Various question from newbee
 

Hi, I have recently purchased my 1995 318ti for an EV project and am tidying up some minor issues while I get organised with tools.
The car has about 230,000km on it but mostly works fine and still looks great.
I have a some quick questions.
I noticed today on the heater dial of my car that I couldn't turn it beyond halfway (to heat) when I started the car. Then when I had been going a while it went further. Is that normal?
Secondly, I want to put regular jack stands under the car, with U-shaped metal tops, and the car has round plastic pieces there. Looks like it would be dangerous to just put it straight onto them. I've checked it out online and it seems once there was an adapter available to go from regular U-shaped jack stands to the hole left if you take the round plastic pieces off. Does anyone know if they are available anywhere, or should I get some made up. Or is there another idea? Someone suggested putting E46 plastic pieces in as they are square, but I'm not clear they would fit a regular U-shaped jack stand.
Thirdly, my drive door panel is damaged. A previous owner has put extra screws around the outside to hold it one and not screwed in in the middle. It may take a long tim to find a replacement panel, which is my preferred option, but in the meantime does anyone know what size screws I should use to secure what is there in the middle. I understand they are placed in the handle and under the mirror control.
Fourth, the drivers door lock doesn't actually work with the ignition key (I can open it with the button). That's not normal, right? I'm guessing someone replaced it after a break in, with another lock. Any thoughts on how to overcome that?
Cheers
Richard

Heat dial
It should go further. Could be a bad bowden cable or something blocking the flap that blocks the heat.

Jack stands
I've seen all those posts about different jack pads and stands.
I don't think the E46 is any better. My Mini has those.
It all depends on the jack stands. You need a jackstand large enough on the top end.
None of my 6 stands are big enough. I normally put my stands under the frame somewhere. The rear at the subframe near the bushing.
Front at the LCA bushing. I would like a jack stand that has a flat bottom though.

Door panel
Pretty common for them to come off. US models are all electric. Can't help there.

Keys
There are regular keys and valet keys. Vanity key has limited functions.

Welcome.

http://de.bmwfans.info/parts/catalog...m_panel_front/

you can look them up online. there's also an english site, but since i'm german... ;)