Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[Cubieman]

Did the CSL cars have both "splash" shields?

I remember the driver's side splash shield didn't fit with the OEM CSL snorkel, I have seen people modify them to fit.

Currently I have neither of the plastic shields on for aesthetic reasons but want to run them as they would seem to be somewhat important as far as airflow around the engine is concerned.

[Cubieman]

Anyone know what type of connector is used for the fuel pump? Doing some troubleshooting and would like to find the correct pin removal tool.

https://tulayswirewerks.com/product/bmw-6-pin-black-sealed-plug-e46-fuel-pump-connector-kit/

This might not be the specific information you are looking for but these will likely have the one you need, likely the tool is of the circular variety from the pin itself.

These are some cheeseball Chinese tools, but I have seen even SnapOn brand de-pinning tool bend unfortunately.

https://www.amazon.com/Depinning-Electrical-Connector-Extractor-Automotive/dp/B0BMXCRD48/ref=mp_s_a_1_5_sspa?crid=3RT0EG92HF3HN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9DhjARxqA1iR6cBwOs27bjxEe4od8woOg_sKhpy2qYvAlnWAvUOUjk2bKdJ3xpk0SAKQGO-53Lm-a3KMLKtTkSBpmp5Wukxcy6EyGFN2JiD1WuelPa0GiR74ayUXnnGhsCskkOaAe4HE02T4hCrijdh07vk8OCh6lFcJVORenCpb2pyt-GqvnJ7LnKrBfATqE4bggVKeq5ZzPeaPWCkHlA.BvI06EhMoF-PLgHcG875ForBI9DY5FgPW2LRUjoU1Jc&dib_tag=se&keywords=bmw+depinning+tool&qid=1713884231&sprefix=bmw+depinning+tool%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-5-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfbXRm&psc=1

[discoelk]

Anyone know what type of connector is used for the fuel pump? Doing some troubleshooting and would like to find the correct pin removal tool.

https://tulayswirewerks.com/product/bmw-6-pin-black-sealed-plug-e46-fuel-pump-connector-kit/

[IamFODI]

Thanks, I wasn't sure if those are supposed to be one time use.

Pretty sure they are, but people reuse them all the time.

Worst-case scenario, you end up with a microscopic exhaust leak. That's a bridge you can cross if you ever get there. It's not like TTY fasteners in your engine which could blow something up if reused.

[Nate047]

Thanks, I wasn't sure if those are supposed to be one time use.

[Tbonem3]

No, iconel lasts. Very expensive too.

[Nate047]

Do I need to replace the torx bolts and nuts between the headers and exhaust section 1? I put brand new ones on there after doing my RACP, I drove literally like 25 miles or so and the exhaust has to come off again so I can access the driveshaft. Just trying to see if I can save some $$$ on hardware.

[IamFODI]

Shifter question: I've owned 3 E46s, but they've all been race cars (a GTS4 M3 and two 5-speed ZF Spec E46s). All of them had CAE chassis-mounted shifters, so that's my baseline (tight and notchy). I've also had a few E36s with stock shifters, and those feel like wet noodles.
I won this car on BaT https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...-m3-coupe-132/ and just drove it for the first time. It has a Rogue Engineering short shifter, and I figured it would be somewhere in between my two experiences. But I really need to slam it in gear, to the point where I'm afraid I'm being too rough (particularly 3rd gear). Also note that it was my first time in 3 years driving a manual transmission, so yeah, I was probably not as smooth as I should've been. Am I being a girlie-man, or is this typical for this setup? TIA

Most short shifters suck. Only consistent exception I’m aware of is Autosolutions, which is always excellent unless poorly specced (all kits are custom).

[Maxxfish]

Shifter question: I've owned 3 E46s, but they've all been race cars (a GTS4 M3 and two 5-speed ZF Spec E46s). All of them had CAE chassis-mounted shifters, so that's my baseline (tight and notchy). I've also had a few E36s with stock shifters, and those feel like wet noodles.
I won this car on BaT https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...-m3-coupe-132/ and just drove it for the first time. It has a Rogue Engineering short shifter, and I figured it would be somewhere in between my two experiences. But I really need to slam it in gear, to the point where I'm afraid I'm being too rough (particularly 3rd gear). Also note that it was my first time in 3 years driving a manual transmission, so yeah, I was probably not as smooth as I should've been. Am I being a girlie-man, or is this typical for this setup? TIA

[bavarian3]

The oil pan and level sensor gaskets are likely fine being they are fairly malleable but the filter screen gasket is metal and may not deform and fill any voids. But as you noted if it was fine before it's likely going to be fine as well. IF you are concerned about it though just give it the thinnest smear of RTV or your favorite sealant when going back together.

noted thanks!

[George Hill]

The oil pan and level sensor gaskets are likely fine being they are fairly malleable but the filter screen gasket is metal and may not deform and fill any voids. But as you noted if it was fine before it's likely going to be fine as well. IF you are concerned about it though just give it the thinnest smear of RTV or your favorite sealant when going back together.

[bavarian3]

Wondering if I should try and mess with these scratches on my oil pan, or if the gasket will handle it. I was very careful handling the pan so I believe it was from the previous owner, and I had no leaks when removed.

What's everyone think:





oil level sensor surface




center cover area

[Lee_Enfield]

OK, Ill pass on them. thanks

[Slideways]

Anyone know if a Door panel off a standard Coupe is the same as an M3? I know they will interchange but wondering about the leather, if its the same or not.

My door cards on y beat up 02 have seen better day and I found a good condition set off an standard non-M Coupe. Just wondering if the leather will match up

Realoem.com is good from checking stuff like this. The black leather door panel for the M3 has a different part number versus the non-M - https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/par...948&series=E46

When you search, click the part number in blue and it will tell you what other models have that same exact part.

All M3s had nappa leather interior. Not sure if it was a rare option on the non-M.

[oceansize]

Not the same leather.