The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

I replaced my 'shrunken' hood insulator around 40,000 mi. (11 years). I trimmed it back a bit to clear my new ECS strut bar, and repainted it with bed liner spray.

The GruppeM sound is normal. Love it - makes it sound like I have a turbo. Lol

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Originally Posted by BMWCurves

Couple of unrelated questions for yous:

3. I'm going to install my OEM M3 strut bar, is there any particular order the nuts of the bar should be tightened e.g. the mounts first, then the bar, etc.?

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I put the two baseplates on, tightened them down starting with the inner most of the 3 nuts.

For the actual bar, I broke into my 8th grade algebra and did a tightening pattern based on FOIL (first, outer, inner, last). It seemed to work just fine.

Are there any downsides to getting rid of the hood insulation? Better to replace?

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Originally Posted by holyc0w

Are there any downsides to getting rid of the hood insulation? Better to replace?

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Not paying $93 for a new hood insulation. And the used ones seem to be all shrunk/torn. Plus, I get to hear my aFe intake :)

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...n/51488193941/

I heard the insulation provides some protection against fires. I think it's along the lines of it giving people a little more time to get out of the car before the fire gets worse. I'd replace it, personally.

Mine shrunk and I replaced. It's mainly for engine fire protection (suppression) from what I understand. Maybe helps with sound deadening?

Not sure re Gruppe M, don't know that mine makes that sound.

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I have no evidence to support it, but I'd think long term it would help the paint by having it there. Don't want your bonnet looking like every Honda out there with clear coat failure.

Thank you all for the resounding response, gentleman!

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Originally Posted by az3579

I heard the insulation provides some protection against fires. I think it's along the lines of it giving people a little more time to get out of the car before the fire gets worse. I'd replace it, personally.

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Originally Posted by johnrando

Mine shrunk and I replaced. It's mainly for engine fire protection (suppression) from what I understand. Maybe helps with sound deadening?

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Originally Posted by 704sw

I have no evidence to support it, but I'd think long term it would help the paint by having it there. Don't want your bonnet looking like every Honda out there with clear coat failure.

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A quick google search did not show me any evidence that the hood insulation helps with fire suppression or that its absence can affect the hood paint adversely. All I see is that it serves as a sound insulation (from RealOEM desc. and ECS Tuning part desc.).

Not saying that I don't trust you guys, but do you have any links which say that it helps in fire suppression etc or is it just something that makes logical sense?