E39 DIY maintenance
Discussion
Interested to hear views.
If you were in the market would a well looked after DIY maintenance record put you off?
I ask as for a few years I’ve been doing this. Rather than pay top dollar for good work or avoid paying less for questionable work (even at a main dealer) I do all the servicing I can (anything out of skill goes to the garage)
Would this put you off?
I just replaced the oil (a 30 minute easy job) replacing all gaskets along the way.
Doing the plugs took a while and noticed the previous change (at bmw) they had failed to replace one of the plugs as it was very awkward to get to (could tell as it was corroded around the neck)
When we entrust our cars to professionals sometimes they skip on the difficult tasks whereas I take my time. This cars never for sale (never say never) but would a very well looked after example without a service stamp put you off?
If you were in the market would a well looked after DIY maintenance record put you off?
I ask as for a few years I’ve been doing this. Rather than pay top dollar for good work or avoid paying less for questionable work (even at a main dealer) I do all the servicing I can (anything out of skill goes to the garage)
Would this put you off?
I just replaced the oil (a 30 minute easy job) replacing all gaskets along the way.
Doing the plugs took a while and noticed the previous change (at bmw) they had failed to replace one of the plugs as it was very awkward to get to (could tell as it was corroded around the neck)
When we entrust our cars to professionals sometimes they skip on the difficult tasks whereas I take my time. This cars never for sale (never say never) but would a very well looked after example without a service stamp put you off?
If you have receipts that are dated, and have the mileage written on each for when the parts when into the car, then no problem, thats good record keeping and therefore a good "service history". Even better if you can point to the pages in a service manual you used, and followed things like the torque specs along the way. Obvs, one would have to take your word on the tools you used and if they are capable of measuring a torque or not.
I'd be happy with home servicing if I got the feeling the seller was capable, did their research on the best parts to use (or just used OEM parts) and did the work t spec as outlined in a reliable service manual (haynes, OEM, etc)
I'd be happy with home servicing if I got the feeling the seller was capable, did their research on the best parts to use (or just used OEM parts) and did the work t spec as outlined in a reliable service manual (haynes, OEM, etc)
I’m in the same boat, assuming a E39 M5, and I do as much work as I can myself. I think most E39’s will be DIY serviced today.
If the car had a file full of receipts and it was all sensible correct stuff, then why not? There isn’t THAT much on the car that requires specialist skill, there’s nothing tricky in the front suspension, rear suspension, brakes, interior and most of the engine. The electrics are a different ball game though…
The gearbox is non serviceable- hmmm… I’m currently investigating that…. But the linkages can be rebuilt.
Servicing takes awhile as the plug change takes ages, as you know!
If I was buying the car at a second-hand car place, I would be sceptical, unless it’s cheap enough to take a gamble on. If I was buying privately and could see what type of set up the person had, it wouldn't bother me.
I’ve replaced filters, pads, discs, shoes, brake fluid, handbrake cables, all oils, belts, radiator, thermostat (tricky one that-seized parts), coolant hoses, front dampers, both front lower arms, ARB mounts, door mirrors (another tricky one-seized bolt), installed a Grom audio, headlights, tail lights.
I invested in a Bentley manual (£65) for the car
https://www.amazon.co.uk/BMW-E39-Service-Manual-Se... , although there are 2, one for the mechanicals and another for the electrics. its £125 for the pair! You can find PDFs online. 2nd hand ones pop up too.
At the risk of teaching you to suck eggs here, the issue with the car is its age, mines 19 years old, and some parts are not in good condition, and fasteners maybe seized. For me the skill is in taking stuff apart and putting it back together again while trying to reuse as many parts as possible. Now I’ve given up, and I always fit new fasteners, clips, nuts, bolts, washers etc…
If the car had a file full of receipts and it was all sensible correct stuff, then why not? There isn’t THAT much on the car that requires specialist skill, there’s nothing tricky in the front suspension, rear suspension, brakes, interior and most of the engine. The electrics are a different ball game though…
The gearbox is non serviceable- hmmm… I’m currently investigating that…. But the linkages can be rebuilt.
Servicing takes awhile as the plug change takes ages, as you know!
If I was buying the car at a second-hand car place, I would be sceptical, unless it’s cheap enough to take a gamble on. If I was buying privately and could see what type of set up the person had, it wouldn't bother me.
I’ve replaced filters, pads, discs, shoes, brake fluid, handbrake cables, all oils, belts, radiator, thermostat (tricky one that-seized parts), coolant hoses, front dampers, both front lower arms, ARB mounts, door mirrors (another tricky one-seized bolt), installed a Grom audio, headlights, tail lights.
I invested in a Bentley manual (£65) for the car
https://www.amazon.co.uk/BMW-E39-Service-Manual-Se... , although there are 2, one for the mechanicals and another for the electrics. its £125 for the pair! You can find PDFs online. 2nd hand ones pop up too.
At the risk of teaching you to suck eggs here, the issue with the car is its age, mines 19 years old, and some parts are not in good condition, and fasteners maybe seized. For me the skill is in taking stuff apart and putting it back together again while trying to reuse as many parts as possible. Now I’ve given up, and I always fit new fasteners, clips, nuts, bolts, washers etc…
I'm much the same and will only pay for stuff I can't do myself. As said an oil-change takes 30 mins and is easy as is other general servicing. Brakes are easy as is anything else that doesn't need a lift.
Mines 18 and on 114k miles so it's youthful. When I retire (in 2023) it'll go to Mr Vanos for a full rebuild, new clutch etc.
Until then I'll just enjoy it.
Mines 18 and on 114k miles so it's youthful. When I retire (in 2023) it'll go to Mr Vanos for a full rebuild, new clutch etc.
Until then I'll just enjoy it.
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