What should I do? In a bit of a pickle!

[Iloveshirts]

I currently own a 55 plate bmw 1 series. Over the last few weeks it starts to shudder when accelerating. I took it to ATS Euromaster today and they said on the diagnostic test it came up with 44 faults. One of the rear tyres brake pads and disks (metal on metal) had gone and couldn’t 100% determine the cause for the shuddering. They said it could be the clutch or the engine but couldn’t be sure. Also they said the B frame looks damaged.

They said I should get rid of it. I need the car for work and I don’t much money. What should I do? I’m thinking of replacing the tyre and disc pad and keep it running for a few months until I can get something else. Am I making a foolish decision?

Thanks,

[surveyor]

Iloveshirts said:

I currently own a 55 plate bmw 1 series. Over the last few weeks it starts to shudder when accelerating. I took it to ATS Euromaster today and they said on the diagnostic test it came up with 44 faults. One of the rear tyres brake pads and disks (metal on metal) had gone and couldn’t 100% determine the cause for the shuddering. They said it could be the clutch or the engine but couldn’t be sure. Also they said the B frame looks damaged.

They said I should get rid of it. I need the car for work and I don’t much money. What should I do? I’m thinking of replacing the tyre and disc pad and keep it running for a few months until I can get something else. Am I making a foolish decision?

Thanks,

Get a second opinion.

[shtu]

surveyor said:

Get a second opinion.

1) Don't Panic

2) Very much the above. Look for a one-make specialist in the area, definitely not a tyres-and-exhaust outfit.

[Davie_GLA]

Take a breath and think this through.

44 faults is a lot but without knowing them then it’s hard to form an opinion. Have you got a list of the. Codes?

The mechanical stuff you know if is easy, if it’s worn then it needs replaced. Simple. Parts for these cars aren’t horrendously expensive.

The electronics are funny. Is your battery in good condition? BMWs of this vintage will not behave if it’s anything below good condition and if the voltages aren’t right the system will throw up all sorts of codes simply because they arent getting enough juice.

[Baldchap]

I got something like six error codes when a dealer didn't replace my oil cap. Don't panic.

[chow pan toon]

As above. Get recommendations for a decent local garage or specialist. Take it there and get a second opinion. 44 faults doesn't mean anything really. If your brake really is metal on metal I'd imagine you'd have noticed.

[Plate spinner]

surveyor said:

Get a second opinion.

Seconded

[Gavin0478]

We have had similar faults on a few of the company 1 series diesels and it seems that thats early signs of clutch and dmf failure.

[xjay1337]

Plate spinner said:

surveyor said:

Get a second opinion.

Seconded

Thirded.

Jesus!

[Iloveshirts]

Thanks for all your help guys. What I think I’m going to do is wait until payday (28th) and then get the rear tyre and break pad/disc sorted. I can hear the break pad hitting the disc when I break harshly money is so tight due to some really unfortunate and unpleasant personal circumstances. Sod’s law isn’t it?

[S1KRR]

Iloveshirts said:

Thanks for all your help guys. What I think I’m going to do is wait until payday (28th) and then get the rear tyre and break pad/disc sorted. I can hear the break pad hitting the disc when I break harshly money is so tight due to some really unfortunate and unpleasant personal circumstances. Sod’s law isn’t it?

I'd say don't drive the cars if you KNOW the brakes are defective. Any accident and you're potentially fked. Even if it wasn't your fault!

Similarly rear tyre illegal would be 3 points and a fine PER TYRE

[xjay1337]

S1KRR said:

Iloveshirts said:

Thanks for all your help guys. What I think I’m going to do is wait until payday (28th) and then get the rear tyre and break pad/disc sorted. I can hear the break pad hitting the disc when I break harshly money is so tight due to some really unfortunate and unpleasant personal circumstances. Sod’s law isn’t it?

I'd say don't drive the cars if you KNOW the brakes are defective. Any accident and you're potentially fked. Even if it wasn't your fault!

Similarly rear tyre illegal would be 3 points and a fine PER TYRE

Yeah.

Hate to say it , while you may be in unfortunate circumstances right now mr plod won't forgive you.

Would be good to book it in on Monday and borrow the money from a friend or partner etc.

Rear brakes for a 1 series like a 120d are pretty cheap.
You can DIY them with some basic tools.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/202880148869

And a pair of mid range tyres (Avon, Uniroyal, etc) should be around £75 per pair.

Again not ideal.
Fully appreciate your financial pickle.
Happens to the best of us.

Hope everything gets better soon bud.

[Leptons]

xjay1337 said:

Yeah.

Hate to say it , while you may be in unfortunate circumstances right now mr plod won't forgive you.

Would be good to book it in on Monday and borrow the money from a friend or partner etc.

Rear brakes for a 1 series like a 120d are pretty cheap.
You can DIY them with some basic tools.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/202880148869

And a pair of mid range tyres (Avon, Uniroyal, etc) should be around £75 per pair.

Again not ideal.
Fully appreciate your financial pickle.
Happens to the best of us.

Hope everything gets better soon bud.

This guy obviously hasn’t got a clue and you want to suggest to him that he could change his rear brakes? No thanks.

Whilst relatively easy it does require a certain level of mechanical knowledge and tools. I expect he’d come a cropper straight away when the disc won’t come off the handbrake shoes


OP; ATS euromaster are a fast fit outfit, they’ll have your pants down. Go and find a little family run outfit and ask them nicely if they’ll plug it in for you, find out what the codes are and ask for quote. They might even have a courtesy car for you to run around in whilst the work is done.

If you’re on a tight budget and running an ageing car it makes sense to put a little money in a pot each month to cover basic maintenance.

Type your tyre size into Oponeo and you’ll be spoilt for choice to save even more money or get a part worn fitted to tide you over till the money situation improves.

[Howard-]

Leptons said:

Go and find a little family run outfit and ask them nicely if they’ll plug it in for you,

No, go and tell them the symptoms. Let them diagnose the issue properly. The "44 error codes" are mostly going to be red herrings. The appropriate thing to do would be to reset them all and then road-test it.

But I agree with getting a second opinion. I expect things aren't nearly as bad as you have been told. It might be as simple as a dodgy coil pack.

[schmalex]

What is your nearest town, OP? I’m sure someone on here will be able to recommend a trusted mechanic near you who will be able to prioritise and tackle the jobs at a reasonable price

[Baldchap]

If you're near me OP, I can run it through my basic code reader and take a look at your brakes tomorrow and do a basic safety check on them. Even lob a set of pads on if that's all it needs.

It won't replace getting it professionally looked at, but it might see you through till payday.

[eltax91]

Baldchap said:

If you're near me OP, I can run it through my basic code reader and take a look at your brakes tomorrow and do a basic safety check on them. Even lob a set of pads on if that's all it needs.

It won't replace getting it professionally looked at, but it might see you through till payday.

I’ll offer similar. Leicestershire

[Pothole]

What's a B frame?

[Baldchap]

Pothole said:

What's a B frame?

I took it to be subframe.

[rev-erend]

Amazing that anyone's advice would be to get rid of it..


As above. Find a BMW specialist and ask for advise.

It's a weird thing but buying a new car on pcp might well work out cheaper as you have no unexpected bills. Older cars can be great but can have big bills.