e83 tagged posts

January 18, 2017 / Posted in  Cars

Here’s a walk thru of a BMW X3 automatic transmission service with fluid and filter change on a 2008 E83. The 2008 has a 6 speed GM 6L50 transmission that uses Dexron VI automatic transmission fluid. You’ll need 6-7 quarts of replacement fluid, the replacement filter, replacement pan gasket and a few other items I’ve listed below. I found it easiest to simply buy a 2008 BMW X3 transmission service kit which includes the replacement fluid, replacement filter, replacement pan gasket, hardware, O ring, and drain plug. I was paranoid about a fluid leak so I wanted to do everything right for this service. Some of the special tools I needed for this procedure were a torque wrench, and some sort of pump to get the fluid into the transmission...

January 11, 2017 / Posted in  Cars

If your BMW X3 low coolant light comes on, it’s normal to have to top off the tank once or twice a year. But if you top off your tank and the low coolant light comes on again within a few days or a week, then you probably have coolant leaking from the system somewhere. First, check the back of the oil fill cap and make sure you see only brown oil as expected. If it’s foamy or creamy texture, you might have a head gasket leak. Most likely you don’t have a head gasket leak and it’s a coolant hose or coolant expansion tank leak. In the video below I explain how to diagnose a BMW X3 coolant expansion tank leak and how to replace the tank.

As you can see in my video, I had a small leak that didn’t even puddle water in the garage, at first...

March 18, 2015 / Posted in  Cars

I’m happy to say the most annoying sound in the world is finally fixed. If you had the same problem as me, your interior HVAC fan would make a tiny, annoying squeal or squeak or cricket sound or noise or whatever you want to call it when on the lowest two or three speeds. It wouldn’t always squeak, but when it did it was annoying, especially since the car is usually so quiet and refined. You’ll be happy once you too eliminate your BMW X3 fan noise.

BMW X3 HVAC blower motor update:

Unfortunately, my first attempt to fix this failed. It turns out the true fix for this issue is photo documented here...

February 17, 2015 / Posted in  Cars

Here’s a quick video on the side marker and reverse light LED upgrades I did. I also tried changing the front and rear turn signal lights to LEDs, but always got a dashboard warning light something was wrong. Those lights seem to do a lot of fading on and off with the lock/unlock cycles so perhaps they aren’t meant to be LEDs. I guess all that’s left is to change the license plate lights but that might be a bit overkill. Comments welcome below as usual, thanks!

Recommended Back up: Parking Light LED Light Bulbs 3157, 19 LED White 2-pc Set

Recommended Side Markers: LED Light Bulbs T10 Wedge, 5 SMD LED Amber 2-pc Set

How do I even get to my reverse lights to change them? Click here

December 19, 2014 / Posted in  Cars

For about 6 months now I’ve been experiencing a BMW X3 muffler rattle. At first I ignored it but as it became more persistent and embarrassing, I decided to get under the car and troubleshoot it. All the connections under the car were firm and in good condition. What was causing the muffler rattle that sort of sounded like an aluminum can in my exhaust? I also noted, it only seemed to happen on start up, idle, and when the car was under no load decelerating.

I took a video and pasted it below with more details. Basically, there is a baffle in the right exhaust pipe that opens and closes based on a vacuum line. At idle and no load, the baffle closes and it opens once the engine starts winding up. It’s also closed when the car is off...