BMW 3 series compact 318ti - Big repair bill advice needed!

[Jppearson]

Hi All,

New to forum and a bit of a car novice in need of some advice! I have a 318ti 02 place with 103,000 on the clock. Making an awful knocking noise so had it in for full inspection last week and price of repair seems astronomical (£1300!!). I'm a mature student and need it fixed for a part time job I've just been offered so stuck between a rock and a hard place with the cost of repair v time and money to sell and replace.

Here's the essentials that need replacing:

2 x rear back plates
2 x rear shockers
set of rear brake pads
2 x rear discs
fitting kit
N/S/F flex pipe
O/S/R coil spring

This is coming in at about £650/700 incl VAT with garages with very cheapest at £430. A BMW specialist tells me bearings will need doing if replacing rear back plates whereas others are saying they'll cut and weld the back plates and leave bearings.

Also advised this needs doing but inclined to leave for a while as not noticed big change in fluid level:

Rocker cover gasket leaking - needs replacing
Power steering pump leaking - needs replacing

To do this as well as replacing oil, air and fuel filters, fitting new spark plugs and oil change takes price up to £1300. I've stupidly neglected to get it service properly in last couple of years.

What would you guys do? Any advice appreciated!

Cheers

[Jppearson]

Cheers guys. Yea appreciate the decision is really situation orientated. DIY isn't really an option given timescales though I plan to do the oil change and filters myself.
Any idea how easy replacing the rocker cover gasket and PAS pump are from a DIY point of view?

[Jppearson]

In the meantime I've decided to plump for the breaks and shockers overhaul for £430 cash.

[Jppearson]

Realise that. But for me the cost and time to dispose of it and source and insure another car at the mo just isn't feasible.

[Jppearson]

Ha! The job requires a car mate.