Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[Cubieman]

How common is a timing cover leak?
Nothing ever drips down to the bellypan/ground etc. but there is always a film of oil right around where the head meets the block.

I have looked at the vanos gasket, the "freeze" plug under vanos area, OFHG area and nothing. Granted the area I am looking at is hard to see as so many items are in that area. I can't imagine it's the vanos line as these seem to not just drip slightly when defective.

The most oil I see is near the tensioner where the timing cover meets the head/block. The most oil/grime seems to be right there, and that's a bummer as to do it right the head should probably come off.

FWIW the vehicle has 72k on it.

Couldn't get photo of the worst area, these might be useless photos.

[dHam_Slow.46M]

Are the left and right window switches in coupes interchangeable? My Driver window switch finally broke and would rather replace both sides but the right(passenger) side is 2x the price of the left?!

[elrichmeister]

Are the headlight lenses for halogens meaningfully different than the ones for xenons? There seem to be less in the way of OE options for the Xenon ones and they're more expensive

Just purchased and installed Halogen variant from FCP Euro (OEM? Magneti Marelli) for my xenon and they look great. I experimented with cheapo ebay lenses and they yellowed in about 2 years. So ill see how these last.

[PSUEng]

Are the headlight lenses for halogens meaningfully different than the ones for xenons? There seem to be less in the way of OE options for the Xenon ones and they're more expensive

I think there is a thread on this; some say no difference. I recently ordered new lenses for my 2003 w/Xenon from the dealer and was told latest parts are the 191/192 variants, so that is what I got. Made by Automotive Lighting (AL).

[ATB88]

Are the headlight lenses for halogens meaningfully different than the ones for xenons? There seem to be less in the way of OE options for the Xenon ones and they're more expensive

[Tbonem3]

Titanium silver. Of course a ceramic coating would be a great option but I don't want to spend the money tbh. I'm pretty new to any sort of paint protection, as a beginner would there be a DIYable coat I could do?
I guess I could get a tent haha

It's very easy to DIY it nowadays. Though, best results come after polishing the car, which is a more involved DIY than spreading the coating around and wiping it off. TiAg doesn't show swirls really, so you could just cover the car and get better, long term protection for the paint.

[Jh004]

What color car? Light color doesn't show fine scratches much.

Ceramic coating would be a better choice than low sio2 content otc spray stuff.

Can you erect a tent/shade for cover?

Titanium silver. Of course a ceramic coating would be a great option but I don't want to spend the money tbh. I'm pretty new to any sort of paint protection, as a beginner would there be a DIYable coat I could do?
I guess I could get a tent haha

[Tbonem3]

What color car? Light color doesn't show fine scratches much.

Ceramic coating would be a better choice than low sio2 content otc spray stuff.

Can you erect a tent/shade for cover?

[Jh004]

Currently have no garage, and parking my car outside in the hot Hawaii sun kills me. I have a cover but am scared to use it as I don't want to get any scratches. I use Griots 3-1 wax for the UV protection, but other than that are there other cost-effective ways to save my clear coat? Or am I being silly and should just use the cover.

[Ubaderb]

Im having a very frustrating issue where I cannot get my car to scan and/or be read on a scanner. I've used every scanner even very expensive Autel Maxisys ones with the same outcome: no link/connection/communication. Whats the best way to get this fixed? Can this be caused by a module refusing to link/communicate with the scanner?

Did the steering angle sensor fix your problem?

[adr_M3]

I acquired a 2002 e46 earlier this year and I've been in the process of refreshing the car both mechanically and cosmetically. I'm now ready to get the interior redone and I'm hoping to find someone that can do the leather seats, center armrest, and the interior plastics but haven't been able to settle on a reputable vendor in the Greater Los Angeles area. If anyone has a contact/vendor they can recommend, it'd be greatly appreciated!

[Cubieman]

You're absolutely right: damaged on arrival = they should pay for shipping (and seek reimbursement from the shipping company). What's the dumb question?

More of a rant, just wanted to see if things had changed in regards to shipping, they most have just made a mistake ,or maybe I did when I started the returns process.

[IamFODI]

I received a radiator for my M6 yesterday from FCP and it is damaged with visible damage to the packaging.

I started a return process and see that I am responsible for return shipping, I've already sent an email but something seems wrong here.

I understand paying for shipping on a lifetime part guarantee but not this. I also remember them paying for return shipping when I received a damaged M3 radiator a year or so ago.

You're absolutely right: damaged on arrival = they should pay for shipping (and seek reimbursement from the shipping company). What's the dumb question?

[Cubieman]

I received a radiator for my M6 yesterday from FCP and it is damaged with visible damage to the packaging.

I started a return process and see that I am responsible for return shipping, I've already sent an email but something seems wrong here.

I understand paying for shipping on a lifetime part guarantee but not this. I also remember them paying for return shipping when I received a damaged M3 radiator a year or so ago.

[karter16]

Following up on this, both came out. It is either incredibly difficult or really easy depending on how much or little windshield sealant squished out into the channel before they were installed.

Thanks for posting back with the answer! I've long wondered this and never found a conclusive answer. Appreciate it!


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