Bimmer Indy Shop or Local All Tune and Lube?

[Jehu]

I have an appointment for Aug. 22 at the area BMW Guru Indy Shop to diagnose and treat my front end braking shudder. From what I gather it is likely Upper Control/Thrust Arm bushings which need replacing . Is there any reason i should steer clear of a local garage who may be able to do it sooner but is staffed by young ASE certified grease monkeys to replace the arms and bushings provided they can obtain the Lemforder arms with 750 i Bushings pressed in? I have not the means to do it myself being a Condo dweller.

[632 Regal]

you can order the lemforder arms with the 750 bushings from BMAparts.com, that way at least you will have the right parts. The job is pretty straight forward but I would only trust someone experienced with BMWs.

[Jehu]

Not sure the Indy shop will let me bring my own parts. He did put in an engine mount i supllied though i did kind of spring it on him once he had the car to work on, not sure if he has a policy so i guess i'll ask him.He said he wants to drive it himself first to know with certainty what it needs but i have no reason to believe the upper control arms don't need to be replaced.at 130K+ even if they've been replaced once before its time again and i'll have the peace of mind knowing the specialist is on the job.

[Ross]

Do it yourself, it's easy. The topic is well covered here and the only special tools you need are a pickle fork and BFH.
If you take it in go to someone with other BMWs parked in the lot.

[Jehu]

Don't i also need jack stands and a floor jack? can't keep those. I guess i could look into renting the tools as i do own a cargo van i could bring them somewhere but that's the next problem . No working on cars in the parking areas of this Condo. I have no alternative place to work on it either. Bimmer shop it is , he's so much in demand my appointment was three weeks out.

[RobPatt]

...ideally try these in order:
1. let the indy do it w/parts you supply (search this board for what you need) and you watch how and what he does....

2. get the parts yourself and find write ups on this board and do it yourself...need jackstands, maybe 3lb hammer, and some 1/2" sockets (17, 19, maybe 21mm I don't remember exactly...) you'll get: job satisfaction, save your $$, know your car better, etc... as maint. on this thing IS required and you'll be that much more equipped/experienced to take on the little things that come up along the way....

3. pay the indy and let him source good parts, torque to spec, etc etc...

good luck.
Rob sends....

[RobPatt]

saw jackstands at sears yesterday for $15 ....

...ideally try these in order:
1. let the indy do it w/parts you supply (search this board for what you need) and you watch how and what he does....

2. get the parts yourself and find write ups on this board and do it yourself...need jackstands, maybe 3lb hammer, and some 1/2" sockets (17, 19, maybe 21mm I don't remember exactly...) you'll get: job satisfaction, save your $$, know your car better, etc... as maint. on this thing IS required and you'll be that much more equipped/experienced to take on the little things that come up along the way....

3. pay the indy and let him source good parts, torque to spec, etc etc...

good luck.
Rob sends....

[Jehu]

saw jackstands at sears yesterday for $15 ....

In theory this is very helpfull. I have no location at which i could do the work nor a location to store something like afloor jack. I live on a third/top floor for one thing and there is no outside storage. I can't see me dragging or carrying a floor jack up and down three flights of stairs even if i did have a place to keep it out of the way.I would love to be able to do them myself, it just can't be done where i'm at now.

[632 Regal]

use the side of a Walmart or something?

Don't i also need jack stands and a floor jack? can't keep those. I guess i could look into renting the tools as i do own a cargo van i could bring them somewhere but that's the next problem . No working on cars in the parking areas of this Condo. I have no alternative place to work on it either. Bimmer shop it is , he's so much in demand my appointment was three weeks out.

[Derek A.]

...ideally try these in order:
1. let the indy do it w/parts you supply (search this board for what you need) and you watch how and what he does....

Most independants don't like to go that route. Some may turn you away. Do you walk into a steakhouse with a ziplock bag full of meat ?

Just my .02 cents worth.

D.-