101 Performance Projects for Your BMW 3 Series 1982-2000 (Motorbooks Workshop) (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

Auto Express, April 18, 2007
“It is the well-written text which sets this apart.”

Product Description

Since its introduction in 1975, the BMW 3-series has earned a reputation as one of the world’s greatest sports sedans. Unfortunately, it has also proven one of the more expensive to service and maintain. This book is dedicated to the legion of BMW 3-series owners who adore their cars and enjoy restoring, modifying, and maintaining them to perfection; its format allows more of these enthusiasts to get out into the garage and work on their BMWs—and in the process, to save a fortune.
 
Created with the weekend mechanic in mind, this extensively illustrated manual offers 101 projects that will help you modify, maintain, and enhance your BMW 3-series sports sedan. Focusing on the 1984–1999 E30 and E36 models, 101 Performance Projects for Your BMW 3-Series presents all the necessary information, covers all the pitfalls, and assesses all the costs associated with performing an expansive array of weekend projects.
 
 

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Motorbooks; 1st edition (September 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760326959
• ISBN-13: 978-0760326954
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #25,598 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's a good companion to the Bentley manual, December 27, 2006

By	David R. Hicks (Arlington, Va.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Wayne Dempsey's new book should be a companion to, not a substitute for, the Bentley repair manual. Wayne tries to generalize a how-to article enough to cover 18 years and 5 different engines. It can be annoying, although a few of the projects are car- or engine-specific. Most such projects are specific to the e36 cars, rather than e30s. For non-specific projects, e36 photos are generally used. If you have an e36, the photos alone are worth the price of the book. They are much better than the Bentley. Even if you own an e30, the photos are still very helpful.

The great thing is it has a more narrative form than the Bentley, and explains a little more of the why and how, rather than just step-by-step instuctions. Wayne also spends a little more time talking about logistics. For example, the Bentley hardly even mentions the horrible top-bolts holding the transmission to the engine, but this book spends a couple paragraphs going over techniques and possible combination of tools to remove them.

Also, the word "performance" in the title is a little misleading. Most of the projects are general maintenance items.

Bottoms line -- it's a nice book to have around for any 3-series DIYer, and arguable a must-have for a e36 owner.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Your BMW paper toolbox!, March 9, 2007

By	morten loenning (Fredrikstad,Norway) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a great book for Bmw owners who enjoy doing repairs and modifications yourself.Though this is mainly a mechanics related book,it offers info and tips on bodymods,wheels and exterior.

The book is easy to read and is backed up by some great pictures showing each step of the prosess.The colourpictures are great for showing what the parts and problem area looks like.In all the projects featured in this book,the author also gives hints on brandnames and price. It is useful not only for those who wants to upgrade their car,but also for the DIY mechanic who needs info on those everyday smalljobs of replacing worn parts and general maintainance.

Highly recomended as a supplement in your BMW toolbox!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars E30 Owners - This book is NOT for you., March 16, 2008

By	Cheap-n-Easy (Triad, NC) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

I am restoring a 1990 E30 325iA Convertible. It's mostly mechanical stuff that needs replacing, so I thought this book would be a good companion. It's unfortunately not and I am retuning mine. This book is almost exclusively written for E36 projects. There si really only one project I can remember specifically written for the E30 ... timing belt repalcement. Control arm repair instructions initially look like they are for both models, but then again the E30 control arm mounting points are much more difficult to reach (passenger side) than those on the E36, so no help here either. If you know the 3-series, you know that the E30 and E36 are VERY different. The articles often indicate "For all years", but that is a long stretch in my view. Most projects and the tips and tricks mentioned are not applicable to the E30. All engine project pictures are for the E36 M50 VANOS engine and not for the E30 M20 six (except the tming belt project pictures). Interior shots and drive train photos are also all from the E36 ... no E30 help here either. I just did my brakes all around and there are significant differences.

I find this book not at all helpful for my E30. So be aware and informed about what you are buying. I personally think the title is very misleading. Don't get me wrong it is a great book ... but really only for the E36 owner. On top there is the very good "Bentley" repair manual specific to the E30 (available for other BMW models too!). No reason to get this book if you already have the Bentley. Or get the Bentley and you have a manual specific to the E30 and much more helpful. The author should call it what it is ... an E36 projects book.