Apologies for the delay — with COVID exploding again I’ve been busier than lately at work. That, and I wanted to have a chance to get some of my more mechanical novice questions answered by my dad. Truthfully, even with my old E53, I didn’t do an often lot of mechanical work myself. Other than some electrical stuff, whenever something went wrong or needed attention I drove it (or had it towed) to the dealer and said “fix it again, Brad.”
But with this one, I’m going to try to challenge myself to do as much as possible short of throwing my keys at my service advisor.
@the couple that asked about the E30 M3: nah. I had an E30 in high school and fantasized about getting an M3 one day. This has legit been my profile name for most everything online for over 10 years.
@Overboost — would definitely be down for that! Oil, PS, and transfer case fluid changed just prior to purchase. Vehicle has 228k miles on, don’t think it’d be wise to even let her hear the words “transmission fluid.” It shifts perfectly, even Steptronic. So it’s possible it’s had some work done to it.
@Purplefade: cabin air and engine air filters replaced last week. I’ll add plugs and coils to my list of things to learn about. Would they throw any codes or any symptoms of failing?
So, as previously mentioned, I’m a complete novice at most things mechanical. I’m gonna ask a couple of questions and pray y’all go easy on me.
A) can’t identify which exact parts have failed and thus I need to order for at least the rear suspension. Yes, tires are wearing unevenly on right side. Videos here:
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0ieV...VVrj0Q9dy4a34g
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0e8w...qn09EICtBt7Kdw
B) Light, but noticeable clunk coming from front end, usually at low speeds. Control arms or CV axle?
C) Right exhaust noticeably lower than left. Bad weld, bad mount, or did something get bent? Photos of mount here:
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0gGf...txmsR9IrjKDUdA
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0rQD...lRAMBaDAzFouhQ
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0KvM...KrKA#Rock_Hill
D) Last one, promise: Has anyone else managed to separate the panel from the top plastic piece that attaches it to the door frame below the window? What adhesive works best for getting these two pieces back as tightly as possible? Yes — I “may” have accidentally not used enough care when prying off 16-year old plastic.
E) Just kidding! Not the last one! The headliner, not the fabric but the actual panel, seems to be missing a fastener directly behind the sunroof on driver side and possibly another one closer to the motion sensor, making for an even more squeaky driving experience. I’ve read the TIS procedure, studied the EPC, and tried to find relevant videos but am coming up short. What kind of fasteners does this part of the headliner use? Is there a trick to replace them that doesn’t involve removing the sunroof?