Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[Slideways]

I've been getting the red battery light on the cluster anywhere past 5k recently. I figured my VR was going out, so I replaced that and am still running into the same issue. Checking the voltage using the OBC I get ≈ 13.5V (±0.1) at idle.

Does this point to something else in my alternator failing and I should just get a new one?

Which VR did you get and is this the original alternator (Valeo)?

[ejendow]

I've been getting the red battery light on the cluster anywhere past 5k recently. I figured my VR was going out, so I replaced that and am still running into the same issue. Checking the voltage using the OBC I get ≈ 13.5V (±0.1) at idle.

Does this point to something else in my alternator failing and I should just get a new one?

[George Hill]

Is there anything different in the front-core support for our cars and a generic 3 series? It's the same part on real OEM but I'm hesitant to believe that ours are stamped steel like the listings for generic supports online claim
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=41_1097'

Same part for all e46s.
Mike

All are the same EXCEPT Vert Non-M are cast aluminum IIRC.

[Slideways]

I could get replacing the r/f plates, but those bolts? I'd like to know the reason BMW specs for them to be replaced, short of damage/excessive corrosion. My diff was out for a cover, and the fasteners re-used and no problem.

EDIT: Looks like the bolts bite into the plates, so depending upon which one is harder, I can start to understand the replacement. I might stick with just the plates...for now.

Other than that, my guess is it is a critical fastener where you would lose drive to one or both axles if something happened to the bolts or washers, not to mention everything is spinning at a high rate of speed. For most of the bolts in the driveline, I believe TIS calls for replacement.

[IamFODI]

I could get replacing the r/f plates, but those bolts? I'd like to know the reason BMW specs for them to be replaced, short of damage/excessive corrosion. My diff was out for a cover, and the fasteners re-used and no problem.

EDIT: Looks like the bolts bite into the plates, so depending upon which one is harder, I can start to understand the replacement. I might stick with just the plates...for now.

Are they TTY?

[PSUEng]

I believe the bolts are class 10.9. When I had the diff out to replace the cover, I reused them.

I could get replacing the r/f plates, but those bolts? I'd like to know the reason BMW specs for them to be replaced, short of damage/excessive corrosion. My diff was out for a cover, and the fasteners re-used and no problem.

EDIT: Looks like the bolts bite into the plates, so depending upon which one is harder, I can start to understand the replacement. I might stick with just the plates...for now.

[nuc1]

Is there anything different in the front-core support for our cars and a generic 3 series? It's the same part on real OEM but I'm hesitant to believe that ours are stamped steel like the listings for generic supports online claim

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BL93-USA-02-2004-E46-BMW-M3&diagId=41_1097

'

Same part for all e46s.

Mike

[Avedis]

Anybody know the part number for the rubber boots that BMW uses for 2&3 pin connectors? Looking to add one to a map sensor

[Slideways]

FCP Euro? 😬

I believe the bolts are class 10.9. When I had the diff out to replace the cover, I reused them.

[IamFODI]

Have fun justifying the $300 or whatever that bolt set costs now

FCP Euro? 😬

[heinzboehmer]

I'm burning this thread up!

So for rear CV axles, referencing the "washers" and bolts connecting the axle to the diff output, TIS says: "Replace bolts and washers (1)". Does this mean re-install the washers and bolts, or replace all the washers and bolts with new parts?

The latter. Have fun justifying the $300 or whatever that bolt set costs now

[PSUEng]

I'm burning this thread up!

So for rear CV axles, referencing the "washers" and bolts connecting the axle to the diff output, TIS says: "Replace bolts and washers (1)". Does this mean re-install the washers and bolts, or replace all the washers and bolts with new parts?

[Darbshaw]

Is there anything different in the front-core support for our cars and a generic 3 series? It's the same part on real OEM but I'm hesitant to believe that ours are stamped steel like the listings for generic supports online claim

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BL93-USA-02-2004-E46-BMW-M3&diagId=41_1097

'

[Slideways]

First I'm hearing of this, can anyone verify? *FCP is still showing Europe for M3 front and rear bearings.

Ordered two FAG wheel bearings from FCP a while ago - one said made in Slovakia and the other in Germany.

[George Hill]

Whoa bro he's just asking an innocent question chill out

*I think someone found out the f.a.g. hubs are being made in asia now

First I'm hearing of this, can anyone verify? *FCP is still showing Europe for M3 front and rear bearings.