[MartianSun]

Originally Posted by TheMorphiuz

They do, well, the margins are far better at least. Most franchise dealers are around £70-80 an hour (Vauxhall, Ford etc), premium brands like BMW command closer to £100 maybe more. Plus the retail mark-up on parts.
That and the finance deals, particularly leasing, very margin rich.

In other words 'extorting motherfuckers!'

[TheMorphiuz]

Originally Posted by MartianSun

In other words 'extorting motherfuckers!'

Pretty much! They tempt you in with the service packs (value through not having to think about it for 3-5 years), that and the fear of not being able to claim on the warranty (and particularly good-will just outside warranty) without a full book of BMW stamps.
There's nothing wrong with a good independent. There's a place not far from me run by a guy who worked at franchise dealers for 12 years and has ex-franchise staff. Charges half the franchise rates too!

Looking at that list, assuming I had the time, I'd want to do a lot myself, oil and filters aren't a problem. Could probably do brake discs and pads myself too and have a crack at the rocker gasket if I had the tech manual with all the torque settings.
Then tyre and exhaust man for the rubber and silencer, sorted!

Assuming the petrol's similar to the diesel, that sort of mileage is just after the 3rd oil service (due every 60k on mine) which usually involves an inspection of everything and certainly brake pads and discs all round. It's just unfortunate about the vacuum pump and gasket.

[Havana]

Pretty ridiculous prices. About 10 years ago a friend got stung by going to the dealer for a head gasket on an E36. Paid around £1800, the car was only worth 2.5k lol!

[Poison32]

My car is at 92000

[Poison32]

Just discovered bmw do a repair kit for the vacuum pump at £11

[MartianSun]

Wish I was confident enough to such a job.

If I got the required parts and someone on here was willing to help for a decent fee; if you're that person let me know!

[bbstoke]

Just had oil , filter microfilter done and the car on a ramp light was on and had that sorted. with full vehicle check. £80.... Rear brake disks booked in for next month.
Pagid disks, Pagid pads, Pagid brake sensors.. £134 delivered.
Garage will fit for £50.
BMW repairs are for the bankers only :-)
Someone has to pay for the luxury showrooms with one customer in and 20 staff

[bbstoke]

Europarts BTW

[bbstoke]

That rattle you get when pulling off?
Look at the back of the exhaust, see where it hangs from the hooks and rubbers.
Open up the rubbers with a screwdriver or squeeze with your hand and insert some solid rubber and let the rubbers close on them.
Pull off rattle sorted
There's three I think

[poggy]

Changing vacuum pump I don't think should be too bad but you'd need to remove the strut brace to get at it properly. I'd recommend changing the pump (about £260 for the part) - whilst replacing the seals you can get at will solve the leak, you've got to ask why so much oils is getting in there in the first place (front bearing seal?).

[bbstoke]

Just about to buy those disks, pads, and sensor from Europarts at £134... Just had an Email saying there's a sale on.. Same items now £80... What a bargain! All Pagid OE spec btw

[MartianSun]

Originally Posted by bbstoke

Just had oil , filter microfilter done and the car on a ramp light was on and had that sorted. with full vehicle check. £80.... Rear brake disks booked in for next month.
Pagid disks, Pagid pads, Pagid brake sensors.. £134 delivered.
Garage will fit for £50.
BMW repairs are for the bankers only :-)
Someone has to pay for the luxury showrooms with one customer in and 20 staff

Apologise for late reply, been busy.

Ordered discs/pads for rear & front (all Pagid), didn't order sensors though, got them fitted locally by a neighbour; a retired mechanic for £40.

Did you order directly from Europarts or from their eBay account, cos you'll find it much cheaper via eBay, don't know why. Was about to place the order via their site which would have cost me (£250), but decided to check eBay last minute to find out they have an eBay account. Happy I did as it saved me £70. (only paid £180)

(Anyone wanting to buy from Europarts; check their eBay account 1st!)

Haha very true! Remember sitting & waiting for my car I hardly saw many customers come & go; looks boring, only thing keeping you entertained are the shiny news cars on shop floor.

[MartianSun]

Originally Posted by bbstoke

Just about to buy those disks, pads, and sensor from Europarts at £134... Just had an Email saying there's a sale on.. Same items now £80... What a bargain! All Pagid OE spec btw

Oops only just seen this. I guess they're just letting you know about their sale.

[bbstoke]

Well yes but I did get them at £80 for the lot, bargain, £50 to fit including brake hub and calipers painted and cured black