Hi there,

I bought this car about 5-6 years ago and with the exception of some reccurring problems it's been ok but after it failed the last inspection I took it to the local shop and got a list of things that need to be done. I would like some feedback on these items and which once can be done inhouse and which would require a trip to the shop. Also, any estimates would be greatly apreciated! These are the remakrs as they were enterd by the mechanic. Here it goes:

1) Steering hose from hydraulic unit to steering box leaks: $335
2) Valve Cover gasket leaks
3) Recommended major service. light on: $880.00
4) Drive Belt dry rotted
5) Front pads @ rotors: $380
6) Rear pads @ rotors: $330
7) AC Compressor Clutch locked up
8) Rear diff cover leaks oil
9) Sway bar links rubber boot busted
10) Upper control arms
11) Lower control arms busted and ball joint busted
12) Allignment
13) Engine front cover leaks
14) Oil level sensor leaks

Other then that the car is in Tip Top shape... :)

I mistyped my location, I am in Washington, DC not SC. Also, if anybody knows of any good independent mechanics in the area, prefereably VA, I would apreciate it.

Thanks

I'm nowhere near an expert on these cars as I've just started to 'play' with mine.

But looking at the list there's got to be quite a few things if not all that you can tackle yourself.

Major service light can be reset quite easily with a tool purchased for about $25 (total guess as I deal in ££££'s), I know that the $880 is for a complete service but after doing all the listed work along with all fluids replaced I think you can consider that a service has been achieved.

Drive belt should be easy, front pads and rotors are also easy.

Rear diff cover gasket can be changed when replacing fluids, sway bars and all the suspenssion arms are usually quite hard to remove but not impossible, once changed you should have it aligned by pro's (laser align is common over here!).

Valve cover and front engine can be done when changing oil, not sure about compressor and steering box.

Again this only my opinion, I would attempt all myself as that's my 'bag'. Good thing is someone already told you what's wrong!!

Hopefully someone will be along soon with first hand experience - good luck!!

Since our friend across the pond already addressed some issues - I'll take on one or two -

The reset light - It's Pin 7 on the diagnostic connector in the engine bay- ground it to either pin 1 or the valve cover (I personally use the valve cover; and a piece of 12 guage romex wire about 18" long) Turn Key to on position -

wait about 10 seconds - your "check engine light" has been reset.

the power steering hose can be done yourself - although it's a bit messy - the hose itself is about 160 if I recall corectly - I'd recommend draining the fluid into something so the mess is as little as possible - the flare nut wrench the sucker off of the steering box and reinstall.

It's been too long since i've had a regular 6er to remember if it's easy or difficult to get to the steering box assy - everything on the M is a pain to get to - something has to come off of the car to do just about anything (it's really annoying; yet beautiful at the same time)

You can do the front cover too - if you'r fairly mechanically inclined - but I bet you'll have to remove the radiator to do it easily.. (probably time to clush your coolant anyway)

I'll add my 2 cents to this. The brakes are easy, they just take time, probably needs the fluid changed anyway. Valve cover and front cover just take time, the valves should be adjusted anyway. General tune up amounts to plugs, filters and oil. Re-setting lights, see previous posts. The suspension parts would be the only hard part for me, but not impossible if you have the tools.

I suppose it depends on how mechanically enclined you are and how much you enjoy working on your car. Most of us here are real gear heads and do a lot of our own work because we love our cars that much. They are a part of us. Good luck getting her going. :drink1