How to Use the PCMCIA Flash Card in a Mercedes

1. Purchase a PCMCIA adapter card. Depending on the type of memory cards you have or want to use, you have several options. You can get a Compact Flash PCMCIA adapter card, SD adapter card or even a 6-in-1 adapter that adapts multiple types of flash media.
2. Insert your flash memory card into your computer. You may need an adapter slot for your computer if you do not already have one.
3. Copy and paste your music files from your computer onto the memory card. Organize them into folders by artist, album or genre so you can quickly find them on your Mercedes. Your Mercedes can play MP3, AAC and WMA audio files.
4. Insert the memory card into the PCMCIA adapter.
5. Insert the PCMCIA adapter into the PCMCIA slot on the dashboard of your Mercedes.
6. Turn on the vehicle.
7. Press the 'Disc' button to change the radio to MP3 mode.
8. Use the 'Comand' dial to browse through your media and select a song to play. You can also use the steering wheel-mounted buttons to operate the audio menu while you are driving.

Continue lendo

How to Replace the Head Gasket on a Mercedes

1. Open the hood. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shock. You can disconnect the cable by finding the negative terminal, and using a socket wrench to turn the bolt on the terminal connector counterclockwise.
2. Remove the header, intake and exhaust unit. The removal process will vary based on the model and year of Mercedes. The header is generally bolted on, but it may need to be cut off with a welding torch depending on the age. the intake can be generally removed with a screwdriver by unscrewing the bracket holding it on. The exhaust will have to be cut off with a welding torch.
3. Remove the plastic insignia plate covering your valve cover, if one exists. Remove it by prying it off with your hands or a screwdriver. Plastic insignia plates are generally held on by clips and can be removed by hand. Pull carefully as to not break any clips.
4. Remove each bolt securing the valve cover by turning counterclockwise with a socket wrench.
5. Slide off the valve cover.
6. Flip over the valve cover to view the gaskets.
7. Remove the gaskets from the valve cover by peeling them off. You may need to scrape the remains off with a flat-head screwdriver.
8. Inspect the groove that the gaskets sit in to assure that there is no warping or cracks.
9. Use any automobile cleaner to clean the inside of the valve cover.
10. Place the new gaskets into the valve cover ensuring that they fit in exactly.
11. Place some RTV silicone on each corner of the cam journals to ensure a tight and secure fit. The cam journals are merely the openings to the cam. They are circular in shape, and they are the first thing you'll see when you remove the valve cover.
12. Position the valve cover back in place.
13. Reattach the bolts to secure the valve cover using the correct torque technique. The center bolt is first working side-to-side and outwards.This will insure that the cover sits uniformly.
14. Reattach and reconnect any parts or lines you removed to provide access to the valve cover. The parts removed will vary based on the year and model of your Mercedes. Most Mercedes don't require you to remove anything to get to the valve cover -- other than the plastic insignia plate -- so you won't have anything that you need to reconnect.
15. Press the plastic insignia plate back into place with firm pressure until you hear the clips lock into place.
16. Reconnect the negative terminal of your battery.
17. Test your engine to ensure that it is running properly.

Continue lendo

How to Change the Battery on a 1999 Audi A4

1. Pop the hood. Peel back the rubber molding located between the firewall and the plastic cowl and lift off the plastic cover. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to disconnect the cowl from the windshield area, then disconnect the remaining bolt in the passenger-side corner of the cowl with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Lift the cover away from the vehicle.
2. Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery with the open-end wrench, then follow suit with the positive terminal. Unbolt the battery tie-down strap using a combination of the ratchet and an open-end wrench and lift the battery out of the engine compartment.
3. Set the replacement battery in the engine compartment, making sure that the terminals are in the same orientation as the original battery. Connect the positive terminal, then the negative terminal with a wrench. Reinstall the battery tie-down..
4. Set the windshield cowl back onto its original location and install it with the Phillips-head screwdriver and the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Set the battery cover over the battery and push the rubber molding back over the end.

Continue lendo

How to Replace 1997 BMW Headlights

1. Locate the headlight bulb that needs replacing by opening the hood and finding the back of the headlight assembly. The bulb is enclosed in a black bulb cover.
2. Remove black protective cover by twisting it off the bulb in a counterclockwise direction.
3. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull it from the assembly.
4. Pull the bulb out of the socket.
5. Push the new bulb into the socket. Be sure to wear gloves or use a rag to hold the new bulb. Oil from the body can cause bulbs to heat unevenly, causing breakage and cracking.
6. Push the socket back into the headlight assembly and turn clockwise to lock. Cover the bulb with the black bulb cover, then turn cover clockwise to lock.
7. Test your headlight bulb by turning on the engine to see if the headlight is working properly.

Continue lendo

How to Remove Climate Control From a Mercedes

1. Open the vehicle's hood and disconnect the battery's negative cable with a socket wrench.
2. Insert the key into the two holes on the sides of the climate control unit. When inserting the key, be sure to have the key's flat side facing outward. Twist the key clockwise to release the clips. Once the clips are released, the unit will be loose.
3. Pull the climate control unit out of the vehicle. Disconnect the electrical wiring connector at the rear of the unit and remove it from the vehicle.

Continue lendo

How to Be a BMW Race Mechanic

1. Obtain as much racing experience as possible. For example, learn as much as you can about go-carts, including about racing materials and equipment. Research racing forums online to cull as much information as possible (see Resources).
2. Contact your local racetrack to see if you can intern or be a mechanic's assistant for BMW or other racecars. Even if you don't start working on BMW racecars initially, you'll gain valuable experience from working in the motorsports industry that will ultimately help you reach your goal.
3. Seek an education in automotive mechanics. There are many associate's degrees that offer such a degree; also look for community colleges that offer either motorsports degrees or courses. You can also attend schools that specialize in BMWs: Universal Technical Institute, for example, has a BMW fast-track program (see Resources).
4. Consider training specifically at a BMW school for mechanics. There are a few BMW training centers that hold residence programs for training to be a BMW mechanic. The course varies from eight weeks to close to two years. You may be required to work at a BMW facility in the area for approximately one year.
5. Visit the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) to see what careers are available for BMW racecar mechanics (see Resources). The MIA is a network connecting people who are in the motorsports industry. When you visit the website, click on the career link that offers various positions for BMW mechanics.

Continue lendo

How to Tune a 2002 Audi A4

1. Lower the suspension to improve the A4's handling and appearance. Like most cars, in original form the A4 has a relatively high ride height. Lowering the suspension with stiffer, lower springs from a company such as Eibach and with performance shocks will greatly improve the A4's handling and make it feel much lighter and more nimble. You can also install coilovers, which combine the shock and spring in one adjustable unit, though this is the more expensive option.
2. Upgrade the wheels and tires. With the exception of the higher-end S models in the Audi lineup, most Audi models come with relatively plain looking wheels. With its restrained lines and simple styling, the A4 benefits greatly from a larger, more aggressive wheel design. You can either install OEM-style (original equipment manufacturer) wheels from one of the S models or you can aftermarket. A company such as the Tire Rack has a huge selection of wheels that will fit the A4, including the ever-popular BBS. Mount wider, lower-profile tires on those new wheels for a big improvement in handling.
3. Tune the engine for more power. Whether you have a V6 or a 1.8T turbocharged A4, more power can be had from the engine. The 1.8T can produce considerably more power than it does in stock form. Start with an exhaust system and intake, which will make your Audi sound better and make more power. From there, install a modified ECU (engine control unit), which will retune how much air, fuel and spark the motor gets. Turbocharged A4s in particular will benefit from the latter modification. After that, you can install larger turbos, intercoolers, larger fuel injectors and other upgrades to get big power from the motor.
4. Improve the stopping power. With more power and handling comes the need for increases deceleration. Start here by installing more performance-oriented pads and cross-drilled rotors. A set of braided steel brake lines will provide a firmer pedal feel. If you want to get more extreme, install a big brake kit from a company such as Brembo. While not cheap, doing so will improve stopping distances by replacing the stock components with larger calipers and larger diameter rotors.
5. Upgrade the interior. Start with a set of alloy pedals for more grip and a heavier alloy shift knob. If you want seats that will hold you in place better during fast cornering, replace the stock seats with a pair of race buckets from Recaro. Not only do these look great, but they will also reduce the weight of your car.
6. Modify the exterior. Even though it doesn't take much to improve the A4's aesthetics, a more aggressive front air dam and smoked turn signals and taillights go a long way to enhance the exterior.

Continue lendo

How to Replace the Timing Chain on a 300D

1. Remove the spark plugs with a socket wrench, and disconnect the valve covers.
2. Clamp the timing chain to the camshaft gear. Plug the opening in the cover for the timing chain with shop rags. Attach a chain-breaker to the master link on the timing chain. Separate the master link by using the chain-breaker. Release the clamp from the camshaft gear, and remove the shop rags from the hole in the timing chain cover.
3. Attach the master link on the new timing chain to the master link on the old timing chain. Turn the crankshaft clockwise with a socket wrench as you pull the old timing chain through the camshaft sprocket. Maintain tension on the old timing chain, and stop turning when the master link on the old chain is in the 12 o'clock position on the camshaft sprocket.
4. Disconnect the master link on the old timing chain from the master link on the new timing chain, and remove the old timing chain from the camshaft sprocket. Connect the free end of the master link on the new timing chain with the other free end of the timing chain. Make this connection from the rear of the camshaft sprocket, so that you can see the lock washers on the timing chain.
5. Turn the crankshaft clockwise to align the timing mark on the crankshaft with the timing mark on the crankcase. This will close the master link on the new timing chain. Turn the crankshaft at least one full turn clockwise to ensure the new timing chain is properly seated.

Continue lendo

How to Reset the Engine Light on a Mercedes C240

1. Remove the nut from the negative battery terminal using a wrench or socket set. Slide the cable off of the terminal and set it aside.
2. Press the horn for several seconds. This depletes any surplus energy stored in the electrical system.
3. Wait 10 minutes before reinstalling the battery cable.

Continue lendo

How to Track a New BMW Order

1. Click on the 'My Account' link on BMW's North American website.
2. Log in to 'My Account' by entering your username and password. If you do not have one, follow the registration links to register on the site.
3. Click on 'Track Your BMW' in the upper right corner of the 'My Account Overview' screen, and, when prompted, enter the VIN of your newly ordered car.
4. Look at the progress bar, which is located at the middle of the page, below the photo of your car, to see where in the production queue your car is sitting. An icon of a BMW appears in the bar that represents the car's current production stage.

Continue lendo