.. I was at the grocery store and this guy is wearing a mechanics uniform and I noticed the BMW logo and local dealership emblems, so I couldn't help but strike up a conversation with him. I told him that they had worked on my '97 e38 in the past and that I had just bought a '99 for a great price, but wanted to do some work to it. He said he has been a tech for about 15 years.

He made me feel really good about my purchase and said that '99 was a great year. I told him about some of the things that my '97 had that this one did not , like washers on the bumper and rear power shade. He suggested just adding the washer nozzle trim on the bumper to at least give it the look. He said that he does work on the side and would work on my car for me and save some bucks. He also told me that, if I could find the power shade and rear window shades used, that he would install them for me for under a grand.

Must have been my lucky day.

Just thought I'd pass this along. It is always good to know a knowledgable mechanic that is willing to do a little side work away from the stealer.


:buttrock

He said to add the headlight washers for looks? Why would you ever do that? They don't do anything anyhow and just break off after a couple years, why add them to clutter up your bumper?

As for the rear shade, that is excellent... seems like that could be a good resource. Hopefully you remembered to get his phone number! ;)

He said to add the headlight washers for looks? Why would you ever do that? They don't do anything anyhow and just break off after a couple years, why add them to clutter up your bumper?

As for the rear shade, that is excellent... seems like that could be a good resource. Hopefully you remembered to get his phone number! ;)


He didn't suggest it until after I asked about it. No big deal. yeah, I got his phone number.

over the last 3 or 4 years my mechanic has become a good friend of mine and has done a good deal of work for me at home/outside of the dealership. saves a few bucks for sure!

aaron

Add the washer nozzles for looks? A GRAND for something that is gonna take the guy maybe 4 or 5 hours to do, MAX?

You 5 and 7 series owners make fun of us 3ers, but my god, you guys must be made of money.

He also told me that, if I could find the power shade and rear window shades used, that he would install them for me for under a grand.


That is something you should try DIY, makes you feel much better if you did it yourselves. My cars do not need a mechanic

Add the washer nozzles for looks? A GRAND for something that is gonna take the guy maybe 4 or 5 hours to do, MAX?

You 5 and 7 series owners make fun of us 3ers, but my god, you guys must be made of money.


The bumper trim isn't that expensive. If you have read the articles regarding installation of a power shade, I seriously doubt it would take only 4 or 5 hours. Believe me under a grand is a good deal for that job. Although the parts would cost way more than that.

I can't speak for everyone else here, but I am certainly not made of money.

Now would you please pass the Grey Poupon?

That is something you should try DIY, makes you feel much better if you did it yourselves. My cars do not need a mechanic


I hear what you're saying. But from someone that is not electrically inclined, I am scared to death of tinkering with all of the wires and such that I would encounter in such a job. I can envision my baby going up in flames after some electrical fire. :eek:

i would pay someone to sit in the back seat with a shade, and just tell them when i want it up!

seriously move on, save the money for when you will need it on maintenance.

washer nossils! let that go, they do nothing and they do break off... i was lucky enough to have mine replaced for free, but i certainly wouldn't add them.

i must admit i do love my rear shade, but i wouldn't pay that much to get one installed

Now would you please pass the Grey Poupon? LOL

i would pay someone to sit in the back seat with a shade, and just tell them when i want it up!


:lol

"i would pay someone to sit in the back seat with a shade, and just tell them when i want it up!"

:nutz: