hey, what's this?

[ScHpAnKy]

anybody got an idea what this is and what it plugs into?

#9 on here:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...81&hg=11&fg=15

[FredK]

Yes. It's part of the throttle body heater circuit.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...42&hg=11&fg=35

As you can see, hose 14 hooks up to the nipple, then to thermostat 11, then hose 15 leads back to the throttle body. The circuit is completed by the spider hose.

[ScHpAnKy]

Yes. It's part of the throttle body heater circuit.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...42&hg=11&fg=35

As you can see, hose 14 hooks up to the nipple, then to thermostat 11, then hose 15 leads back to the throttle body. The circuit is completed by the spider hose.

I currently have the TB's heater plate capped off, should the forward-most (the smallest host in this picture) be connected to the block there, then?

[FredK]

If you plan on bypassing the TB heater, then yes.

[SwiftE30]

yeah the throttle body heating is a retarted system and would only be relevant if you lived in alaska or some shit. Just plug it. eliminates unneceesary things. plus, if you decide later to go with a water cooled turbo you can use that.