Where to Learn Auto Mechanic Skills

[cm94]

So I am going to buy my first car and I am planning to buy an e30. Obviously they are not new cars and require maintenance. I was wondering if anyone knew of any resources that could help me learn all the basics needed to keep the car in good shape. I would like to get to a point where I was able to do all the maintenance myself (I know that would be a long way down the road). I feel I have basic knowledge for engines, I just want to get better. So if anyone knows of any helpful resources, videos, manuals, guides, online classes, etc please send it my way. I'd appreciate it a lot!! Thanks!!

[meanEG]

i know this cool website that shpws a lot of DIY, check it out, its www.r3vlimited.com


seriously just dive in. get some tools and check youtube.

[Reichart12]

^l.o.l.

[dnguyen1963]

Uhhh...www.youtube.com or you can listen/watch Otto from Bavarian auto.

[stonea]

Bentley Manual.... I know where you're coming from (because I was once there) but these cars aren't overly complicated. I don't even use the forums for maintenance help anymore. Once you get in there its pretty self explanatory. Although the forums are a great place to blow money.

I got my car 2 years ago and never turned a wrench on one before, now I've brought the car back to a incredible state. She still looks like crap, but everything underneath is almost new and the only thing I used was common sense and the Bentley book and a little guidance from my dad.

[roznic]

i know this cool website that shpws a lot of DIY, check it out, its www.r3vlimited.com


seriously just dive in. get some tools and check youtube.

haha +1

[Gregs///M]

Stonea for sure got it right! I suggest you read the Bentley manual front to back and even analyze the ETM (electronic troubleshooting manual) The things you learn from these manuals can be applied to most other cars.

[Cayoncrusier93]

Bentley Manual.... I know where you're coming from (because I was once there) but these cars aren't overly complicated. I don't even use the forums for maintenance help anymore. Once you get in there its pretty self explanatory. Although the forums are a great place to blow money.

I got my car 2 years ago and never turned a wrench on one before, now I've brought the car back to a incredible state. She still looks like crap, but everything underneath is almost new and the only thing I used was common sense and the Bentley book and a little guidance from my dad.

+1
I replaced my headgasket, water pump, timing belt with the help of this book. Read it over, take it slow, and verify your work. Should be fine.

[TRAK WDW]

Uhhh...www.youtube.com or you can listen/watch Otto from Bavarian auto.

Youtube is a champ, you could find an explanation for anything on there

[Spitfi-r]

I'm 100% self taught using mostly forums and some youtube. I have a Bentley manual, but I think most forum DIYs and videos are way better than a book mostly because they have full color pictures.

At this point, there is no job that scares me on an e30 or my dearly departed e46.

[gtdragon980]

Quick tip, be as organized as possible. I've learned from countless times where I would lose a fucking bolt or nut because I placed them all over the engine bay. Do not do this! Get a tool cart and group together every piece of hardware according to where it goes. It makes life so much easier. And as others have said, Bentley manual (the best thing) and lots of internet reading.

[Gerta]

So I am going to buy my first car and I am planning to buy an e30. Obviously they are not new cars and require maintenance. I was wondering if anyone knew of any resources that could help me learn all the basics needed to keep the car in good shape. I would like to get to a point where I was able to do all the maintenance myself (I know that would be a long way down the road). I feel I have basic knowledge for engines, I just want to get better. So if anyone knows of any helpful resources, videos, manuals, guides, online classes, etc please send it my way. I'd appreciate it a lot!! Thanks!!

Lot's of good advice here! I also recommend joining the CCA and asking if you can pick the brains of local experts. I found it really helpful and you can often find people willing to teach you for some cash. I've used that route a couple of times early on just because I'd never turned a wrench either.

[cm94]

Bentley Manual for 325ix?

Does anyone know where I can find a Bentley manual for a 91 coupe, 325ix? I looked on their website but couldn't seem to find anything specific to that model. Thanks

[stonea]

There's basically nothing out there for an ix, maybe we can get Nando to write us a book, lol.

I did however happen to stumble upon a e30/e34/e36 manual with a small section about the ix. I forget what its called though.

[flyboyx]

its all good advice above. go to the sears web site and take a look at some tool sets. personally, if you are trying to save some money, keep your eye open. they have really good sales on sets from time to time. you won't need english/sae sizes for an e30, but the kits almost always include them and it is so much cheaper to buy your tools as a starter set.

here is the web site to get you started:

http://www.sears.com/tools-tool-sets-mechanics-tool-sets/b-1021346?adcell=ToolsMTSVNR2P1

the items you will need at a minimum to work on e30's:

a large set of screwdrivers(phillips and slotted)
1/4' ratchet
3/8" ratchet(i like the ones with long handle and a flex head)
1/4" metric short and deep socket set
3/8" metric short and deep socket set
assortment of pliers- vise grips, channel locks, needle nose...
full set of metric combination wrenches


there are a few things such as axle nuts that will require 1/2" ratchet and sockets. for the most part, i would just make sure what you buy includes the list above and you will be in good shape for the short term