Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[Tbonem3]

Titanium silver. Of course a ceramic coating would be a great option but I don't want to spend the money tbh. I'm pretty new to any sort of paint protection, as a beginner would there be a DIYable coat I could do?
I guess I could get a tent haha

It's very easy to DIY it nowadays. Though, best results come after polishing the car, which is a more involved DIY than spreading the coating around and wiping it off. TiAg doesn't show swirls really, so you could just cover the car and get better, long term protection for the paint.

[Jh004]

What color car? Light color doesn't show fine scratches much.

Ceramic coating would be a better choice than low sio2 content otc spray stuff.

Can you erect a tent/shade for cover?

Titanium silver. Of course a ceramic coating would be a great option but I don't want to spend the money tbh. I'm pretty new to any sort of paint protection, as a beginner would there be a DIYable coat I could do?
I guess I could get a tent haha

[Tbonem3]

What color car? Light color doesn't show fine scratches much.

Ceramic coating would be a better choice than low sio2 content otc spray stuff.

Can you erect a tent/shade for cover?

[Jh004]

Currently have no garage, and parking my car outside in the hot Hawaii sun kills me. I have a cover but am scared to use it as I don't want to get any scratches. I use Griots 3-1 wax for the UV protection, but other than that are there other cost-effective ways to save my clear coat? Or am I being silly and should just use the cover.

[Ubaderb]

Im having a very frustrating issue where I cannot get my car to scan and/or be read on a scanner. I've used every scanner even very expensive Autel Maxisys ones with the same outcome: no link/connection/communication. Whats the best way to get this fixed? Can this be caused by a module refusing to link/communicate with the scanner?

Did the steering angle sensor fix your problem?

[adr_M3]

I acquired a 2002 e46 earlier this year and I've been in the process of refreshing the car both mechanically and cosmetically. I'm now ready to get the interior redone and I'm hoping to find someone that can do the leather seats, center armrest, and the interior plastics but haven't been able to settle on a reputable vendor in the Greater Los Angeles area. If anyone has a contact/vendor they can recommend, it'd be greatly appreciated!

[Cubieman]

You're absolutely right: damaged on arrival = they should pay for shipping (and seek reimbursement from the shipping company). What's the dumb question?

More of a rant, just wanted to see if things had changed in regards to shipping, they most have just made a mistake ,or maybe I did when I started the returns process.

[IamFODI]

I received a radiator for my M6 yesterday from FCP and it is damaged with visible damage to the packaging.

I started a return process and see that I am responsible for return shipping, I've already sent an email but something seems wrong here.

I understand paying for shipping on a lifetime part guarantee but not this. I also remember them paying for return shipping when I received a damaged M3 radiator a year or so ago.

You're absolutely right: damaged on arrival = they should pay for shipping (and seek reimbursement from the shipping company). What's the dumb question?

[Cubieman]

I received a radiator for my M6 yesterday from FCP and it is damaged with visible damage to the packaging.

I started a return process and see that I am responsible for return shipping, I've already sent an email but something seems wrong here.

I understand paying for shipping on a lifetime part guarantee but not this. I also remember them paying for return shipping when I received a damaged M3 radiator a year or so ago.

[karter16]

Following up on this, both came out. It is either incredibly difficult or really easy depending on how much or little windshield sealant squished out into the channel before they were installed.

Thanks for posting back with the answer! I've long wondered this and never found a conclusive answer. Appreciate it!


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[Avedis]

If they are anything like the E60 M5, they should be removable and replaceable with the windshields in place. They usually have a metal U shaped frame built into the seal that clips into the glass. It can sometimes take a lot of effort to get the gasket removal started. Best to tape off the area to keep the paint from getting damaged.

Following up on this, both came out. It is either incredibly difficult or really easy depending on how much or little windshield sealant squished out into the channel before they were installed.

I currently have my car into a pro detailer to remove a very old clear bra/ppf. He got it off no problem, but should I re-apply PPF? My DDs have it, as I'm on the highway and our shit roads have many surprises. The car looks great without PPF IMO, curious what others think.

If the paint is good underneath, absolutely reapply. PPF for any given panel is a couple hundred, paint for any panel is $1000+. If the shop is any good, ask them to do a bulk install rather than template (or at least modify a pre-designed template). A well done car should show little to no seams/edges. There are a lot of shops that can do it, but you can check Topaz Detailing online for examples of well done PPF work.

[PSUEng]

I currently have my car into a pro detailer to remove a very old clear bra/ppf. He got it off no problem, but should I re-apply PPF? My DDs have it, as I'm on the highway and our shit roads have many surprises. The car looks great without PPF IMO, curious what others think.

[Slideways]

My turn for today: Years ago I went with the replacement so-called (as I recall, anyway) "aero" wiper blades and I think I tossed my original blades. Can I still buy those and the appropriate rubber inserts? I think I want to go back to original after driving in the rain today and watching these "aero" blades dance all over the place.

The frames appear to be NLA. There should be a few NOS on eBay or used sets from any E46.

While FCP no longer carries the Bosch inserts, one or two other venders might still have them.

[Slideways]

Is it possible to remove/replace the front and rear windshield rubber trim (gasket) without pulling the glass? I just gave it a look and damn those things are stiff and deep under the glass.

If they are anything like the E60 M5, they should be removable and replaceable with the windshields in place. They usually have a metal U shaped frame built into the seal that clips into the glass. It can sometimes take a lot of effort to get the gasket removal started. Best to tape off the area to keep the paint from getting damaged.

[Avedis]

Is it possible to remove/replace the front and rear windshield rubber trim (gasket) without pulling the glass? I just gave it a look and damn those things are stiff and deep under the glass.