BMW Performance Upgrades
When you talk about performance cars, a list of several manufacturers comes to mind. Before the explosion of Asian-made mini rockets, you needed to go European, and specifically German, to get the latest in performance machines. BMW has been the performance marque of choice for several decades. While BMW makes it difficult to improve on
ImportCar’s 2004 Import Repair Specialist Study
m in peak-operating condition. ImportCar recipients, who represent the repair network dedicated to servicing this specialized vehicle population, are reaping the benefits of the proliferating import marketplace through their dedication to professional, high-quality repairs. Their business data and shop status reports prove it. Featuring the results of a recent random survey of ImportCar recipients, this
Ford Timing Belts & Chains
Timing belt and chain replacement is one service that isn’t going away any time soon. Most Ford engines with overhead cam timing belts have a recommended replacement interval of 60,000 miles to 120,000 miles depending on the application (see the chart on page 54). So if a customer is driving a vehicle that is more
Getting “Tuned” Into Exhaust System Service Opportunities
Although stainless steel exhaust systems have reduced the number of exhaust system replacements, it’s important to remember that regular exhaust system inspections remain an integral part of import service. When inspecting an exhaust system, remember that the exhaust pipe and muffler must: Help “tune” the engine for peak performance; Reduce noise to legal levels; Meet
MACS Show: Technical Session Coverage
Once a year, the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) hosts a trade show for A/C shop owners and technicians. This year’s event in Orlando, FL, provided a wealth of service information to those who attended the technical sessions. For those who couldn’t be there, we pass along some of the highlights from the technical sessions.
Muscling in on Restoration Work: Part 2
There’s a hot trend in the automotive aftermarket to return car owners to the past. Literally. Today, aging baby boomers are spending big money on “recapturing the rapture” of the cars of their youth. Just turn on your television any evening and you’re sure to find some type of automotive program on the cable and
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ls, appear to be the next generation of fuel injection for gasoline engines. The reasons for implementing this technology are legislative, and also include market requirements that drive the need to reduce fuel consumption, while at the same time, meet the increasingly stringent exhaust emissions regulations. According to engineers at Delphi Corp., gasoline direct injection
Chrysler Neon 2.0L
When Chrysler introduced their new Neon models back in 1995 under the Dodge and Plymouth nameplates, they said they were launching a new generation of “fun-to-drive” entry-level cars that would appeal to a wide range of people. Everything was new about the Neon: a brand new body, a brand new chassis and two new engines,
Nissan Brake/ABS Service Essentials
If you’re an import specialist technician reading this magazine, you’re very familiar with brake repair and service. Although the nuts and bolts have changed little over the years, it’s never a bad idea to look at even the most routine job, since ABS has certainly redefined the problems we encounter as well as the changed
OBD II Diagnostics:Tips And Tricks to Make the Process Easier
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) can be a golden light of opportunity for your shop. If the light comes on, it means the Onboard Diagnostics II system (OBD II) has detected an emissions-related problem. OBD II is designed to turn on the MIL if a problem occurs that may cause emissions to exceed federal limits