[split] M3 replacement parts and bill - from Welcome Phoenix46

Hi all, I'm new here... so I thought I'd introduce myself.

I just purchased a 2001 E46 M3 (Phoenix yellow) from a family member. Full house with nav, tv, phone etc and black leather. High mileage (160,000km) but I got the car for a good price. I paid cash for it so don't mind the high mileage and maintenance costs.

The car has a full BMW service history with regard to inspection and oil services but there are other items to repair on the car. I took the car to Club Motors in Randburg (that's where the car was taken care of under motor plan) for the latest service and diagnostics to check what else needs to be done on the car. I nearly fell on my back when they quoted me R90,000!!!! So I just authorized them to do the inspection 2 service and ended up paying R7k, which I don't mind too much.

I now have the list they prepared for me (4 pages long) of things 'to be done' to make the car 100% and it comes down to a few crucial items. (1) clutch kit and flywheel, (2) brake discs and pads all around, (3) tie rod ends and (4) a power steering pump. The other items are more cosmetic and not worth mentioning here, although expensive too (like a interior mirror for R6000 + VAT excluding labour!!!). I wonder if they don't have a strategy just to replace all items to make more money instead of trying to diagnose and fix. Economic crunch affecting them I think... hmmm????

So I'm now in a position to look for an independent BMW mechie in JHB who can do these items for me at a sane price and with good quality and after sales service and genuine parts. I must stress that I don't have a deadline to get these items sorted as I seldom drive the car. I wanna take my time and do things right from the off.

These are only the mechanical concerns after which I will sort out the bumpers, which have minor scratches, and a few minor interior fixes. The car should then be back to her former glory and aggressively drivable!!!

Any suggestions or comments are welcome please.

Hi and welcome, I split your thread so that it gets more replies, the new members area is not included in the view new topics search :thumb:

Cheers Freerider... lots to learn

Welcome and congrads

90k for repairs, you can buy another E36 M for that price:thinking:

BMW dealerships work like child psychology: If you want a kitten, start out by asking for a pony, then bargain your way down to the kitten. They will shock you with R90k, whereafter you won't feel so bad forking out 'only' R7k for the service.

To start with, NOBODY would spend a third of the car's value only on repairs (in a lump sum). But full marks on your mentality towards the upkeep of your pride and joy. See to the important mechanicals first and then do the mods imp: You WILL get off cheaper elsewhere than at the stealers without sacrificing quality or workmanship (if you go to the right places off course...)

Scrap yards are treasure boxes and online advice is good company. Enjoy your stay! :thumbsup:

welcome dude!

I dont recommend a cheap fix.

In the Randburg area there is Rob green ( a bit pricey).

I suggest Savspeed in Edenvale, he will give you excellent service. :thumbsup:

I also heard good things about Tune Tech, but havent used them myself.

Good luck with your new aquisition!!

Thanks guys (girls?),

I wasn't expecting such a quick, warm welcome from you guys. Much appreciated and I'll be sure to check in regularly.

I have a business in JHB CBD and I found out that Tune Tech is not too far from there. I think I'll give ol' Shaun Sing a try and let you guys know how things go. As I said, slow and easy as she goes...