I have read many posts here about the service of the E38. I am just wondering how many of you cut checks to your favorite repair shop, and how many of you turn a wrench on your car.

Me thanks to myt very educated aircraft and auto mechcanic techinician brother, do a lot of wrenching "ourselves". I know, as well as my brother where to call in the experience, but it sure seems as if there is quite a bit of money to be saved, doing some home garaging if necessary. Just a question? Thanks for all your help.

I do my own work. A car is a car regardless of emblem.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5476600&postcount=315

What do you think?

IMO, My time is worth more than the few bucks saved by changing my own oil.
Moreover there is a benefit to having a working relationship with a competant Indy Shop, especially when you hit a "dealer only" issue and need a righteous 2nd opinion to keep from finding your feet in the stirrups w/ no vaseline in sight.

So...from the lack of response I am going to assume you all have great mechanics who are living well.

I agree with ya Aradaiel...it is a car. Get dirty and save a little money.
Thanks

I have a good mechanic. (indy) At least I believe he can be good when he wants to. Trouble is he's ALWAYS was to busy to be able to take his time and do his best work. Or worse, he gives the job to one of his employees who could care less. IMHO you cannot pay anyone, any amount of money to care about thier work. Either they do or they don't. Most times when I inspect work that people do for me (car or otherwise) I am sorely disappointed. IMHO most mechanics count on the fact that the customer will never jack the car up or open up a door panel etc. to see what they have done wrong. If you want above average work, do it yourself. You do have to have the time, tools and the mechanical ability. Then when you break something you only have yourself to blame but at least you know it's broken. If I save a buck on one job I probably have to spend it either on repairing something I broke on another job or on a special tool I need. For me, it's not about the money.

Good mechanic and a good indy shop to boot.

Also - this should have been a poll instead.

Well, as of now I let the warranty cover my problems. However, When it runs out, I will once again turning the wrenches myself as I have on all my other cars in the past. It is MUCH cheaper to buy a manual, ask questions and do it yourself.

I thought it a good idea to frame gottahava7's thread as a poll and then "sticky" it to boot!

i change the oil myself...and other minor things i am capable of

oh, i also detail her too, she always needs a good bath :)

but everything else, my INDY does...

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5476600&postcount=315

What do you think?

IMO, My time is worth more than the few bucks saved by changing my own oil.
Moreover there is a benefit to having a working relationship with a competant Indy Shop, especially when you hit a "dealer only" issue and need a righteous 2nd opinion to keep from finding your feet in the stirrups w/ no vaseline in sight.

It needed saying

It needed saying

I concur :)

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5476600&postcount=315

What do you think?

IMO, My time is worth more than the few bucks saved by changing my own oil.
Moreover there is a benefit to having a working relationship with a competant Indy Shop, especially when you hit a "dealer only" issue and need a righteous 2nd opinion to keep from finding your feet in the stirrups w/ no vaseline in sight.

but its fun to change your own oil
doesnt it give you a sense of pride when you do stuff to your own car?
if im able to do it, i will do it
it makes having a car that much better
i guess i feel more connected to her when i do my own stuff
im weird i guess, but i love cars
and im obsessed with mine

I concur :)

btw, cody
do you have any pics of your car/ s/c set up???
whenever i look at your sig i always wanna see her :)

I've only had my 7-Series for 4 months. Have done O2 sensors, Radiator Expansion Tank, and little odds and ends. Am looking for a competent indy around Raleigh, NC.

IMHO, if you can do it yourself, do it! I've seen others work ethics and frankly, just as I didn't trust many with my kids, there aren't many I'd trust with my 'Lynda'. Yeah, maybe I have trust issues, not to mention other issues. ;)

No skillz, but have a great indy!

Thank you Bimmerhead for moving this to a poll ...I am a newbie to this site. Again I appreciate all of your help and opinions. I agree with sleepy, doing most of these type of repairs helps me understand the cars little performance and quirks. Like I said also great to have a Certified wrench turner in the family who digs getting involved.

My time doing repairs isn't more valuable than paying to do it, since I pay the guy to do it more money/hr than I make.

I do it myself b/c I feel that most mechs don't really give a shit and do just enough to get the job done. I pay attn to the details more and it gives me a sense of accomplishment. I loose more money doing my own work than if I paid someone but thats ok. Now, I wouldn't do my own construction around the house. That I pay for. But cars, I love working on my cars.

I can do everything but that figgin computer. I'm working on that with my IT dept. It's a windows CE program, the interface is buyable, the codes are knowable and you guys are a great resource! Gotta go do my brakes before it gets too cold.

Peter

If I made good money, then it probably wouldn't be worth my time either. But since I don't, and I actually enjoy wrenching quite a bit, I'm 100% DIY.

I am 65% DIY. As much as my untrained hands can take me.

I DIM until I FIU then I POtA to FIR

In binary "words":

01001001 00100000 01100100 01101111 00100000 01101001 01110100 00100000 01101101 01111001 01110011 01100101 01101100 01100110 00100000 01110101 01101110 01110100 01101001 01101100 00100000 01001001 00100000 01100110 01110101 01100100 01100111 01100101 00100000 01101001 01110100 00100000 01110101 01110000 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 01101110 00100000 01001001 00100000 01110000 01100001 01111001 00100000 01101111 01110101 01110100 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01100001 01110011 01110011 00100000 01110100 01101111 00100000 01100110 01101001 01111000 00100000 01101001 01110100 00100000 01110010 01101001 01100111 01101000 01110100

i add and do all the mods myself and detailing and such but i do not change my oil i just take it to autowekes its pricey but im not the kind off kid.

Only thing I can't do is coding, but usefully I know a freind who does! (cheif mechanic @ Emtec)

I've bought just over $1000 in parts (from the dealer) and another $400 in Blizzak tires since I bought my 7 last September. I priced out having everything done at an Indy, and it would've been about $3500 for everything including labor. This included a water pump, thermostat, expansion tank, radiator cap, flush with BMW coolant, RR window regulator replacement, 3 power steering cooler lines replaced, both accessory belts, transmission service and filter with Esso fluid, full synthetic oil change, rear brakes, 4 tires, and an alignment. I might be forgetting something, but that's most of it for sure. So I've saved at least $2k in 5 months by doing the work myself (except the tires/alignment).

I rebuilt my first engine at the age of 9. I don't feel like doing stuff anymore. Mostly I send my cars to a dealer for service. The F-car I do myself. No time anymore anyway.

(No poll was posted when I first replied!)

I put "got mad skillz"

But really, my Man is the one with "Mad Skillz" I just keep him company, hand him parts, and help hold up the heavy shit (like exauhsts, transmissions and differentials) while he is under the car.

Honestly, I couldn't afford to own a BMW, let alone a 7 series, if he wasn't around.

Here is his ///M3,

http://oldmary.lqhome.com/%7Ejordansarette/coppermine/albums/e36Project/2006/September2006/normal_092406-012.JPG

Here is his old e30 before (as purchased for $800):

http://oldmary.lqhome.com/%7Ejordansarette/coppermine/displayimage.php?album=36&pos=0http://oldmary.lqhome.com/~jordansarette/coppermine/albums/2001/November2001/110501-001.JPG

Here she is after, just before he sold her:

http://oldmary.lqhome.com/%7Ejordansarette/coppermine/albums/2006/April2006/normal_042306-015.jpg

78% of respondents have some level of dealer or indy support for their cars. I'm one of them. I like to do most of the simple jobs myself and save the serious wrenching for the professionals. I had the front control arms (all 4) replaced at the indy last month. The car goes back Monday for rear ball joints, coolant service, and to confirm there are no stored codes from previous thermostat malfunction. On the DIY side, I recently removed both front seats, the entire center console, and the navigation unit, climate control, drink holder assembly. Previous owner(s)? spilled drinks into the center console which ran under the seats. I also needed to disable the broken drink holder. I'll have to come up with an after-market solution for drinks.

I'm also a firm believer in developing a solid relationship with the dealer AND the indy, at some point they're going to save your bacon.

Next on my list is a window regulator.:alright

I DIY as much as possible. If I took the car for service @ the dealer I would not be able to afford it. Would be a nice break though...

I have done about everything myself excluding my 6 spd coversion that Brett @ Koaloa did for me. i have had alot help from a couple of friends too. I leave most body, exhaust, and paint work to the pros. I detail my car to..

DIY: all 4 brakes including rotors, pads and black caliper paint, oil changes, oil pan gasket, steel braided lines, spark plugs, expansion tank, water pump, thermostat, valve cover gaskets(twice), valley pan gaskets, intake gasket, exhaust gaskets, Zionsville Super duty kit, battery, VFE Supercharger kit, powder coated valve covers, hood latch assembly, trunk shocks, window regulators, all air filters, fuel filter, headlights, rear lights, side lights, rear diff, yada, yada, yada....

Damn that is alot...

United BMW has hooked me up with some great pricing on parts so that helps alot too.

Both the dealer and Tire company I go to have complained about my DIY... LOL

no $$$

DIY...
for major work..i got to an indy shop.

I got mad skillz, if you all haven't noticed:redspot

I do everything on my E32, but only do 98% on the E38... The usual reasons.. Don't have the time, dont have the DIS..

Otherwise, it's all me..

I do what I can, but that is not much...

I am with Impala (Isn't that a Chev name?) Get the warranty and relax.

i need help with my 740 il 1998 , a few days ago i replace the belt and the tensioner including the damper, and was running fine all suddenly my wife was using the car and automaticaly shut off it self and i try to start the car and it start but it shut after a few seconds it wont' last a minute on , can some one help me?

I dream of working on my car. But, I do not have much time to perform repairs or maintenance. Of course, I have a relative that has some skills.

Poor college kid here who has expensive tastes.

Solution? e38 and doing ALL the wrenching :p

Hi, This is my 1st posting to this forum. The rest is all done by my mechanic. I don't currently have the time or space to do any of the work. Eventually, I'd like to start doing more.

I live and work in Germany. Driving is serious business, but over here that's just the beginning -- Particularly where there are stretches of Autobahns with no speed limit. I'm a bit wary of which repairs I will do because one can be held criminally liable if a repair causes or significantly contributes to an accident. And if someone is injured or worse, you're done.

I've been doing the basics to mildly technical. The stuff that requires a lift or internals are for the shop. I have a great shop here in CO. I fortunately live about 3 miles from it. Bimmerhaus is great!! I take both my driving machines there.

used to DIY, now just pay b/c no more time

I'm a mechanic when not in school, so I do it myself...I have an e32, not 38, but I do everything myself to save money. Being able to use a shop with lifts is a huge advantage.

i do 99% of everything. only thing i take to a shop is warranty,paint and a tune. i used to be a subaru tech, graduated wyotech top of my class. wish i would of taken that bmw offer now that i got the 7 :lol: i'll prob take this car in for something major,but most will be done by me. if for some reason i get stuck, my brother is an ase master tech, in the feild for like 11 years now, and grew up wrenching. i was a late wrenching bloomer :o

I used to do as much as I could which usually amounted to roughly 75%. Now I'm getting older, ...and lazier and it's easier to let someone I really trust do the heavy lifting. I still do as much as I can with what resources I have. I just recently had a lot of heavy lifting done on the ol' girls suspension. It was worth it to me to have it done professionally.

I do most of my maint/repairs myself, but there are occasional jobs I just don't feel like doing.

Just bought my E32 91 750IL a few weeks ago. Needs a few cosmetic issues fixed that I'm doing, but no mech. yet.

Liked it so much that I bought my wife an E38 95 740IL last week. Haven't paid for it yet, probably will go get it tomorrow. Needs rear bumper work, but otherwise, looks great!

And please, forgive me for my ignorance, but what is an "indy" shop. I can infer from the usage, but don't know the term.

Thanks,
Josh

Poor college kid here who has expensive tastes.

Solution? e38 and doing ALL the wrenching :p

yeah, same problem here...

I do my own work. A car is a car regardless of emblem.

I second that:buttrock

If I can't do it myself (or with the help of a friend) then I say goodbye to the car.

Labour rate in stealers is silly
No independants locally that I would trust

If you want a job done right DIY

I live literally 3minutes from the BMW dealer in Indianapolis. That said , i'm about 50/50 dealer and diy 'er....I've fostered myself an excellent relationship with the dealer, so they do alot of small things for little or no cost for me. (Not to mention they always give me a 07 or 08' 7series as a loaner!!!!) I recently found out that one of my college buds works for a parts distribution company near work...So now I get BMW OEM parts at cost! I'm in heaven!!! Even when I have to go to the dealer i save 30-40% in parts alone!! Anyone in Indianapolis feel free to call me for a hookup!

I actually enjoy DIYing almost everything in my cars.
Like many here, I do not have the time, but make time as it gives me a break from work.
Worst case is, I get it towed to an indy, but my record has not been broken yet. :)

I am a cosmetic DIYer. Interior, exterior, cosmetic, but when it comes to the running gear, my peace of mind is worth $95/hr.

I have a 97 740i with a broken indash drink holder that I need help replacing. I am also looking for a good used Idle Control Valve. Has anyone experience some serious wheel vibration around speeds of 40 to 50mph? I did change out my 16's for 17's from Bavarian Auto - looking for suggestions or solutions
Give Thanx

Do it you fucking self hell ya y pay some 1 stupid outrages prices for 10 min of work.lol.so deff diy

For the most part me and my dad are DIY people on every car we have owned. And this is our 6th or 7th BMW. Fortunately we have friends who are good mechanics and have charged us super cheap for stuff such as: Brakes and Rotors, Fan Clutch, Alignement and tire change. We are able to buy parts and huge discounts also. Sometimes paying our mechanic friend turns out cheaper than DIY.

When time permits i do the small stuff. I am one of those that likes to know what i have under the hood and feel secure knowing i put it there.

THIS IS NO BOAST BUT TRUTH... I am, many times over, a "Certified" Tech, have worked in Commercial garages, and owned/operated my own commercial garage. It absolutely PAINS ME to see what some places are gouging people for simple fixes or parts-even Manufacturer Specific! Depending on Warranty issues, of course, and if you're able to.. find a local friend in my predicament (I mean, who has/had a business) willing to work WITH you and show you a thing or three, and with accounts everywhere, get the parts, and DIY and Learn! OR, as is often the case, Forum-related GB's and Sponsors (Who are usually Enthusiasts too!) are usually the way to go for GREAT deals on many things!

I'm, honestly, (and anyone who knows me IRL will say...) one of THE MOST modest person in the world and only say what I say here because, as we're ALL made aware of at some point..... SOME -not all by any means or stretch!- garages (Commercial and Indy..) and mechanics try and make their first million off of each person who comes through their door! It makes me mad and it's WRONG to do! I ALWAYS gave people a fair shake that came to my garage or whose vehicle I work on now in my spare time-which I increasingly have less and less of. Sure.. I may not have made as much off 1 (Commercial) ticket as some of the other guys... but guess what... the people came back for different things AGAIN AND AGAIN and sent friends too! It pays (WELL!) to be honest and finding that in a garage/indy is sometimes very difficult and frustrating!

Aside from having my business accounts (which have saved me UNTOLD amounts of money over the years!) I have a few friends in the Service and Parts Dept.'s of Dealerships as well as BMW/Manufacturer Specific Indy garages too that I rely on for their invaluable feedback and advice! I have always believed that the only stupid thing to do is to pretend to know everything and NOT ask a question or seek help if needed... and I do just that whenever something comes up that I'm not sure of! That's how I found BimmerForums. The only thing my Certifications guarantee me is a good job at a commercial garage (other than opening my own again) if I'm seeking work in the Auto Industry and, to others, they might seem impressive hanging on the wall or my jacket sleeve! For me... it's the wealth of knowledge that I have worked VERY hard to gain in getting those Certifications. Knowledge is more than a piece of paper in a frame. I enjoy learning new things with every project I work on -- whatever the vehicle in question -- and if it saves me a buck or two (whether I feel like getting dirty or not..) then the more the better to use for other Mods or upgrades! Knowledge, however, and the feeling of accomplishment to say "YOU Did It" is much more valuable, to me, than any amount of money saved! :cool

I try to do my own work unless it involves electronics... I can't wait to post my pics of my car. I have 10 grand in custom stereo mods done to my 99 740i.....

I'll do my own now with the exception of something big like changing the power steering reservoir..lol

hey luke

I'm one of those guys where my brain tells me "it's easy, you can do it" but if and when I try it usually ends up in a disaster.

Even trying my DIY skills on simple mods usually ends up costing me money, not so much to get it fixed, but rather in getting replacement parts which I've somehow managed to break.

I'm done DIY unless its a oil change.

e38.org makes things so easy

I DIY everything

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n89/mojocoggo/my_e38/swap/0721081656.jpg

I do all my own work except body work. Change pannels or weld, OK but can't stand to do the fine details. I'm the one everyone comes to for help. After my wife gave me crap for years, I finally put my foot down and will help friends and family but there getting in there as well. I get most demestic parts wholesale so I pick them up. Make up a name for your shop/business and get 30% off. Trying to get the money out of family members is another story. I only bought this 98 740i because I do all the maintenance. from engine rebuilding to intricate electronics. Elec. Eng by trade. Mechanic by choise. Been working on Porsches for years. Rebuilt mine and work on friends. Thought I would try a BMW when a friend decided to buy a new Caddy. He says there is no comparison between the 2009 Caddy and the 98 Bimmer. Bimmer blows it away with ride and everything else but he was sick of the mainenance costs. Looked at some of the bills he had in the glove box. $1300 for a fan belt. $360 for every oil change etc. etc. He was told the ball joints were going. I hear a little click and will check them out this winter. PelicanParts are ~ 20-40 each. What do you think the total dealer cost would be! First this is my hobby. Second I work on our regular daily cars because of the saving. Look at the average cost for anything. The average break job quote is $600 which ussaully ends up being pads and shoes ~$100 parts. Demestic car of course. I can get pads for my Porshe at the local parts dealer for $50.
I think of it this way. What's it take me in time with tools and parts cost compared to the shop. How many hours do you have to work, add the 30% income tax and the sales tax on labour (in Canada) and markup/tax on parts and see the difference. There is always the exception. I take the cars in half the time for oil changes. Meiniky is $19. Not worth my time unless I'm doing somthinge else at the same time. Exhaust is ussaully nucle buster work unless again I have it apart for another reason. ect.

Ever sinds I owned my car 2 1/2 years car has not seen a dealer yet