Wanted Potential Diff Needed

[g8jka]

He keeps all the parts he takes off in a big storage container.

Which is probably where he had your 'new' passenger side driveshaft from, off another car he's removed from in the past. That one has definitely been off as it's got different bolts than the originals.

Regarding it possibly being innocent and a misunderstanding I don't think this is the case as a mechanic wouldn't charge for work that clearly hasn't been done (drivers side driveshaft). Mechanics such as this are just cowboys. He charged for removal, refurbishment and refitting of this and it doesn't look as if it's been touched. Plus if he has given back a driveshaft that is cleary a shock absorber he shouldn't be anywhere near a car.

 

[g8jka]

Oh and here is a link to some autosol that will get your exhaust tips nice and shiny

 

[t-tony]

I would be speaking to Trading Standards as soon as you can. Also get it tested to see if any of the work he's carried out will fail the MOT.

Tony.

 

[ktnez99]

Which is probably where he had your 'new' passenger side driveshaft from, off another car he's removed from in the past. That one has definitely been off as it's got different bolts than the originals.

Regarding it possibly being innocent and a misunderstanding I don't think this is the case as a mechanic wouldn't charge for work that clearly hasn't been done (drivers side driveshaft). Mechanics such as this are just cowboys. He charged for removal, refurbishment and refitting of this and it doesn't look as if it's been touched. Plus if he has given back a driveshaft that is cleary a shock absorber he shouldn't be anywhere near a car.

I've just called the AA Vehicle Helpline which has suggested that I get an independent report either from Dekra - more money! - or take it to a reputable garage which is what you and others are saying to get an independent opinion from. Then, to go back - gulp - to this mechanic to give him the opportunity to rectify the problem.

 

[ktnez99]

I would be speaking to Trading Standards as soon as you can. Also get it tested to see if any of the work he's carried out will fail the MOT.

Tony.

It's going to fail at the mo with the ASC light out so I'll look at doing a bulb/s replacement on Wednesday and then take it in. After this, I can only drive the car to rearranged garage appointments - am I right?

 

[ktnez99]

I would be speaking to Trading Standards as soon as you can. Also get it tested to see if any of the work he's carried out will fail the MOT.

Tony.

I shall Tony to find out what they say.

 

[ktnez99]

Which is probably where he had your 'new' passenger side driveshaft from, off another car he's removed from in the past. That one has definitely been off as it's got different bolts than the originals.

Regarding it possibly being innocent and a misunderstanding I don't think this is the case as a mechanic wouldn't charge for work that clearly hasn't been done (drivers side driveshaft). Mechanics such as this are just cowboys. He charged for removal, refurbishment and refitting of this and it doesn't look as if it's been touched. Plus if he has given back a driveshaft that is cleary a shock absorber he shouldn't be anywhere near a car.

And would explain why he keeps a storage area/massive big box with all the parts taken off cars...

 

[Juvvajuvva]

You say the diff Bush is jumping round. Is the Bush ruined ? Look to see if it has perished and look at the hanger to see if it is tearing away from the boot floor.
I don’t know you budget restrictions but a reconditioned diff from a reputable firm is not astronomical.
However, do you know a really good BMW specialist near you?
I know some fantastic ones. Where are you and I will ask them. The ones I know have being doing BMW and Porsche for 30 years and they know a network of great people. They recommend some guys who just did my X5 auto transmission. Now that can be expensive but it turned out to be low oil in the transmission, re set the adaptations and it fixed. £400 including 3.5 ltrs of ATF . Car has done 225,000 miles.
There are loads of good guys on here who can source you a used diff for a very reasonable price, if that is in fact your problem. @spurs fan in a coupe etc.
My advice is to find a BMW specialist near you, pay them for their advice and go from there.
Oh and as Dean said, the photo is a rear shock/damper.

 

[gookah]

no, the diff is jumping around., making the rear beam move.
The bush looks tired, but OK

 

[ktnez99]

You say the diff Bush is jumping round. Is the Bush ruined ? Look to see if it has perished and look at the hanger to see if it is tearing away from the boot floor.
I don’t know you budget restrictions but a reconditioned diff from a reputable firm is not astronomical.
However, do you know a really good BMW specialist near you?
I know some fantastic ones. Where are you and I will ask them. The ones I know have being doing BMW and Porsche for 30 years and they know a network of great people. They recommend some guys who just did my X5 auto transmission. Now that can be expensive but it turned out to be low oil in the transmission, re set the adaptations and it fixed. £400 including 3.5 ltrs of ATF . Car has done 225,000 miles.
There are loads of good guys on here who can source you a used diff for a very reasonable price, if that is in fact your problem. @spurs fan in a coupe etc.
My advice is to find a BMW specialist near you, pay them for their advice and go from there.
Oh and as Dean said, the photo is a rear shock/damper.

Thanks for this: based just north of Birmingham.

 

[Juvvajuvva]

Ok, then as others have said, assuming it’s not prop related, ie the front bearing where the prop connects to the diff you really need someone who knows diffs. Have you contacted the Z shed? I will ask the specialist I know if there is anyone your way that they recommend.
Are you competent enough to quickly remove the rear diff cover?
It’s very straight forward. Also there are loads of YouTube vids you can watch and some are very comprehensive diff rebuilds of, z3 e36 e30.

 

[ktnez99]

Ok, then as others have said, assuming it’s not prop related, ie the front bearing where the prop connects to the diff you really need someone who knows diffs. Have you contacted the Z shed? I will ask the specialist I know if there is anyone your way that they recommend.
Are you competent enough to quickly remove the rear diff cover?
It’s very straight forward. Also there are loads of YouTube vids you can watch and some are very comprehensive diff rebuilds of, z3 e36 e30.

I'm learning and no, I wouldn't at this time, be able to do that. Please ask.

 

[Juvvajuvva]

Will do.

 

[ktnez99]

Hello everyone.

I've contacted Citizens Advice who have told me that I need to write to the garage as I am protected under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and give it the opportunity to rectify the work. To be honest, I'm reluctant to have them touch my car again but the law says I must do this first - seek Remedy. They will either hold their hands up and say they are responsible, decline or ignore my letter. I'll wait to see what happens.

 

[ktnez99]

I would be speaking to Trading Standards as soon as you can. Also get it tested to see if any of the work he's carried out will fail the MOT.

Tony.

Hi Tony,

Trading Standards will pick this up if the garage fails to accept liability, declines to do the remedial works or ignores my letter. I'm to call Citizen's Advice once I know in 7 days how the land lies.

I'm going to look at the traction control light on the dashboard tomorrow and if I can get this sorted, I'll take it in for the MOT.