Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[BigRussia]

Whats this module behind the drivers side c-pillar? My assumption is related to the radio antennae and rear glass defroster? My car doesnt have radio and my defroster has never worked, am i ok to unplug and remove this?

[mtpktz]

Whats this module behind the drivers side c-pillar? My assumption is related to the radio antennae and rear glass defroster? My car doesnt have radio and my defroster has never worked, am i ok to unplug and remove this?

You're correct - Amplified Radio Antenna Module.

https://www.ebay.com/p/1227670613

[SQ13]

Why the fuck are these header gaskets $39 each now? Can elring be used here?

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-exhaust-manifold-gasket-m3-z3-z4-11627830667-2

[mtpktz]

Why the fuck are these header gaskets $39 each now? Can elring be used here?

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-11627830667-2

Wow! I was hoping for your sake it was just a pricing error (I just purchased Genuine for $10.99/ea about 6 weeks ago) but unfortunately ECS has them inflated too at $29.95/ea.

FWIW, when I was researching SS header install, all sources I found said to go with Genuine gaskets granted "cheaping out" on Elring was the difference between $10, not $200.

[SQ13]

Wow! I was hoping for your sake it was just a pricing error (I just purchased Genuine for $10.99/ea about 6 weeks ago) but unfortunately ECS has them inflated too at $29.95/ea.

FWIW, when I was researching SS header install, all sources I found said to go with Genuine gaskets granted "cheaping out" on Elring was the difference between $10, not $200.

Yeah..I’ve always used OE gaskets. Fml

[lvm3sm46]

FCP must've known everyone was going to buying them after the SS group buy went down so they raised prices lol

[PSUEng]

Well I need to hit this thread again lol...

For front skid plate removal, is this to be done ONLY with the front end supported and NOT weight on wheels? Or is it acceptable to remove the plate with weight on front wheels? The correct method will impact how I get this thing up in the air for header install. I've read that one should only do this without weight on wheels; as far as needing alignment afterwards, I'm unable to find definitive answer. Bentley manual does not say anything either way other than don't drive without it.

Thanks!

[PSUEng]

Wow! I was hoping for your sake it was just a pricing error (I just purchased Genuine for $10.99/ea about 6 weeks ago) but unfortunately ECS has them inflated too at $29.95/ea.

FWIW, when I was researching SS header install, all sources I found said to go with Genuine gaskets granted "cheaping out" on Elring was the difference between $10, not $200.

I bought mine from FCP for that same price a few weeks back. But to be fair, all other retailers were $30+ at the time. I did score my Bosch O2 sensors from AutoZone with free drop ship from Bosch and 20% off over $100--hands down the best price I found.

[heinzboehmer]

Well I need to hit this thread again lol...

For front skid plate removal, is this to be done ONLY with the front end supported and NOT weight on wheels? Or is it acceptable to remove the plate with weight on front wheels? The correct method will impact how I get this thing up in the air for header install. I've read that one should only do this without weight on wheels; as far as needing alignment afterwards, I'm unable to find definitive answer. Bentley manual does not say anything either way other than don't drive without it.

Thanks!

It doesn't matter. Everything that plate bolts up to is solidly mounted to the chassis of the car. Can remove and reinstall with the wheels on, wheels off, car in the air, car on the ground, etc. No need for alignment either.

More details/discussion: https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...on-jack-stands

[zzyzx85]

Is my AC low on refrigerant? I'll fire up my car and no cold air blows out the vents. However, once I start driving, it'll get cold.

[Tbonem3]

I'd say it's low if you notice that the far left vent is colder than the far right.

[Tbonem3]

Well I need to hit this thread again lol...

For front skid plate removal, is this to be done ONLY with the front end supported and NOT weight on wheels? Or is it acceptable to remove the plate with weight on front wheels? The correct method will impact how I get this thing up in the air for header install. I've read that one should only do this without weight on wheels; as far as needing alignment afterwards, I'm unable to find definitive answer. Bentley manual does not say anything either way other than don't drive without it.

Thanks!

Off the ground like the car would be at a shop or bmw dealer.

[heinzboehmer]

Is my AC low on refrigerant? I'll fire up my car and no cold air blows out the vents. However, once I start driving, it'll get cold.

Is you AC fan working (the electric pusher in front of the rad and condenser)? Sounds like the condenser is not getting airflow (until you start moving) and thus not cooling the hot refrigerant.

[zzyzx85]

I'd say it's low if you notice that the far left vent is colder than the far right.

I'll have to check that out.

Is you AC fan working (the electric pusher in front of the rad and condenser)? Sounds like the condenser is not getting airflow (until you start moving) and thus not cooling the hot refrigerant.

I'm positive it is working as I can hear it from inside the car lol. It also happens in the morning when the car is "cold".

[heinzboehmer]

Ah, well low refrigerant is likely then. What tbone suggested is a quick way to check.