BMW has used the same style of caliper on their non-M models for quite a long time. 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 are larger and do a majority...

If you have a severe allergy to pollen, the best thing you can do for yourself is to change the cabin air filter. The cabin air filter for the Porsche 996 911 Carrera sits next to the battery, below the windshield cowl. The filter is exposed to the elements and is around moisture when it rains....

Replacing your BMW F30's rear control arms is one of the easiest ways to restore the precise handling that it's known for. BMW prides itself on building the world's best sports sedans, and the F30 generation is no exception. However, the F30 is nearing ten years old, and many models have a...

The condition of the BMW F30 rear brake pads and rotors is critical. Without them, you're a liability to yourself and everyone around you. BMW builds all of its models as performance luxury sedans, and the brakes play a critical part in their development. The single-piston sliding calipers BMW...

Regardless of the engine in your F30, the valve cover gasket is the largest physical seal preventing oil from leaking out the top of your engine. The valve cover used on BMW's N20 & N26 engines is made from plastic and uses a rubber gasket. Over time, as the gasket is subject to heating and...

The air filter in your Porsche 996 911 is the only line of defense the engine has against sucking in harmful debris. The air filter gets covered in debris over time as it pulls air from outside, reducing the engine's airflow and its capability to keep harmful particles out. Even the smallest...

As far as issues with BMW's engines go, leaky oil filter housing gaskets are as common as they get. Leaking oil filter housing gaskets date back to the E36 3-series and continue to be an issue on BMW's recent N20 and N26 engines. The rubber gasket separating the filter housing from the engine...

Many of the modern fuel injection systems use mass airflow sensors to read the air entering the engine. Such is the case for the 996-generation of Porsche's 911 Carrera. MAF sensors are generally reliable, but a drop in engine performance, however slight, can be attributed to the sensor. The...

The Volkswagen Mk7 clutch is directly responsible for transferring power from the engine to the transmission. While the clutch is often referred to as one unit, several parts make up the assembly. The clutch disc is a plate with friction material on either side designed to grab the flywheel and...

Nothing is more iconic to a BMW than the badge it wears. Often called a roundel, BMW's emblem has always featured that blue and white pattern representing their home state of Bavaria. However, exposure to the elements can cause that badge to fade and lose its national colors. Replacing that...