Stock Cars Review

1. Apply the parking brake on your 2007 Mercedes. Place the jack under the frame of the front end of the vehicle. Raise the vehicle so you can slide jack stands under each side behind the wheels. Lower the car onto the stands.
2. Slide underneath your car and locate the oil pan, which is near the front of the car in the center. Place the drain pan under the pan plug. Remove the oil pan plug and allow all the old oil to drain out. Wipe off any excess oil from the opening, and replace the pan plug tightly.
3. Locate the oil filter, which is underneath and on the side of the engine. Use the oil filter wrench to unscrew and remove the old filter. Place the filter open-side down into the drain pan. Use the rag to wipe off the filter port opening. Screw in the new oil filter. Use the filter wrench to secure it in place. It should be tight enough that it cannot be loosened by hand.
4. Slide out from under the car. Jack up the car, and pull out the jack stands. Release the jack to bring the vehicle back to level ground. Open the drivers side door, and pull the hood release lever under the dash near the floor to open the hood.
5. Open the hood and locate the Engine Oil port, which is near the front of the engine and next to the dipstick. Unscrew and remove the cap. Insert the funnel, and pour in the new oil. Replace the Engine Oil cap. Pull out the dipstick and wipe off the end with the rag. Reinsert the dipstick, and pull it out a second time. Examine the end of the stick to make sure the oil level reaches the Full mark. If it does not, add oil and recheck.

1. Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal on the battery. Locate the alternator, which is located on the front, left side of the engine and will have a belt attached to it and which drives it when the car is running.
2. Remove the belt that drives the alternator. Remove the small plastic cap that covers and protects the tensioner. Place the appropriately sized Allen tool in the tensioner and turn it clockwise or counterclockwise--the direction will vary, depending on the year of the car. Slide the belt off the tensioner once it is loosened and maneuver it out of the engine bay.
3. Unbolt the alternator from the pivot bracket with a socket and ratchet. Since the belt holds the alternator tight, it is only held on with one bolt on the pivot bracket. It is quite easy to remove.
4. Disconnect the electrical connections that are fastened to the rear of the alternator. Draw a diagram of how and where the wires are attached or take a photograph so that the wires are re-fastened to the back of the alternator in the correct orientation. If they are installed incorrectly, it could damage the electrical system.
5. Remove the nut that holds the pulley onto the old alternator. The best way to remove it is to use an impact wrench. Place the appropriately sized socket on the impact wrench and then spin the nut off with the impact wrench. Remove the pulley, install it on the new alternator and then install the nut back on with the impact wrench.
6. Reconnect all of the wires to the back of the alternator. Reinstall the alternator on the pivot bracket and tighten the bolt on the bracket. Reinstall the belt and the belt tensioner. Put the plastic cover back on the tensioner. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

1. Open the hood on the Audi and secure.
2. Remove two screws on top of the headlight assembly with the Phillips screwdriver. This is the part that holds it in place.
3. Locate the two screws at the base of the headlight assembly inside the engine compartment. Unscrew them using the long flat edged screwdriver.
4. Pull the headlight assembly out carefully about 4 inches.
5. Reach around the back of the headlight assembly. Release the metal clip that secures the wiring on the back of the headlight.
6. Pull the headlight out carefully towards yourself.

1. Remove the two bolts that secure the water outlet housing to the Audis engine with a socket and ratchet. With the bolts removed, lift the housing off the engine to expose the thermostat.
2. Note the positioning of the thermostat inside the engine. When you replace the thermostat, you must install it with the same positioning. Pull the old thermostat out of the engine and plug the hole with a shop rag.
3. Remove the old gasket from the engine with a wire brush or metal scraper. Do the same for the old gasket material stuck to the bottom of the water outlet housing.
4. Pull out the shop rag from the engine and install the new thermostat into position. Place a new gasket over the thermostat.
5. Place the water outlet housing onto the gasket and secure both to the engine with the socket and ratchet.

1. Locate your Mercedes SmartKey, which locks, unlocks and starts the vehicle.
2. Press the unlock button on your SmartKey. The unlock button has an open padlock on it. If you press the button once, the drivers door and the fuel filler door open. Pressing the unlock button twice will also unlock the fuel filler door as well as the passenger doors.
3. Press the right side of your fuel filler door to open it.

Fuel Pump Replacement
1. Before attempting to remove the old fuel pump, disconnect the negative battery cable using a 12-mm socket. Place a block under the front wheels to prevent rolling. Locate the electric fuel pump under the rear floor panel. Jack up the left rear of the car and support it on a jack stand. This will provide plenty of room for you to remove the fuel pump.
2. Remember that gas is highly flammable, so keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the intake and outlet hoses from the fuel pump. Use bolts to plug up the inlet and outlet hoses to prevent gas from leaking.
3. Using an 8-mm socket, disconnect the negative and positive wires from the fuel pump. Unbolt and remove the fuel pump and vibration pads with a 14-mm socket. Compare the old fuel pump to the new one to ensure that you are installing the correct replacement part.
4. Install the new fuel pump. Secure it to the Mercedes-Benz 450SL using the 14-mm socket. Connect the brown negative wire to the negative brown terminal and the positive red/black wire to the red positive terminal on the fuel pump. Using the Phillips screwdriver, connect the inlet and outlet hoses to the fuel pump. If a secure connection cannot be made, you may need to replace the hose clamps.
5. Remove the jack stand and lower the vehicle to the ground. Reconnect the negative battery cable and start the car. Check under the rear floor panel for fuel leaks.

1. Put on strong, thick work gloves.
2. Pry the trim up with a large flathead screwdriver. Pull the trim off the back glass with your hands.
3. Remove the gasket under the trim by prying it up with the flathead screwdriver and pulling it away from the glass with your hands.
4. Wedge a thin knife between the glass and the frame and move it in and out until the glass separates from the frame. Work your way around the glass until it comes loose.
5. Go into the back seat and push the glass outward from the top. Set a small piece of plywood between the glass and the frame to prop it up.
6. Go outside the car and pull the glass off the rear of the vehicle.

1. Loosen the lugs on the wheels using a 1/2-inch ratchet wrench and lug socket. Place wheel blocks on the opposite end of the vehicle being lifted. Position a hydraulic lift under a structural body point and lift the vehicle. Use a pair of jack stands to secure the vehicle on each side, placing them under structure points.
2. Remove the lugs and place inside the wheel. Slide the wheel under the vehicle as close to the work area as possible for extra security. Remove the four retainer bolts holding the caliper to the wheel assembly using the Allen wrench set. Gently tap the caliper with the rubber mallet to remove from the rotor.
3. Use the C-clamp to push the caliper piston to its full open position while the original brake pads are still installed. Remove the original brake pads by prying the clips off the caliper unit with a screwdriver. Install the new brake pads by fitting them into place and prying the clip onto the indented spots of the caliper.
4. Place the caliper back into position over the rotor. Tighten each retention bolt to the specified torque. Reinstall the wheel and hand tighten the lugs. Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle. Use the 1/2-inch ratchet wrench and lug socket to ensure each lug is tightened to the recommended torque. Enter the vehicle and press the brake pedal until it becomes stiff. Repeat for each wheel.

1. Locate the OBD (onboard diagnostics) port in your Mercedes by referencing the owners manual. Typically, the ODB port is located underneath the steering wheel.
2. Insert the plug coming from your code reader tool into the OBD port, then turn your Mercedes ignition to the Accessories position so that the stereo and associated electronics are activated.
3. Allow the code scanner to automatically scan for any codes that will be outputted once the cars electronics system is activated.
4. Take note of the codes that are displayed on the screen of your code reader as you will need to reference this list.
5. Contact your Mercedes Benz dealer or an authorized mechanic and request a translation of the error codes. Alternatively, many auto parts stores carry books in-house that will allow you to determine what the codes mean and which parts of your 4Matic system are failing.

1. Turn the 2003 BMW 330i master key over -- find the small rectangular door on the back of the key.
2. Note the small slot at the bottom of the door and place a thin-blade, flat-head screwdriver in the slot.
3. Gently twist the screwdriver to lift the door. If that doesnt work, use the screwdriver to gently pry off the door.
4. Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws located under the door that covers the battery.
5. Separate the two pieces of the key and remove the battery cover to access the battery.
6. Use the small, flat-head screwdriver to lift the battery out, if required.
7. Install the new battery as in the picture on the back of the battery cover, with the positive and negative poles facing in the right direction.
8. Reinstall the battery cover and put the key back together in the reverse manner that it was removed.

Removing Door Panels
1. Place your large flat head screwdriver into the crease between the wood trim and leather upholstery located on your door panel. Pry off the wood trim on the door panel starting from the back to the front of the vehicle. Place the wood trim aside for reinstallation.
2. Pull down on the two plastic caps underneath the door armrest to remove them. Place the caps aside for reinstallation.
3. Slide your small flat head screwdriver between the plastic and leather crease of the window control plug on the top of the arm rest. Pry upward to remove the plug. Place the control plug aside for reinstallation.
4. Locate and remove two screws underneath the wood trim you removed in Step 1 using your torx t-20 screwdriver. Place the screws aside for reinstallation. Find and unscrew two screws underneath the armrest where you unplugged the two caps in Step 2 using your torx t-20 screwdriver. Find and remove one screw underneath the window plug you detached in Step 3 using your torx t-20 screwdriver.
5. Wedge your fingers between the door panel and the door, starting at the back of the door panel. Move your fingers clockwise down the door panel and pry the panel away from the door.
6. Hold onto the door panel, keeping it close to the door so that the wires connected behind the door panel do not rip out. Look behind the door panel and locate the two wire connections near the speaker and the white plastic piece in the center of the panel that connects to the door handle.
7. Depress both sides of the plastic connector pieces attached to the wires and pull away to release the wires from the door panel, allowing the panel to detach from the door.

1. Inspect the outside edge of the drivers side seat in your Chevy vehicle. Look for the buttons labeled 1 and 2. If your Chevy doesnt have them, it does not have the memory seat feature.
2. Sit in the drivers-side seat and adjust the seat to fit your proportions by pushing the power-seat selector up or down to raise or lower the seat. Push it back or forth to adjust your seat-track position. If your Chevy has electronic lumbar, adjust it using the side lumbar control. as well, which will also be saved into your memory seating position.
3. Press and hold the 1 button. Youll hear a chime in about five seconds notifying you that the memory seat is programmed to the current position.
4. Repeat the process for memory position 2. To recall either position, simply press the 1 or 2 button when you enter the car. The seat will automatically adjust to the programmed position.

1. Remove the coil pack cover with a ratchet. The cover is held on by six bolts.
2. Unplug the coil that needs to be replaced.
3. Remove the coil with a ratchet. The coil is held on by two 10mm bolts. Once you have the bolts removed, pull firmly and the coil will come out.
4. Install the new coil and tighten it with a ratchet.
5. Reconnect the coil connector.
6. Attach the coil pack cover back onto the valve cover and tighten the bolts with a ratchet.

1. Find the interior fuse panel for your vehicle. The vehicles manual will provide you with the location if you are having difficulty.
2. Place the GPS in the location on the dashboard you would like to it permanently be. Run the power wire towards the window and along the crevice between the glass and the dashboard in the direction of the fuse panel.
3. Connect the plug from the GPS power wire to the 12 volt female auto accessory socket.
4. Strip 1/4 inch off the insulated cover of the black and red wire and attach these to the wires on 12 volt female auto accessory socket using the butt connectors. The red wire will attach with the positive wire and the black to the negative wire. The butt connectors work by placing the two wires in either end and compressing the connector using a pair of pliers. Assure the connection is tight by gently pulling on the two wires.
5. Strip 1/4 inch off the end of the black wire and attach it to a suitable ground near the fuse panel. An automobile uses the metal frame as the electrical ground, thus most bare metal will work. Find a bolt in the metal and loosen it enough to slide the bare wire under it and tighten it back down.
6. Strip 1/4 inch off the red wire and attach it to the fuse tap using a butt connector.
7. Push the fuse tap into a empty slot in the fuse panel and put the 10 amp fuse in the fuse tap.
8. Organize the wires and attach them under the dash or near the fuse panel using the cable ties.

1. Open your hood and remove the air filter. Hold it up to the light. You should be able to see through the filter. If you cannot, this means its dirty and needs to be replaced. The purpose of the air filter is to filter out any debris that enters the air system. This prevents damage to your engine. Dirty air filters can cause clogs in your hoses and your Audi will run poorly with inadequate air flow.
2. Check your brakes during tire rotations and changes. Brakes should be replaced when they are about 75 to 80 percent worn. Any more, and they can cause damage and scoring into your rotors, which will require rotor replacement as well. How often you need to replace your brakes depends on how much driving you do. More driving and frequent stopping wears the pads out faster.
3. Change the oil in your Audi TT every 3,000 miles or at least every three months to keep the oil fresh. The oil lubricates the moving parts of your engine and keeps it clean. The oil filter will need to be changed with each oil change. This filters out dirt and debris that can cause engine damage and sludge. Check the oil level in your Audi every month to ensure there are no oil leaks and that your oil is at the correct level.
4. Check the air pressure in your tires often. Especially between seasons when the temperatures fluctuate. This can cause a decrease in pressure, which causes pull on the tires. This can wear out the tread on your tires faster. Make sure tires are always fully inflated. Replace the tires once the tread is fairly worn.
5. Get a tune up every couple years. This involves replacing all the spark plugs, hoses, and belts even if they do not look worn. Also, have the coolant flushed and replaced with new fluid. This will head of any possible mechanical problems before they have a chance to start. This prevents any air leakage that you may not know about with old hoses or squeaky belts. It helps keep the engine running smooth.
6. Clean your Audis interior by vacuuming the seats and floors regularly. This will pick up any dirt or debris you may carry in on your shoes. It will keep it from getting ground into the fabric and causing stains. Wash the outside of your car often and apply a coat of wax a couple times a year. This will prevent fading of the paint.

1. Determine where the majority of your driving will be done. If you drive in winter and cold weather climates, consider the sport option on the X5 which includes heated seats, headlight wipers and frost and fog-free headlamps.
2. Customize the X5 by getting the third bench seat option. This gives the X5 additional seating in the back storage hatch area; this is a solid custom option for larger families.
3. Add additional fog lamps or headlights to the front grill should you live where heavy fogs or snow is present. These lights also shed extra light should you live in an area with deer, moose or other wildlife that may be in the road during night-time hours.
4. Consult the Thule or Yakima rack options for the X5. Get a rack designed to transport anything from bicycles to kayaks, surfboards or skis to round out the X5 custom options.

1. Turn on the car so the engine is running.
2. Locate the R or Reset button to the left of your instrument panel. Press the reset button twice. In the display screen in your instrument panel, you should see the amount of time left before your next oil change.
3. Turn off the car.
4. Hold the reset button down and simultaneously turn on the engine again. Hold the button down until the display screen beeps. You will see the FSS light reset.

1. Open the hood of your Mercedes, and remove the negative (-) battery cable with the socket set.
2. Locate the airflow meter. It will be mounted between your Mercedes air filter and intake manifold.
3. Remove the mounting bolts that hold the MAF housing in place with the socket set.
4. Remove the hose clamp that holds the hose in place on the back of the MAF housing, and then pull the hose off.
5. Remove the MAF sensor from its housing by unscrewing the retaining bolts and pulling it free from the main housing.
6. Spray the sensor off thoroughly with the canned air, and wipe the sensor down well with a clean rag.
7. Reverse the steps to put the mass air sensor back in place.

1. Drive the 325is to your garage or a parking lot. Turn the fan on and feel for any air coming out the vents. If there is no air, then the blower motor needs to be replaced. Put the 325is into Park, then engage the parking brake so there is no danger of gear slippage during the repair. Make sure you have room to maneuver around the front of the BMW for the removal process. Turn the BMW off and open the hood and trunk.
2. Go into the trunk of the BMW and disconnect the negative battery cable from the cars battery. The battery is located in the trunk of the 325is for better weight allocation. Go around to the front of the 325is and prop the hood up with the hood prop stick. The blower motor assembly will be mounted with six screws against the rear firewall. Remove the screws with a Phillips-head screwdriver and pull the blow motor assembly off the firewall.
3. Press the pressure clips on either side of the motor and pull the motor from the blower assembly. If the blower motor has burnt out, then there will be a smell of ozone in the air. If the fan has broken, then some of the blades will be snapped off. In either case the blower needs to be replaced. Disconnect the power wire from the rear of the motor and then connect the power wire to a new blower motor.
4. Slide the blower motor into the blower assembly until you hear the clips click. Then screw the assembly back on the firewall. Tighten all the screws down by hand, as high-torque power drivers could crack the assembly. Close the hood and then go around to the trunk to reconnect the negative battery cable. Close the trunk and then turn the BMW 325is on. Turn the fan up and feel for any air. If there is no air flowing, then the power cord was not plugged in flush. Take the blower motor out and reseat the power cord.

1. Lift the wiper arm and wiper off the windshield. Pushing the small retaining clip, remove the wiper blade assembly from the arm. If you are having trouble releasing the clips, use a small blade screwdriver as a pry. Gently return the arm back to the windshield.
2. Locate and release the retaining clip or pin that holds the insert onto the blade frame assembly. If there is no retaining clip, use a pair of needle nose pliers to gently bend the retaining point up so the insert can slide out. Slide the insert with the two metal shafts on either side off the blade frame.
3. Install the new insert with the metal shafts on both sides by sliding one end into the first blade frame retaining point. Slowly guide the insert and metal shafts into all of the retaining points until it is fully inserted into all of the blade insert holders. There may be 6 or more blade insert holders.
4. Reattach the retaining clip or bend the retaining point back. Check that the insert will not slide out of the wiper blade assembly.
5. Pick up the wiper arm from the windshield and position the wiper blade assembly on the shaft of the arm. Push with steady pressure until it snaps into place. Gently return the wiper blade and arm to the windshield.