Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[Bimmerdude]

Has anyone purchased from ZNMPerformance located in NJ? Looks like they have lifetime warranty similar to FCP, free ship, and so on. Might give them a go on my next order.

They have the best price I can find for a dinan front bar for my E90 but it's the first time they've popped up in a search for me.. deciding if I should just send it and find out.

[PSUEng]

What is everyone using to properly torque the upper rear caliper slide pin?

I'm using the stubby VIM tools 3/8" drive 7mm bit socket to remove and tighten the pins, but there isn't enough clearance between the shock and my torque wrench+VIM socket to properly torque the pin. Using a fixed head CDI micro style torque wrench here. So, I've got a combination of crows feet that might get it done, or maybe there is another socket with a longer 7mm bit that can be used? Interested to hear what others do here. I just tightened it down by feel and so far so good, but--that's not the spec so I want to do it right.

[heinzboehmer]

What is everyone using to properly torque the upper rear caliper slide pin?

I'm using the stubby VIM tools 3/8" drive 7mm bit socket to remove and tighten the pins, but there isn't enough clearance between the shock and my torque wrench+VIM socket to properly torque the pin. Using a fixed head CDI micro style torque wrench here. So, I've got a combination of crows feet that might get it done, or maybe there is another socket with a longer 7mm bit that can be used? Interested to hear what others do here. I just tightened it down by feel and so far so good, but--that's not the spec so I want to do it right.

Remove the lower shock bolt and move the shock out of the way or torque by feel. I usually torque the bottom bolt and use that as a sort of reference for how tight the top one needs to be

[PSUEng]

Remove the lower shock bolt and move the shock out of the way or torque by feel. I usually torque the bottom bolt and use that as a sort of reference for how tight the top one needs to be

That was my thinking as well, to your latter point.

[bavarian3]

For anyone who's done Rod bearings diy: how necessary is the crankshaft adapter tool? this thing is another 80 bucks on FCP https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...er-83300491056

Wondering if there's a less expensive alternative that works here.

[DoubleSidedTape]

For anyone who's done Rod bearings diy: how necessary is the crankshaft adapter tool? this thing is another 80 bucks on FCP https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...er-83300491056

Wondering if there's a less expensive alternative that works here.

32 or 36 (I forget which) on the crank pulley. I don’t know if some s54s don’t have the bolt part but I’ve never needed that tool.

[Shonky]

Some S54s just have a regular 32mm hex bolt. My 08/2004 does. I think some of the earlier ones have the 4 bolt pulley.

From memory there is some other socket (maybe that's the 36mm?) that fits over the 4 smaller heads and does the job.

[Acarv_426]

Hey guys,
Planning on doing my waterpump and thermostat. FCP currently has a kit on sale for $289 shipped (Geba) - Should I run with that deal or spend more money and get an OEM pump? Thanks

[zzyzx85]

Hey guys,
Planning on doing my waterpump and thermostat. FCP currently has a kit on sale for $289 shipped (Geba) - Should I run with that deal or spend more money and get an OEM pump? Thanks

I'll be going with OE BMW when I do mine. My mechanic told me he's seen the Geba pumps start to weep not long after warranty is over. The composite impeller of the OEM BMW pump puts less stress on the bearing, so the pump lasts longer.

I noticed that Gates sells a waterpump that has a composite impeller but given Gates' recent reputation, i'll avoid it.

[IamFODI]

I noticed that Gates sells a waterpump that has a composite impeller but given Gates' recent reputation, i'll avoid it.

Interesting. What's Gates's recent rep? Not trying to challenge; just genuinely curious.

[zzyzx85]

Interesting. What's Gates's recent rep? Not trying to challenge; just genuinely curious.

Not sure it would apply to a BMW water pump but they used to produce their own parts or sourced from OEMs but lately they've been sourcing parts from China. With Subarus, the Gates idler pulleys in their timing kits do not meet OE specs and fail prematurely.

https://youtu.be/7qYmNXOhn_o

[IamFODI]

Not sure it would apply to a BMW water pump but they used to produce their own parts or sourced from OEMs but lately they've been sourcing parts from China. With Subarus, the Gates idler pulleys in their timing kits do not meet OE specs and fail prematurely.

https://youtu.be/7qYmNXOhn_o

Oof. That sucks. Thanks for sharing.

[PHNX636]

32 or 36 (I forget which) on the crank pulley. I don’t know if some s54s don’t have the bolt part but I’ve never needed that tool.

Its a 32mm but that's just a cover over the 4 bolts that actually hold the damper to the crank.

The realoem diagram shows it pretty well.

As far as I know all S54's should have it since it says its supposed to be on engines from 01/2001

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BL93-USA-10-2003-E46-BMW-M3&diagId=11_2997

[DoubleSidedTape]

Its a 32mm but that's just a cover over the 4 bolts that actually hold the damper to the crank.

The realoem diagram shows it pretty well.

As far as I know all S54's should have it since it says its supposed to be on engines from 01/2001

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=11_2997

Yea, that’s why I don’t get why you would need the crank turning tool.

[PSUEng]

They have the best price I can find for a dinan front bar for my E90 but it's the first time they've popped up in a search for me.. deciding if I should just send it and find out.

Well, I put an order in on 5/7 for a smallish part, and as of today, still no movement. Sent an inquiry, we'll see what happens. If not for the fact the price was 3x less than FCP, I'd have had the part by now from FCP. Maybe don't order from them if you really need something??

EDIT: Finally arrived, exactly what I ordered and fantastic price. So, I'll order from them again for sure!