Get a Look at this Wreck!

This is what can happen when a high performance car and an 18-year-old driver hit the road. The driver was out street racing with his dad’s M3 and got a little behind on his coordination, you could say. Hot tip for wanna be race car drivers: There are really nice places called race tracks. They have lots of room and far fewer things to hit. Go there to drive fast. It’s what they’re made for.

So what do car guys do when a lower mileage hot rod like this becomes available? Well, we snatched it up and thought “what can we do with this?” After tossing a bunch of ideas around we decided to swap this into a station wagon. We did a little internet research and made our plan. This wreck would become the donor for a sleeper family wagon.

We found a suitable wagon and got to work. This was basically a bolt in swap. We used a 2002 BMW 325 wagon that will take all of the M3 hardware. Due to the genius of German engineering the chassis platforms are an evolutionary type and sports models are descended from run-of-the-mill cars/platforms. So in short, you can bolt all of the hot rod parts into a standard grocery getter without having to reinvent the wheel.

You can follow along here:

• We removed the motor and transmission.
• We serviced the M3 motor while it was out, and then slipped it right in where the old motor used to be.
• Then we sent the ECU computer out to have it coded to the car, including having the instrument cluster and light control module coded so that everything works like it came straight from the factory.
• We swapped over the rear differential drive line and installed a rear sub-frame reinforcement kit. 
• We swapped over the bigger brakes from the M3, since with more “go” it’s always a good idea to have more “whoa”.
• Once it was all buttoned up, we hit the key and IT CAME ALIVE!

The car runs and drives. The performance is amazing and it has great power and handling. Compared to the original configuration the throttle response power and handling are way over the top!

This swap was incredible. All of the options and accessories work exactly the same as if it came off a factory floor. There are no odd noises and no check engine lights.

This is the best of both worlds with serious performance and exceptional functionality. It can haul a load of gear and haul some serious butt in the process.

We have been serving the Hollywood District and greater Portland-area for almost 30 years. We offer professional automotive service specializing in Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Acura, Volvo, Nissan, Volkswagen, and Audi, but we’re happy to take a look at whatever you’re driving. Feel free to bring in your own wreck!

We have the best mechanics in the business. Our goal is to assess and fix the problem right the first time. We will explain everything we worked on clearly and concisely.

We have the best mechanics in the business. Our goal is to fix the problem the right the first time, and we want to do it right. We’ll do our best to explain everything to you and keep the price down.

We’ll always be here when you need us. Call Broadway Imports at 503.282.0817 if you want to schedule an appointment. Go ahead. Schedule an appointment today!

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How to Find the Best Auto Mechanic

It would be easy to tell you to not bother looking around for an auto mechanic once you’ve found us. Because we really think that we are the best. But we want you to be happy and satisfied from the start, so here are some things to do when you need a new mechanic and a place to take your car.

• Ask around. Ask family, friends and neighbors for recommendations.
• Keep your search local. Unless you need a restoration for something like, oh, a 1925 Bugatti, you want a shop you can get to in a hurry. Or one that’s simply convenient.
• See if your local newspaper does a “best of” series. Many times auto shops are covered. 
• If you belong to a car club, all the better. The same recommendations will show up again and again.
• Check online. Take a look at Yelp and Angie’s List and Google. It’s good to see the negatives (should there be any) as well as the positives.
• Stop by the shops you’re interested in. Take a look at the cars on the lot - have they been sitting there forever? - and talk to some of the mechanics, or the owner. Is the place clean and orderly? It should be.
• You can check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints, and to see how they were resolved.
• Will they let you watch while they work? Are they patient with you if you have questions? Will they give you some options that might save you some money? If there aren’t any options, will they explain this to you? 
• Attitude matters. Auto shops are in a service industry. They aren’t doing you any favors by taking care of your car. Don’t let anyone make you feel stupid or ill-informed. You want to have a relationship that works for everyone. 
• If you still can’t decide, start with some small work. See how an oil change goes, for example. If you’re satisfied with the price and service, you’ll want to try a larger job next time.

We have been serving the Hollywood District and greater Portland-area for almost 30 years. We offer professional automotive service specializing in Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Acura, Volvo, Nissan, Volkswagen, and Audi, but we’re happy to take a look at whatever you’re driving.

We have the best mechanics in the business. Our goal is to fix the problem the first time, and we want to do it right. We’ll do our best to explain everything to you and keep the price down.

Come on in and say “hello” and let’s get started on building that relationship. We’ll always be here when you need us. Call Broadway Imports at 503.282.0817 if you want to schedule an appointment. Schedule an appointment today! Or just stop by.

Find us at 3001 NE Broadway St. in Portland, OR 97232.

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New Mercedes-Benz GLC Replaces the GLK

Have you been wanting a new Mercedes? Who doesn't? Motor Trend reported that the Mercedes-Benz GLK is being replaced by the GLC line.

The new 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC, hitting American soil in November, is an all-new entry-level SUV.

Though it's expected to start at under $40,000, there's a lot to like with air suspension, gorgeous interior, with both rear-wheel drive (the GLC300) and all-wheel drive (the GLC300 4Matic) configurations. You can see the full article and photos here.

Can't afford a new Mercedes-Benz? You can keep your import automobile running in top shape with maintenance and repairs done by us here at Broadway Import Auto Service at 503.282.0817. 

Schedule an appointment today!

Call us anytime at 503.282.0817

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When Should You Change Your Oil?

When asked, you may hear answers such as every 3000, 5000, or 7500 miles, or when the vehicle's oil monitor indicates that this service is necessary. No wonder consumers are confused! An engine oil change is a relatively simple service, it's one of the most overlooked but vitally important part of your car’s maintenance schedule. There is a good reason for this. Nothing will shorten engine life faster than missed oil changes.

But how can you tell when you should change your oil?  Advances in technology and increased consumer awareness have created some confusion to how often this needs to happen. The problem is that there is no interval that applies to most vehicles.

The Simple Answer…

For most of us, all we need to do is follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for oil change intervals. Their guidelines are designed to keep your car in good running condition for a long time. Where can you find your car’s service schedule for oil changes and other recommended maintenance? You can check the owner’s manual that hopefully you have kept in a handy place like your car’s glove box. Alternatively you can check the manufacturer’s website.

The Normal interval listed in the owner's manual applies to vehicles driven under ideal conditions. While you may consider your driving habits and operating conditions quite normal, read the fine print. Some exceptions to Normal driving include:

• Frequent short trips (less than 10 miles, especially during cold weather)
• Stop-and-go city traffic driving
• Driving in dusty conditions, on gravel roads, etc.
• Driving at sustained highway speeds during hot weather
• Towing use
• Diesel or turbocharged engine

These conditions commonly appear in the description of severe service driving.

Some lube shops have their own recommendations. One thing to remember is that these shops are speaking to a wide audience, addressing cars of every age, every mileage, and some with different needs. While there is no harm done by too frequent oil changes; if your car doesn’t need them, that money could be better spent on other maintenance needs.

The engine serves as the heart of your vehicle, so changing its oil based on the manufacturer's recommendation is perhaps the single most important thing that you can do to keep your vehicle's engine running longer. However, you must read these recommendations closely to determine the correct interval; the interval that matches your vehicle's operating conditions and your driving habits.

Timing is everything…

Waiting for the low oil light to come on can be the worst thing you can do to your engine. You shouldn’t see that light unless your oil level is low. Whatever amount of oil you do have left almost certainly has lost its ability to function properly. The good news is that your service schedule is written to have this service done long before disaster is on the horizon.

Putting off your oil change is not the same as putting off a trip to the grocery store or waited a couple of weeks longer between haircuts; don’t do that with oil changes. Your oil’s primary function is to cut friction. Over time, oil accumulates contaminants and loses viscosity (the ability to flow into every nook and cranny). Contaminants cause friction as parts rub together and friction wears out those parts faster. The damage caused by these conditions is largely irreversible without an engine overhaul or replacement.

Your Car May Already Know…

For a very long time the gold standard for oil changes was 3,000 to 3,500 miles. Advances in engineering to both engine mechanical parts and especially to the oil itself have extended the oil life cycle by more than double the old number. Do you use synthetic oil?  Automakers recommend it for some models. It costs a little more than regular oil, but it has had the biggest impact on oil life. The life cycle for synthetics is typically 7,000 to 10,000 miles, which is a big change from conventional oil. 

The type of driving we do also affects your oil change needs. Frequent cold starts, extreme heat, and towing, are all examples of types of driving that can shorten our oil life. Also, repeated short trips (under 4 miles) are one of the most overlooked enemies of oil life. Any of these driving conditions can create the need to shorten your service interval by 25-40 percent depending on the severity.

If your car is equipped with a maintenance reminder on the dash some the guesswork is eliminated for you. Can you trust it? For the most part, yes. In the early days of automobiles the only way we had to track our vehicle’s aging was the odometer. But miles traveled is not always a good indicator of actual use for many urban environments. With the inclusion of computers in the modern automobile we now have a way for the car to track time AND mileage. Time is important to this discussion because running time affects oil life.

But not all maintenance indicators work the same way. Some use an electronic sensor to measure the oil quality, while others use an algorithm based on driving metrics to determine life expectancy. If your car is not equipped with maintenance light or gauge, the owner’s manual should still be your guide.

Broadway Auto Import Service can give you the information you need on how often to bring you vehicle in for its oil change. Talk to us today for not only your oil change, but all your maintenance needs.

Our technicians are ASE certified and we use the latest tools and equipment when servicing your vehicle. Our mission is to provide the best service possible, knowing the greatest compliment is our customer's happiness and referrals.

Please contact us for any auto service or repair you might have.

Schedule an appointment today! Call us anytime at 503.282.0817

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Winter is here in Portland!

Broadway Import Auto Service in Portland wants everyone out there to be safe when in their vehicles!

Winter driving, especially after a snow or ice storm, can be treacherous.

Roads can turn into ice rinks, leading to crashes, lengthy traffic jams and white-knuckle driving.

Before driving your car in winter conditions, make sure your vehicle is running fine, says David Waits, owner of Japanese Automotive Service in Hilliard, Ohio. Have a trusted mechanic fully inspect it before cold weather hits. A tune-up costs as little as $40 or as much as several hundred dollars, depending on whether work needs to be done, mechanics say.

"Maintenance is the key to keeping your vehicle healthy," Waits says. "It's very important to make sure all the fluids are full, the lights are working, the exhaust is not leaking and the wiper blades and tires are in good condition."

Randal Regan, service writer at Marc Yount's Tire Pros, a vehicle maintenance business in Evans, Georgia, says visibility is another key for winter driving. He recommends replacing windshield wipers and changing washer fluid before winter hits. He also says it's important to keep your windows clean so you have full visibility.

"The best advice I can give is to be prepared," he says.

Driving in icy and snowy conditions is dangerous and can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. But there are a few tips to help keep your car safe on the road.

First off, experts recommend slowing down in such conditions. According to AAA, brake and accelerate slowly to avoid skidding.

Mechanics say to leave yourself more time than usual to stop, and avoid sudden actions such as slamming on your brakes. A normal following distance of three to four seconds behind the vehicle in front of you should increase to eight to 10 seconds in snow, according to AAA. The Maine Department of Transportation reports that this is especially true on bridges, off-ramps and areas with black ice.

In snow and ice, SafeMotorist.com recommends starting out slowly, being gentle with the gas pedal and braking three times sooner than you typically would before coming to a stop or turning.

When braking in slick conditions, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration recommends applying firm pressure to the brake for cars equipped with an anti-lock braking system. Drivers must continue to gently pump the brakes if they don't have anti-lock brakes to keep the brakes from locking up.

According to the NHTSA, anti-lock brakes are a safety feature on many cars that are designed to prevent your wheels from locking up by changing the pressure in your car's brake lines, similar to pumping the brakes.

Waits adds that all-wheel and four-wheel drive cars will usually go straight without sliding in most poor driving conditions, but it doesn't mean they'll stop or turn as easily.

Four-wheel drive vehicles has a drivetrain where all four wheels receive power from the engine, while two-wheel drive receives power to only two - either both from wheels or both back wheels.

It's also important to be prepared before you drive in winter conditions.

Waits says that means packing hats, gloves, coats, blankets, non-perishable food and water in case you are stranded. He also recommends packing a sleeping bag.

It may be a good idea to use snow tires or chains when driving in snow. Regan recommends using four snow tires on roads that are covered with ice or snow. He recommends a tire with at least a 6/32-inch deep tread when driving in snow. If it's less than that, it's time to replace the tire.

Also, make sure your gas tank is at least half full to prevent the gas line from freezing up.

"Do not let it go below half," Waits says. "The added weight will help with traction, and fuel will be needed to run the engine in case you're stranded."

Waits adds it's never a good idea to run or charge accessories when the engine is not running or you could drain the car's battery.

Article by Tom Moor. Tom Moor is an automotive reporter at www.AngiesList.com.

Our technicians at Broadway Motor Import Service are ASE certified and we use the latest tools and equipment when servicing your vehicle. Our mission is to provide the best service possible, knowing the greatest compliment is our customer's happiness and referrals.

Please contact us for any auto service or repair you might have.

Schedule an appointment today!

Call us anytime at 503.282.0817

Fall is here and Winter is just around the corner!

It always seems that summer rushes by faster than the wind through your hair. When the temperature starts to drop it's a reminder that months of winter driving uncertainty are on the way, and it's time to get ready.

Rather than wait until it's bitterly cold, take the opportunity to winterize your Import now!

Broadway Import Auto Service is here to help! We provide Preventative Maintenance and many services to keep your vehicle in top operating condition!


Here are some tips:

Test the battery and electrical systems

• Cold weather can wreck havoc on your vehicle's electrical system and battery, and the increased power demands of defrosters, windshield wipers and heating systems makes an electrical system test a must.
• A simple battery test can be preformed by turning on your vehicle's headlights before starting the engine. If you notice the lights get brighter once the engine is running, a more thorough battery tests should be undertaken.
• Metering voltage with a voltmeter or measuring electrolyte levels for an unsealed, low-maintenance battery are two examples of such tests. If your tests show the voltage lower than 12.4V or if electrolyte-specific gravity resides below 1.225, a recharge or replacement of the battery is likely required.
• If you're not comfortable performing battery tests yourself, any reputable mechanic should be able to run a quick diagnostic test on your battery and charging system. Some auto parts stores are even able to do this.
• Make sure your headlights, taillights, back up lights, and signal lights (including your hazards) illuminate with a visual check.

Check coolant and other fluids

• While it's more common to worry about the cooling system in the summer, it's just as important to check it in the winter. If your car's coolant is not mixed correctly, it could freeze and damage your radiator or engine.
• Check the coolant level, which may require looking at a marked level indicator on the overflow reservoir, or popping the radiator cap.
• Never check the coolant when the car is hot, as the cooling system operates under pressure and hot coolant will burn.
• A 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze is typically recommended for year-round driving, but check your owners manual for specifics.
• You can test the concentration of the coolant with a bulb gauge found at any auto parts store or have your mechanic do it.
• After checking the coolant, examine coolant hoses for leaks or wear.
• Visually inspect other fluid reservoirs in the engine compartment for leaks, such as brakes, clutch, transmission fluid and oil.
• The change in seasonal temperatures may also dictate a change to a thinner viscosity engine oil. Check your owner's manual.

Maximize your vision

• Darkness and blinding snowstorm, coupled with shorter days, can dramatically reduce a motorist's vision during the winter.
• A working set of windshield wipers and an ample supply of winter washer fluid are the best ways to optimize limited visibility.
• Ensure that your wipers have a clean wipe across the windshield.
• If you replace your wiper arms, also make sure that they don't lift from your windscreen at higher speeds.
• For optimal winter visibility, buying special winter wipers equipped with protective shields is an excellent idea.
• When buying winter washer fluid, look for a brand with a deicer agent.

Clean your vehicle inside and out

• Both the interior and exterior of your car are vulnerable to snow, ice and road salt, so use the fair fall days to undertake a complete do-it-yourself detailing of your car.
• Thoroughly wash and wax your vehicle to protect your paint job from the elements.
• Be sure to do the wash and wax before temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• A clean and freshly waxed car makes snow and ice easier to brush off.
• Remove any detritus before vacuuming the seats and floor.
• Swap out your carpeted floor mats with a set of water-resistant vinyl or rubber mats.
• Whatever the need for your vehicle, Broadway Import Auto Service can fill that need.

Our technicians are ASE certified and we use the latest tools and equipment when servicing your vehicle. Our mission is to provide the best service possible, knowing the greatest compliment is our customer's happiness and referrals.

Please contact us for any auto service or repair you might have.

Schedule an appointment today!

Call us anytime at 503.282.0817

Broadway Import Auto Service - Where quality service is everything!

Here at Broadway Import Auto Service we pride ourselves in always providing quality, professional service! We know that the best advertisement in this business is word-of-mouth referrals. We will do whatever it takes to make certain our customer is happy and satisfied with every part of the service we provide. We offer professional automotive service specializing in Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Acura, Subaru, Nissan, Volkswagen, Audi, Hyundai and Kia.

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We take pride in offering our customers quality service at a fair price. Our technicians are ASE certified and we use the latest tools and equipment when servicing your vehicle. Our mission is to provide the best service possible, knowing the greatest compliment is our customer's happiness and referrals.

Please contact us for any auto service or repair you might have.

Schedule an appointment today!

Call us anytime at 503.282.0817

Portland's premiere Import Auto Service is here to help you with the summer heat!!

Broadway Import Auto Service has providing top notch A/C Service and Air Conditioning Repair for the greater Portland area for nearly 30 years!

If you are in need of service for your import or domestic vehicle, come see us at 3001 NE Broadway today!


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BROADWAY IMPORT AUTO SERVICE
3001 NE Broadway Street, Portland, OR
Phone: 503-282-0817

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Customer Loyalty - With auto service, it's all about customer loyalty!

At Broadway Import Auto Service we are committed to providing you excellent service, so you always choose us for your repair needs.

For most people, auto maintenance and repair is not fun or convenient. So, we want make the process as easy and enjoyable as possible for you. We genuinely care about your car and your experience, and it shows. Our first-time customers continually become our long term customers time and time again, choosing us for all their auto needs.

We're committed to auto repair and to serving you with quality and value. Bring your car in today for an inspection, and see what our commitment to quality is all about! We may not be related, but you'll feel like we're family.

Dedicated to auto repair and to serving you with quality & value.

Our mechanics are highly skilled and have years of experience. Most of all: they love cars and care about yours. Whether it’s our quick, quality, friendly service or the honesty and value we bring to every interaction, our customers love us.

 

Get to know our experienced mechanics. They've got tools, skills, and a desire to help. Come see why no shop is as quick, qualified, or convenient as we are.

About Broadway Import Auto Service

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