The M Files

Welcome to Hock's M Files. This section of Hock.net details a variety of procedures pertaining to the maintenance and enhancement of my (E36) 1996 BMW M3 sedan. Please e-mail me! I've been thrilled to hear from other enthusiasts who have picked my e-mail address off the bottom of the artistic photos scattered throughout Hock.net.

Don't be intimidated - working on your own car is within the grasp of anyone who is fundamentally good with their hands and has a basic understanding of automobiles. The key to performing any home procedure is research, research, research. Unless your M3 is not your daily driver, you need to ensure that you are prepared for any extenuating circumstances that may crop up leaving you unable to get to work the next day. If you have another car you don't have as much to worry about but if you're like me you probably have a weekend and no room for error.

Although complex, the E36 M3 sedan is a marvelously designed piece of machinery. If you've ever worked on a car (or another piece of machinery) that was not well designed you will begin to appreciate this as you become familiar with the workings of your M3.

I've completed documentation for the following procedures:

• Proper Jacking Procedure (Front)
• Pads (Front)
• Rotors (Front)
• Door Lock Actuator Replacement
• Muffler Hangers (provided by Larry Barbieri)
• Front Struts / Springs (coming soon!)

Check back again shortly, I will have information pertaining to front strut and spring replacement soon.