[shasayed]

Hey guys! Sorry if this thread has already been discussed. i just cant find it in that case.
anyways, I bought my first ever BMW 2 months ago. Its a 2009 convertible 335i. It is out of warranty as it is at close to 93000kms.

I am due for oil change, vehicle check, and rear brake pads!

I had a 2001 acura 1.7el before so the BMW was a huge jump for me in terms of maintenance costs and everything else. lol

The bmw dealership prices for those services are crazy compared to some of the local mechanics in the GTA area who work on BMW/GERMAN CARS.

What do you all suggest? should i save the cost and go to local mechanics or should i start with the dealership until i learn more about my car since m still a newbie to the bimmer!?

any pros and cons would definitely help!

 

[floydarogers]

Independents are usually a fair bit cheaper than the dealer.
Check www.bimrs.org and www.bimmershops.com

 

[ctuna]

There are some things that are easy DIY's

There are some things that are easy DIY's if you are somewhat mechanically
inclined.
Oil change
Air Filters
even brakes
otherwise find a good Indy BMW shop.

 

[beden1]

Can the independent mechanics diagnose problems with modern BMWs like the dealers can due to how complex the systems have become? My dealer keeps bringing this up and I have not checked with indies yet because our cars are still under warranty.

 

[floydarogers]

Can the independent mechanics diagnose problems with modern BMWs like the dealers can due to how complex the systems have become? My dealer keeps bringing this up and I have not checked with indies yet because our cars are still under warranty.

Yes. Those on the two websites all have GT1 analyzers and BMW training AFAIK. They should all have access to the BMW TIS and current programming.

 

[CALWATERBOY]

any pros and cons would definitely help!

Join your local BMW group; ask around. Usually a couple of vendors find favor with extensive product knowledge and honest service.

Luck! I'd say DIY but for the nippy weather!

 

[ctuna]

Most good Indys have diag setups

Most good Indys have diag setups
And although there is a lot electronic modules in these cars they are still
internal combustion engines. Plus there is a law that says repair knowledge must
be made public and a good Indy will be connected to the TSB technical service bulletin
database.
There are a group of websites that cater to people that can even reprogram some of the
functions of the car and do aftermarket software changes to hot rod it.

If you are interested enough you can get a coding setup that will allow you to do diags
and recode the car for less than 100 bucks.

see
bmwcoders.com

http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=368

http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16

The independents will have less experience on the new models but a good Indy can be much
better than a bad dealer. And there is quite a bit of difference between dealers.

Its a good idea to search these sites and find out what the common problems and solutions
for your particular model .
On the 335 you probably should have an Intake cleaning every 60 to 70k due to carbon build up.
The problem area's on 335 are the turbo hardware and injectors.
expect a water pump change at some point for any model probably around 100k miles
Also change out the lifetime fluids if you want the car to last.
Google Mike Miller BMW for the old school maintenance schedule for guidelines.

 

[Leekay07]

If its gaskets go to an indy if its wear items that can go again Dealer. Brakes do them yourself. Just be careful when you go to an indy its the norm its not warrantied long term beyond a month or so. I would get mechatronics done at a dealer next time.

 

[CALWATERBOY]

Most good Indys have diag setups
And although there is a lot electronic modules in these cars they are still
internal combustion engines. Plus there is a law that says repair knowledge must
be made public and a good Indy will be connected to the TSB technical service bulletin
database.

Here's a question DSX might answer:

It's pretty clear that BMW's onboard computer can do voltage/time measurement. Big question: Can do current?

But! Do BMW shops make good use of an Oscilloscope? Assume DSO, but whattabout Mixed Signal O-scopes?

 

[tturedraider]

A good Indy who specializes in Bimmers will have almost every computer diagnostic available that a dealer has. Most of his mechanics will probably be BMW trained, former dealership mechanics.

 

[TRIPLE_O]

:thumbup: Absolutely right

A good Indy who specializes in Bimmers will have almost every computer diagnostic available that a dealer has. Most of his mechanics will probably be BMW trained, former dealership mechanics.

 

[sptt144]

Most of the Indy techs will be better than the BMW techs that rely heavily on what the computer tells them to do. Nothing like experience! I'll take an ex BMW Indy tech over a new Delaer BMW tech anyday! (also, with any other Dealers...speaking from experience and saving big $$$).

 

[bear-avhistory]

DIY for as many things as you are capable of doing or have the tools to do, go to a BMW specialist Indy for the rest.