Recent content by nel

Still a mystery as to what happened, but the faulty item is the motherboard. I did the following: 1. Updated bios 2. Reinstalled OS and LAN driver (no crashes this time but found that the system couldn't find an IP address, despite having the correct configuration settings) 3. Disabled...

My server had been running flawlessly for over a year. It's very basic in configuration: Asus P5KPL-CM (Intel G31 chipset) Intel E5300 Pentium Dual Core 2x1GB DDR2 Windows Home Server with PowerPack 2 (based on Windows Server 2003) I use it for backing up my home PCs and storing shared data...

I had to replace the rectifier bridge on my CS130D this year. It's very straightforward--no need to take the whole alternator apart. The plastic cover at the back pops off, and the rectifier bridge is then accessible for desoldering and replacement. Two videos that I found helpful...

197K miles on a '90 BMW 325is and still going strong (knock on wood). Before that, the only other manual transmission car I had was a '78 Chevette. It was still on its original clutch in 1989 (~100K miles) when it was in an accident and written off.

I had the transmission replaced on my '95 525iT a few years back at 150K miles. It's a GM Hydramatic 4L30E that's shared with other platforms. I took mine to a reputable shop in the Bay Area, and the owner suggested that he install a remanufactured one from a vendor that he works with...

I bought an LG front loader from Home Depot about 6 months ago after our Kenmore/Frigidaire front loader died from the same problem as the OP's. Very happy with the new washer. It's direct drive, quiet, and handles big loads without any problems. Best thing about it was that with the rebates...

I have a small two-stack 4 gallon compressor made by Emglo, now DeWalt. While limited in capacity, I haven't had any issues doing suspension work on a BMW e34. This included replacing struts, control arms, etc. The compressor is oil lubricated so it's not too noisy, and it runs on 110V. Here's...

I own & maintain several family BMWs--1990 325is (e30), 1995 525iT (e34) and a 1997 328i (e36). The 1990 is the latest addition to the fleet because I so enjoyed the driving experience with the other two. Of all the BMWs, the oldest seems to be the least problematic--even though it requires more...

I have the same year BMW e34 but as a wagon. I've had good luck with Mobil 1 10W40HM in that car. Since BMW had spec'd 20W50 non-synthetic oil for that car, I too was hesitant about using a 30 weight oil. Here's an excerpt from my most recent UOA with M1 10W40HM: 209,600 miles on engine; 7,200...

Take a look at the UOA's of other BMWs with the M52 engine and you'll find the engine does fairly well with most oils. I've been using the service minder interval on my wife's '97 328i since we bought it new. Since she does more highway driving, it comes on at around 9K miles. UOAs look good...

Rather than defining the universe of BMW models, which ones are you interested in? FWIW, my experience with BMWs (e34, e36) is that the ones with a GM transmission definitely use Dexron II or III. The GM tranny is the 4L30e; the BMW name is "A4S 310R". This tranny has a front, smaller pan and a...

I've been using a Trial version of WHS for the last two months, and it's actually worked well for me. It's based on Windows Server 2003 so the foundation is a reasonable starting point. It automatically backs up to ten clients on a daily basis. I've used the restore from a server feature a few...

No issues on older BMWs. Early '90s and prior have regular type oil filters. Newer ones have cartridge filters. All have drain plugs. The newest models are a little bit more difficult in that there's no dipstick--so just put in what they say is the capacity when refilling. To add to the...

At least 10 years, but living in California it's possible to hold on much longer (body rust not an issue). I'm threatening my ten year old that she'll learn how to drive in the car we took her home from the hospital in

The GM oil/transmission cooler lines are prone to leakage after a few years. Your leakage may be at the quick connect seal between the line and the connector on the radiator (rather than between the connector and the radiator). The part itself is relatively inexpensive, but it does require...