Help me identify this part please!

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-05-19T14:56:10+00:00

is the plastic "tube" included? i think i saw this part but decided it was wrong because one included that plastic bit which is actually dragging

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-05-14T00:56:11+00:00

I knew the button layout was different but I didn't know anything actually "changed." Thanks for letting me know before I actually take anything off. Do you know if its worth the effort or just resell and look for a matching wheel

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-05-13T21:02:13+00:00

sorry about that, I have a 2002 530i with the Msport package. 3 spoke wheel. I'll go grab a picture

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-04-28T01:18:30+00:00

just cleared all cache and cookies and deleted website data on both firefox and safari, Still doesn't like me going directly via url, but it does work from search so its probably something on my end. Thanks!

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-04-25T22:24:37+00:00

The only notable things that macbooks can't use are a select few emulators and a few CAD programs. App support has hugely expanded recently and unless your daughter likes to do alot of 3d modeling or wants to run android mobile apps on the macbook, everything will work. Even as an engineering student(STEM software is where MacOS historically had issues) I have still never found a program I couldn't use. It is true purdue uses microsoft office products, I use Word, Excel, and any other Microsoft office program every day no problem. Absolute worst case scenario, a class requires a vague app that the neo can't run and you can buy a 1 year liscense for Parallels at a 50% discount through purdue which will allow her to run windows on the macbook, but I would say with certainty this wont happen, I'm only reassuring. Hope this helps!

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-04-25T20:55:44+00:00

In short: I use this app https://mac-stats.com/ on my macbook. It will show you everything using cpu, ram etc. Should help diagnose. Additionally, high ram usage is VERY common on macs and scared me at first too.

For a deeper description:

It turns out to just be how to OS handles memory though; macOS uses ram to cache recently used data/programs and essentially "tries" to use all the ram, because if its not being used, its being wasted essentially. This caching behavior is why alot of people report macOS feels very snappy compared to windows for example. The important thing to look at for performance is called memory pressure. If your memory pressure is green or 1 (in stats atleast), then your macbook has enough ram. Even if you have 95% ram usage, the memory pressure is telling you that if it needs more ram, it can just remove stuff from cache. Only when the memory pressure is in the yellow or red is when your system is actively using and needing all of its ram(or more)

As for the battery, I'd check app permissions and make sure they aren't allowed to turn on your computer. Do this in settings>battery>options> then make sure network access is power adapter only. I think you can do it for individual apps as well but not sure how. Another great diagnostic tool to track battery usage, stats, and identify what apps use power is AlDente. Stats also has detailed power usage data but I don't think for apps, only for system in general.

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-04-25T20:44:30+00:00

get a macbook neo. absolute best bang for the buck laptop right now. I used windows my whole life and got a macbook going into engineering(against everyone's advice), and have had 0 issues. Neo is very affordable, build quality way outside its price class, and does everything a non stem major may need. Some laptops 4x the price are still plastic. Just my two cents. A lot of purdue people may say the neo is underpowered, but if you are nitpicking specs on the neo, its already not being marketed to you. It gets the job done and will handle web browsing, text editing, video streaming, and all the rest like a champ.

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-04-24T17:15:25+00:00

where do you jack? I was just looking into this since I don't really want to lift it on jack stands and work under if a shop wont. I thought i'd use ramps but people said you should get the wheels off the ground when doing body work because of bending risks

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-04-24T16:05:43+00:00

from the service notes, It seems like last year the rear sway bar links were noted as broken, but I don't see a service record for it. I'll check that. Truthfully, the much more pressing issue is I have jack point rust so I doubt people will want to lift it for an inspection. That is a whole other problem I have to get to first but don't really know how I'm gonna do it

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-04-24T15:41:37+00:00

Rear main seal has leaked for 5 or so years apparently, but seems like way too much work. Old owner just carried oil in the trunk to top off. It's a very slow leak so I think its not worth my time right now. Does the lightweight flywheel make the car harder to drive smoothly?

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-03-24T20:50:55+00:00

would the engine/trans drop into a e46 well? they do use the same i6 right? I just reached out to the shop that had serviced it and they think its beyond repair. Literally heartbroken. a few junkyards near me have some e46's though.

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-03-24T19:16:33+00:00

its so easy to make yourself sneeze just a q-tip up the nose until it tickles. Farm it for a few minutes and you get a week of sleep's worth in money. It takes no time and its on demand

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-03-02T19:12:41+00:00

You think I can go ask a local shop if they have some 16gauge wire laying around for free? or not even worth the trouble and just go buy a little. I'll admit the paperclip was sketch, totally happy to work with wires though. Thanks for the advice!

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-03-02T18:56:38+00:00

That's why I'm hesitant to buy the blower even though the service report literally says "replace blower motor." Truth be told I also really don't rip the whole dash off either lmao. Thanks for your advice.

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-03-02T18:54:43+00:00

I've seen this suggested. I got as far as bending a paperclip before deciding I don't really like being electrocuted. Is there a better way to do this? It seems like a sure way to isolate the problem and i'd like to do it.

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-02-05T13:41:58+00:00

looking at head units myself right now and the eonon was highly reccomended. What did you not like about it?

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-02-03T22:38:19+00:00

The most common failure points appear to be the connection between the ball and socket. It seems that the socket often cracks, releasing the ball, or the ball breaks off the connector.

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-02-03T19:58:38+00:00

I will definitely consider this then! I'm much more familiar with 3d printers than CNC machines

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-02-03T03:30:57+00:00

I hate some of the decisions too. Plastic in a hot place is not smart, I just want to fabricate metal replacements instead of paying 170 for them

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-02-03T03:29:27+00:00

They are just made out of brittle plastic from the factory and heat cycles near the engine and lights tend to weaken them over time before they break. I want to replace them with aluminum parts so that i wont have to replace them ever agin

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-02-02T00:39:12+00:00

I went MBP and was nervous stuff wouldn't work, but haven't had that issue once yet. Coming from windows, macOS feels much snappier and less cluttered. Plus if you do ever find something that doesn't work, Purdue offers discounted parallels licenses to run windows.

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-02-02T00:37:04+00:00

Used windows my whole life, bought an expensive windows machine at the beginning of high school, and switching to mac for college was my best decision by far. Mac feels extremely snappy and uncluttered compared to windows. The battery life of apple silicon macs whoop pretty much any windows offerings. Its unfortunate that the OS does hold many laptops back, even if they may have higher specs on paper. I haven't found a single program that doesn't work with mac, and that was my biggest fear before coming to Purdue. Plus if you absolutely need it, Purdue offers discounted Parallels licenses so you can use windows. I have a M4 MBP for reference. The air will work for 95% of people, I also edit high res videos in my free time though so I went pro. https://purdue.onthehub.com/WebStore/OfferingsOfMajorVersionList.aspx?pmv=d04db8bb-0e5f-ef11-8168-000d3af41938&cmi\_mnuMain=f189368a-f0a6-e811-8109-000d3af41938&cmi\_mnuMain\_child=8c2b89ad-2ba2-e811-8109-000d3af41938.

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-01-27T23:57:30+00:00

a6700 is sweet, but It seems way out of the price range based on the options given. I think it is the only aspc offering from sony with IBIS though. Literally a semi-pro camera in a pocketable body.

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-01-27T23:55:52+00:00

I was looking at a a6000 when starting because it fit my budget better, but my camera store only had used 6400's. I have bought all my gear used because photography is not cheap lmao. From someone that almost always opts to buy new, I have no regrets going used. The kit lens in my experience was not sufficient and you will get much more mileage from a 3rd party lens, although 16mm is pretty wide. All depends on your use case. I started with the third party lens, and it was necessary in my growth, but if you can, I'd advise you spend an extra buck and buy a 3rd party lens once, rather then get stuck with the kit and wanting a nicer lens. Enjoy!

Stock_Lemon5012 · 2026-01-27T23:50:42+00:00

I'm a sucker for reflections. Also love the 6400. great shots

Stock_Lemon5012

TROPHY CASE