BMW’s E90-generation of sport sedan is one of the most easily accessible performance sedans on the used markets. Their relative simplicity and great handling characteristics make them a great choice for the new enthusiast. However, the BMW E90 well over ten years old, and not every owner is...

  In their pursuit of lightness and steering response, BMW chose to ditch the traditional steel steering knuckle for one made of cast aluminum on the BMW E90. The cast aluminum piece works as intended and is significantly lighter than the steel piece, but trades off its durability for...

  Mercedes-Benz uses the same style of brake caliper as every other manufacturer on their non-performance models. The sliding caliper is cheap to produce, easy to service and performs well in everyday driving situations. You will use your front brakes more than the rears in every case; the fronts...

  The accessory belt on your Porsche 996's engine is responsible for driving the power steering pump, alternator, and A/C compressor. If the belt fails, you'll lose your power steering, water pump, and the battery won't be receiving a charge. Losing the water pump will quickly cause the engine to...

  The condition of your brakes is critical. Without them, you're a liability to yourself and everyone around you. Mercedes-Benz's W203 chassis is now several years old and has become a great used car for new drivers or those looking for a cheap luxury vehicle. Whether you've just acquired it or...

Windshield wipers have come a long way since their original inception. Once hand-crank-operated blades over a hundred years ago are now automatically activated by sensors in the windshield when they detect raindrops. These rain-sensing wipers, as you'll find on the Mercedes-Benz W205, are...

  From the 901 to the 991 and the 996, failing hood struts are a right of passage for Porsche's 911. Just about every model uses them, so finding that your struts are failing isn't anything unique. As 911 owners know, interior storage space isn't the best compared to a sedan, so trunk use can be...

The 996-generation Porsche 911 uses two mounts at either rear corner of the engine. They bolt through the body and the engine mounting plate. The engine's weight causes the mounts to sag with age, leaving all of that weight to shift around during driving. All of that mass hanging out behind the...

The auxiliary battery in the Mercedes-Benz W205 isn't a battery. Instead, it's a small capacitor used to store energy that helps with the stop/start function and switches the transmission into park when the battery dies. Regardless of what it is, the battery's performance is critical to those key...

Without gas, your Mercedes-Benz W205 can still play music, provide lighting, and can put its windows down. Without electricity, it's dead weight. A vehicle's battery, like other parts, will require eventual replacement. Cars are being filled with more technology each day, and the strain on their...