This article provides a step-by-step procedure to overhaul the M635 brake calipers i.e. clean the pistons and install new o-rings and rubbers. The article may also be of use when replacing brake discs or pads. I got to this exercise after experiencing a noisy trembling at the front, at speeds above 90 km/h (which occur more often than not.....). Jacking the front up revealed that the left wheel could hardly be rotated at all by hand. I took another test drive and measured the temperature of all discs, which was 50 degrees Celsius for the rear, 110 for the right front but 160 for the left front disc..... 1) Preparation: - overhaul sets (item 7 in the picture, dustcovers, springs and o-rings) - optionally a new brake line kit. I used steel inforced brake lines - ATE brake cilinder paste (Bremszylinder pasta) - 7mm and 19mm socket wrenches - 14mm open wrench - prying rod (an 8 inch screwdriver will do) - rubber cap to top the brake line - hammer and punch (to drive out the sp...

Today I took the chance of taking Em to work, fully convinced that she would not let me down after I replaced the speed sensor last week. I knew it was going to be a warm day, so this would be the ultimate test. I love a challenge.... I was sure that she would start, but when I turned the key I experienced a well-known yet undesired behaviour: cranking but no starting over... I fumbled with the cabling of the sensors, to no avail. I dropped the temperature under the hood by spraying liquid oxygen on every link in the chain between sensor and Motronic, no chance. Finally I decided to call the ANWB. Again. The guy was most helpful and started the troubleshooting procedure that I have grown familiar with. He came to the conclusion that there was no spark available from the ignition coil. But instead of immediately blaming one of the sensors, this guy went a step further, and listened with a stethoscope to the fuel rail where the rolling of the fuel waves proved that the pumps were...

Today was a beautiful day..... Today was departure day. Today I sold what was left of my car, for a lousy 200 euros. Today was goodbye, but not after I took some final pictures to present the reverse makeover she underwent last week....             Before:                                                  After:     

Today was a beautiful day!! I  unexpectedly was presented with the opportunity to take a day off from work! Well, to be more precise, after I emerged from a hot bath around noon neither me or my boss considered it worthwile to travel to work. Of course, the bath was not strictly necessary since I already took a shower in the morning, but it proved quite convenient in rinsing the glass splinters from my head. I might have had these removed by the friendly nurse in the ambulance,  but in my opinion she already went to enough trouble just inspecting my back and neck. Both body parts proved to be fine, especially when considering the fact that I used them to fiercely batter the roof and windshield of my car. Bad car! I found it a deserved punishment; there was no reason for her to take off like that, pretending to have overlooked that concrete piece of art, tumbling and rolling over, and finally coming to a grinding halt beneath the road... I showed th...