I recently bought my first BMW - a 1998 E36 316i Compact.

I knew when I bought it that the front suspension, steering and wheel bearings were shot. Have replaced all joints/bearings in front suspension and steering and now I'm well pleased with it except that it only has one key. I've read several references to obtaining new keys from "the Stealer". Who or what is this and how do I get in touch with him/her/it/them?

I think the MoT boys might want me to replace the rear wheel bearings sooner rather than later (they rumble a bit). Is this a DIY job (I'm a reasonably competent mechanic and a mate is even better)?

Is the special tool necessary or will an "ordinary" bearing puller suffice?

Haynes don't do an E30 or a Z3 manual so can anyone recommend a suitable "how to replace the rear wheel bearing on a 316i COMPACT" article? The Haynes E36 book doesn't cover the Compact.

Another problem I have is white "smoke" (condensation?) from the exhaust even when the engine is up to running temperature (temp gauge needle central). I initially thought it was a blown cylinder head gasket but it doesn't consume water. So then I thought lamda sensor. I read an article that said cleaning the OUTSIDe of the sensor was important so I did that and it seems to have reduced the "smoke" but not eradicated it. Do I now have to replace the sensor?

Hope this isn't too much to ask all in one go.

Many thanks in advance.

Your considering doing the bearing job by yourself? If so, on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being changing a bulb and 10 being Head-Gasket job) How technical are you?

Dealer is often referred to as a Stealer

Daz

Hi DazH, thanks for the reply.

On your scale I consider myself a 10, and my mate is trained engineer.

Yep 'stealer' or more commonly called 'main dealer' !!

Try and avoid them at all costs !!

Theres always cheaper ways !!

You'll be surprised how straight-forward the bearings are to change... Jack her up and have a bash (take some piccies too) !!

Failing Lambdas will create fault codes so have them read ;)

BTW - We don't do "Special" tools here, just idiots :lol:

Hi Snypa-D, thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately I don't think I have any alternative as it's a spare key I want. Elsewhere on this forum it's recommended to get them from a dealer as BMW kindly doesn't supply blanks to the replacement key market.

Any idea of the cost?

Mike

Hi Jack, thanks for the reply.

As I said to DazH, I'm a reasonably competent mechanic - just a bit weak following a stroke - but I've got a mate who's a trained engineer to do the heavy lifting.

We're a bit concerned because of the weather at present: the MoT's due at the end of this week and whilst I'm retired and hence have time on my hands, Kevin is fully employed and can't really do things in a hurry.

Our current plan is to freeze the bearing overnight to make fitting a bit easier.

Well, we'll see. I'll certainly take some photos.

Mike