Few Questions

[selavia]

I'm going to have a few weeks of nothing to do and I was thinking of finally getting around to doing all the mminor things I need/want to do to my car. So I have a few questions as to where to get parts from, whether I should do it myself and what brands to get.

1) I'm thinking of putting Alpine Type R all around? Are they good for the $$?

2) Should I do the thermostat myself? And if I do it, should I replace the water pump as well?

3) My accessory pulley needs to be replaced? It looks real simple, am I oversimplyfying it, or can I do it?

4) How much of a pain is it to take off the driver's air bag?

5) I've done emergency brakes shoes on Toyotas and I've also done drum shoe replacement on Toyotas and hondas; do youguys think it's much different from a Bimmer?

6) Where can I get brake parts, pulley, and thermostat from? Anywhere that is reliable?

Thanks In Advanced.

Sean

Oh, and BTW, I GET TO KEEP MY CAR!! Yay!! I don't have to sell it anymore!!

 

[Big Daddy]

I am glad you get to keep the BMW! I know nothing about Alpine Type R wheels I assume?

The thermostat is easy and you can do it. How many miles on your car? Are you having overheating problems? If the water pump is not bad I would not replace it at this time. Doing the thermostat does not make doing the water pump at the same time easier or less costly.

Pulleys can be difficult, but with the proper tools you should be able to do this as well.

The driver's airbag is easy to remove, but why? To be totally safe you need a strap to secure the airbag should it deploy while working on it.

I have not done emergency brakes on a BMW yet, but I am thinking it should be fairly easy if you have done others.

I buy most of my parts from Pelican Parts. Check their site, sometimes they have tips and himts links next to the parts your ordering.

 

[selavia]

Big Daddy,
Alpine Type R are speakers. My brother's new car has those speakers and they sound absolutely awesome. I was probably going to go with them. Eh, I'm up in the air about them.

My car is close to 120k. No overheating problems, but when I drive my car, the temp falls; it doesn't stay at midway. I asked the mechanic and he said it's most likely the thermostat.

I want to remove my steering wheel and replace it. When my car was "repaired" after my accident, the "shop" bent the top part of the steering wheel so it's no longer straight; to this day I notice it when I let the steeringwheel return to me after a turn and it urks the sh!t out of me.

I'll look into pelican parts. Thanks.

Sean

 

[Big Daddy]

Sorry about not knowing about the speakers, duh! My daughter had an Alpine Stereo I should have known. I would get them I think they have a good reputation and I know BMW speakers are not known for being great, at least not the older ones. Good luck with the projects an keep us informed.

 

[Tom]

I agree with Dan, if the waterpump isn't bad you shouldn't have to replace it.

I've read that the Type R subs are supposed to be very good. If you want to go the top of the line get the Type X.

You can get BMW parts here.
http://www.pelicanparts.com
http://www.autohausaz.com

 

[connectionsav]

I have Pheonix Gold Saphires (seperates) in my VW Golf and they sound incredible. Also in my opinion a BMW deserves the best (same reason you bought a BMW) so give it the gift of MB Quart. You will not be dissapointed.