Ok, apparently my "Everything you need to know..." threads are not enough. Neither is my "common questions" thread. So now I am going to try something a little different. This is everything I can imagine any new member needs to know in one thread. I will place links to important and informative threads by myself as well as other fine contributing young chaps...so there's absolutely NO excuse.
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G'day fine young fellows and ladies, if you have come across this thread, you are surely seeking knowledge about your fabulous new purchase! The pinnacle of automotive design, the E46! YAY! Congratulations on your new acquisition and I look forward to seeing your creativity and artistic talents shine through your modification process! LIFE IS GREAT!
Allow me to guide you, my name is Kenneth, but you may refer to me as Mr. Kpeng. Ready? Let's begin boys and girls! YAY! I LOVE YOU!
How to use this page:
Hit CTRL-F on your browser, this will bring up the search function to search this page. Type in your keywords and the answer will appear.
Random Bits of Information
Subframe Damage Concerns! Uh oh! If you have a <01 car, you might have a booboo!
Common questions answered! You bet ya!
Guide to maintain your vehicle! Keep her running strong!
Find an independent BMW repair shop
OEM Part Numbers Lookup
Find used BMW parts off junked cars
OBDII Engine Codes Lookup Database
Tire Sizes Explained!!!
Alignments Explained!!!
Paint Codes Lookup Database
What is eBay? And what are headers?
List of DIYs
List of DIYs (bimmerdoityourself.com)
List of DIYs (bimmerdiy.com)
More DIYs by the always wonderful MarvelPhx (Todd)
Audio Installation Reference
List of Knowledgable Members to Consult (sorry if I forgot you)
Forced Induction - NickG@TechniqueTuning, Active Autowerke, HPF Chris, Sean@VF-Engineering, MITE46, Activ3, bluejeansonfire
Maintenance - ChrisTKHarris, mkodama, Alex323ci
Technical Information - pei330ci, MITE46
Detailing - Detailed Image, Gregs, Petrucci_M3, FMINUS, scheerspeed
Custom Work/Fabrication - ///OSS
Lighting - sillieidiot, hamann330ci, ///OSS, Khoalty
Audio - bigjae1976, Swinford
Wheels & Tires - ChrisTKHarris, bartenderplease, BreakMyWallet, Gary@Tirerack
Alignments/Oils - jpr
Kpeng Approved Recommended Sellers List
OEM Parts - www.getbmwparts.com
Bumpers/Hoods/Accessories - www.euro-spec.net
Lighting - www.ddmtuning.com
Performance Parts - www.turnermotorsports.com & www.bimmerworld.com
Turbo Kit (Budget) - www.techniquetuning.com
Turbo Kit (Baller) - www.horsepowerfreaks.com
Supercharger Kit - www.activeautowerke.com
Detailing Products - www.detailedimage.com
Wheels - www.wheeldude.com www.modbargains.com www.supremepowerparts.com
Tools - www.bimmertools.com www.harborfreight.com
Common OEM E46 Part Numbers
Oil Filter - 11427512300
Mtech II Kit COUPE/CONVERTIBLE - 51710302082
Mtech II Kit SEDAN - 51710139650
MtechII/M3 Foglight L - 63177894017
MtechII/M3 Foglight R - 63177894018
Round Steering Wheel Airbag - 32306757891
ZHP Perforated Leather Steering Wheel - 32347906682
ZHP Alcantara Steering Wheel - 32347919218
M3 SMG Paddle Shift Alcantary Steering Wheel - 32342282502
M3 Stitched Leather Steering Wheel - 32342282022
Center Console - 51168218305
Floormats - 82110026591
Window Regulator COUPE - 51338229105
Window Regulator SEDAN (front) - 51337020659
Window Regulator SEDAN (rear) - 51358212099
BMW Annual Gatherings/Meets
West Coast - www.bimmerfest.com
East Coast - www.4ngiefest.com
BMWCCA Meets - http://bmwccaofest.org/
5 Topics Not to Discuss
Chrome M3
Farrah Joon
FadetoBlack
eBay headers
What is a ZHP?
Words of Wisdom Before Continuing
-The dealership is evil and will take your money from you...through your anus. DIY or Indy Shop or sell your car.
-Please search, search is your friend, search will never do you wrong.
-Use only synthetic oil in your car.
-Wheels without a drop is considered sacrilegious here, do it and become bombarded with "Needs a drop" comments.
-If your car is throwing a Check Engine Light, don't guess and get it read at your local parts store, it's free, and it's useless if you ask us what it means, because we're not Wizards or Cyborgs.
-If you're going to buy aftermarket lighting, be prepared for something to go wrong. Not saying it does often, but it's possible. Remember, no matter WHO you're buying from, it's from Taiwan, and isn't OEM. So don't complain if your $30 HID bulb goes out. DDM offers lifetime warranty anyways.
-If you are a girl, either A) don't make it known because you will be leghumped and harassed for pictures, and won't be taken seriously because some people on here have never seen a girl before or B) stay in OT because you're an attention *****.
-There is no difference in rim fitment for E46 sedan/coupes/convertibles, only between M's and non-M's. If it's 5x120, 72.6 mm center bore, and says it's MADE for an E46. Chances are it will fit. Offsets are your concern, if there is doubt, ask.
-eBay is a safe means of purchasing parts. Do your research, use common sense, see what else the seller has up for bid, and check the seller's feedback rating. Chances are if someone is selling a supercharger with 50% feedback and bootleg DVDs for sale...it's not legit.
-If you are driving, and your car overheats or starts smoking/steaming, DO NOT keep driving. Pull over, shut it off, and check it out/get it towed. You risk more damage if you don't.
-You drive a sub-$20,000 car, you are not a hot shot, so get off your high horse.
-Use judgement when buying things on the classifieds forum here. We do have a ratings system set up. Be sure to check a user's feedback. Practice common sense; if someone just joined and has 0 posts...don't even bother.
I believe that's about it for now. Enjoy the forums. It's a wonderful resource and wealth of information. Don't beat a topic 10,000 times to death, search, read, mod to your heart's content, and everyone will be happy
-Ken
-----------------------------------------
G'day fine young fellows and ladies, if you have come across this thread, you are surely seeking knowledge about your fabulous new purchase! The pinnacle of automotive design, the E46! YAY! Congratulations on your new acquisition and I look forward to seeing your creativity and artistic talents shine through your modification process! LIFE IS GREAT!
Allow me to guide you, my name is Kenneth, but you may refer to me as Mr. Kpeng. Ready? Let's begin boys and girls! YAY! I LOVE YOU!
How to use this page:
Hit CTRL-F on your browser, this will bring up the search function to search this page. Type in your keywords and the answer will appear.
Random Bits of Information
Subframe Damage Concerns! Uh oh! If you have a <01 car, you might have a booboo!
Common questions answered! You bet ya!
Guide to maintain your vehicle! Keep her running strong!
Find an independent BMW repair shop
OEM Part Numbers Lookup
Find used BMW parts off junked cars
OBDII Engine Codes Lookup Database
Tire Sizes Explained!!!
Alignments Explained!!!
Paint Codes Lookup Database
What is eBay? And what are headers?
List of DIYs
List of DIYs (bimmerdoityourself.com)
List of DIYs (bimmerdiy.com)
More DIYs by the always wonderful MarvelPhx (Todd)
Audio Installation Reference
List of Knowledgable Members to Consult (sorry if I forgot you)
Forced Induction - NickG@TechniqueTuning, Active Autowerke, HPF Chris, Sean@VF-Engineering, MITE46, Activ3, bluejeansonfire
Maintenance - ChrisTKHarris, mkodama, Alex323ci
Technical Information - pei330ci, MITE46
Detailing - Detailed Image, Gregs, Petrucci_M3, FMINUS, scheerspeed
Custom Work/Fabrication - ///OSS
Lighting - sillieidiot, hamann330ci, ///OSS, Khoalty
Audio - bigjae1976, Swinford
Wheels & Tires - ChrisTKHarris, bartenderplease, BreakMyWallet, Gary@Tirerack
Alignments/Oils - jpr
Kpeng Approved Recommended Sellers List
OEM Parts - www.getbmwparts.com
Bumpers/Hoods/Accessories - www.euro-spec.net
Lighting - www.ddmtuning.com
Performance Parts - www.turnermotorsports.com & www.bimmerworld.com
Turbo Kit (Budget) - www.techniquetuning.com
Turbo Kit (Baller) - www.horsepowerfreaks.com
Supercharger Kit - www.activeautowerke.com
Detailing Products - www.detailedimage.com
Wheels - www.wheeldude.com www.modbargains.com www.supremepowerparts.com
Tools - www.bimmertools.com www.harborfreight.com
Common OEM E46 Part Numbers
Oil Filter - 11427512300
Mtech II Kit COUPE/CONVERTIBLE - 51710302082
Mtech II Kit SEDAN - 51710139650
MtechII/M3 Foglight L - 63177894017
MtechII/M3 Foglight R - 63177894018
Round Steering Wheel Airbag - 32306757891
ZHP Perforated Leather Steering Wheel - 32347906682
ZHP Alcantara Steering Wheel - 32347919218
M3 SMG Paddle Shift Alcantary Steering Wheel - 32342282502
M3 Stitched Leather Steering Wheel - 32342282022
Center Console - 51168218305
Floormats - 82110026591
Window Regulator COUPE - 51338229105
Window Regulator SEDAN (front) - 51337020659
Window Regulator SEDAN (rear) - 51358212099
BMW Annual Gatherings/Meets
West Coast - www.bimmerfest.com
East Coast - www.4ngiefest.com
BMWCCA Meets - http://bmwccaofest.org/
5 Topics Not to Discuss
Chrome M3
Farrah Joon
FadetoBlack
eBay headers
What is a ZHP?
Words of Wisdom Before Continuing
-The dealership is evil and will take your money from you...through your anus. DIY or Indy Shop or sell your car.
-Please search, search is your friend, search will never do you wrong.
-Use only synthetic oil in your car.
-Wheels without a drop is considered sacrilegious here, do it and become bombarded with "Needs a drop" comments.
-If your car is throwing a Check Engine Light, don't guess and get it read at your local parts store, it's free, and it's useless if you ask us what it means, because we're not Wizards or Cyborgs.
-If you're going to buy aftermarket lighting, be prepared for something to go wrong. Not saying it does often, but it's possible. Remember, no matter WHO you're buying from, it's from Taiwan, and isn't OEM. So don't complain if your $30 HID bulb goes out. DDM offers lifetime warranty anyways.
-If you are a girl, either A) don't make it known because you will be leghumped and harassed for pictures, and won't be taken seriously because some people on here have never seen a girl before or B) stay in OT because you're an attention *****.
-There is no difference in rim fitment for E46 sedan/coupes/convertibles, only between M's and non-M's. If it's 5x120, 72.6 mm center bore, and says it's MADE for an E46. Chances are it will fit. Offsets are your concern, if there is doubt, ask.
-eBay is a safe means of purchasing parts. Do your research, use common sense, see what else the seller has up for bid, and check the seller's feedback rating. Chances are if someone is selling a supercharger with 50% feedback and bootleg DVDs for sale...it's not legit.
-If you are driving, and your car overheats or starts smoking/steaming, DO NOT keep driving. Pull over, shut it off, and check it out/get it towed. You risk more damage if you don't.
-You drive a sub-$20,000 car, you are not a hot shot, so get off your high horse.
-Use judgement when buying things on the classifieds forum here. We do have a ratings system set up. Be sure to check a user's feedback. Practice common sense; if someone just joined and has 0 posts...don't even bother.
I believe that's about it for now. Enjoy the forums. It's a wonderful resource and wealth of information. Don't beat a topic 10,000 times to death, search, read, mod to your heart's content, and everyone will be happy
-Ken