I am in the process of purchasing a 540 and just had the prepurchase inspection performed at crevier BMW. It is a 99 540i, 6 speed of course :D , black on black in near perfect condition with only 50k miles. The total amount of suggested labor came out to $3200; however, I have a feeling that this is jacked up even more than the regular dealer's prices, which are already high.

Anyways, the mechanic that inspeted it recommended replacing, left front splash shield (cosmetic and not much of a concern), coolant hoses ($244), micro filters, oil and filter change ($153), brake fluid change ($142), power steering fluid change ($269), 3 power stearing hoses leaking($533 replace immediately), front brakes @ 3mm ($640), and valve cover gaskets wet($754). i looked on pelicanparts.com for some of the parts and assuming I found the correct ones they were all under 100. However, the total estimated labor is set at 9-15 hours (the front brakes were estimated at 1-6 hours labor and $640 total). How does all of this appear to you from a buyers standpoint? What would you estimate the replacements could be made for?


Thank you for your time.


-Eric

I just foud some more info on the brakes and it says that the pads, rotors, and sensors need to be replaced. The labor is listed as 1-6 hrs and the total cost is $640. What do you think about all of this?

most of this stuff looks like maintenance issues. To me, it looks like the mechanic wants to get some money out of you. Here's what I think - coolant hoses can be done by yourself for far less than $244; microfilters are not crucial, and oil + filter change is also not that vital (I would still do it, since you have no idea when it was canged before) and you could easily do it yourself for around $35; brake fluid change is also not important unless your car is not braking well; power steering hoses are also fairly easy to do, but they will also require you to change power steering fluid wgich is a bit more involved; as for the brakes - if you need rotors, use ebay and get some upgraded ones (very easy to replace); valve cover gaskets are easy as pie to replace and are cheap. Here's my estimate (i'm not a mechanic) :cool :

coolant hoses - $60 (simple DIY)
microfilters - skip
oil + filter - $35
brake fluid change - $40 (DIY)
power steering fluid change - around $40 (DIY)
steering hoses - $60 (DIY)
brakes - $300 (DIY)
gaskets - $40 (DIY)

$575 total. LIke I said, most of that stuff is just maintenance, so it should not cause any concern. These are not major problems. If the car had drivetrain or suspension problems, then I would be more concerned.

most of this stuff looks like maintenance issues. To me, it looks like the mechanic wants to get some money out of you. Here's what I think - coolant hoses can be done by yourself for far less than $244; microfilters are not crucial, and oil + filter change is also not that vital (I would still do it, since you have no idea when it was canged before) and you could easily do it yourself for around $35; brake fluid change is also not important unless your car is not braking well; power steering hoses are also fairly easy to do, but they will also require you to change power steering fluid wgich is a bit more involved; as for the brakes - if you need rotors, use ebay and get some upgraded ones (very easy to replace); valve cover gaskets are easy as pie to replace and are cheap. Here's my estimate (i'm not a mechanic) :cool :

coolant hoses - $60 (simple DIY)
microfilters - skip
oil + filter - $35
brake fluid change - $40 (DIY)
power steering fluid change - around $40 (DIY)
steering hoses - $60 (DIY)
brakes - $300 (DIY)
gaskets - $40 (DIY)

$575 total. LIke I said, most of that stuff is just maintenance, so it should not cause any concern. These are not major problems. If the car had drivetrain or suspension problems, then I would be more concerned.


Oh man do i hope you are right! This has given me newfound faith in these cars.

How difficult are these diy's that you speak of though. To be honest, I really have zero experience with any diy maintenance. The extent of my diy ends with aftermarket audio. what is that one big diy site for e39's? I can't recall the name.

Here are a few:
www.bmwtips.com
http://bmwdiy.info/
http://members.cox.net/rsm540i/index.htm

most of this stuff looks like maintenance issues. To me, it looks like the mechanic wants to get some money out of you. Here's what I think - coolant hoses can be done by yourself for far less than $244; microfilters are not crucial, and oil + filter change is also not that vital (I would still do it, since you have no idea when it was canged before) and you could easily do it yourself for around $35; brake fluid change is also not important unless your car is not braking well; power steering hoses are also fairly easy to do, but they will also require you to change power steering fluid wgich is a bit more involved; as for the brakes - if you need rotors, use ebay and get some upgraded ones (very easy to replace); valve cover gaskets are easy as pie to replace and are cheap. Here's my estimate (i'm not a mechanic) :cool :

coolant hoses - $60 (simple DIY)
microfilters - skip
oil + filter - $35
brake fluid change - $40 (DIY)
power steering fluid change - around $40 (DIY)
steering hoses - $60 (DIY)
brakes - $300 (DIY)
gaskets - $40 (DIY)

$575 total. LIke I said, most of that stuff is just maintenance, so it should not cause any concern. These are not major problems. If the car had drivetrain or suspension problems, then I would be more concerned.


Yup! Probably even cheaper... Give Vaheh a call for parts at Crevier BMW... Trust me... You will save a grip... He will give you the special internet pricing... You need to call in the orders though and pick up at the back at the will call area.

Darrin

It doesn't matter if you have experience with cars or not. You get that by practicing. Most of those things that need to be done are more or less self-explanatory. If you're really not sure of your abilities, look at the links posted above or even better - buy a bentley manual.

Your list of issues on this car look minor enough to pull the trigger!

I say go get it, dive in and do the DIY work, and then start modding IMMEDIATELY, or you will not pass go and collect your $200!

Enjoy it, and drive it like it should be driven, no pansy ass stuff.....

Thanks for all the help guys. I negotiated him down to $20,500 and am jst waiting for the funds to transfer before I pick up the car. The check is written and everything :redspot


Oh man, I cannot stand this wait. I want to just get in my car and drive :buttrock

Congrats!

Your first purchase should be a Bentley manual - cost for the e39 manual is about $109 IIRC. It's essential.

Congrats!

Your first purchase should be a Bentley manual - cost for the e39 manual is about $109 IIRC. It's essential.
really? Anywhere in particular you recommend purchasing it?

Congrats on the new car, Eric. As for the maintenance issues, Andry hit it on the head. The stuff is fairly easy to do. I've done a full set of brakes and pads in 1 hour, do the brake fluid change at the same time as your brakes and it'll take an additional 5 - 10 minutes if all 4 wheels are off. Coolant hoses are maybe 10 minutes, Valve cover gaskets are maybe 20 minutes once you have all the other covers and plasma coils off. Oil change is @ 30 minutes of waiting for the oil to drain. I've never done power steering stuff.

Andry's parts prices are in the ballpark. Try EAP4Parts.com in Temecula as they are really cheap. If not, Pacific BMW's Wholesale line.

Sounds like a great car. All the work is easy maintenence.
You are gonna have so much fun. Congrats and put up some pics when you can.