2007 E85 Brake Pipe replacement - advice needed

[wolverine2k]

Hey all,

I've still not managed to get an MOT for my Z4. Spent quite a bit on it now and it's getting quite frustrating!

It failed on a few issues that I can resolve myself mainly:
- brake hoses have some corrosion
- headlight adjustment (offside one isn't self levelling)
- ABS sensor on the front wheel being triggered as the reluctor ring is shot (so new hub/bearing kit needed)
- Front wipers shot

And it failed on something that I've never tackled myself:
- Brake pipe excessively corroded at both sides of the rear

The indy has quoted me £750 to replace the brake pipes as they say the petrol tank has to be dropped or something and it's a massive job. They only do stuff to BMW standard and nothing custom. They recommend that if I'm doing it myself, to cut and join a pipe to the line in the middle of the car and route it a different direction which means I don't need to remove the tank.

Does anyone have any experience with this? I'm not too confident about it and can't find a mechanic willing to take the job on local to me...

Thanks!

[spazmochad]

Garage local to me did a cut and splice job about 5 years ago and I've not had any problem since. It will be a lot cheaper that way.

[davep10000]

Very common, and acceptable to cut and join, as long as the correct in-line fittings are used, and pipes are supported correctly.

[Sidewaze Samm]

Use kunifer(copper) pipes. These are bendable unlike the OEM steel pipes, so can be routed past the fuel tank without removing it.
Had this job done about three years ago, think I got charged about £150.

[Sidewaze Samm]

can't find a mechanic willing to take the job on local to me...

where are you? Someone here may well be able to advise of a local indy

[MKZ4000]

Yep, kunifer is the way to go. Easier to bend around obstructions and won’t corrode again

[wolverine2k]

can't find a mechanic willing to take the job on local to me...

where are you? Someone here may well be able to advise of a local indy

I'm in North East London (Hainault).

[wolverine2k]

Use kunifer(copper) pipes. These are bendable unlike the OEM steel pipes, so can be routed past the fuel tank without removing it.
Had this job done about three years ago, think I got charged about £150.

I would gladly pay £150 for a job like that if I can find someone to do it

[MKZ4000]

Ross @ RBM Hampshire will do them for you. He's not right on your doorstep but you are closer than me and I think he's well worth the trip.

[wolverine2k]

Hampshire

Thanks - Unfortunately it'll cost about £250 to get the car that far (I don't have an MOT so will have to be trailered). I'm gonna start ringing local mechanics next week. There's bound to be one that can do it!!

[Hwec2]

Second this, I just had the same thing fixed at RBM, great service!

You might be able to drive the car there (if you feel safe enough in the car) if you book the work with an MOT… worth double checking the rules on this though, I’m sure you used to be able the drive to an MOT test.

[MKZ4000]

Good idea. Book an MOT at RBM at the same time

[wolverine2k]

Good idea. Book an MOT at RBM at the same time

I'm not sure if driving 80 miles is a reasonable distance for an MOT test...

[MKZ4000]

Yeah no problem. No one will care as long as it’s booked in. You could just explain the work that was required and no one closer could do it or was available

[sw4nny]

My indie did front to back with copper plus hoses.
£ 300 all in.
Sorry hes in south yorkshire,but gives you an idea on price.