Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[jet_dogg]

Just use the right driver, problem solved.

[fourmula1]

EDIT SOLVED: Had a question about MCS true rear coil over clevis mounting. Holes line up with OEM mounting location.

[BigRussia]

I just did this and wish I could tell you bolt size, I went to ACE and just compared and used thier pitch finder board and easily found the right stuff.

This is from screeshot from a DIY off buildjornal.

Awesome, thanks for that! I didn't know that BuildJournal DIY had the exact specs. I looked up the exact same ones from the bag in their pic and bought them on Home Depot, here is the link for anyone else interested, $2.75 for bag of 3:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt...3248/204281931

[BMWE46M3]

Does anyone know what the hex bolt (M6) identified as # 4 in the bellhousing image is for? Thanks...

[fourmula1]

Does anyone know what the hex bolt (M6) identified as # 4 in the bellhousing image is for? Thanks...

Pretty sure that's to retain that sheet-metal shield or "gasket". Not sure what it is called...I'll try to find a picture or something.

Edit: retains this https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...BoCMmoQAvD_BwE

[ugaexploder]

When fixing the wobbly side-view mirrors, is it a bad idea to use red loctite on the screws?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txZrqJu7bWg&ab_channel=ShopLifeTV

[Slideways]

When fixing the wobbly side-view mirrors, is it a bad idea to use red loctite on the screws?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txZrqJu7bWg&ab_channel=ShopLifeTV

Yes, blue is a better choice as those screws might need to come out again at some point.

[SUPREM3///]

I would either cap it off or duct it as it will draw in hot engine bay air otherwise. However many people just leave it open and don't run the flap and don't seem to have any real problems. The eventuri scoop is a nice middle ground as far as getting in cooler air, or so it would seem.

Just wanted to duct as much cool air to the intake as possible as I am running the CSL intake without the intake tract/bumper it was designed to run with.

I haven't put any thought into this so could easily not even be possible due to spacing. Just throwing it out there before going to bed because of the beauty of this thread.

Considering deleting the fogs on my car so I had the thought of a setup using something like one of those dual hole cover plates running flex pipe from the 2 holes to the snorkel, secondary hole and then brake cooling duct using a Y splitter somewhere. Gut instinct is that it's not possible to fit / it's not worth the effort but that's why we all love the E46 anyway. Any chance there's something there worth looking into?

Pics for refence:

[Cubieman]

I haven't put any thought into this so could easily not even be possible due to spacing. Just throwing it out there before going to bed because of the beauty of this thread.

Considering deleting the fogs on my car so I had the thought of a setup using something like one of those dual hole cover plates running flex pipe from the 2 holes to the snorkel, secondary hole and then brake cooling duct using a Y splitter somewhere. Gut instinct is that it's not possible to fit / it's not worth the effort but that's why we all love the E46 anyway. Any chance there's something there worth looking into?

Pics for refence:

That may just work but if you do a small amount of cutting on the factory ducting you can have some air going to the airbox and some going to the brakes as well still.

[PSUEng]

When fixing the wobbly side-view mirrors, is it a bad idea to use red loctite on the screws?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txZrqJu7bWg&ab_channel=ShopLifeTV

I’m planing on doing this soon. While I can remove the door panel and can see benefits to doing so, can this repair be done with the panel on? I remember seeing a video on YouTube of a guy doing it without pulling the panel, looked a little tricky when holding the mirror and getting enough wire harness slack pulled through to actually work on the mirror.

[ATB88]

I'm going to pick up my car from a body shop for the very first time today, I've never had paint work done before. As for paint match, they've repainted everything EXCEPT the driver's side front/rear fenders and door. Should I be expecting a perfect match to the original paint on those panels and the new paint on the rest of the car, and if not, to how high a standard should I be holding them? If I can see the difference between the old/new paint, should I be asking them to repaint? I have no idea of what's reasonable here. But if it's supposed to be damned near perfect then I think that's important to know before I pay them. Color is Carbon Black Metallic, shop is King's Auto Body Shop in Huntington Beach, CA, who were recommended by forum members.

Thanks for any advice on this!!

[ugaexploder]

I’m planing on doing this soon. While I can remove the door panel and can see benefits to doing so, can this repair be done with the panel on? I remember seeing a video on YouTube of a guy doing it without pulling the panel, looked a little tricky when holding the mirror and getting enough wire harness slack pulled through to actually work on the mirror.

I think it’s possible keeping the door card on, but I could also see it causing frustration as well. I do believe there is enough slack to pull off the 2 bolts and still have enough room to tighten the torx bolts that need tightening.

On the driver side, it was a pain trying to release the side view mirror connector. I actually rested the door card on a stool while I detached the armrest to avoid damage to the connector.

I could snap some photos of that area with the card removed if helpful.

[Slideways]

I'm going to pick up my car from a body shop for the very first time today, I've never had paint work done before. As for paint match, they've repainted everything EXCEPT the driver's side front/rear fenders and door. Should I be expecting a perfect match to the original paint on those panels and the new paint on the rest of the car, and if not, to how high a standard should I be holding them? If I can see the difference between the old/new paint, should I be asking them to repaint? I have no idea of what's reasonable here. But if it's supposed to be damned near perfect then I think that's important to know before I pay them. Color is Carbon Black Metallic, shop is King's Auto Body Shop in Huntington Beach, CA, who were recommended by forum members.

Thanks for any advice on this!!

Carbon black is one of the easier colors to blend. The only issue I have seen with metallic paints is the inconsistency in the metallic flake across the panels. A bad paint job would have an area with too much metallic flake due to poor application.

[PSUEng]

I think it’s possible keeping the door card on, but I could also see it causing frustration as well. I do believe there is enough slack to pull off the 2 bolts and still have enough room to tighten the torx bolts that need tightening.

On the driver side, it was a pain trying to release the side view mirror connector. I actually rested the door card on a stool while I detached the armrest to avoid damage to the connector.

I could snap some photos of that area with the card removed if helpful.

Thanks but I’m painfully aware of the PITA disconnecting the mirror switch. I’ve in the past popped the switch out from the bottom, then disconnect the connector. Does bmw happen to sell that connector and it’s mating receptacle separately?

[ugaexploder]

Thanks but I’m painfully aware of the PITA disconnecting the mirror switch. I’ve in the past popped the switch out from the bottom, then disconnect the connector. Does bmw happen to sell that connector and it’s mating receptacle separately?

😂😂 right?! i was so annoyed with it and couldn’t believe there wasn’t a way to disconnect it unless you removed the entire armrest…insanity.

i bet they do sell the connector alone although im not sure of the part number. it seems like if you buy the upgraded bracket from mirrorjohn, you could use a narrow tool to unpin the connector.