I have a 1997 bmw 328i sedan and I hit an animal. Now, there’s the piece of the body at the bottom of the front bumper, its just a single solid strip across which got cracked in the middle. Is that considered the front bumper or can I just replace that piece? Also, there is a piece right underneath the front of the car that is a black plastic piece that goes across the under side of the car, I believe it is protecting the radiator and it helps hold the fog lights in. What is this piece called? Anyone please help, I need to get this fixed without the hassle of a mechanic. (online order to save lots of money)

Go here – you can order the parts from this site as well:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=CD33&mospid=47501&hg=51&fg=15

VW has released some promotional videos for the new Touareg, and I’m liking what I see, esepcially on the interior. The interior really looks audi like which we all know is a good thing with interiors.

I’m also liking the exterior lines of the updated styling. It seems to flow very nicely. Will be interested in seeing some first hand driving impressions.

All in all with it being quite a bit lighter, and with more XUV type styling cues, it should make some inroads in the busy XUV market. Make sure you watch the last video with the sand dunes. The engine has a very nice growl to it which should please the sport enthusiasts in us all.

Technorati Tags: Touareg, vw

I have just ordered a 2007 535d. I don’t want to find that, a month after I take delivery, the 5 Series range is given a facelift.

if i got it right from an article in the german "autobild", then there will no bigger + irritating facelift before the completely new model arrives in 2009, which is shown in my link

Especially in hot weather, my Passat stinks with a musky/rotten smell coming out of the air vents. I have changed the air filter, and that decreased the smell for a few weeks. I did do a search online for similar problems leading me to search for leaks or damage, but haven’t seen any. I love my car, but HATE the stench.

Get one of those sweet tree air fresheners!

I’m thinking about buying a 2002 audi A6 for about 5,000. I want to know if the parts would be expensive. Like body and engine. I know that it will be more than fixing a honda or toyota.

If you know where to shop, the parts can be even cheaper. !-800 ALL-audi has bunches of used parts. Brake parts are nearly identical in price. If the correct fluids are used and changed on time, the car can last a lifetime or TWO!! Only Mobil One or ELF oil should ever see the inside of this engine!!

I am purchasing a heater control module for my bmw E46 3 series and I found one from a guy in Europe and he says sit fits European cars. I ask this because it has the same part number as the American car part number so will it interchange?

Hi Philippe,

The parts will be mostly be the same with a few exceptions, (such as an instrument cluster for example).

In this instance, yes the part will be the same especially as it is the same part number.

Do keep in mind though that the new module will require encoding on the vehicle with a computer by either a dealer or a BMW specialist with BMW programming/encoding equipment for it to work properly.

Good luck, Pyth

Could anyone tell me the maintenance cost of a 2001 BMW 530i with about 100K? The owner said it was always serviced and in a good condition, and timing belt didn’t need to be changed. The owners also said 100K tune up had just been done. There is a problem mentioned: the control bushing? at rear wheel (not sure if I explained correctly) need to be replaced.
Generally, Is maintenance cost of bmw 5 much more than 3(both labor and parts)?
Thanks!

Dear benny,
Gearnofear is correct.
The parts for BMW are little more expensive but durable.
Most workshops dont want to repair BMW,coz they may not be specialised in these cars.or the cannot find the original parts in local spare parts shops.
When buying from dealers,they cannot make much profit on the spares.
So some will avoid all this hassle.
In your case,if u compare 5 series and 3 series,it will be little difference in price for maintainace and repairs.
the 2001 -530i with 100k miles which u had mentioned,can serve u another 200k miles provided you maintain it and renew the bushings and carry out minor repairs in time.
BMW cars are reliable,luxurious and durable.
U can try one.Good luck.

I have changed the stereo in my passat and put an original stereo in it. I tried to turn the radio itself on and the word safe appears. Please give me a security code so I may listen to my radio. Thank you.

they are all different

I Have a 1.8L Turbo Audi TT, and im having trouble finding stuff for it (like a blow off valve for example) but im finding it easy to find one for a VW with the same engine (like a turbo jetta) Can I install a part for a VW 1.8T part on my audi 1.8T engine?

The Audi TT is built on the same exact platform as a ‘99-2005 Golf/Jetta/Beetle, and the engines are the same. The differences in performance between the VW 1.8T (150-170HP) and the Audi 1.8T (225HP)is a more agressive chip mapping and that audi uses two intercoolers on the TT. The Golf/Jetta has only one.

The 1.8T in your TT is pretty much the same engine in the A4 and Passat as well, except for small differences between the motor mount positions, exhaust and intake, due to its being mounted inline (north to south) in the A4, whereas the TT uses a transverse mounted (east to west) engine.

I have a 2001 bmw 325i. I was wondering what parts add performance to it.

The two previous answers are correct, but I can tell you some better stuff.
Visit the website bavauto.com and you’ll find anything you need, and a little more.
If you are looking for a little extra umph, (without breaking the bank buying Dinan stuff, which is overrated in my opinion), a catback exhaust (remus, scorpion, agency power…), new air intake (conforti, dinan, AFE, K&N), underdrive pulleys (rogue engineering), ignition coils (bavauto.com), and headers will give your car more power for longer in the RPM range, and give it a nice, aggressive sound. If you are looking for big power though, forced induction is the way to go, but maintainence will go way up. From all the things I mentioned previously, you could expect to reasonably see these gains at the wheels: Cat back- 5-10 HP, Intake- 3-6 HP, Pulleys- 8-10 HP, Ignition- 1-2 HP, Headers- 5-10 Hp. Those may not be overwhelming numbers, but when combined your car will feel sharper, sound nice, and have a wider power band which is even better for everday use.

For all around performance, some drilled and slotted rotors not only look nice, but they also improve braking, as do stainless brake lines; which also make the pedal feel better and stronger. Performance brake pads (green stuff, hawk), and ifyou really want to dish out some money (if you plan on bringing it to a track), a Brembo kit. Although the effects are minimal at best, lowering springs and front diffusers will help. the lower your car is, with more downforce, the better handling you will have. Another huge factor in performance is weight, which makes or brakes a lot of cars out there. Carbon fiber parts cost a lot, but they will cut down on weight. Another overlooked factor are your tires. tires make a world of difference. You can really feel the difference in grip just by changing the tires to something more sticky, like Toyo Proxes, (which i put on my 98 328is), they really bring your car to life on the twisty back roads!

***Another thing I forgot to add: If you are willing to cheat the law a little bit, magnaflow high flow catalytic converters gained my M5 an extra 8 Hp to the wheels, with the stock exhaust behind it. In order to keep your check engine lights off though, you need to do a little custom work to cheat the O2 sensors.