder days of
spring and the accompanying time change
(just a few weeks away!), when it stays light
later into the evening. This allows us to perform maintenance and repairs on our cars
after work, and entices us to take the long
way home and enjoy a cruise with the windows (or top) down and the music up, and
gets us revved for the first track day of the
season. That makes February the perfect
time to assess the condition of our BMWs and MINIs – to find out what kind of wear-andtear Old Man Winter dished out this year – by doing a pre-spring inspection. Performing
this inspection now and addressing any issues you uncover assures that your BMW or
MINI will be in tip-top shape when that first, beautiful spring day arrives.
You may ask, “What’s involved in a pre-spring inspection, and how do I do one?” Lucky
for you, you know Bavarian Otto. A couple of years ago Otto made a 3-part video on how
to perform a thorough pre-spring inspection so you can find and fix potential problems
before they become expensive headaches. In these easy-to-follow videos Otto shows you
how to look for signs of wear and/or failure in several areas, including:
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Engine oil and filters
Radiator, hoses & coolant
Power steering
Accessory drive belt(s)
Brakes and brake fluid
Front & rear suspension
More
Winter 2016
Dysfunctional
blower motor in
your BMW?
We sell a lot of blower motors and
blower motor resistors (final stage
units). Last fall we showed you how to
replace the final stage unit in an X5 00
thru 06 (and similarly aged 3 and 5 series models). Here’s a DIY for newer 1,
3, X and Z models. Turn to page 6...
Table of contents
PERFORM A PRE-SPRING INSPECTION
1
DIY: REPLACING AIR SPRINGS
2
DIY: INSTALLING CUSTOM SEAT COVERS 2
PRODUCT FOCUS: BERBER 2 MATS
2
ASK BAVARIAN OTTO
3
3
PRODUCT FOCUS: BENTLEY FOR F30
4–5
POSTER: AFE POWER M5
DIY: REPLACING THE BLOWER MOTOR
6
& RESISTOR ON NEWER BMWS
You’ll find the videos on our tech blog at
blog.BavAuto.com/go/inspection.
CUSTOMER #:
Bavarian Autosport
275 Constitution Ave.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
KEYCODE:
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
BAVARIAN
AUTOSPORT
N116WinterNewsFeb16_lyt18FINAL-Page1.indd 1
To help keep
track of repairs,
etc., download
Otto’s Ultimate
Maintenance
Schedule at
blog.BavAuto.com/go/maintenance
DIY: REAR BRAKE JOB WITH AN
7
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
PRODUCT FOCUS: HUF TPMS
7
FEBRUARY SPECIALS
8
Parts, accessories & knowledge since 1974.
© 2016 Bavarian Autosport
phone 800.535.2002 | BavAuto.com | blog.BavAuto.com
1/6/16 2:46 PM
Do-it yourself
replacing air springs | installing seat covers
DIY: Replacing air springs in a BMW.
a
Many late model BMWs have what is known as
a “self-leveling” suspension system. These systems do not use the steel coil springs
yyou’d find in a typical suspension
set-up; the coil springs are replaced by air springs – rubber
cylinders that are filled with air.
In addition to serving the same
funct as coil springs, air springs
function
are able to take in or let out air and change
vehic
the vehicle’s
ride height to accommodate
Above left: Arnott front air spring.
varying conditions and situations.
Above right: Arnott rear air spring.
DIY: Installing custom-fit seat covers.
These custom-made covers are available for a wide
variety of front seat styles, including sport seats, standard seats, comfort seats and the “Vader” style seats
in M3. For rear seats you can specify one-piece back,
split-folding backs, with or without armrest and more...
all in your choice of stretchy neoprene or leather-look
vinyl – in multiple colors and combinations. Otto has
made a video showing how to install them yourself in
your BMW or MINI and save hundreds.
February Special: get 10% off custom-fit
seat covers! See page 8...
When one of these self-leveling systems fails, the typical symptom is that one corner (or the entire front or rear of the vehicle) will “sag” when the vehicle is parked.
You may also notice that the air compressor pump runs continuously when the
ignition is on. Sometimes the pump may run continuously AND the suspension is
lower than it should be and will not raise to the normal ride height. The most common cause of failure in a self-leveling system is leaking air springs, though sometimes it is a failed compressor. In either case, the parts need to be replaced.
When replacing air springs and compressors, you have two options: 1) Genuine
BMW components, and 2) Arnott® replacement components. For 25 years, Arnott
Inc. has been at the forefront of air suspension technology. Today, they are the
global industry leader in the engineering and manufacturing of quality aftermarket
replacement air suspension products and accessories. Arnott springs and compressors perform just like the original BMW parts, but at a much lower price. And
while BMW offers a 2-year warranty on its replacement parts, Arnott products
are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Lower price — better warranty. Plus
they’re made in the USA.
“Can I replace an air spring myself?”
Yes! Air springs are relatively easy to replace, though on some models the procedure can be a bit more involved due to clearance issues and/or the removal
of interior trim panels to gain access to connections and mounts. The applicable
Bentley repair manual will detail specific removal and replacement procedures for
your year and model.
To get an idea of what’s involved in this job, watch Arnott’s video (link below)
showing the replacement of an air spring on an X5 07 thru 13. This should give
you the confidence to tackle the job and return your Ultimate Driving Machine™ to
its original handling and fully functioning, self-leveling ride.
To watch the DIY video, go to
blog.BavAuto.com/go/air-spring
Most Arnott products ship for free to the 48 contiguous United States!
Ask your Advisor for details or visit BavAuto.com/shipping.
2 | BavAuto.com
N116WinterNewsFeb16_lyt16FINAL.indd 2
X5 neoprene seat cover in black.
To watch the DIY video, go to
blog.BavAuto.com/go/seat-cover
Product Focus
NEW! A beautiful enhancement for your interior.
Lloyd Mats has comNEW!
bined the stylish, classic look of traditional
berber carpeting and
the durability of modern materials to create
a unique, long wearing automotive floor
mat — Berber 2 mats.
These mats have a low,
tight-loop carpet face
of specially-engineered,
Berber 2 mats are offered in light gray, black and beige.
six-ply, premium nylon
yarn. They’re built to be the finest, longest wearing berber mats
you can put in your vehicle. Multiple under-layers provide a moisture barrier, stiffness and skid resistance, while color-matched velour edging adds the finishing touch. Plus they come with fasteners
that match your vehicle’s OE fastening system. Backed by a 5-year
warranty, this is an exceptional floor mat that will last for years.
February Special: free shipping on Berber 2 floor mats! See page 8...
Very simple installation.
Relatively simple; your BMW may need to be raised.
1/4/16 11:38 PM
Ask “Bavarian Otto”
from blog.BavAuto.com
Over 300 years of BMW/MINI experience is
yours for the asking – free!
If you add up all the years the Advisors at
Bavarian Autosport have been working on BMWs
and MINIs – and helping people like you work
on theirs – it totals well over 300 years. That’s
a lot of knowledge under one roof. And it’s yours for
the asking. Have a question about your BMW or MINI?
Search Bavarian Otto’s knowledge base of more than
1,000 tech Q&A at blog.BavAuto.com, or call 800.535.2002.
You gotta think outside the box.
Dear Bavarian Otto,
I bought an air filter from you folks for my 2009 328i xDrive but I can’t figure
out how to open the housing. Any guidance would be appreciated.
Otto replies:
On most 3 series 06 thru 11 (E90/91/92/93 except M3 and turbo models), the
air filter box must be removed from the vehicle to open it. The procedure is
covered in detail in the Bentley manual, but here are the basic steps:
• Disconnect the engine air duct from the box, at the rear of the box.
• Disconnect the inlet duct from the front of the box.
• Remove the two mounting bolts on the driver’s side of the box.
• Lift the box out.
• Remove the five screws securing the two halves of the box together,
separate the box halves and remove the filter.
{Ed. note: Mann-Filter and Mahle air filters are on sale in February.]
Oo-ooh, that smell!
Dear Bavarian Otto,
I just purchased my dream car – a Z4 M coupe. I love everything about
this car except the smell. The previous owner was a heavy smoker and I
can’t get the stale odor out. I’ve changed the cabin air filter, used all kinds
of interior/upholstery/carpet cleaners, even bought the BMW Natural Air
freshening system — nothing seems to work. I’m tempted to take it to a
professional detailer but before I do, do you have any solutions?
Otto replies:
On our last trip to SEMA, the automotive parts show in Las Vegas, we
found a great product – Auto Shocker. It’s simple and safe to use, and
highly effective in eliminating severe odors. Auto Shocker works like a
smart fumigation bomb, seeking out odor-causing molecules in the headliner, visors, seat cushions, glove compartment,
carpet, floor mats and all nooks and crannies
where odors get trapped. It uses non-toxic, environmentally-friendly Chlorine Dioxide (ClO2)
to get rid of cigarette and cigar smoke odors,
pet odor, vomit odor, sour milk odor, musty
odors and more. And if you’re concerned by that
“new car” smell. it also attacks Volatile Organic
Specific tools needed; repair experience recommended.
N116WinterNewsFeb16_lyt16FINAL.indd 3
Compounds (VOCs) found in new carpet and plastics. It will even clear mildew and musty, stale odors from HVAC units. One of our employees and
his girlfriend recently quit smoking after many years. They wanted to get
the smell out of her car that has fabric upholstery. One treatment of Auto
Shocker did it – for less than $25. You can find it at BavAuto.com.
I have good news, and... better news!
or
Dear Bavarian Otto,
I have a 2007 X3 and I can’t get the car to move out of Park. I move the
shifter, but nothing happens. I called the dealer – they said I would likely
need a new transmission, to the tune of several thousand dollars… HELP!
Otto replies:
The symptom you describe is not an uncommon occurrence in models
that have the GM-manufactured transmission, number GA6L45R. (This
transmission is found on many 1 series, 3 series 06 thru 11 and X3 03 thru
10.) Some folks with this transmission also tell us they can’t get their vehicles to go into reverse or to move forward, even though the shifter moves
normally. Many BMWs also display the transmission fault warning in the
instrument cluster. Here's the good news – there is a strong possibility the
transmission does not need to be replaced; it could be that the shifter’s
selector valve rod is broken. Want some better news? The selector valve
rod can be replaced without removing or replacing the transmission, plus
you can do the job yourself. To access the selector valve rod, the transmission fluid must be drained; the pan and filter must then be removed, as
must the valve body (Mechatronic unit). So in addition to a new selector
valve rod, you will definitely need new transmission fluid. This is also a
perfect time to install a new filter and new set of seals for the Mechatronic
unit. We also highly recommend installing a new Mechatronic electrical
connector sealing sleeve, which is a common fluid leakage point in these
transmissions. We’ve posted a DIY article on our blog, courtesy of Bentley
Publishers. (Note: this procedure is not included in the current editions of
the Bentley repair manuals; it will be added to future editions.)
Product Focus
NEW! Bentley repair manual
for 3 series 12 thru 15.
Coming later this February!
Providing in-depth technical coverage
for the 320i, 328i, 328d and 335i models in their Sedan, Sports Wagon and
Gran Turismo body styles, this new
Bentley Publishing manual is a detailed source of maintenance, service
and repair information for the 3 Series
owner. Over 1,000 pages! Order now
and be among the first to receive it.
Just $129.95. It’ll pay for itself the
first time you use it.
Experienced technicians only.
800.535.2002 | 3
1/3/16 4:33 PM
BMW Passion turns
into aFe POWER.
President and CEO of aFe Power, Shariar “Nick” Niakan, with his collection of BMW M cars.
In 1983, Nick Niakan bought his first BMW – a 1968 2002
in very good condition. It was love at first drive! Unfortunately, four hours into owning it, someone ran a stop sign
and totaled Nick’s new-found love. Yet his passion for
BMWs continued unabated.
With his engineering degrees and experience working in air flow technology, Nick knew he could build a
better air filter. So in 1999, he and his partners founded
“advanced FLOW engineering” (aFe), which eventually
became known as aFe POWER. Throughout the next 16plus years, Nick put all of his energy and resources – not
to mention his heart and soul – into making aFe POWER
what it is today: one of the world's leading developers and
manufacturers of automotive performance products.
As it has been from the start, aFe POWER is driven by
automotive passion. And while diesel trucks may constitute the lion’s share of aFe POWER’s customer base, it is
Nick’s passion for BMWs that drives a lot of the company’s innovations, many of which can be found on his current collection of M cars (above, left to right):
Black E46 M3 with Magnum FORCE Stage-2 intake system, Mach Force XP stainless steel exhaust, Silver Bullet
throttle body spacer.
■
Red E90 M3 with Magnum FORCE Stage-2 Si intake
system, Dynamic Air Scoops, Mach Force XP stainless
steel exhaust, Silver Bullet throttle body spacer, Scorcher
power module.
■
Blue F10 M5 (also pictured at right) with Momentum Pro
5R intake system, matte carbon fiber engine cover, Mach
Force XP stainless steel exhaust with carbon fiber tips,
Scorcher power module.
■
White E93 M3 convertible with Magnum FORCE
Stage-2 Si intake system, Dynamic Air Scoops, Mach
Force XP stainless steel exhaust, Silver Bullet throttle
body spacer, Scorcher power module.
■
We can’t wait to see what he and his team do to the newest addition to the Niakan BMW collection – an X6M.
Make this M5 your computer’s/phone’s wallpaper:
Go to BavAuto.com/wallpaper.
N116WinterNewsFeb16_lyt16FINAL.indd 4
800.535.2002 | BavAuto.com
1/4/16 11:33 PM
N116WinterNewsFeb16_lyt16FINAL.indd 5
1/4/16 11:33 PM
Do-it yourself
replacing a final stage unit | rear brake job with electric parking brake
DIY: Replacing a Blower Motor and Final Stage Unit in 3 series 06 thru 11 (E90).
In the Fall 2015 edition of Fast Times, we talked about common faults and issues with
BMW blower motors and controllers (final stage units) and presented a step-by-step
DIY article on how to replace these units in 3, 5, X and Z models from the mid ’90s
thru the mid ’00s. (A full description of the
symptoms and the DIY can be found at blog.
bavauto.com/go/final-stage.) Beginning in
the mid ’00s, the blower motor and the final
stage unit were redesigned and mounted in
a completely different manner and location
in most 1 series, 3 series, X1, X3 and Z4
models. In these models, both the blower
motor and the final stage unit are mounted forward of the glovebox, making them relatively easy to service.
In the step-by-step DIY below, we will be replacing the blower motor and final stage unit
1.
Remove the center trim panel above the glovebox. Gently pry the end of the panel with a
non-marring pry tool and continue across to remove the panel (figs. 1 & 2).
Figure 1
in a 2007 335i (E90). The location of the final stage unit and the general procedures
shown will be very similar for many other BMW models, including 1 series 08 thru 13
(E82/88), 3 series 06 thru 11 (E90/91/92/93), X1 (E84), X3 09 thru 15 (F25) and Z4
09 thru 15 (E89). The Bentley repair manuals (where applicable) will provide specific
location information and replacement procedures for the blower motor and final stage
unit for the models listed above.
Parts (left):
■ Final stage unit
■ Blower motor
Tools (right):
BavAuto socket, torx & allen tool set
■ BavAuto non-marring pry tool set
■ #2 Phillips screwdriver
■
5.
Remove the six Torx screws securing the glovebox (fig 7). Pull the glovebox down and out
to remove. (fig. 8).
Figure 2
Figure 7
Figure 8
2. Remove the two cup holder assemblies. Remove the two Phillips screws securing each cup
holder and pull them out (figs. 3 & 4).
6. Remove the three harness plugs for glovebox lighting and flashlight charging.
7.
Remove the footwell air duct. Pull the end of the duct downward to release from the clip (fig. 9).
Pull the opposite end of the duct from the main air distribution housing (fig. 10).
Figure 3
3.
Remove the lower trim panel, forward of the
glovebox. Remove the two Torx screws and pull
the panel to the rear and downward (fig. 5).
Figure 4
4. Remove footwell light harness plug (fig. 6).
Figure 9
Figure 10
To read the rest of this article
and watch the DIY video, go to
blog.BavAuto.com/go/final-stage
Figure 5
6 | BavAuto.com
N116WinterNewsFeb16_lyt16FINAL.indd 6
Figure 6
Very simple installation.
Relatively simple; your BMW may need to be raised.
1/5/16 8:23 PM
replacing a final stage unit | rear brake job with electric parking brake
DIY: Rear brake job with electric parking brake.
You may have seen our DIY video on replacing brake pads and
rotors on a typical BMW or MINI (blog.bavauto.com/go/brakejob).
Since that video was published, BMW has introduced an electric
parking brake system on many newer models. While the procedures have not changed for the front brakes on these models, the
procedure for replacing rear pads is a little different.
The electric parking brake system uses an electric motor to extend the brake caliper piston and compress the pads against the
brake rotor. On a standard brake caliper, the piston can be simply
pushed back into the caliper using a piston compressor tool.
BMW says that the pistons on calipers with the electric parking
brake must be retracted by a dealer’s factory scan tool: the tool is
connected to the vehicle’s diagnostic port and then programmed
to retract the piston extenders so the brake pad replacement can
proceed. This means you have to take your vehicle to the BMW
dealer for rear brake service, right? Not so fast...
In this DIY video, we’ll show you how to circumvent the BMW parking brake retractor program and perform your rear brake service
at home. Follow along as we replace the rear pads and rotors on
a 2011 535i (F10) with electric parking brake.
1.
Lift and properly support the vehicle. Each rear brake assembly can be serviced with the individual wheel lifted, or both rear
wheels or the complete vehicle lifted. Note that the rear will be
off the ground AND the park brake will be disengaged. Be sure to
securely chock the front wheels.
2.
Release the parking brake by pushing the park brake button
downward. Check that the parking brake is released by turning
the rear wheels. Note that the wheels will only turn a few degrees
as the transmission will be in PARK. However, if the parking
brake is engaged, the wheels will not move at all.
3. Remove the wheel/tire assembly.
4.
Remove the pad wear sensor (right-rear only) by prying it
from the pad’s backing plate. Dismount the wire and move it out
of the way.
5.
Remove the parking
brake actuator harness
plug from the actuator
assembly. Press the release tab and/or carefully pry up the clip end
and pull the plug from
the actuator (fig. 1).
Huf TPMS: OE
quality for less.
Parts:
■ New replacement brake pads & rotors
■ New brake sensor wire
■ Sta-Lube caliper grease & Noise Free
Tools:
■ Mechanic’s gloves
■ BavAuto® socket, Torx and Allen bit set
■ Caliper piston compressor tool
■ BavAuto® 15mm thin wrench
■ Standard metric and mechanic’s tools
6.
Loosen and
remove the two
13mm hex-head
caliper guide securing bolts. Hold the
guide bolt using a
15mm thin wrench
while removing the
13mm hex head
bolt (fig. 2)
Figure 2
7. Remove the
caliper from the
mounting bracket,
just as you normally would. Note
that the inner pad
does not have a
spring clip inserted
into the piston recess (fig. 3).
Figure 3
Figure 1
During Feburary, get free shipping
on all Brembo, Meyle and Bavarian
Autosport brake rotors
(including brake kits).
To read the rest of this article and watch the DIY video,
go to blog.BavAuto.com/go/rear-brakes
Specific tools needed; repair experience recommended.
N116WinterNewsFeb16_lyt16FINAL.indd 7
Product Focus
Experienced technicians only.
Huf (pronounced “who-ff”)
has been supplying components to German automakers for nearly 100 years.
More recently, Huf became
an Original Equipment supplier of tire pressure monitoring systems
(TPMS) to BMW and MINI. Here at
Bavarian Autosport, we offer both Huf
TPMS kits and metal valve stems.
The valve stems that come with the Huf
TPMS kits are silver. Huf also offers separate valve
stems
in black
and titanium (left)
for a better match on black or gunmetal
wheels. These Huf valve stems can be
used with or without the TPMS sensors,
on any BMW or MINI wheel, allowing you
to upgrade from those black rubber valve
stems to solid metal in silver, black or titanium. They’re much more durable than
rubber, and much better looking, as well.
Important Installation Note:
The Huf TPMS assemblies are installed
just as the original units from BMW are
installed. We do receive occasional calls
from installers claiming that the nuts/
sleeves that secure the valve stems do
not fully tighten down onto the wheel.
This is a simple case of unfamiliarity with
the product. On the inner threads of the
caps there is a molded-in
flange at the beginning of
the threads (right). This
flange is designed to be
“broken” and to serve
as a thread lock. When
installing, if you run into
resistance just keep tightening the cap
until the flange breaks (internally), then
finish tightening to secure the valve stem
to the wheel.
800.535.2002 | 7
1/5/16 11:22 AM