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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Mechanical Maintenance: Break-in / Oil & Fluids / Servicing / Warranty > avoiding steelership



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      10-12-2012, 09:32 AM   #1
Dominus
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avoiding steelership

Well this has been the third time I've been to the steelership for maintenance and since my car is past the extended warranty period the trip destroys my wallet everytime. So i would like to get a list of what to avoid letting them do to avoid as little cost as possible.

for example: change my own oil or have a local shop do it.

however local shops around me are not "BMW certified".

how about breaks, if I buy the pads/rotors/sensors can i just do it myself?

any help would be appreciated. thank you
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      10-12-2012, 11:56 AM   #2
mlifxs
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I'm inclined to DIY whenever possible and convenient, including shocks, brakes, and fluids. you can also read codes off your car, research the code, and then decide if you're comfortable doing the fix.
iIf you'd rather not DIY, it stands to reason that many tasks shown in the DIY forum could be performed by any non dealer competent mechanic. Just make sure they use BMW approved fluids and are familiar with proprietary methods. If not sure, try a shop that specializes in BMW.
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      10-12-2012, 12:08 PM   #3
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IIts the proprietary methods that concern me. I prefer the DIY but i dont feel that i know enough about my bmw to start wrenching on it. and the closest shop that specializes in the new bmws is the steelership i go to. im just not looking to pay the same in labor as i do parts anymore.
so a short list would be the things you mentioned shocks, brakes, and fluids?
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      10-12-2012, 01:28 PM   #4
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yes. If you DIY, a Bentley service manual can also help with what's proprietary and what's not.

spark plugs are also pretty basic.

Last edited by mlifxs; 10-12-2012 at 03:34 PM..
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      10-12-2012, 05:05 PM   #5
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Like some other dealers, mine periodically has coupons available for an $80 oil change. Since an oil change kit from Tischer (getbmwparts.com) will cost about $75, it seems foolish not to take advantage of the coupons.

You might inquire if your dealer or another one in your area does the same.

Tom
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