Can you guys tell me what these holes are? (engine bay)

[m3f_ericlikescars]

Hey guys. Trying to pull the trigger on a car here. Been hunting for a clean Techno for a while, and believe to have found one. Only weird thing is, it’s got these holes in the engine bay right above the paint code. I can’t for the life of me make out what they are or could be from. Any of you have similar experience or knowledge of what it might be? And should this be a concern? Everyone says I’m overreacting but my OCD peaks if I can’t closure on what it’s from, lol. Current owner has no idea and claims it’s always been there.





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[m3f_westopher]

Hmm. I have no idea, but my 100% guess is that there was damage to the strut tower where it was pushed in and that was to pull it out. Literally I have no idea though.

[m3f_ericlikescars]

Damn, well that’s concerning. For what it’s worth, car is checking out clean, with no accident history via auto check or carfax (I know that doesn’t mean much), but worth mention. Doesn’t seem like anything has been resprayed either, seller looks to be transparent as far as the only resprayed panel being the rear bumper, due to clear coat fading.


Again, I know this doesn’t negate anything, but that would totally suck if that was from previous damage.


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[m3f_westopher]

If thats the case, and VINs are matching, and fender seems fine, I'd retract that guess. Maybe some sort of alarm module or siren attached there? How long has the guy owned it. I can effectively guarantee it didn't leave the factory like that, so definitely it hasn't "always been there."

[m3f_TheJDub-E36]

I would assume something after market that was removed before you purchased

[m3f_ericlikescars]

He has owned it for a year, he is the 2nd owner, previous owner to him has the car since new.


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[m3f_JitteryJoe]

I would assume something after market that was removed before you purchased

This. Looks like bracket mounting holes. Does not look like damage to my untrained eye.

[m3f_ericlikescars]

This. Looks like bracket mounting holes. Does not look like damage to my untrained eye.

This is what I’m hoping it is. Just would love some confirmation or relation to the scenario before going for the car tomorrow.


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[m3f_englishtom1596q]

Agreed on some aftermarket junk screwed on there. The PO of my car did that in the rear of mine and it drives me crazy

[m3f_Texaz3]

Looks like the holes are threaded. Most likely something aftermarket was attached there. Very strange placement and method though.

[m3f_ericlikescars]

Agreed. And is the color code even correct? It is a techno car, but I've never seen any Techno cars with a "Schwarz" addition in the code.

[m3f_Texaz3]

I've seen it before:




But now that you mentioned it, I dn't think it even looks like a BMW sticker, more like aftermarket sticker, TBH. Look at hte font and color scheme of the sticker above?

[m3f_westopher]

My techno car says Schwarz underneath as well.

[m3f_Oncebitten]

Bracket for a Flux Capacitor Relay? Its probably from something a PO had mounted as others have said. Get some small plastic plugs and at least you won't have to see the empty holes.

[m3f_Anubis]

The color below should match the interior color.