1st service out of MP:STEALERS vs PRIVATE vs DIY

[Die_Miek]

2003 318i FL 127000 km

My car is due for an inspection1 in about 3000km.

I had a look at the inspection sheet of an inspection1 and they only change out your oil, oil filter and microfilter.

The rest is just checks, which I’m doing on a weekly basis anyway.
I DIY'd my brake pads about a month ago.

On inspection 2 they change air filter, oil filter, spark plugs, differential oil. Haynes manual says petrol filter is changed out every second inspection 2.

So my question to FANATICS: STEALERS vs PRIVATE vs DIY

Cheers

 

[ryanhouston_e46]

Howsit

i have this exact same car and when I heard the stealer price for the service I nearly fell off my chair. OEM parts list:

cabin microfilter: R 424-00
Oil filter : R 92-00
Castrol SLX professional longtec: R 80/l x 4

Considering that BMW have to make a profit on this service and they wouldnt put in this oil in your car since its out of m/p. I'd say DIY all the way. Really easy and simple to do. You might have a problem getting the oil filter cap off, but if you have the right tools, this should be easy. Cabin filter is easy. And you're done. Check the link out below. Was really helpful to me.

http://www.impee.co.uk/bmw_oil_service.htm

 

[Sankekur]

Just get the stuff needed for the service from the dealers (but not the oil, get taht from midas of autozone) and DIY it that is what I say, and in fact what I did.

 

[Spy007]

DIY. I did mine with a forum member and was great. I went to watch and learn so that I can do the next one myself.

 

[andrewbuch]

DIY if you can if not then independent mechanic

 

[ZlinG]

DIY - alot cheaper and yeah, it is hard the first time, but everyone must start learning at a point.

If you stay in pretoria you can always go to Beemow's to get the parts that you needed

 

[Die_Miek]

thanks for your replies guys, really appreciate your input.

 

[Hellas]

Elmo, if you plan on selling the car, FSH at the dealer will make sure you get top price for your car. Any buyer will simply knock off R10k if you don't have full service history.

Unless you plan to keep the car till it's wheels fall off, but 2003 is still newish and still benefits from FSH in a sale.

 

[Rossouw]

Hi Elmo
Got a mech in the pretoria area that charges +-R680 for labour=rerset on a service, if you supply the parts, that is of you are not into diy.

 

[calypso]

I use the stealer. Dont have the time or skills to do it myself, and dont trust the private guys in PE.
Least at the stealer one (always the same) guy works on my car, I can chat to him about whats up, and the prices are not so bad once you have a good relationship with them.

 

[Philip Foglar]

I use the stealer. Dont have the time or skills to do it myself, and dont trust the private guys in PE.
Least at the stealer one (always the same) guy works on my car, I can chat to him about whats up, and the prices are not so bad once you have a good relationship with them.

+1

Does make sense. I remember my father in law was taking his E46 to a private company that does servicing on these cars and he was horrified to see them working on his car with a notebook simply plonked on the roof while they were running some diagnostics. And while they were cheaper than the stealers it was not by so much, and even little things like the state of their workshop was enough to put him off. Since then he has been taking his cars to the stealers and is happier in the end. And if you can "make" friends with the guys on the floor, FTW!

 

[Threetwoeight]

DIY!!
Most service parts from dealers is cheaper
Fuel and pollen filter cheaper at Diesel Electric
Change the pollen filter regularly for aircon to be effective.

DIY makes you notice what nice car you drive because every thing works so well.
I love the mwha sound when I pull the coils from the spark plugs confirming a good water and air tight seal.

If you break something (unlikely) at least you learned something. Not paying someone else's school fees, only your own.

 

[Sankekur]

If you are planning to sell the car in a few years time take it to the dealers, for the FSH.

But I have to say, I spoke to one of hte BMW mechanics the other day, after that and seeing wat the workshop looks like I wouldn't even want to take my car to them for a service under motorplan (general attitude towards car repair etc).

 

[Die_Miek]

thanks for the input guys.

i service my car at Paarlberg BMW, and thus far i've bee satisfied with their service.

i was planning to keep the car until the wheels fall off but the e90 sportspack just ruined that plan!!!!

so i might wanna upgrade next year, and FSH at BMW, might be worth more (literally )than the cash i'm gonna save by doing a DIY.

cheers