The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

[JETSET303]

General module 5 - https://www.bmwgm5.com/

Thanks John. My locks work from the key fob though, and not intermittently. They work perfectly since I got the new key. It is the interior lock button and hazard switch in the center console and my mirrors that are acting up.


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[704sw]

All depends on how far you want to take it.

I did gasket, engine mounts, steering coupler, oil level sensor. The oil pan nut was tight so I did not do anything with it.

You can get a different oil pump, weld in an oil pan baffle, and etc.

My mounts and coupler have been replaced since I bought it. I was thinking about the oil pump nut with the wire through it, but I guess I can make that assessment when I get in there? I should order one just in case since I need to order a lower o-ring for the dip stick tube anyway.

The pump and baffle—I honestly think that’s above my skill set, and I’m not sure I have a firm understanding of the benefits. I’m still immersing myself into all of this.

As for the oil level sensor, it is relatively accessible without taking too much apart, right?

You should talk to Rob. He started off with replacing the oil pan gasket (I think) and ended with a supercharger and headers lol


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Oh boy, now I have some reading material for my lunch hour.

[704sw]

Thanks John. My locks work from the key fob though, and not intermittently. They work perfectly since I got the new key. It is the interior lock button and hazard switch in the center console and my mirrors that are acting up.


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Paging @ZHPizza . Wasn’t there a similar problem with the red car when we went to look at it?

[san]

My mounts and coupler have been replaced since I bought it. I was thinking about the oil pump nut with the wire through it, but I guess I can make that assessment when I get in there? I should order one just in case since I need to order a lower o-ring for the dip stick tube anyway.

The pump and baffle—I honestly think that’s above my skill set, and I’m not sure I have a firm understanding of the benefits. I’m still immersing myself into all of this.

As for the oil level sensor, it is relatively accessible without taking too much apart, right?



Oh boy, now I have some reading material for my lunch hour.

I haven’t replaced my oil level sensor but from what I’ve read it’s quite easy to do. Most people do it when replacing the engine oil. I think it’s held in place by a couple of screws. Not sure if Vas has done it but I remember William doing it and saying it’s quite easy.


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[ZHPizza]

Thanks John. My locks work from the key fob though, and not intermittently. They work perfectly since I got the new key. It is the interior lock button and hazard switch in the center console and my mirrors that are acting up.


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Like Spenser said, I've had this problem with the center console switch on several cars. Did it start acting up the same time as the mirrors? If so, then they may be related, but the console switch is notorious for breaking. Pull the console and pop the switch out and see if it works when you press on the bottom of the switch. They tend to break off the tabs that hold them together, so the bottom pushes out and doesn't engage the switch anymore:



I usually fix them bu wrapping a piece of non-stretching tape (packing tape) over the bottom and up the sides. The tape fix has lasted me years without issue.

I haven’t replaced my oil level sensor but from what I’ve read it’s quite easy to do. Most people do it when replacing the engine oil. I think it’s held in place by a couple of screws. Not sure if Vas has done it but I remember William doing it and saying it’s quite easy.


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Super easy while you have the pan empty during an oil change. I think you have to pull the aluminum underbody brace off, but it's just three screws holding the sensor in.

[JETSET303]

I noticed the console switches at the same time the mirrors started acting up. Could be coincidence. Thanks for the advice. I will start there.


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[san]

Is simple green a good solvent to clean the engine bay? Anything better?


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[John in VA]

Is simple green a good solvent to clean the engine bay? Anything better?

I like it - it can be diluted more/less depending on the job. Meguiar's All-purpose cleaner or Super degreaser are a bit less harsh & won't do any damage/leave white residue/deposits on the aluminum surfaces.
https://meguiarsonline.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?69-engine-Compartment-Detailing

[san]

I like it - it can be diluted more/less depending on the job. All-purpose cleaners are a bit less harsh & won't do any damage to the aluminum surfaces.
Meguiars All-purpose cleaner or Super degreaser.
https://meguiarsonline.com/forums/fo...ment-Detailing

Thanks John!


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[Sockethead]

My mounts and coupler have been replaced since I bought it. I was thinking about the oil pump nut with the wire through it, but I guess I can make that assessment when I get in there? I should order one just in case since I need to order a lower o-ring for the dip stick tube anyway.

The pump and baffle—I honestly think that’s above my skill set, and I’m not sure I have a firm understanding of the benefits. I’m still immersing myself into all of this.

As for the oil level sensor, it is relatively accessible without taking too much apart, right?



Oh boy, now I have some reading material for my lunch hour.

If you are going to have the oil pan off, I'd recommend the baffle, if you are going to track your car. Just buy a baffle and take it and the oil pan to a machine shop or performance shop that does aluminum welding and they'll do the rest. that's what I did.
As far as the oil pump goes, I replaced the whole thing with an Achilles oil pump. Not that difficult. it's just a couple of bolts that hold on the pump. I can give you some tips on replacing the oil pump if needed.
I beat on my car since it had 44K on it and the oil pump nut was tight as hell but I had already bought the oil pump.

Oil level sensor is on the bottom of the oil pan. You have to take off the aluminum support brace to get it but it can be done with an oil change.

Is simple green a good solvent to clean the engine bay? Anything better?

I use Purple Power.... used to be called Castrol Super Clean. Works great and is environmentally safe. Put in on undiluted and hose off. The only thing is if you have anything anodized under the hood, you don't want to leave it on there for a long time. After you're done, dress the engine bay with Silkonlene Pro Prep and your engine bay will look brand new.