BMW Diagnostics: Fault Code and Service Reset Tool

Ever been on a spirited drive in your bimmer and had that troublesome "service engine soon" light or "check engine" light take all the fun out of your day? Your BMW is a precision built machine that constantly monitors operating systems to ensure a high level performance. If there is any problem with operation, or time for a maintenance issue to be addressed, it will trigger one of these warning lights. BMP Design has a compact tool that can properly read and report BMW engine and service codes safely and easily. Having the ability to properly diagnose engine lights from a parking lot, garage, or roadside is a valuable asset that saves you time and gives you peace of mind.

A warning light should never be ignored and can range from anything as simple as a loose gas cap to a serious timing issue. It's never fun to go to a mechanic and pay over a hundred dollar fee to find out a technician only had to replace your radiator cap or pay for a costly engine repair that could have been prevented by having that engine light checked sooner. Our fault code reader can quickly and easily give you an accurate reading of what your engine light is trying to tell you as it happens. Built specifically for BMW applications, our fault code reader reads and displays all BMW-factory fault codes.

Warning lights also come on to indicate routine maintenance issues such as brake component replacement and oil service.  A routine BMW oil service with system reset can run anywhere from $100-$150 at a service shop, but with our service reset tool the same oil service can be performed at home for a fraction of the cost. A "must have" for any at-home or independent service mechanic, this service reset tool is an inexpensive way to save time and money.

*Designed for most BMW's built between 1987 and 2006, not compatible with the newest condition based service system implemented in 2006-2007 on several models. Models from 2001-2006 may need a 16 pin under the dash adapter.

BMW Shock and Strut Removal Socket

Over time, the ride and handling of your vehicle degrades from normal wear and tear on your struts and shocks. Our local service shop regularly replaces several struts and rear shocks on E36 and E46 3-Series BMWs as well as E34 and E39 5-Series BMWs from this type of wear. Routine replacement of these parts is the only way to keep your BMW at its original performance level, and is an excellent way to upgrade your suspension if you are looking for a sportier feel. BMW struts and shocks are simple to replace, but require a proper torque and tightening procedure for the lock nut to avoid damaging or breaking the delicate mounting stud.

Past practice has typically been to use a high speed impact gun to lock down shock center nuts, unfortunately spinning the internal shock components or applying an uneven weight could cause damage to the piston inside the shock.  Improper tightening of the lock nut may also result in breaking of the fragile upper shock center stud. Neither of these conditions would be covered by any manufacturers warranty.

BMP is proud to announce a new tool that makes strut and shock replacement easy and safe with no additional special tools required.  Any 1/2" drive socket wrench and appropriate allen wrench will work with our new Strut Removal Socket.  The factory upper front strut nut is typically 21mm, while most replacement struts or performance struts use a 22mm nut size.  We recommend the 2 piece kit for proper removal and installation of any replacement shock or strut on your model BMW.

21mm socket (Part Number 133128)

22mm socket (Part Number 33129)

Combination 21mm and 22mm socket kit (Part Number 33127)

We recommend replacing strut tower mounts at the time of strut replacement as they wear out with the struts.

BMW E36 M3 Aluminum Radiator

Application: All 6 Cylinder M3 e36 94-99 and 325i

Upgrade for factory radiator 17111728908

Upgrade for factory thermostat housing 11531722531

Upgrade for factory water pump 11517527799

Upgrade for factory water pump pulleys 11511730554

Upgrade 420mm fan blade 11521712058

The Mishimoto all aluminum BMW e36 M3 radiator is an ideal upgrade, or a more reliable direct replacement for the BMW factory 17111728908 radiator.  Most people overlook the importance of installing an upgraded radiator when doing performance upgrades, or if the vehicle is operated in hot desert climates.  The heavy duty all aluminum construction will give your vehicle a cooler, more efficient running engine. This conversion adds the next level of reliability by eliminating the plastic end tanks of the factory units. The Mishimoto all aluminum radiator will increase cooling by over 30%. The added cooling system capacity will increase engine life and performance by stabilizing engine operating temperatures.

High pressure welds VS Crimped Plastic

An all aluminum radiator will consist of an aluminum cooling core along with aluminum tanks. These pieces are joined and welded at the seams, not glued or crimped. Increased cooling capacity is accomplished by using a double row core (2 oversized rows of cooling cores) stacked back to back. This design also increases the fluid capacity for a more stable temperature control.

Why select an all aluminum BMW M3 radiator, over the factory plastic/aluminum style?

Since the late 70’s all BMW radiators have consisted of an aluminum cooling core with plastic end tanks. The tanks and core are joined with an “O” ring seal, and integrated aluminum crimp clamps on the radiator core. These plastic end tanks are the weak link and will typically fail after 3-4 years of heat cycling. In some situations even sooner if the vehicle has been over heated. The rubber “O” ring seal joint also has a tendency to start leaking. 

Most BMW M3 E36 cooling system issues are the result of a failure of one or several of the plastic factory cooling system components. These include the radiators with plastic coolant tanks, plastic thermostat housings, and the plastic water pump impellers. We recommend replacing these plastic parts with aluminum designs for better stability and performance.