[akhter]

So all of a sudden my car locks started locking and unlocking on its own.

Ofcouse my car is 2.5 yrs old an out of warranty.

so I take the car to dealer and they want:
9500 to run tests and replace the electronics junction box
2500 to replace battery (because it is almost 3 years old)
2000 to change engine oil.

My feeling is to not change battery or oil at BMW and have them finish the lock electronics problem. I assume i can change the battery or oil much cheaper somewhere else. Any risks with this?

Can someone recommend a good place to change battery and oil?

[bluethunder]

Battery and Oil change are simple to do and you can definitely get it done cheaper elsewhere. As for the electronics, well that's much trickier...

[Laguna Seca Blue]

Do they want to change the FRM module? You can buy the part from Valiant and I can look into helping you code it.

There are several good Indie BMW mechanics in Hong Kong, but there are also a bunch of monkey's with wrenches.

Also, Blue Thunder - Changing a Battery on an E90 isn't as simple as you think. It requires some basic coding if you want it to run optimally throughout it's lifetime.

[akhter]

The BMW service rep told me 'electronic junction box'. I have not idea if that is FRM module

My car is already with BMW getting the windshield replaced. It got cracked when a small rock (or something small) hit it while driving on Western Highway.

I asked them to not replace the oil and battery for now. I will see if I still get warnings after a few months and decide how to proceed. Searching around, it seems 2500 is not a bad price for OEM battery replacement (since it requires coding).

I am getting extended warranty for all my future car purchases. Both my e90s had issues at the 2.5 year period. On my 335i I had HPFP failure and on my 325i this. Thankfully in Japan warranty period is 3 years so I didn't have to pay for it out of pocket.

[akhter]

I think it is this part:

http://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com/p...359247601.html

[akhter]

BMW HK confirmed the part is below:

junction box no 61359286790

[Laguna Seca Blue]

Hmm, given BMW HK's markup it might be worth trying to order the part yourself and getting an indie shop to install it. The downside being that if it doesn't work you're stuck with a very expensive paperweight.

I'm ordering some stuff from the US, if you want we can split shipping if it's not available in HK without ordering

Also, it's cheaper here:
http://www.bmwmercedesparts.com/part...&siteid=215771

[SF450]

Laguna Seca Blue - Which indie shops can you recommend in HK for E46 M3?

Cheers,

SF450

[Laguna Seca Blue]

Originally Posted by SF450

Laguna Seca Blue - Which indie shops can you recommend in HK for E46 M3?

Cheers,

SF450

Is your E46 M3 modified or stock?

[NuBeetle]

My E90 has just passed its 2nd year warranty. Hope everything goes fine..

[SF450]

Originally Posted by Laguna Seca Blue

Is your E46 M3 modified or stock?

Its just stock at this stage...

[Laguna Seca Blue]

Originally Posted by SF450

Its just stock at this stage...

That's a good thing! I would never modify a M car, they come perfect from the factory

I take my car to Hong Po Motors in Fo Tan (Jimmy - 3126 6939). I pay a little more for peace of mind and they've never done me wrong. However, there's a really cool guy named David in Sham Shui Po who does a lot of work on BMW's and I would give him a shot (+852 6909 6939).

[SF450]

Originally Posted by Laguna Seca Blue

That's a good thing! I would never modify a M car, they come perfect from the factory

I take my car to Hong Po Motors in Fo Tan (Jimmy - 3126 6939). I pay a little more for peace of mind and they've never done me wrong. However, there's a really cool guy named David in Sham Shui Po who does a lot of work on BMW's and I would give him a shot (+852 6909 6939).

It costs me enough just to keep the M in top condition, let alone to start modifying it, haha!! Appreciate the recommendations, will give both of them a go but prob try the Fo Tan one first as i'm out in the N.T.

Cheers mate!

[akhter]

wow so good news and some bad news.

bmw graciously decided to replace the junction box for free so I only had to pay 1500 for checking fee.

but when i went to pick up the car, there was some damage to the rear bumper that wasn't there (as confirmed by the service advisor). he checked the receipt and confirmed that no rear bumper damage was noted.

now i need to wait a few days for them to figure out what to do but basically they will have to probably replace the rear bumper. anyone have had any experience with such situation?

[little_croco]

Originally Posted by akhter

wow so good news and some bad news.

bmw graciously decided to replace the junction box for free so I only had to pay 1500 for checking fee.

but when i went to pick up the car, there was some damage to the rear bumper that wasn't there (as confirmed by the service advisor). he checked the receipt and confirmed that no rear bumper damage was noted.

now i need to wait a few days for them to figure out what to do but basically they will have to probably replace the rear bumper. anyone have had any experience with such situation?

Sorry to hear about your bumper, but as long as they cannot prove those were not their faults then they will have to fix them for you with no charge.

[bforboris]

Thanks for sharing the Hong Po Motors information, I checked on the website before they just indicate they fix Benz only, but actually they can fix BMW! They are quite near my home

I would like to send my car for them for a detail service check as I didn't do service for my car since I bought it.

Originally Posted by Laguna Seca Blue

That's a good thing! I would never modify a M car, they come perfect from the factory

I take my car to Hong Po Motors in Fo Tan (Jimmy - 3126 6939). I pay a little more for peace of mind and they've never done me wrong. However, there's a really cool guy named David in Sham Shui Po who does a lot of work on BMW's and I would give him a shot (+852 6909 6939).

[Laguna Seca Blue]

Originally Posted by bforboris

Thanks for sharing the Hong Po Motors information, I checked on the website before they just indicate they fix Benz only, but actually they can fix BMW! They are quite near my home

I would like to send my car for them for a detail service check as I didn't do service for my car since I bought it.

Hong Po Motors is amazing. I really can't say enough good things about them. I have never had a 100% positive experience with any Indie Mechanic other than them. They look after my baby

[bforboris]

Originally Posted by Laguna Seca Blue

Hong Po Motors is amazing. I really can't say enough good things about them. I have never had a 100% positive experience with any Indie Mechanic other than them. They look after my baby

Just call them this evening and the person answer the call is quite nice, I booked them for inspecting my car, either $2200 or $2600.

Thanks for the referral again!

[akhter]

Got my car back last week. They fixed it for free. Good as new.