Hey there, and welcome to my blog!

My name’s Fred, and I’ve been a backyard mechanic for the last 15 years. I didn’t start working on cars because I wanted to—I started because I had to. Like a lot of folks, I didn’t have the extra cash to take my car to a mechanic every time something went wrong. So I picked up some tools, got my hands dirty, and started learning everything I could.

My biggest (and maybe worst) purchase was a 2005 BMW 325i E90. It was a beautiful disaster—one problem after another. But instead of giving up or selling it for scrap, I made it my project. I already was doing the basics in my drive: oil changes, brake jobs etc… and but then disaster struck and my oil consumption went through the roof to 1L/300kms. I ended up rebuilding the engine during the COVID lockdowns since I had the time. There wasn’t much information online about this process, so I painstakingly documented the rebuild and engine removal process which you view step by step tutorials online. https://www.youtube.com/@buildanddrive

Now, my goal is simple: to help other BMW owners—especially E90 drivers—keep their cars running without draining their bank accounts. I break down common repairs, DIY maintenance, and real-world advice that you won’t get from a dealership. If you’re tired of spending hundreds (or thousands) on fixes you could do yourself, you’re in the right place.

This blog is for the everyday car owner who wants to learn, save money, and gain the confidence to work on their own car—even if they’ve never picked up a wrench before.

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Thanks for stopping by. Let’s get to work.

— Fred