BMW Tech Tips, How-tos and News - Bavarian Autosport Blog » E36

1995 E36 BMW 318i No Start After New Ignition Switch – EWS

Peter — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:21:00 +0000

This answer is applicable for many BMWs in addition to the one listed below.

Q I have a 1995 318i, which stopped running after the ignition switch was changed. Now it will only turn over, but not start. I have a parts car, which is a 1994 318is. Here’s my question: will the 95 run, if

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1992 E36 BMW 325is Condensation Buildup On Interior Windows

Peter — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:11:28 +0000

Q My question concerns condensation buildup on the interior side of the windows in my 1992 325IS Coupe. This general happens in the mornings after the car has been sitting outside overnight. What could be causing this and how do I fix it? I believe the problem may lie in a leaking heater core. I

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1997 BMW 328 E36 Headrest Removal

Peter — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:54:45 +0000

Q My wife has a 328 convertible and I’m trying to remove the front seat head rest to install new seat covers. They don’t seam to want to come off. What is your idea?

A You should be able to pull the headrests up and out of the seatback. They just have retention snaps at the

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1997 BMW Z3 1.9 Spinning Ignition Switch / Key Problem

Peter — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:51:46 +0000

Q I have a 97 Z3 1.9 w/Auto and it has the, I understand, typical free spinning ignition switch problem. Has the ever been a repair article written that a do-it-yourselfer can follow. Dealers tell me the repair can range from $550 to $2100. Quite a large range for a somewhat common problem I thought.

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1995 BMW 325IS E36 Power Steering Noise

Peter — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:49:10 +0000

Q Question – the two hoses from the reservoir were leaking so I changed them – no problem there. The pressure hose is fine. That was about 2 weeks ago – now I’m getting a high pitch sound from what I think is the pump. The sound comes and goes but it’s there. When I

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BMW E36 M52 Sputtering During Acceleration

Peter — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:23:54 +0000

Q My 97 328is has been sputtering during acceleration. As I’m cruising around 60 mph or so, and suddenly wish to accelerate, I get very sluggish response and sounds as if it’s sputtering, or choking, or misfiring. I have also begin to notice that same sound when I start the car in the morning – every morning

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1997 BMW 328i Wiper Parking Position – E36

Peter — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:10:40 +0000

Q Does anyone know how to adust the windshield wipers back to their home position when they decide to park half way up the window? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

A The wiper parking function is handled within the motor unit. If the wipers are still sweeping the proper area, but just do not park

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BMW Emissions Test Failure & Pinging / Knock (Detonation) – E36 & Others

Otto — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:50:17 +0000

This answer is applicable for many BMWs in addition to the one listed below.

Q 1995 325is 250,000 miles Just failed my emmissions test in CT. The test that failed is the HC. My results were 211 ppm versus a test limit of 120 ppm. Can you suggest the likely cause of the failure? A sensor, tune up, any

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1993 BMW 325i E36 Windows & Sunroof Stopped Working – Comfort Relay

Peter — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:03:06 +0000

Q The power windows and sunroof in my 1993 325i stopped working. The problem began intermittently – when I would first start the car, the power windows/sunroof would not work, then after a few minutes of the car running, they would start working. Now, they just won’t work at all. I’ve checked the fuse and

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BMW Oil Viscosity & Auto Transmission Filter & Fluid

Otto — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:22:21 +0000

This answer is applicable for many BMWs in addition to the one listed below.

Q car year: 2001 car model: Z3 2.5 Our Z3 2.5 2001 with auto trans is soon coming up on 100k. Which synthetic engine oil viscosity, for the San Francisco CA area, should we use? Avg temp=62 degrees with no snow.

A We would recommend a

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