Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[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.

[zzyzx85]

welp, the AC went out during my weekly drive. Had AC for the first 20 minutes and it quit half way through.

I've checked the AC fuses (28, 62, 63) and they're good. AC clutch engages and stays engaged until I turn off the AC button.

Any thing else I should look at?

update on this: it's somehow fixed itself 😅

Going to chalk this up as old German car being old German car and it's going to have a few electrical hiccups here and there.

Another question: does the HVAC control ever go bad?