Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[PSUEng]

I keep getting AAA mail, it seems every letter offers their best deal ever. My M3 is maintained as best I can and I'd call it "reliable" but it never really goes very far from home. My truck is a 2022 Toyota and my wife's car is still under warranty with free roadside. Interested in thoughts on AAA or some other such roadside assistance "plan". I'd like to know I could get a tow, but I can change my own tires and generally don't find running out of fuel a risk, hence my reluctance to get AAA or something like it.

[zzyzx85]

Do you guys know if this Bilstein strut needs to be inserted all the way in the knuckle until it hits the shoulder?

As you can see the strut wasn’t inserted all the way in the vehicle and im wondering if that’s normal or not.

nota : I purchased the car with them already on and am trying to unfuck some of the work done by the previous owner and the bilstein instructions are terrible.

I can't recall how the Bilsteins installed but it looks like there is one step on the lower part in the photo and I believe that's the step it rests on inside the knuckle. There should also be a tab or pin that slots into the knuckle.

[Bebop]

Do you guys know if this Bilstein strut needs to be inserted all the way in the knuckle until it hits the shoulder?

As you can see the strut wasn’t inserted all the way in the vehicle and im wondering if that’s normal or not.

nota : I purchased the car with them already on and am trying to unfuck some of the work done by the previous owner and the bilstein instructions are terrible.

[davidinnyc]

Adhesive recommendation?

I purchased this illuminated shift knob used but it came without the shift trim plastic, so I had to purchase an old leather boot donor on eBay to pull the trim.

I'll clean up the really old, hardened combination of leather and adhesive, but what would be an appropriate adhesive to use to join the leather and the plastic?




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[bagger]

First world problem - the door panel tweeter cloth has faded. Suggestions to make them black again?

I've used fabric spray paint in the past. Good enough for me.

[YYZ-M3]

First world problem - the door panel tweeter cloth has faded. Suggestions to make them black again?

[bmwfnatic]

bmwfnatic

Thanks for the tag, check my signature

[bavarian3]

I've been searching for places to import e46 m3 parts from Europe. What's the best website to do so?

bmwfnatic

[e46_448]

I've been searching for places to import e46 m3 parts from Europe. What's the best website to do so?

[The Hunter]

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.

+1 to control arms and tie rods, I would add FCAB lollipop bushings. I would also recommend replacing the steering coupler if you are doing the rack.

[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.