Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[Will]

Does the radiator support from a convertible contribute to a noticeable increase in chassis stiffness?

I've seen the two pieces, and the convertible one def looks like a structural/braced part vs the standard 3 series one where it looks simply like stamped steel.

[CachacoE46]

If I remember right, you have you have the key in position 2 (engine off) then hold the tps until light goes off. Press and hold again until amber light comes on then turn on the car and slowly drive and the light goes away

Thanks. That works but if you have a red light you need to turn it off first by pressing and holding. Then you go through your procedure

[erickhoyos]

Does the radiator support from a convertible contribute to a noticeable increase in chassis stiffness?

I've seen the two pieces, and the convertible one def looks like a structural/braced part vs the standard 3 series one where it looks simply like stamped steel.

I believe the area that increases in chassis rigidity is where the rear seats are. In a coupe/sedan the rear seats fold down while in the convertible they are fixed bc of a sheet of aluminum that connects near the rear shock mounts. That’s why it’s harder to have subframe cracking issues on a vert than it would be for a hardtop car. It’s still possible to crack the subframe, albeit less common.

[ridebikes]

When it comes to replacing window regulators...is it a waste of money to proactively replace at first sign of rattling? Or is it worth pursuing cheaper fixes? Car has 88K miles on (AFAIK) original window regulators.

[jdamore44]

I believe the area that increases in chassis rigidity is where the rear seats are. In a coupe/sedan the rear seats fold down while in the convertible they are fixed bc of a sheet of aluminum that connects near the rear shock mounts. That’s why it’s harder to have subframe cracking issues on a vert than it would be for a hardtop car. It’s still possible to crack the subframe, albeit less common.

The subframe isn't the issue in the back, it's the trunk floor. Lots of mis-information and labeling out there.

[su45]

I'm getting a Vincebar installed and doing a diff refresh while it's dropped. I'm replacing the cover (for the OE bushings) + torx bolts, cover gasket, front bushing + M14 bolt, drain bolts, input seal, output seals, o-ring, lock rings, and OE SAF XJ+FM.

Should the eight diff cover bolts/washers (#3 and #4 below) be replaced?

Also, do the small and large dust covers on the output shafts (#9 and #10) need to be replaced?

[ridebikes]

Are this the right part number and item for a Euro Section 1 with hi-flo cats?

https://www.bmwpartshub.com/oem-parts/bmw-catalytic-converter-18107832909?origin=pla&gclid=CjwKCAjw8cCGBhB6EiwAgOReywcF8P5cdpUPai1seHcrYgfN9l0EnJuRIx7g6GT1T9ct4Fq_jQnP3hoCAqcQAvD_BwE

[Tbonem3]

Looks like it! That's hilarious. People are paying $650 for 15-20 year old ones with 100k.

Just checked shipping est, was $75. Plus about maybe $35 in tax? (you can still find some vendors out there that don't charge tax)

[Bgexpress]

Are this the right part number and item for a Euro Section 1 with hi-flo cats?

https://www.bmwpartshub.com/oem-parts/bmw-catalytic-converter-18107832909?origin=pla&gclid=CjwKCAjw8cCGBhB6EiwAgOReywcF8P5cdpUPai1seHcrYgfN9l0EnJuRIx7g6GT1T9ct4Fq_jQnP3hoCAqcQAvD_BwE

The other threads I found when I search reference part #18-30-7-832-488 as the euro section 1

[heinzboehmer]

Are this the right part number and item for a Euro Section 1 with hi-flo cats?

https://www.bmwpartshub.com/oem-parts/bmw-catalytic-converter-18107832909?origin=pla&gclid=CjwKCAjw8cCGBhB6EiwAgOReywcF8P5cdpUPai1seHcrYgfN9l0EnJuRIx7g6GT1T9ct4Fq_jQnP3hoCAqcQAvD_BwE

Image shows the euro section 1, but that's the part number for the US section 1. Correct number for the euro section 1 is 18307832488. Those are more like $2k new.

[ridebikes]

Thank you for the info!

[Tbonem3]

Damn!

[erickhoyos]

The subframe isn't the issue in the back, it's the trunk floor. Lots of mis-information and labeling out there.

Yes, just looked that up a while ago and indeed the trunk floor is dual layered I think? Thanks

[DropTopKingM3]

Are Valeo 439317 alternators discontinued or is there a production/supply issue as a result of covid? No one has this alternator.

[E46_M3_ZCP]

Why are Dinan RTABS twice the cost of other spherical bearing RTABs when construction/materials are near identical??

I know Dinan has reputation of being over-priced and while their double the current cost RTABS might have been justified when they were one of the first to offer a machine housing RTAB housing with a sealed BMW spherical bearing internal, that's no longer the case with the dozen or so offerings on the market sharing the above mentioned construction with perhaps one of the biggest differences between the anodized aluminum dye/color used.

I personally like the clear or silver colored anodized aluminum housings that Dinan uses but at twice the cost of other market equivalents, it's a tough pill to swallow unless there are other benefits to the Dinan RTABs over seemingly identical offerings someone can bring to my attention.