by Chris Keefer | Aug 8, 2008 | BMW Restorations
In my opinion, the 3.0cs/csi/csl is the most beautiful car BMW has ever built, and this 3.0csi is a really attractive example for a number of reasons. It’s owner is a really nice guy who also owns an old 2002 and happens to live right around the corner from the shop. Originally the car was not delivered to the US Market, but made its way to California early in life and has been very well cared for since. This car came into us for what I would call a day-spa treatment — none of the work being major surgery, but in the end you notice a big difference and it’s expensive.
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by Chris Keefer | Jun 28, 2008 | BMW Service, Shop Talk and BMW Advice
Working on your own car used to be a big part of Americana, but with the increasing amount of computers, wires, and nifty engine covers, those days are gone. However, there are some things you can do to keep your BMW running and looking good, and they are simple.
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by Chris Keefer | Jun 25, 2008 | Funny BMW stories
It never ceases to amaze me how fast someone can make a $45,000 car turn into a total pile of shit.
I got to work pretty early yesterday morning, a little before 7am . . . I like to get to the shop early. It’s quiet and I can get a lot done before the phones start ringing and the cars start coming in. I was greeted by this little number sitting dead smack in front of the gate, a 1998 BMW 528i, or e39 in BMW lingo, and I already know it’s a total pile of crap.
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by Chris Keefer | Jun 23, 2008 | BMW Service, Shop Talk and BMW Advice
One thing that I cannot explain enough to people is that there is no way in hell you’ll feel a significant change in horsepower in your BMW by switching to a different kind of air filter. The most popular of which is K&N filters, which are more of a screen filter with some foam that utilizes a special oil to help it filter. Your local auto parts store will usually have some sort of demonstration with a ping-pong ball that floats higher over one of these filters when compared to its stock counterpart. That’s all fine and dandy, but the last time I checked, there weren’t any ping-pong balls in my engine bay.
I’ve also seen many graphs when one of these filters are installed, and the car is put on a dynometer with the end result being a gain in horsepower and torque. Before getting all giddy, these ‘gains’ are usually about 3-5 horsepower on an engine that produces over 250hp, giving an end result of about a 1-2% gain from that $65 filter you just bought. Remember too that dynometers have a certain margin of error that can produce a different result through many tests. With any modification, I want to feel it in my seat. The only way you’ll feel one of these filters in your seat is if you were to put it underneath your butt. (more…)
by Chris Keefer | Jun 19, 2008 | Independent Motorcars
OK, so you’re at the car dealer and there are two different warranties that may apply to a pre-owned BMW. The first is a Certified Pre-Owned Warranty which is only available through an actual BMW Dealer. This warranty comes ‘free’ when you buy a Certified Pre-Owned BMW. The second is an Extended Warranty which is available from what I call ‘B-Dealers’ and it is issued by a private company not owned by BMW. These warranties can be a good thing and you can make them work for you. But here are some basic things you need to know before getting all excited about the fact that you are ‘covered.’
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