Springing Forward

We’re back to a one man show here at the shop.  We wish Lucas all the best, and we know he will find the perfect position soon.  With that said, we’re in search of someone to help us out!  After all, we’ve got a ton of work and projects on the calendar!  If you know of someone who loves BMW’s and has some industry experience as an automotive technician, please give us a shout at 317-804-9313.
Reggie has made more progress on the 1986 BMW 325 swap car project.  This car has drawn quite a bit of attention from all those who’ve come to the shop!  We’re so excited to get the owner back behind the wheel in time for his birthday!   This week, various body panels were sent off to be painted, while Reggie installed a rear strut brace.

Reggie lines up bolts that attach the rear shock tower brace to the car:

Here is the passenger side, just ready for the shocks to be put in place:

The jack holds the shock in place and lifts it into proper position:

Next, Reggie gets the driver’s side shock in place:

The driver’s side shock is installed!  This rear shock tower brace is going to give this bimmer one nice ride, stiffening the rear end, perfect for the road and the track!

There’s much more to come on this project, so we’ll be sure to share all the details here on the blog!

We also had a 1995 BMW 525i wagon in this week to diagnose an ASC (traction control) issue. The ASC light was always illuminated.  Reggie tested the wheel speed sensors and the control unit.  As it turns out, the traction control fuse was missing in the fuse panel!  Problem solved!

While she was here in the shop, this touring also had some more work to keep her in tip-top shape.  The outer tie-rod dust boot was replaced.

The guibo (drive shaft flex joint) was in need of replacement.  As with most rubber bits, over time they dry out and crack.  New transmission mounts were also on the list.

Chunks of rubber were missing on this side:

The cracked drive belt was also replaced:

Reggie torqued the wheels to spec before taking the wagon for a test drive:

Last weekend we hosted an event with the Hoosier Chapter BMW CCA, and it was a great success!   It was a beautiful, sunny day, and we enjoyed meeting several BMW club members.  Thank you to everyone who attended!  And a big thank you to Jerry, club President, and his wife Tammy, the First Lady, for providing lunch and snacks!  We look forward to sharing in more events in the future!  Be sure to check out their website for all of their upcoming events.  The idea behind this event was to educate women, as well as men, about their cars – from tires, to fluids, to dash warning lights, and more.  I loved the idea!  While I watch Reggie work on cars, I must admit that I don’t know how to do much maintenance myself.  As in, I’ve never changed my own oil or a tire!  I know, I know!  But thanks to this class, I learned how to change a tire, and I did it with a crowd watching!  I feel confident that if I ever do need to change a tire, I could do it.  It’s empowering just thinking about it!  Seriously! Of course, I will call Reggie if I need help!  😉   Here are a few photos from the event:

Have a great weekend!