Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[fourmula1]

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

What is the difference between part numbers 33217839466 and 33207839468?

[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.

[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.

[heinzboehmer]

They really are. I ended up settling for a US one. Figured it's easy to swap a euro one in if I come across one in the future.

[Nate047]

Thought so, man these things are hard to find.