E x p e n s i v e

[lawsarus]

View attachment 12582View attachment 12581I got a 2003 325i as my very 1st bimmer in Bahrain, Middle East two weeks ago and yes i'm very happy until i sent her to the dealer, Euromotors, for a check-up to rattling sounds at the front. the service advisor faxed me a list.Description (AMOUNT)1. Replacing front & rear brakes discs, pads, sensor, lubricant (630)2. Removing & installing power steering gear, WHeel alignment check KDS up to design load, Rmfd strng g, ATF D III Gasket Ring, coupling (831)3. Replacing rubber mount for transmission mounting Replacing both engine mounts (no parts n i have to wait for a week) (110)4. Removing & installing or replacing front stabilizer, swing support (33)5. Replacing both front spring strut mounts, Set brackets (127)6. Removing & installing/sealing or replacing oil pan Carrier & Gasket (250)7. Removing & installing/sealing or replacing complete full flow oil filter Oil pipe & Gasket ring (64)8. Removing & installing/sealing or replacing rubber frame for windshield cover (43)9. Replacing alternator drive belt, fan belt (33)10. Others (which i can make it out myself) (58)GRAND TOTAL: Bahraini Dinars BD 1,909.00BD 1.00 = RM 9.30RM 17,753.70 I totally understand that we have a different climate here & im not sure how much different does it make but i cant afford to do such repairs. i was only able to pay for some repairs of my choice which already sum up to almost RM 4K. It will also take 4 days with no courtesy car. Are the above mentioned repair really required? Bimmer is really dear to maintain...

 

[bmw4eva]

Items 4 and 5 may have something to do with your rattling sound, but I also suspect its just your drive belt tensioner bearing that's worn out.All the other items they did on your car is questionable.

Yes, maintaining a BMW is expensive.Dishonest dealers/workshops just compounds the problem further.

 

[mizhan]

that's very very expensive. stagger them.. only perform the life threatening ones first.

 

[astroboy]

Well, look at it this way.. if you want to maintain your ride in tip top condition and wanted to reduce the risk of break down at the highway to a minimum, you can keep spending and in fact, u should replace with a new car every 3 years, then no more workshop headache.

BMW is a very demanding car when it comes to maintenance especially when it comes to the thoughts that if you don't take care of the little things, you may end up with more serious problems.. so its always a dilemma for those don't have a deep pocket like me. That's why I go for a brand new unit which comes with warranty.

Another thing about keeping a BMW is u need some basic car maintenance knowledge.. like what is the basis of replacing your front brake disc rotor? What's the rotor thickness now? How worn are the brake pads? left 1mm? 2mm? 3mm? Rattling sounds from steering racks? Does the steering rattles along? Shift knob rattles along? Floorboard rattles too? Oil pan leaks won't cause rattles u know?! Why replace windshield rubber shield? So your car looks brand new? Got leak? Fan/Radiator belt has wear signs (crack/peeling)? When was last change?

The rest, I let the other E46 gurus explain/answer.. Feel for u! But great car to throw around! :wink:
Seek 2nd workshop's opinion if I were u.

 

[lawsarus]

Mileage at 117,000. They asked me to do Inspection 2 instead of 1 saying that its over 100K. RM 1,860.00 for the inspection excluding parts n labour. change of spark plugs will cost me RM 744.00. I really do understand how all these sum up. I'm really shocked, stunned & "blur liao". how to drive a bimmer like that. I got her for only BD 4,500.00 = RM 41,850.00.

One more thing Sifus, how cost will it cost me to duplicate a original key? Euromotors charge me BD 70 = RM 651

Thanks again...

 

[lawsarus]

Im sorry if it sounds like im whining. No offense but i just wanna share. Is it also THAT expensive to maintain a bimmer back home?



astroboy,

Thanks for the input as i have not found any reputable garage who can do. i will definitely take ur advice to hunt around for 2nd workshop's opinion. Thanks again.

 

[astroboy]

A friend of mine just got the K20 Civic 2.0 and the salesman told her upon delivery of the car, please don't lost the key as it will cost RM1,500 for a replacement key. I told her she should have bought E90 because our key fob only cost RM1k a piece..

U should have done the inspection first before taking over the car.. was it from dealer? Any sort of warranty? At least I think the dealer/ seller should absorb some of the cost..

Back home, it doesn't cost any less.. I normally source for parts directly from part shop, then DIY the installation when ever possible.. my pocket aren't deep too.. before buying the E90, my intention was only getting a VIOS.. :listen: SERIOUS!!

 

[lawsarus]

LOL, i got it from 2nd hand dealer. Yes, one month warranty. I asked for the spare key but he says that the owner will hand them to me later. i have not get them though. Hes unwilling to get me one now... My mistake too, was too excited drive her. Couldnt care more bout the rest, was only thinking of how to relief the itch. Bottom line, butt itch lah

 

[erica34]

that's very very expensive. stagger them.. only perform the life threatening ones first.

+1. Items 1 & 2 are 77% of the total estimate. Not sure why need major work done to steering and rear brakes normally don't wear out as fast as the fronts, i.e. just replace the fronts first.

 

[mizhan]

Im sorry if it sounds like im whining. No offense but i just wanna share. Is it also THAT expensive to maintain a bimmer back home?

My E46 last saturday required a new radiator, expansion tank & water pump; all because i chased an E36 M3 all the way from Penang a week before. parts & labour cost me RM1,377.

 

[johnj]

aduii..time to do presssure check on my radiator!!

 

[bimmerholic]

aduii..time to do presssure check on my radiator!!

apasel...leaking ka brader? or you chase M5 pulak?

 

[lawsarus]

A new radiator here cost almost RM 1K including labour. Guess parts here are more expensive. Car is bloody cheap so is the petrol.

The service advisor says that their labour is BD 22 per hour = RM 204.60. Wonder how they compute.

 

[bimmerholic]

A new radiator here cost almost RM 1K including labour. Guess parts here are more expensive. Car is bloody cheap so is the petrol.

The service advisor says that their labour is BD 22 per hour = RM 204.60. Wonder how they compute.

WTH?!!!? Daylight robbery ka? AB's labour here is RM 13 = 1 FRU.

 

[Jules]

oh well, that explains why you probably earn 6 times more than what u get in KL........so u can pay for such bills! ( 4 x more, so u still untung the excess 2 x mah : ) )

 

[lawsarus]

Got my car back finally this morning. Few parts changed & cost me RM 4,650. but was not as wat i agreed when they called me. Changed the both front & rear brake rotor, pads etc. etc without telling me. Reason with him and the craps so he can gimme discount. And he did. The parts changed r as follows

Description (Amount including labour in BD) compare to [Actual billed amount]

1. Removing & installing/sealing or replacing complete full flow oil filter, Oil pipe & Gasket ring (64) [49]

2. Replacing alternator drive belt, fan belt (33) [27]

3. Replacing front & rear brakes discs, pads, sensor, lubricant (630) [261]

4. Replacing both front spring strut mounts, Set brackets (127) [103]

5. Replacing rubber mount for transmission mounting. Replacing both engine mounts (110) [56]

6. Gasket Ring (1)

7. Gasket & bolts (3)

Actual amount on the quotation they sent before repair will cost BD 969 X 9.3 = RM 9,011.70 as compare to actual discounted invoice BD 500 X 9.3 = RM 4,650.00. im so glad but how r they able to to give such great discount?

One more thing sifus, my headlamp is now "air cond", with vapor inside.... is the rubber seal dried up/torn? how easy/difficult to get it replace? Is it costly? I have spent enough for this month. My guess is its not that bad so only plan to get it done next month.

Thanks

 

[mizhan]

i feel for you bro..

 

[lawsarus]

Somebody help me. Anybody........ she got "BANG" from behind. Out from garage and back to do paint job soon. Malang lah... need to shower with 7 different color flowers. Talk about luck....

My Reg. no. 210045

Other party Reg no. 19976. Its a 1995 EG cibik

To Sifus whos wanna try their luck with MAGNUM or TOTO.

 

[lawsarus]

Can i be an offcial member if i don own a bimmer in malaysia???

 

[initialM]

before buying the E90, my intention was only getting a VIOS.. :listen: SERIOUS!!

Vios 80k plus, E90 1/4 a million. you must be kidding lar