service it myself?

G

gazrobbo

Member
My 2005 3.0 with 25k was last serviced at the beginning of the year by the garage that sold it, not BMW, so probably just stuck some oil in and stamped the book.

So I think im going to do an Inspection 2 service

An indie near me said, the y could do it and program the roof on the key fob for £320

to do the service myself, estimated cost:
oil - £70 -£80 ?
oil filter £8
air filter £8
spark plugs £50 ?
brake fluid £15 ?
micro filter £35 ?

Ive not looked into the exact prices, just estimsting, so it could well get up to £200 in meterials, what do you guys think? are my prices very accurate, is it worth the hassle?

I do quite like doing these things my self, but is it more beneficial to have that extra stamp in the book?

any opinions and advice appreciated
 
I'd walk away from a self serviced car and I'm sure many others would too. You have to weigh up saving £120 vs making your car worth less and harder to sell.
 
Im never selling my car so not too fussed about servicing it myself, which i have done, id rather change the oil etc every 5k than buy a car you know might have had one service in 2 years.
 
If you are going to hang on to it for a while I don't think it's a problem (although some people will obviously be turned off).

I would be inclined to keep all your receipts + meticulous records of what's been done and when - at least then you can appear the fastidious enthusiast owner rather than skinflint!

See if you can get hold of copies of some of those sheets that the stealers use detailing what work is required for each service. Be very careful to source only OEM quality parts (sometimes you have to get them from the stealers in which case Joe at Sopers in Lincoln is usually competitive).

Note you may have a problem resetting the service indicator.

I must admit that even with older cars I have tended to use BMW for servicing (with older cars their reduced labour rate is usually the same as the back street garages!) I very seldom will go to them with a problem tho. In that case I do it myself or take it to a local specialist - usually nicer people, less hassle, quicker, nearer and cheaper.
 
It wont be missing a stamp though will it? If it was serviced and stamped when you bought it. I would service it myself but I would keep a log even if you dont have a stamp.
 
the service book has been stamped in April, I just dont trust whats been done, correct oil, brake fluid change etc. contacted the garage but they said it was probably just an oil change.
So Im going to do the service for my own piece of mind really, at least with all the bits for an inspection 2, I know the car is as it should be!
 
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