The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

[ClimRox]

I've done some research, and am confused as to the battery I need to purchase for my car. It seems like the most recommended battery, Duralast 49DL, is no longer available.

I'm planning on getting one from Pepboys, because they have 35% off on batteries right now (plus it's Bosch, which may have been OEM)? The parts finder on their website shows a Group 94R regular lead/acid battery and an H7 AGM battery as fitting. However, I also read that the Bosch 49-850B may work.

Opinions and experiences?

[Sockethead]

IIRC Interstate is now making OEM replacement batteries for BMW

[terraphantm]

Pretty much all batteries world wide are made by one of three (or so) manufacturers. Originals were made by Varta. I think in the US replacement batteries tend to be East Penn (Deka) or Exide.

[g92069]

In my (many) years of buying batteries, for cars, trucks, and motorcycles...batteries are batteries. There is the occasional "defective" battery that does not last, however most batteries these days come with a replacement warranty that should cover the "defective" period. FYI, I located an Exide battery (L3/48X) that is showing as being sold at a Home Depot near me for $109. I paid more than that for my motorcycle battery.

[Sockethead]

IIRC Interstate is now making OEM replacement batteries for BMW

Sorry it's Exide... I looked at my battery

[ClimRox]

Thanks for all the replies on batteries! My current battery is an Advance Auto Titanium with a production date of Aug. 2007.

[anandoc]

I usually get the low engine oil level warning (amber light) in between oil changes (4000Kms - 6000Kms after an oil change), which is quote normal due to minor oil leaks etc. Since I had not received one in quite a while, I decided to check the oil level manually and I found the level to be lower than even the minimum mark on the dipstick. Ofcourse I topped it up with 5W30 BMW LL engine oil I had lying around.

Question: Has anybody experienced the oil level sensor to go bad in a way where the low level warning does not light up anymore? I have read on various other forums that usually when the sensor is dying, it would light up amber after the car has been started...I never experienced that.

It would only ever warn me about low level by lighting up for about 15 seconds after I turn off my car. Right now when I turn the key to position 2, the light comes on amber for a second and then followed by red and once I turn the engine on, it switches off.

Any tips would be awesome!

[terraphantm]

Anyone know if the hole for the coolant drain plug the M54 has a raised lip? Can't decide if what I'm seeing is a washer stuck to the block or if I lost the washer somewhere and I'm actually trying to remove part of the block itself.

[wsmeyer]

Not entirely certain what you're asking but the bung between cylinders 1&2 for coolant plug is on a curved surface so it would have to have a machined flat surface.

[terraphantm]

Am I looking at a stuck washer here (sure looks like it to me), and if so, anyone have any tips for how to get it off? Prying at it just marred the surface