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Tech Tips

100 Tips that will help keep your '02 happier (and safer):
   
CHASSIS, BODY & SUSPENSION:

• Increased offset wheels and larger/wider tires are hard on bearings. Service them more often.
• Pre-'74 2002s have very weak rear bumper mounting points. They can be considerably reinforced by cutting two 100x150 mm plates out of 6mm steel and drilling to match the bumper bolt holes. Install between the bumper mounts and the body. Be sure to seal the plates to the body with caulking to prevent rust or leaks.
• E30 325 (14"x6") alloys are good for a cheap conversion (195/60-14 tires will fit).
• If you have alloy 2002 road wheels and a steel spare, be sure to carry a set of steel wheel lug nuts as they DO NOT interchange.
• If you are fortunate enough to have 2002 factory alloy wheels, coat the mating surfaces of the stainless steel centre caps with anti-seize compound before installing them. Otherwise, they'll seize to the
  aluminum wheels and be damaged when you try to remove them.
• Aluminum trim can sometimes be revived with polishing paper and a buffer with a wool pad.
• A thumping or soft banging sound coming from the rear of the car may be loose or worn upper rear shock absorber mounts.
• Periodically check the tightness of your taillight lenses where they meet the bodywork. Loose lens assemblies
  are prime culprits for water leaks into the trunk which will rust out the spare tire well and/or the fuel tank mounting.
• Once a year, take the battery out, clean the tray with baking soda to neutralize acid, touch up rust spots
  and re-install the battery. There should be an acid-resistive paint available. Early battery trays unbolt from the body;
  later ones are welded in.
• Periodically inspect the rubber boots on your rear axle CV joints, particularly if you drive on gravel roads a lot. Temporarily patch a torn or leaking boot with layers of kitchen food wrap secured with tape.
• A driveline vibration occurring in a specific speed range can be caused by a worn or broken rear transmission mount and/or a broken or cracked Guibo. Check them before suspecting a bad drive shaft,
  centre bearing or rear universal joint.
• Krylon ``Matte/Dull Aluminum'' spray paint is a great match for the silver paint used on both steel and factory alloy 2002 wheels. On the alloy wheels, spray clear urethane over the fully dried silver paint.
• Testors makes a medium blue model aircraft paint that's perfect for repainting weathered metal BMW roundels. Be careful not to leave brush strokes. Adding a small amount of thinner before application will allow the paint to flow better
• Before considering expensive suspension work, consider a full stock rebuild. It's amazing how well a perfectly stock 2002 will handle.
• Shortened stock springs seriously compromise the street ability of an '02. H&R makes a high quality lowering replacement spring made from German steel.
• Check floor pans carefully. BMW undercoating can hide a lot of rust.