The Key to My Heart - Replacing and Rekeying a BMW E30 Cylinder

So, you’re in the motor oil section of your favorite auto parts retailer, FCP, staring at the gorgeous images our in-house photographer’s eye has captured (shameless plug inserted accurately), all displaying the various containers along with different numbers on them. Right about now, you may be...

If you're leaving your car unattended for any length of time, it's always a good idea to ensure your battery is properly maintained.  Rather than disconnecting the battery or removing it from the vehicle entirely, a trickle charger or battery tender can maintain your voltage, monitor it, and...

The coolant flange is one of the more common parts to fail on a 1.8T. I have witnessed three different situations where the original flange failed right around 120k-140k miles, I have heard that it can happen sooner as well. Typically when it does fail, it is accompanied by a large coolant leak...

How do you know if the part you're buying is going to last? Sometimes choice is one of the most difficult things a car enthusiast can face. Agonizing over which brand to use and researching the reliability of a part can be time consuming and make a project last much longer than it should. Having...

Coming off of 2 solid finishes at Mosport, we were feeling good about our Rounds 5 & 6 this past weekend at Lime Rock Park. However, I had never been there before, so we took the opportunity to attend the test day on the Tuesday before the Friday/Saturday race events. As I tried to figure...

Part 1: Accidentally Find a Project Car Somehow the Craigslist ad for this 1976 242 came to my attention. I sell Volvo parts on ebay, part out cars, and refurbish worn out 240’s as a side business, so it caught my attention...as a parts car. The pictures showed a rust-spotted, partly dismantled...

 We found some of the best distractions on the internet this week! WATCH: Two Swedish titans in a head to head challenge: LOOK:   Featured Instagram Post   E30 vs. Snow... who will win?     Who needs #awd when @nokiantyresna makes #hakkapeliitta snow tires? ❄️ #idesofmarch #isitspringyet...

Become a regular paid contributor to FCP Euro's Blog! We are searching for writers well-versed in BMW repair and maintenance, with experience on models 10-15 years old. All you have to do is send a detailed description of: Who you are Why you'd make an excellent contributor What you'd...

  Engine belts power various components off your engine's crankshaft, providing timing for valves and energy for alternators, pumps, etc. Over time they break down, requiring replacement. A timing belt keeps your crankshaft and valves in time, ensuring no damaging contact is made in the engine,...