Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[jet_dogg]

Why?

[zzyzx85]

Hey guys, Im looking to switch up my license plate and interior trunk light bulbs. Does anyone know the mm size? Some say 36mm but Im seeing different sizes all over.

Thanks.

I know the footwell bulbs are 36mm. License plate lights are 41 or 42mm.

I switched out my footwell bulbs for red LED bulbs so they wouldn't blind me at night.

[Nate047]

Sounds like some fuse or relay on the way out... or a CPS on the way out... but the CPS doesn't explain the momentary battery disconnect the way a failing fuse or relay might. That's about all I can think of. And a fuse or starter relay is all I'd want to invest in it at this point based upon what you've described.

maw

Double checked all the fuses again, none are blown. Intake CPS was just done like a month ago, and there's no codes stored so I doubt it's that. Starter relay... Maybe... Although I don't have issues starting usually.

[maw1124]

Double checked all the fuses again, none are blown. Intake CPS was just done like a month ago, and there's no codes stored so I doubt it's that. Starter relay... Maybe... Although I don't have issues starting usually.

I’d keep a starter relay handy or throw one at it just to see if it ever happens again. Other than that I’m as stumped as you. I can’t think of what would hiccup the battery like that.

maw

[DoubleSidedTape]

Which leak causes the timing cover to be completely caked in dirt and oil?

[heinzboehmer]

Which leak causes the timing cover to be completely caked in dirt and oil?

Could be a bunch of stuff. But I'd start by checking the timing chain guide bolt behind the thermostat housing, then check the VANOS gasket and then check all the other gaskets above that area.

Clean everything first and that will make it easier to spot the leak.

[Z3 Coupe]

Which leak causes the timing cover to be completely caked in dirt and oil?

Time for new serpentine belts too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[DoubleSidedTape]

Time for new serpentine belts too.

The engine is coming out and everything is getting refreshed. My last m3 had oil and grime pretty much everywhere, same with my X5, I just was wondering why this engine would be clean almost everywhere except for the timing cover.

[shibui]

What's considered "low mileage" for a regularly driven E46 M3 now? 16 years after the last one left the assembly line I feel like anything under 100k has been babied/stowed away...

People with air cooled 911s aren't really bothered when a car is up there in miles.

[ridebikes]

What's considered "low mileage" for a regularly driven E46 M3 now? 16 years after the last one left the assembly line I feel like anything under 100k has been babied/stowed away...

People with air cooled 911s aren't really bothered when a car is up there in miles.

100K sounds about right to me. I personally see a big difference in the prices advertised of cars above and below the magic 100K.

Anecdotally it seems especially once a car is north of 120K, the value slides even faster in the market. Probably because lots of maintenance is theoretically coming up if you want to keep it on the road.

[oceansize]

What's considered "low mileage" for a regularly driven E46 M3 now? 16 years after the last one left the assembly line I feel like anything under 100k has been babied/stowed away...

People with air cooled 911s aren't really bothered when a car is up there in miles.

Assuming you are not referencing what a collector thinks then the answer is dependent entirely on maintenance records and how stored. No maintenance other than oil changes and a 100k miles and not garaged then that car is not low anything. Tons of maintenance and a 150k miles plus garaged then I’m fine with it.

[DoubleSidedTape]

Is this an excessive amount of play in the driveshaft u-joint? Intuition tells me that it is, and as far as I’m aware, replacing the whole driveshaft is necessary but I’d like to know if I’m wrong. Thanks.

https://imgur.com/9k7Oq2P

[Casa de Mesa]

Assuming you are not referencing what a collector thinks then the answer is dependent entirely on maintenance records and how stored. No maintenance other than oil changes and a 100k miles and not garaged then that car is not low anything. Tons of maintenance and a 150k miles plus garaged then I’m fine with it.

+1

What he said

[zzyzx85]

How common is it for the coolant bleeder screw to break? Is it more likely to break on its own or when being used?

[Tbonem3]

It's plastic, so it can get brittle, and then break when you move it. It's vestigial, and should be left alone.