Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[Bebop]

I'm planning on refreshing my front end suspension in conjunction with a steering rack swap and a changeover from 18" to 19" wheels. Currently planning on getting Bilstein B6 struts and shocks, new front control arm bushings, and Turner anti-sway bars. My question is whether there are any "while you're in there" matters I should also address. I'm looking for some handling improvement without compromising ride quality as well as keeping the stock ride height given the condition of LA roads. Car has 106K miles and the rear suspension was refreshed last year with Powerflex poly bushings.

Add new control arms and new tie rod ends.
While everything is dismantled it would be easy to do a power steering, hub and brake refresh as well, if they're needed.

[Keith_MN]

Controls just pop out. No screws. It is easier push from behind when the Nav unit is out -

Thanks! Got it out today, was just getting nervous with cold, old plastic. My error was trying to pop the whole piece out as one. HVAC unit pops out from within the bezel, then the bezel has two more upper screws that need to be removed. Those are only accessible after the HVAC is popped out. Managed that without any broken plastic or bloody fingers so I'm counting today as a win. Better stop now.

[Slideways]

I have the two lower screws removed - is the hvac/cig lighter just held in by upper clips or do I have to remove screws from behind the head unit to get it out? I have seen conflicting info. The hvac unit does not appear to have any hard mounting from what the part # shows.

Controls just pop out. No screws. It is easier push from behind when the Nav unit is out -

[Keith_MN]

I have the two lower screws removed - is the hvac/cig lighter just held in by upper clips or do I have to remove screws from behind the head unit to get it out? I have seen conflicting info. The hvac unit does not appear to have any hard mounting from what the part # shows.

[adr_M3]

I'm planning on refreshing my front end suspension in conjunction with a steering rack swap and a changeover from 18" to 19" wheels. Currently planning on getting Bilstein B6 struts and shocks, new front control arm bushings, and Turner anti-sway bars. My question is whether there are any "while you're in there" matters I should also address. I'm looking for some handling improvement without compromising ride quality as well as keeping the stock ride height given the condition of LA roads. Car has 106K miles and the rear suspension was refreshed last year with Powerflex poly bushings.

[ATB88]

I need help with windshield wiper arm reinstallation -- specifically the weird plastic gaskets.

I replaced my windshield cowl a few months back, and while I was taking it apart I noticed that there were some cracked/crumbled up plastic washers where the wiper arm attaches to the cowl that needed to be replaced. So I looked up the parts and ordered them, but now have no idea how they go back together?

The gasket sets are different for either wiper -- there's this pair and this pair. They're slightly different but seem to serve the same function.

What I don't understand is how it all goes back together? Each set of washers is asymmetric (they come in pairs and in each pair one is different from the other), and it's not clear where in the stack of objects they go, in which order, and which way they face. I've looked up several youtube videos that go over cowl/wiper arm replacement and they don't talk about them at all.

Anyone know how these go together? Does one go underneath the cowl? Feel kinda dumb because I can do rod bearings but can't seem to figure this out ¯\_(ツ)/¯

[xansabi]

I use both entry points depending on the nut i'm trying to access. Either way you have to access the bottom for removal and installation. o2 sensors and section 1 connections have to be removed. What's the context of your question?

Got some Megan Racing headers coming soon and all of the install videos have been just on the ground. I have access to a lift, just wondering what the process was like. Planning to install with a section 1, too.

[bavarian3]

Is there a way to install headers from the bottom? Not found a video yet, all are from the top... is it easier from the bottom?

I use both entry points depending on the nut i'm trying to access. Either way you have to access the bottom for removal and installation. o2 sensors and section 1 connections have to be removed. What's the context of your question?

[Keith_MN]

Is there a way to install headers from the bottom? Not found a video yet, all are from the top... is it easier from the bottom?

Just did mine and I can't say I did much from the top other than removing the heat shields & secondary air pump accessories. A couple top nuts on cylinders 2-4 (roughly, going off memory) will be easier to access from the top but even then I mostly did it from the bottom. I did have the motor mount bracket removed which makes it way easier.

[xansabi]

Is there a way to install headers from the bottom? Not found a video yet, all are from the top... is it easier from the bottom?

[elrichmeister]

Is it possible to check Emissions readiness via INPA/NCS? Finally got a cheap laptop to try my hands with those softwares so pretty new to all of it. I’m due for CA SMOG so I’m trying to see if I check/code readiness to not have to do the whole drive cycle again.

I dont think so. Just get Wireless OBD2 scanner and use OBD Fusion app, you can check readiness with that.
This i what i use with my android phone

https://www.amazon.com/Veepeak-OBDCheck-Bluetooth-Diagnostic-Supports/dp/B073XKQQQW/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1GYNJPAPINVAD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LNOw8b-Pi9ak6lfB6sP-_W2SVHlDXz4CSxW1BVa21ahkwe2afoH5B4BlDvZmxUpkNO86Iv1PGt2uEjUhxBLjmjgRl0TzHBtPIvpoWSkJggHIktXakr-SxUEiNQ-21CFzU9NTW4CrBwTpWlFMtJsshdefHfLzGKJmBedwjNgCykD9t6IVlkViHUCGcDIF9L_fHYjaaEU64YGNzGHAbJvRVrx037tZjRIzo9m5GEU0uB0SJNKOccpUEk_gT3mwEbGP7X1jlWp4GQJCZugEwokk9dq0lncNgla2zzGgDAJv4_s.dHqrZNW-jNFRlGi_NFXfBtEiiVsnKrb9USfHJISNHLM&dib_tag=se&keywords=veepeak+obdcheck+ble&qid=1771883089&sprefix=veepeak+OD%2Caps%2C194&sr=8-5

[dHam_Slow.46M]

Is it possible to check Emissions readiness via INPA/NCS? Finally got a cheap laptop to try my hands with those softwares so pretty new to all of it. I’m due for CA SMOG so I’m trying to see if I check/code readiness to not have to do the whole drive cycle again.

[0-60motorsports]

Was sorting out my storage room when I stumbled upon the set of LCI taillights that came with my car from the previous owner. I took them off the car since they were throwing error codes and assumed they were aftermarket but upon further inspection they might be the real deal. Can anyone confirm? I’ve been yearning for a set of OEM tails for awhile and would throw these on and code them properly if they are.

Yup Genuine BMW. Go for it.

[adr_M3]

Was sorting out my storage room when I stumbled upon the set of LCI taillights that came with my car from the previous owner. I took them off the car since they were throwing error codes and assumed they were aftermarket but upon further inspection they might be the real deal. Can anyone confirm? I’ve been yearning for a set of OEM tails for awhile and would throw these on and code them properly if they are.

[ewu]

Anyone know if coding out secondary air pump will pass emissions in CA? I'm at 198k now and unable to get P0411 to clear