POLL Home servicing ?

Do you service your own Zed ?

  • Home service

    Votes: 35 81.4%

  • Garage service

    Votes: 8 18.6%
  • Total voters
    43
I do the Z myself, but I have the use of a mates ramp if I need it off the ground. I don't do crawling about on my knees anymore.

Although mine has loads of stamps, as they are not all main dealer or even specialists, I don't see the point on a 9 owner, 144k car. Its then down to condition on the day and the fun it brings.

Oh, @Shelly, classic and sports car rally, corton playing field today.
 
Oh, @Shelly, classic and sports car rally, corton playing field today.[/QUOTE]

Wow ......... :p
What the football ground might just go and give it a look :)
Thanks @smiffy ;)
What time does it start ;)
 
It's 10-4 :p
Just had a look at the web site :)
Looks good ;)
 
I don't really trust garages... to many bad experiences and I don't blame them per-say as most garage aren't geared up to deal with enthusiasts who cares about there cars... About the only thing I don't do is MOT's and Aircon top up..

I'd recommend investing in some BMW diagnostics like the BCables stuff (as it seems bullet proof and for £30 you can't go wrong) or install it yourself if your good with UNIX (sco i think for edibas) and VMware.. Or the expensive route and buy a diagnostic scanner off the shelf.. Im tight and I like the idea of using the same stuff that the BMW dealer uses...

Oh and my golden rule is if I need a tool I buy the tool...

It makes troubleshooting so much more simple and reset things like Airbag lights, ABS faults (e.g. cleaning and check wheel senders etc), bleeding the ABS unit ( you really cat get a proper bleed without do this) etc....
 
Haven't had to do anything but change two rear light bulbs but will be doing whatever I and my brother can manage this summer. Have lots of equipment and a great shop and also a neighbour with his own business if I get things going sideways. JIM
 
Love working on old cars, plus my Dad is a retired Heavy Plant fitter so I was encouraged and taught early on with my trial bikes and then my first cars and will have a go at most things, plus hate paying someone else to do things I can do myself. (don't touch car electrics though, baffles me :mad: but luckily I've got a mate who's a wizard with it :)
 
I have always done all my own servicing, except when I first bought my Zed, it was a BMW approved used car so for the first year needed dealer service to maintain warranty. They were so useless that I was glad when the year was up. I never needed the warranty anyway. I just fill in the service book and sign it myself. i have just sold my E30 and the buyer was delighted to get a service book with 23 years of history even if not main dealer. :)
 
mwpe said:
I have always done all my own servicing, except when I first bought my Zed, it was a BMW approved used car so for the first year needed dealer service to maintain warranty. They were so useless that I was glad when the year was up. I never needed the warranty anyway. I just fill in the service book and sign it myself. i have just sold my E30 and the buyer was delighted to get a service book with 23 years of history even if not main dealer. :)
Click to expand...
I do the same thing Mike, when I sold my Z3 the other week I showed the buyer what dealer history there was and all the detailed work I'd done in the last 5 years or so, he was just as happy with that. Oh, and I tested it for him last Saturday, passed with flying colours.

Tony.
 
Since using forums and owning a few BMW's in the past, I've learned to do some basic servicing myself. Including

Fluid changes (including transmission and diff)
Filter changes
Spark plugs
Hand brake adjustment
Thermostat change (on a 95 5 series estate)
Rear shock mounts upgrade (rogue engineering)
Exhaust (cat back)
I'll be learning to do a complete brake overhaul at some point as I invest in a kit to help me bleed them.
I've not done the bushes as I don't have access to a bench and vice, but this is on my list of things to purchase.

I was a mature student for 10 years up until 2 years ago, so money was tight. So when I bought a house with a garage, that was a good excuse to get to know my cars a bit better. I'm definitely not a mechanic, my background was IT consultancy and then the care sector, but the more I delve into my cars, the more knowledge I get.
The hardest but most rewarding car I worked on prior to the Z3 was my Alfa GTV V6. The most annoying was a Jaguar XJ6 because it only just fit in the garage, so that made manoeverability difficult.

I was given a MIG welder so at some point I'll be learning how to use that as well!

The point I'm making is if I can do the simple things (that do not require special tools and a car lift) anyone can! And if I can't do it, there is a guy I go to on the rare occasion I need to see him.
 
i always service and repair my cars.. worked as a peugeot / citroen mechanic years ago.
to be honest i don't trust the local garage with my pride and joy...
 
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