Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[Slideways]

What's the latest on valve cover gaskets? I can't remember which ones we want to avoid.

How often do the spark plug tube seals need to be replaced?

Other grommets included in the valve cover gasket kits?

The BMW VCG is made by Bruss and is only available from BMW.

The OE spark plug tube gaskets have EK written on them, which I presume is for Elring Klinger, similar to the original cylinder head gasket.

A few people have had issues with only the Elring VCG.

[Nate047]

What's the latest on valve cover gaskets? I can't remember which ones we want to avoid.

How often do the spark plug tube seals need to be replaced?

Other grommets included in the valve cover gasket kits?

[ugaexploder]

OK, I need to get some brake bleed tools. Many I find say Motive is the way to go, some mention "one-man" bleeders (containers with check valves), and then there is the vac style tool. Would love some input here.

Check out Speedi-Bleed as well, I like their system.

https://speedibleed.com/search-products/?make=BMW&model=M3&years=2001-2006&option=E46

[Slideways]

OK, I need to get some brake bleed tools. Many I find say Motive is the way to go, some mention "one-man" bleeders (containers with check valves), and then there is the vac style tool. Would love some input here.

Motive is the easiest one-man brake bleed method. Even TIS shows a machine that BMW uses to pressurize the system from the reservoir. The Motive collection bottle is also nice to have versus using a random bottle.

[PSUEng]

OK, I need to get some brake bleed tools. Many I find say Motive is the way to go, some mention "one-man" bleeders (containers with check valves), and then there is the vac style tool. Would love some input here.

[Gt4]

What are some of the best fitting CSL style diffusers? I bought a cheap one, the fitment is really starting to bug me already after just a few days. I thought I could make myself be be okay with it but it’s getting on my nerves lol

I have one diffuser ready to go. Tariffs free

[Avedis]

What are some of the best fitting CSL style diffusers? I bought a cheap one, the fitment is really starting to bug me already after just a few days. I thought I could make myself be be okay with it but it’s getting on my nerves lol

Gt4 composites. I don’t have any personal experience with this one, but if it’s anything like his other stuff, it’s perfect.

Vorsteiner. Just did my install yesterday, 95% fitment with zero adjustment. 99.5% with some minor tweaking. I bought this about a year before GT4 started making his, but if I were to buy one today I’d go with the GT4.

[Nate047]

What are some of the best fitting CSL style diffusers? I bought a cheap one, the fitment is really starting to bug me already after just a few days. I thought I could make myself be be okay with it but it’s getting on my nerves lol

[jayjaya29]

Dumb question here, but do these Trinity Graphics rear bumper mounts work on the M3? It doesn't specifically say and a google search told me that non-m3 mounts are different.

I bought a set of these but have not gotten around to installing them. Seems the same is true for many other people on here. 🤣

[kryptokatalyst]

Questionably dumb, but is there a stickied thread with reported NLA parts for the E46 M3? I vaguely recall seeing one somewhere, but I can't seem to find it now. My search skills also failed me in this endeavor.

Thanks.

[jsuen]

Dumb question here, but do these Trinity Graphics rear bumper mounts work on the M3? It doesn't specifically say and a google search told me that non-m3 mounts are different.

[Tbonem3]

I'd be careful with matte finish though, don't want to polish too hard. I would hope ipa or panel wipe or glass cleaner would be enough

[Slideways]

Peeled off the TMS decal but still some residue left behind. Any tips on how to clean it up further?

70% IPA or detail spray

Edit: Since it is matte, don't use polish. Looked at the images very briefly and thought it was gloss.

[jing]

Peeled off the TMS decal but still some residue left behind. Any tips on how to clean it up further?

[Nate047]

what offset/wheel width would you guys run for fronts out of the choices below for e88? for street application

18x9.5 - 28et (1.5” lip)
18x9 - 21.5et (1.5” lip)
18x9 34.5et (1” lip)

TBH none of those are worth the cost IMO. If you want E88s, just be honest with yourself. If you want to look cool, you have to get track sizes and use lots of camber. Modestly street sized E88s are not cool no matter how you slice it. And you’re spending so much for them, with super limited resale market, too.