How to ID Fuchs Rims


1. Examine the center of the rim for any type of name of logo. Many rim manufacturers place their name or logo in this location. Early Fuchs rims had a fox's head stamped on them.
2. Remove the tire, if possible, and look for any markings or name on the back. Some manufacturers place their ID on the back of the rim.
3. Search the rim for any forging numbers stamped on it. Fuchs often placed forging numbers on their rims for ID purposes. Check any numbers with a rim dealer to ID the rim.
4. Compare late model rims that are believed to be Fuchs rims with photos of the rims shown on the company's website.
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How to Hook Up a Turbo Timer in the Audi TT


1. Disconnect the TT's battery terminals to avoid electrical shock during turbo timer installation. Remove the fuse box panel located at the driver's side end of the dashboard by gently prying it with a flat-head screwdriver. Remove the three 8mm bolts that hold the dash panel into place -- one is under the fuse box cover, and the other two are along the underside of the dash. Disconnect any anchored wires from the rear of the dash panel, then lift it free.
2. Locate the TT's wiring harness, located at the at the left side of the exposed dash portion. Use wire cutters to strip approximately 10mm of insulation from the TT's ignition wire -- the thick black wire in the harness that leads into the TT's ignition key slot. Wrap the turbo timer ignition wire around the exposed portion of the black TT ignition wire. Pinch the connection secure, then wrap in electrical tape.
3. Splice the turbo timer 12V source wire into any of the stock TT 12V wires. There are several 12V sources in the TT wiring harness. These are the wires with red insulation. Route the spliced turbo timer ignition and 12V source wires through the dash area, and connect them to their designated terminals at the back of the turbo timer device.
4. Loosen the 8mm hex bolt just above the TT's exposed fuse box. Wrap the turbo timer's black ground wire securely around the neck of the 8mm bolt, then retighten it. Route the black ground wire through the dash, and connect to its designated terminal on the turbo timer device.
5. Remove the rear ashtray from your TT's center console by firmly pulling up on it. Beneath you will see the TT's parking brake switch. It's the brown wire with a white strip, leading into the center console area.
6. Splice the turbo timer parking brake wire into the TT's parking brake switch. Route the turbo timer parking brake wire along the bottom of the center console, up into the exposed dash area, and connect it to its terminal on the rear of the turbo timer device. Tuck all excess wiring underneath the center console cover. Secure any hanging wires in the dash area to the stock wiring harness with electrical tape.
7. Replace the plastic dash panel and fuse box cover by the opposite procedure of removal. Using the supplied double-sided tape, mount the turbo timer into place atop the TT's steering column.
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How to Change a Tire on an SLK 350


1. Open the trunk and pull up the floor panel to access the spare tire, jack and wheel wrench.
2. Unscrew the bolt, by hand, securing the spare tire in the trunk and remove the tire. Take out the wheel wrench and the jack. Then place the spare tire and the tools next to the flat tire.
3. Loosen the bolts on the flat tire with the wheel wrench. Do not take them off yet.
4. Place the jack with the jack head under the jack point on the vehicle's frame. The top of the jack will fit into the jack point. Raise your Mercedes high enough to slide the tires on and off the car.
5. Remove the bolts on the flat tire and slide the tire off the wheel.
6. Slide the spare tire onto the wheel.
7. Screw on the bolts by hand.
8. Lower the car to the ground with the jack.
9. Screw the bolts on with the wheel wrench.
10. Store the flat tire and the tools in the trunk.
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How to Repair a Scratched Headlight Lens in the BMW 528i


1. Spray lukewarm water on the scratched headlight lens with the spray bottle to clean and prepare the lens for sanding. Spray your 400-grit sandpaper with water until it is saturated.
2. Sand the scratched lens with the 400-grit sandpaper. Continue sanding until the paper is worn down and is no longer effective. Spray the lens with water to clear off sand particles and debris accumulated during the sanding process. Dry off the lens with a clean terry cloth towel.
3. Apply 2000-grit sandpaper, following the sanding instructions referenced in Step 2. This causes a fine haze to develop over the lens. Spray the lens with water and dry off the lens to remove sand particles.
4. Squeeze the polish onto the pad of your electrical power buffer or onto a clean terry cloth towel. Apply the polish in a circular motion on the lens to buff out the scratches. Wipe the polish residue off with a clean towel. Repeat the polish application and wiping process three times to remove all scratches and abrasions.
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How to Replace the Door Lock Actuator in a BMW Z3


1. Use a socket wrench to disconnect your vehicle's battery by removing the negative cable.
2. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry off the clips securing the door panel to the door.
3. Peel off the plastic insulation from the door and raise the window as far as it will go.
4. Use a socket wrench to remove the two securing bolts on the door that hold in the lock.
5. Use a Torx screwdriver to remove the Torx screw from the outer window channel. Remove the 10-mm bolt from the channel with a socket wrench.
6. Disconnect the actuator's electrical wiring connector and remove its retaining bolts with a socket wrench. Remove the actuator from the door.
7. Attach a replacement actuator to the door and reinstall the retaining bolts. Reconnect the wiring connector and reattach the Torx screw and bolt to the window channel.
8. Reattach the plastic insulation and the door panel. Reconnect the battery.
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How do I Replace the Ignition Switch on an E21 BMW?


1. Open up the hood of your BMW and disconnect the negative cable from the negative battery terminal. This can be done by loosening the bolt on the terminal with a wrench and pulling the negative cable away from the battery.
2. Enter the driver's seat of your vehicle. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the upper steering column shroud in place. Lift the shroud away from the steering column.
3. Use your hands to press in the center pin of the two rivets to gain access to the mounting screws on the lower shroud. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the mounting screws and lift the lower shroud away from the column.
4. Pull the electrical connector away from the ignition switch. This can be done by simply pulling it away from the switch with your hands. Lift the ignition switch out of the steering column.
5. Place the new ignition switch into the steering column. Place the electrical connector back into the switch. Reattach the upper and lower steering column shroud by following the removal steps 2 and 3 in reverse. Place the negative cable back on the battery terminal and fix in place with the clamp bolt.
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How to Install a Custom BMW Stereo


1. Lift the hood of the BMW to access the battery terminals. Use a 10 mm wrench to loosen the bolt that secures the negative battery cable clamp to the negative battery terminal. Move the cable away from the battery. Move to the inside of the vehicle.
2. Open the vents at the center of the dashboard. Use a flat screwdriver to pry the retaining clip inside the vent downward to release the vent assembly. Remove the vents from the dashboard.
3. Remove the two screws above the stereo unit with the Phillips-head screwdriver.
4. Slide the factory stereo from the dashboard stereo dock and unplug the stereo wiring and antenna cable from the back of the stock unit.
5. Place the BMW stereo installation kit faceplate into the empty dock in the center of the dashboard. Slide the faceplate into the opening until it snaps into place on both sides.
6. Pull the stereo wiring and antenna cable through the front of the newly installed kit.
7. Connect the stereo wiring to the wiring harness adapter. The stereo wiring may be compatible with the new stereo. If not, use a wiring harness adapter to bridge the compatibility gap between the BMW and the aftermarket stereo.
8. Plug the wiring harness adapter leads into the outlets on the back of the new stereo. The stereo wiring outlets are commonly found stacked vertically on the right side of the stereo's rear panel.
9. Plug the BMW's antenna cable into the outlet on the opposite side of the stereo's rear panel.
10. Slide the new stereo into the opening provided by the installation kit. Push the stereo into the faceplate until it locks firmly into place.
11. Screw in the two screws that were removed from the factory stereo mount at the top of the new faceplate adapter.
12. Align the vents above the stereo on the dashboard. Press firmly against the outer edges of the vent assembly to snap it back into place within the dash. Return to the battery.
13. Replace the negative battery cable clamp around the negative battery terminal lead. Use the 10 mm wrench to tighten the cable's clamp to the BMW's negative battery lead post. Close the hood.
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How to Shift a Tiptronic Transmission


1. Press the accelerator until the car reaches 2,500 or so rpm. This will happen quickly if you are starting from a stationary position.
2. Press the paddle to shift into the next higher gear.
3. Repeat this process through all of the gears, shifting down when necessary.
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How to Maintain an Old Mercedes


1. Have your Mercedes-Benz serviced based on the recommended schedule outlined in your car's maintenance manual. If you don't have a maintenance manual, any Mercedes dealership will recommend a schedule based on the model and age of your car. However, Mercedes-Benz recommends that you schedule maintenance service every 12,000 miles and alternate major and minor service appointments.
2. Replace the brake fluid every two years, preferably in the spring.
3. Check the coolant before the beginning of the hot and cold seasons.
4. Have the oil and oil filter changed every 3,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. Depending on the age of your car, it may not have the oil change indicator light that is standard on newer models, so you should keep a log of oil changes. Older engines are more sensitive and need regular oil changes.
5. Rotate your tires every 5,000 miles, and replace them every 60,000 miles or three years. Tires that show considerable tread wear should also be replaced, regardless of the three-year or 60,000-mile mark. You should also maintain the appropriate tire pressure, which can be found on the inside of the driver's door.
6. Wash the exterior with a gentle liquid soap and dust and vacuum the interior every two to four weeks (or as needed). Dry the car with a soft chamois cloth or towel. After washing, use Mercedes-Benz Paint Cleaner to clean any oxidation or other stains that did not wash away with soap and water. Regularly apply leather conditioning to your car's interior leather to maintain the suppleness of the leather.
7. Wax your car every two to three months, or as needed. If water no longer beads on your car after rain or washing, it's time to wax your car, which helps maintain paint color and protects the car's finish from the elements.
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How to Remove the Convertible Top for a BMW 325i


1. Turn on the car engine. It is possible to engage the battery by simply turning on the radio; however, BMW advises that this may drain the battery and the procedure should be done when the car is running.
2. Fold the cargo partition in the trunk down. Lock it into place on both sides to create space in which to store the retractable roof.
3. Ensure the windshield is clear of any obstructions. Locate the convertible button in the center dash, next to the handbrake. Push the button to retract the roof of the car. If you are outside of the car, use the convertible button on the remote to operate the roof retraction system.
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