DEPARTMENTSIX

DIY

13 articles

  1. October 28, 2026 · Porsche Porsche 997.1 Carrera S AOS: Symptoms, Vacuum Test and Parts Smoke is not the only sign of a failing 997.1 AOS. The M97.01 crankcase vacuum reference, a test sequence and the 3.8L separator part number.
  2. October 27, 2026 · BMW BMW E36 Thermostat Replacement: Symptoms, Parts and Torque Specs How to replace the thermostat on a six-cylinder E36, with BMW part numbers, factory torque specs and the bleeding procedure.
  3. October 27, 2026 · BMW BMW E46 330i Coolant Bleeding and Leak Diagnosis: BMW Factory Steps A factory-sourced guide to bleeding the E46 330i cooling system and separating trapped air from coolant leaks.
  4. October 26, 2026 · BMW BMW E46 330i Lean Codes: P0171, P0174 & Vacuum Leaks Lean codes on an E46 330i don't automatically mean bad oxygen sensors. Follow BMW's diagnostic clues, inspect the M54 intake boots, and verify parts before ordering.
  5. October 25, 2026 · Porsche Best Used Porsches for DIY Owners (October 2026) Six used Porsches that suit hands-on owners, with October 2026 market benchmarks and the issue to check first.
  6. October 25, 2026 · BMW BMW M54 Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak: Diagnosis, Repair & Part Number Oil around the front of an M54 can come from the filter housing gasket, VANOS oil line, or another seal. This source-linked guide shows how to trace the leak, understand BMW's removal procedure, and verify the gasket part number before ordering.
  7. October 25, 2026 · BMW BMW M54 DISA Valve: Symptoms, Testing, Replacement & Fitment A sourced M54 DISA guide covering intake resonance, flap and pin inspection, diagnosis, repair versus replacement, and displacement-specific parts.
  8. October 23, 2026 · BMW BMW M54 CCV Failure Symptoms: Oil Separator Diagnosis Guide Whistling, rough idle and oil consumption can point toward a BMW M54 crankcase ventilation fault, but symptoms alone are not proof. This source-linked guide covers BMW's pressure spec, its cold-climate bulletin and the parts-fitment checks that matter before repair.
  9. March 6, 2026 · Porsche Porsche 997.1 Carrera S Brake Replacement — Complete DIY Guide (Rotors, Pads & Hardware) This is a complete brake replacement walkthrough for the 2006 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (997.1) with standard steel brakes — rotors, pads, wear sensors, and all the hardware. The procedure is largely identical for 2005–2008 997.1 Carrera S, Carrera 4S, Targa 4S, and Cabriolet models running steel brakes.
  10. May 13, 2025 · Porsche How to Set Seat and Mirror Memory in a Porsche 997 I had a hell of a time finding the simple instructions to do this every time I wanted to make a change. There’s a few threads on Rennlist, but making and bookmarking my own article without the “forum-fluff” was honestly easier.
  11. August 2, 2024 · BMW How to Install an Aftermarket Steering Wheel with No Airbag Lights and a Working Horn in an E36 Who knew getting an aftermarket horn button to work in an E36 would be so challenging? This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can complete the installation WHILE maintaining the functionality of your horn and avoiding SRS (airbag) system errors.
  12. July 26, 2024 · BMW How to Reset the BMW E36 Oil Service Light with a Paperclip The BMW E36 is a (shitbox) classic car (sometimes) cherished by enthusiasts worldwide. If you've completed the oil change yourself, you can easily reset the oil service light with a paperclip.
  13. July 1, 2024 · BMW Complete Guide: E36 BMW Power Steering Hose and Reservoir Replacement (+3 Pro Tips) This guide provides a step-by-step process for refreshing the power steering hoses and reservoir of a BMW E36, ensuring smooth operation and preventing leaks (for now).