Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[PSUEng]

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

Likely during original assembly the plate was installed without the wheels and in the air--in the factory, then the car went through an alignment station. I agree it is ideal to reproduce that condition--but maybe not necessary. Absent any callout in the TIS or Bentley, one could deduce that plate install relative to weighted condition of the vehicle/suspension doesn't matter. Bentley doesn't necessary assume all work is done on a lift as the make mention to using jack stands, etc. Not to argue, but what is your reasoning for taking the position to remove/install with the vehicle in the air (not weight on wheels)?

[Tbonem3]

I only say that because it does connect to the control arms in two places. Perhaps weighted, it wouldn't quite line up?

More practically, you're not going to be removing it with wheels on the ground anyway.

[Nate047]

I noticed that my AC is blowing cold on one side and warm on the other. What's the best order of things to check to diagnose this?

[Tbonem3]

Add R134a refrigerant to the port right near the positive battery terminal in the engine bay, while the car is running and A/C on full blast.

For our cars' age, I wouldn't assume you need to replace parts, simply that refrigerant has diminished over time.

[Shonky]

Definitely if right hand side is not as cold as left then low on refrigerant is most likely. It's designed to cool the driver's side first (LHD). Not so great for us in RHD countries...

[K-Dawg]

In my experience, you get better results by taking it to a shop who can put a vacuum on the system, then refill with the correct amount of refrigerant.

[tlow98]

Def best to pull a vacuum, but if it’s a DIY diagnosis or first attempt I’ve had a lot of luck with the auto parts store refill valves and bottles. Of course it’s pressure based and not weight based, but if you just need to get to the next stage of diagnosis it’s pretty cheap and fast to do so.

[Nate047]

Thanks guys, yea I am def not DIYing this. Just curious to see what I'm in for.

[Casa de Mesa]

If you accept a follow request on here, what does that mean? Just noticed I received one from a member a while ago but have no idea what it means. And how do you even initiate a follow request?

-Faceless (clearly)

[SQ13]

Do our diffs have a weep hole to get rid of excess fluid? If so, where is it located?

[heinzboehmer]

Yes

[PSUEng]

Investigating EGT sensor replacement for new exhaust install and am curious:

1) How long do these sensors tend to last? I'm at 81k on original and inclined to replace it for my SS system install.
2) Is this one OK to go "OE" instead of Gen BMW as is the case with the Bosch O2s?

Thank you

[repoman89]

Investigating EGT sensor replacement for new exhaust install and am curious:

1) How long do these sensors tend to last? I'm at 81k on original and inclined to replace it for my SS system install.
2) Is this one OK to go "OE" instead of Gen BMW as is the case with the Bosch O2s?

Thank you

Assuming you're using the Supersprint HJS cats in their section 1, you want to turn off EGT-based enrichment in your DME binary anyway, so who cares if the sensor is old.

[BigRussia]

Can anyone help me with a part number for the factory brake duct to bracket hardware? Realoem has it greyed out and ive ordered almost every other piece on this page but none match my factory hardware on the drivers side. My passenger side doesnt have the factory hardware and is currently mounted with a bolt and bunch of washers i had lying around, not ideal lol.



Drivers with proper OE factory hardware


Passengers with janky hardware lol

[Shonky]

Can anyone help me with a part number for the factory brake duct to bracket hardware? Realoem has it greyed out and ive ordered almost every other piece on this page but none match my factory hardware on the drivers side. My passenger side doesnt have the factory hardware and is currently mounted with a bolt and bunch of washers i had lying around, not ideal lol.

In my experience you can't always trust the greyed out stuff for minor hardware like this. To get a part number go back and manually pick something like a 320i instead and then go to the same page and you'll often find the part number listed

e.g. https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=51_3275

(Note I tried a 330Ci first and it was disabled there too)

You might want #17 cropped from your image