Mike's Alpine White 1991 318is

[mike.bmw]

The reverse lights stopped working. Oops! Good thing I passed inspection the other day. ;-)

After checking the bulbs and fuses, I narrowed it down to the reverse light switch. I also ordered the wiring, but didn't end up using it. The switch was a simple 10-minute replacement, with most of the time spent "hydrating" and getting the car in the air.

PXL_20250305_194159022 by mike.bevels, on Flickr

PXL_20250305_195039952 by mike.bevels, on Flickr

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PXL_20250305_200506433 by mike.bevels, on Flickr

[mike.bmw]

Celebrating 9 years with my 1991 318is this month! Time for another state inspection...

PXL_20250302_155913698~2 by mike.bevels, on Flickr

PXL_20250302_160937340~2 by mike.bevels, on Flickr

No rust, but I do need to do some cleaning underneath!

PXL_20250302_161140011~2 by mike.bevels, on Flickr

[iXBeater]

You're bringing your spawn up right!

[mike.bmw]

Round one of this week's E30 projects: replacing the thermostat. Again.

The entire cooling system was replaced in March 2017 after I determined the thermostat was stuck open. The same symptoms surfaced a few weeks ago---heat not hot, coolant temp gauge never hitting the mark. So, as everything else was in good shape, I opted to just replace the thermostat this time.

It took me about 3 hours, with most of that time spent carefully cleaning the mating surfaces, and then about 20 minutes to bleed the system.

Avery and I took it on a test drive to one of her after-school activities. No leaks! Yet.

PXL_20250304_181713106~2 by mike.bevels, on Flickr

PXL_20250304_182530732~2 by mike.bevels, on Flickr

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PXL_20250304_224340970 by mike.bevels, on Flickr

[mike.bmw]

When project threads collide...

I took a day off from work to unwind, which involved taking my M3 and 318is out for some photos. With a single driver (me) it involved driving to the location, walking home to get the other car, and so on. Let's just say it's just what I needed and I definitely got my steps in!

Inspired, I wrote something for BimmerLife about classic BMWs and classic BBS wheels https://bimmerlife.com/2025/02/11/classic-fitment/

20250207-DSC_5988 by mike.bevels, on Flickr

20250207-DSC_5939 by mike.bevels, on Flickr

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20250207-DSC_5871 by mike.bevels, on Flickr

[OSAH racing]

Beautiful photos

[OSAH racing]

Beautiful photo

[mike.bmw]

BMW Classic's IG account showed some love (twice!) recently:

Screenshot 2024-11-27 at 2.36.13 PM by mike.bevels, on Flickr

Screenshot 2024-12-24 at 11.14.18 AM by mike.bevels, on Flickr

And I've just been out driving and taking photos, per usual. Happy Holidays, R3V!

20241130-DSC_1776-Edit by mike.bevels, on Flickr

[mike.bmw]

Just got back on R3V and combed through your thread. Love it.

Do you know suspension details for Douglas' (dhlerner) car?

I have the same H&R 50406 and KONI yellows - do you know if he has E90 drop hats or what spring pads he's using?

Not sure, but I will reach out and ask him!

[bpsu07]

Just got back on R3V and combed through your thread. Love it.

Do you know suspension details for Douglas' (dhlerner) car?

I have the same H&R 50406 and KONI yellows - do you know if he has E90 drop hats or what spring pads he's using?

DSC_0940 by mike.bevels, on Flickr

[Reichart12]

One handed torque to spec and handheld camera operator. Now that's skill!

[mike.bmw]

I changed the transmission oil in my 1991 BMW 318iS today and made a little video: https://youtu.be/OuJUq-BsTlw

20241110-Screenshot 2024-11-10 at 3.02.13 PM by mike.bevels, on Flickr

[mike.bmw]

Another video! This time I changed the rear differential oil: https://youtu.be/qKAm0Pe9hzk

The 318is has been running the best it ever has. I'm still in a bit of disbelief. I didn't know it could be this good.

20241013-DSC_5550 by mike.bevels, on Flickr

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20241013-DSC_5599 by mike.bevels, on Flickr

[mike.bmw]

Today I replaced the O2 sensor, which corrected cold-start stumbling and operating-temp idle drops when coming to a stop. After all the work I've done over the past three weeks, the M42 is running the best it ever has in my 8.5 years of ownership.

Here's a short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGhxsaeDiV8

[mike.bmw]

A short video about changing 318is (M42) accessory belts: https://youtu.be/KrCajT8-ZL4?si=MEw5BzLjQZNXDe57