Robb's Garage

Watch some highlights from Round 10 of the 2023 Bimmer Challenge on October 21 at Buttonwillow Raceway Park where we ran the clockwise 13 configuration and I scored a new personal best. Unfortunately, our sponsor Bimmerworld had a mechanical issue on lap 1, but it was great to see their M4 race car up front and to meet James Clay and his crew.

Watch how to replace the door stop on a 2012 R56 Mini Cooper S and fix your door that won't stay open.

Watch my fastest lap from Round 7 of the 2023 Bimmer Challenge at Streets of Willow Springs where we ran clockwise (a first for me at this track) and I came home in 3rd place in my class.

Watch an American couple visit the Isle of Man TT for the second time, but this time over a short weekend trip where their flight gets cancelled and they must make alternative plans to make it to the TT. Amazing views from the Creg-ny-Baa and Crosby Leap just don't do the TT justice--this is a bucket list item every person must see at least once in their lifetime to appreciate the machinery and both skill and courage of these insane pilots.

Watch some highlights from Round 6 of the 2023 Bimmer Challenge at Streets of Willow Springs where we ran counter-clockwise and I scored a new personal best.

Preview of our recent trip to St. Barts and Sint Maarten. Will post a full video of the trip soon. Check out @robbsgarage for DIY and track day videos.

Watch the highs and lows from Round 5 of the 2023 Bimmer Challenge at Sonoma Raceway. First, my wife and I hit up several winery tours and stocked up on wine until the next visit. Then, I discovered a loose part on the M3 and had to locate a shop where I could lift up the car to inspect the issue. Finally, race day came and I scored my personal best, but soon after my tires started cording and ended all hope of a podium finish.

Is your Rover not shifting into gear? Watch how to fix a broken gear shift trigger on a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and perform this hack today to make sure you don't get stranded tomorrow. Will add step by step procedure below if someone asks for it. Compatibility: Similar procedure should apply to all L494 Range Rovers (2013 to 2022), and is likely very similar on any modern-day Land Rover model with this poorly designed trigger mechanism. Tools Needed: 1/16" x 1" cotter pin, pick tool, and a T8 torx bit. Robb’s DIY Rating on 1 (easy) to 5 (hardest) Scale: I give it a 1!

Watch some highlights from Round 4 of the 2023 Bimmer Challenge at Las Vegas Motor Speedway where we ran clockwise on the outside road course and I came home in 2nd place in my class. First clip shows lots of passing in the early session, and second clip shows my fast lap of the day.

Watch how to change the engine oil and filter on a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport and save yourself $175 per oil change. Compatibility: Similar procedure should apply to all L494 Range Rovers (2013 to 2022), and is likely very similar on most modern-day Land Rover models. However, you'll need to make sure to check the oil viscosity rating and volume, as well as the filter model, to ensure compatibility with your vehicle. Robb’s DIY Rating on 1 (easy) to 5 (hardest) Scale: Debating if this is a 1 or a 2.... most oil changes can be considered a 1, but this is a little more involved so I'm giving it a 2.

We’re selling the Mini Cooper S! Place your bids here: https://carsandbids.com/auctions/9W1q5m2d/2012-mini-cooper-s?c=all

Watch how to replace the valve cover on a 2012 R56 Mini Cooper S. Unfortunately, the PCV valve is integrated into the valve cover, so when your PCV valve breaks you have to replace the entire valve cover. Step by step procedure below. Compatibility: Similar procedure should apply to all R56 and R57 Mini Coopers (2006 to 2012). Robb’s DIY Rating on 1 (easy) to 5 (hardest) Scale: I give it a 2. Fairly easy, but take your time, be careful not to get anything in the valve train, and be sure to torque the bolts in the correct order. Step by Step (with Tools Needed):

Watch how to upgrade a 2013 BMW M3 Coupe with Vorshlag adjustable camber plates that will create enough negative camber to fit 10.5” wide wheels (285 mm tires) on the front axle. Will add step by step procedure below if someone asks for it. Compatibility: Similar procedure should apply to all E9X BMWs (2008 to 2013). Robb’s DIY Rating on 1 (easy) to 5 (hardest) Scale: I give it a 3. Requires fairly standard tools, but aided with a specialty socket made for German top strut mounts. Just be prepared after install to take the car to a proper shop that can align the car for the track. Step by Step (with Tools Needed):

Watch how to upgrade a 2013 BMW M3 Coupe with OMP HRC-R seats and Macht Schnell Clubsport seat mounts. Will add step by step procedure below if someone asks for it. Compatibility: Similar procedure should apply to all E9X BMWs (2008 to 2013). Robb’s DIY Rating on 1 (easy) to 5 (hardest) Scale: I give it a 2. Requires fairly standard tools (torx socket is the most unique), and a little patience. Hardest part is getting the seats centered—took me 2 tries, but the video will save you from wasting time because it describes the mounting holes you should use to get centered. Also, if it bothers you to have error lights on the dash and risk not having airbags deployed, you'll need to program the ECU into thinking the seats are weighted with passengers and seatbelts fastened. Step by Step (with Tools Needed):

Want to know how to get started in racing? Watch for 5 tips on how to take your street car onto the race track.

Watch a sample tour of Jay's amazing automobile and motorbike collection, see behind the scenes footage of filming a Jay Leno's Garage episode, then hear how I showed Jay my 1972 Suzuki GT550 and told him the unique story behind the bike.

Watch how to fix a coolant leak on a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. Will add step by step procedure below if someone asks for it. Compatibility: Similar procedure should apply to all L494 Range Rovers (2013 to 2022), and is likely very similar to most modern-day Land Rover models. Tools Needed: Ratchet with 15mm socket and needle nose pliers. Robb’s DIY Rating on 1 (easy) to 5 (hardest) Scale: Definitely a 1. Step by Step:

Recap of my rookie season in the Bimmer Challenge series

Watch how to change the cabin filter, engine oil & filter, and brakes on a 2008 BMW 328i sedan. Will add step by step procedure below if someone asks for it. Compatibility: Similar procedure should apply to all E9X BMWs (2008 to 2013), although the M3 has 2 cabin filters, 2 oil drain plugs, and different torque specs. Robb’s DIY Rating on 1 (easy) to 5 (hardest) Scale: I give the cabin filter replacement a 1–pretty much the easiest maintenance item a car has and, as this video demonstrates, there’s no reason to pay someone else to change it for you. Both the oil change and brake job are a 2. Brakes are much more time consuming than the oil change, but similar level of difficulty… OK, maybe closer to a 3. Step by Step (with Tools Needed):

2022 Bimmer Challenge Round 12 December 17, 2022 Session 3 Highlights Fastest Lap on Lap 4

2022 Bimmer Challenge Round 11 November 19, 2022 Session 4 Highlights Fastest Lap on Lap 6

Watch how to replace lid lifters on a Thule cargo box/car top carrier. Compatibility: Similar procedure should apply to all Thule cargo boxes, but keep in mind that the lid lifters are not universal across every model. Although any given lifter will work with multiple models, you’ll need to order the lid lifter that’s compatible with your cargo box model. Robb’s DIY Rating on 1 (easy) to 5 (hardest) Scale: I give it a 1. Make sure you have a good set of pliers and a long flat head screw driver. Use force but be careful not to exert an excessive amount of force that will break the carrier.