Toying with the idea to self service

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brad.210

Member
So having priced up at various indys the cost of a typical service and forking out each time for these, I'm toying with the idea of servicing the car myself especially seen as the parts are coming in fairly cheap at ECP and just because I'd like to be able to do this myself

When I say service I mean fairly small in scope..
Oil and filter change
Air filter
Cabin filter
Spark Plugs

If I'm totally honest it would be my first attempt at this, although the guides look straight forward, is this wise or should I just stop and leave it to the pros?

Any gotchas I need to know about before embarking?
 
Simple stuff , you will have no problems doing it yourself. It just depends if the service history is important for you when you come to sell. At the least, keep receipts of the oil etc
 
I was happy to do my own servicing years ago but you have to ask yourself the question which service regime you would prefer to see when buying.
 
Fair points, in truth by the time I plan to sell it will be over 10 years old, with a strong service history albeit maybe some bits myself if I go ahead with this.

Not sure how much difference it makes, at least there will be a paper trail of parts.
 
I'd be inclined to get the inspection 2 done by a garage. But the interim inspections l I'd not be over bothered on an older car especially if it showed a yearly oil change on cars that are laid up over the winter months
 
Have a look at what is actually on the service schedule. It's not much more over and above the MOT. I self service as I don't plan on selling any time soon. Anyone that doesn't like that doesn't deserve a well looked after car!
 
brad.210 said:
So having priced up at various indys the cost of a typical service and forking out each time for these, I'm toying with the idea of servicing the car myself especially seen as the parts are coming in fairly cheap at ECP and just because I'd like to be able to do this myself

When I say service I mean fairly small in scope..
Oil and filter change
Air filter
Cabin filter
Spark Plugs

If I'm totally honest it would be my first attempt at this, although the guides look straight forward, is this wise or should I just stop and leave it to the pros?

Any gotchas I need to know about before embarking?
Click to expand...
If you go down the route of diy ,you will need an oil filter removal socket,plus a trolley jack ,axel stands etc.
Buy a decent oil filter,I suggest MANN filters.
 
I bought my 55 plate 3.0SE last Oct, popped it in the garage til March this year.

My car has SH to 35k, approx. 18mths ago as the previous owner didn't do too many miles but I've changed the plugs, filters and oil solely as peace of mind that it's been done. I've kept receipts to show the make/cost of the products used.

At least doing little bits n bobs like this, you know that they've actually been changed, in my case, changed/serviced correctly (not saying that garages don't by the way).

The jobs are straight forward enough for anyone competent enough to do the jobs.
 
How old is the car? Is it really worth paying large sums of money for simple jobs just to get a stamp in the book? Keep the receipts with the reg document and DIY if you can.
 
Geezah said:
How old is the car? Is it really worth paying large sums of money for simple jobs just to get a stamp in the book? Keep the receipts with the reg document and DIY if you can.
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+1 :thumbsup:
I'd rather have a car that was well kept by an enthusiast

My wife's current car was ex motability with 'full service history' - when I got it home and checked it over, the air filter was black, spark plugs were shot and the rear brakes were sticking.
 
obewan said:
Geezah said:
How old is the car? Is it really worth paying large sums of money for simple jobs just to get a stamp in the book? Keep the receipts with the reg document and DIY if you can.
Click to expand...

+1 :thumbsup:
I'd rather have a car that was well kept by an enthusiast

My wife's current car was ex motability with 'full service history' - when I got it home and checked it over, the air filter was black, spark plugs were shot and the rear brakes were sticking.
Click to expand...

I agree with this and will be doing all my own servicing. However, if the OP isn't confident or capable of anything over a fluid change I'd be concerned that they aren't able to spot any potential issues that should be found during service.

You can download various check sheets for the service. I've done my own to keep a clear and neat log, along with the receipts/photos. It's a bit anal - but that's the impression I'd want to give to a potential purchaser.
 
Just having my first oil service done tomorrow by a dealership after pricing all the locals. Found I was saving enough by supplying my own parts and paying just for the BMW labour to make it worthwhile. Also meant it kept the warranty and stamped by BMW in the service history. Worth ringing around for a labour only service the prices vary a lot (Mine is £65).
 
My E85 2.5si has cost me a bit of money lately and I now need to replace front shocks and its due for a service (due to time, not mileage). Im thinking of trying to recover some cash by doing the service myself, especially since its essentially just an oil change.

I would really appreciate some advice on what should actually be done. The last service was done by a BMW dealer @ 91,000kms (57,000 miles). The car is now on 100,000km's (60,000 miles) but this is more than a year & a half later - Hence the need for an oil change.

This is what i would imagine should be done:

Oil change
Air filter change
Brake pad/disc check
Brake fluid change?
Fuel filter change?
Sparkplug change?

Do I need to plug in any diagnostics? There are no warning lights on etc. Everything works perfectly.

Thanks again for any input.
 
I think BMW offer a budget price service for cars over a certain age. It might be worth looking into before you get your spanners out!
 
Do it yourself!
Straightforward to do tbh. Keep all the receipts and write on them what the parts were and when they were changed.
Take some photos, start a diary (word doc will do), put photos in. Then when a potential customer comes along, you can show them the diary and even copy it to them on a USB stick or whatever. I put it all on dropbox and send them a link. My cars e-diary is already 75 pages long using MS Word! So when I am asked if its got a service history, I can honestly say,.."Its got the best one you'll ever see"!!

Go for it, take your time, and mostly, enjoy!

Andy.
 
You don't need a fuel filter but you will need an oil filter. Make sure you get new o rings and you'll also need a new sump plug and seal.
 
ronk said:
I think BMW offer a budget price service for cars over a certain age. It might be worth looking into before you get your spanners out!
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Not often you hear 'Budget' and 'BMW' in the same sentence :?
 
randomly when i was looking to buy the Z i did a bit of youtubing and found that there was a piece done by 5th gear on this very thing. if you stick z4 fifth gear onto youtube a presenter says he saves himself a good chunk of £ for doing it himself and its relatively easy to go, check it out and let us know how you get on :thumbsup:
 
Marlon said:
ronk said:
I think BMW offer a budget price service for cars over a certain age. It might be worth looking into before you get your spanners out!
Click to expand...

Not often you hear 'Budget' and 'BMW' in the same sentence :?
Click to expand...

Don't worry mate, they're still pulling your pants down! :lol:
 
MarcBMWZ4 said:
My E85 2.5si has cost me a bit of money lately and I now need to replace front shocks and its due for a service (due to time, not mileage). Im thinking of trying to recover some cash by doing the service myself, especially since its essentially just an oil change.

I would really appreciate some advice on what should actually be done. The last service was done by a BMW dealer @ 91,000kms (57,000 miles). The car is now on 100,000km's (60,000 miles) but this is more than a year & a half later - Hence the need for an oil change.

This is what i would imagine should be done:

Oil change
Air filter change
Brake pad/disc check
Brake fluid change?
Fuel filter change?
Sparkplug change?

Do I need to plug in any diagnostics? There are no warning lights on etc. Everything works perfectly.

Thanks again for any input.
Click to expand...

Not fuel filter as it is not accessible.
I did cabin filter and aux belts in addition to other stuff you listed.
It gets addictive though have now done all discs and pads, rear springs, expansion tank and Disa.
Spark plugs are tricker than they used to be on older cars as they are often recessed quite deeply meaning you need a decent socket set with extensions to make it easy. Take care not to cross thread or overtighten.
 
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