Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[adr_M3]

I recently picked up a 2002 e46 with 98,300 miles that seemed to be well sorted with service records for rod bearings, VANOS, and basic regular maintenance (oil changes, brakes, etc). I took it to a reputable BMW shop here in LA who found the following faults/made the following recommendations:

- Leaking oil pan and constant pressure valve
- Brake and differential fluid flush
- Worn out engine mounts
- Valve adjustment
- Spark plug replacement

I didn't find service records for these and I wasn't expecting issues to pop up, so my question is whether these are known issues for a 98K vehicle and if there's a chance I'm getting taken for a ride by the shop.

[oceansize]

I recently picked up a 2002 e46 with 98,300 miles that seemed to be well sorted with service records for rod bearings, VANOS, and basic regular maintenance (oil changes, brakes, etc). I took it to a reputable BMW shop here in LA who found the following faults/made the following recommendations:

- Leaking oil pan and constant pressure valve
- Brake and differential fluid flush
- Worn out engine mounts
- Valve adjustment
- Spark plug replacement

I didn't find service records for these and I wasn't expecting issues to pop up, so my question is whether these are known issues for a 98K vehicle and if there's a chance I'm getting taken for a ride by the shop.

Your shop is treating you right. Every one of those is a maintenance item and nothing out of the ordinary for a 23 year old German sports car.

[fourmula1]

Looking at having my axles rebuilt and/or buying a new set.

What is the difference between part numbers 33217839466 and 33207839468?

[elrichmeister]

I recently picked up a 2002 e46 with 98,300 miles that seemed to be well sorted with service records for rod bearings, VANOS, and basic regular maintenance (oil changes, brakes, etc). I took it to a reputable BMW shop here in LA who found the following faults/made the following recommendations:

- Leaking oil pan and constant pressure valve
- Brake and differential fluid flush
- Worn out engine mounts
- Valve adjustment
- Spark plug replacement

I didn't find service records for these and I wasn't expecting issues to pop up, so my question is whether these are known issues for a 98K vehicle and if there's a chance I'm getting taken for a ride by the shop.

How long ago was the VANOS rebuilt? typically a vanos rebuild should include valve adjustments, valve cover gasket, and possibly spark plugs.

[Nate047]

Been trying to un-fuck my other car little by little, I’m working on a series of vacuum leaks. I have a big leak at the base of the oil dipstick guide tube, probably that little O-ring. Do you guys believe a vacuum leak there could cause serious AFR deviations and drivability issues? Or am I likely going to continue to find more leaks downstream after I rectify this one?

[jayjaya29]

Been trying to un-fuck my other car little by little, I’m working on a series of vacuum leaks. I have a big leak at the base of the oil dipstick guide tube, probably that little O-ring. Do you guys believe a vacuum leak there could cause serious AFR deviations and drivability issues? Or am I likely going to continue to find more leaks downstream after I rectify this one?

If its a large enough leak yes it can cause drivability issues.

[Nate047]

If it’s a large enough leak yes it can cause drivability issues.

Here’s a video, I would blow into the area to clear the smoke and you can see how quickly it accumulates.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7kuihflqaxxhlhzozch9e/e36_smoketest_01.mov?rlkey=pw6ounmr9fzdpyujkbn0firar&st=e33mksbj&dl=0

[fattycharged]

I've done something to my passenger side parking brake and I can't figure what is causing the drag/lockup, so I'm obviously adjusting it incorrectly.... Anyone want to shed light on how to do it properly, I'm tired of screwing with it and feeling like an idiot. k thx

[jayjaya29]

Here’s a video, I would blow into the area to clear the smoke and you can see how quickly it accumulates.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7kuih...=e33mksbj&dl=0

That is a significant leak for sure. I wonder if there even is an oring in there.

[Nate047]

That is a significant leak for sure. I wonder if there even is an oring in there.

Yea I think it has gone out to pasture lol. Luckily it’s not hard to access, gonna put in a generic O ring from Advance and see how we’re doing.

[jayjaya29]

Yea I think it has gone out to pasture lol. Luckily it’s not hard to access, gonna put in a generic O ring from Advance and see how we’re doing.

Its not a typical oring size. I'd get the correct one using the part number unless you can find something close. Its a pretty fat oring. The fit is very very snug.

[Darbshaw]

Anyone thats done a ZF swap, can you confirm that a 330i 5spd driveshaft works? I've gotten one with a blown out CV needing replaced. I may be able to test fit this weekend, but ideally I'd like to have a plan set before the trans is back in the car and then waiting on finding a new shaft. Timing is a bit short for me.

Thanks!

[Nate047]

It’s not a typical oring size. I'd get the correct one using the part number unless you can find something close. It’s a pretty fat oring. The fit is very very snug.

Ended up finding some on Amazon

[PSUEng]

Looking at having my axles rebuilt and/or buying a new set.

What is the difference between part numbers 33217839466 and 33207839468?

466 is the newer part. If buying a set, you want 33217839465 & 33217839466. I bought a set from Cotswold a while back. Not sure if their pricing is competitive now or not.