Knocking/Headlight/Alloy Refurb/Service NW Kent

[wiggy001]

Hi,

There are a few things I would like to sort on my E86 and I am looking for an indy and/or main dealer recommendation and likely prices. I am near Jct 3 of the M25.

1. Knocking from rear nearside.

I suspect it's the common spring failure but it needs diagnosing. If it is the spring, any suggestions on what they should be replaced with?

2. Water in headlight

Do I need to suck up the main dealer price of a replacement?

3. I'm looking to get my wheels refurbed back to standard condition (135 style) so if I'm going to be without my car for the other work I'd like this done at the same time.

4. Service isn't due for a few thousand miles but it's been over 12 months so I'd like an oil service done at the same time.

Lastly - is using a main dealer my only option for getting a courtesy car while the work is carried out?

Any recommendations of a place to carry out all of the above would be very much appreciated.

TIA

[JoshW]

Hi,

There are a few things I would like to sort on my E86 and I am looking for an indy and/or main dealer recommendation and likely prices. I am near Jct 3 of the M25.

1. Knocking from rear nearside.

I suspect it's the common spring failure but it needs diagnosing. If it is the spring, any suggestions on what they should be replaced with?

2. Water in headlight

Do I need to suck up the main dealer price of a replacement?

3. I'm looking to get my wheels refurbed back to standard condition (135 style) so if I'm going to be without my car for the other work I'd like this done at the same time.

4. Service isn't due for a few thousand miles but it's been over 12 months so I'd like an oil service done at the same time.

Lastly - is using a main dealer my only option for getting a courtesy car while the work is carried out?

Any recommendations of a place to carry out all of the above would be very much appreciated.

TIA

I can't comment on who to use around the M25/J3 area as its a long way from me, but I'd take it to a good BMW specialist - a quick Google search brings up ones like Cooks Ferry in Enfield.

1. The knock is most likely to be a spring snapped, they are notorious as you may well be aware on the Z4 - but I wouldn't rule anything out like an exhaust mount etc.

2. If there is water in the headlight, I'd suggest getting this sorted quickly - if they are xenons it is likely to ruin the ballast which isn't cheap for a new part. I'd recommend someone like a good indy taking a look at them, maybe stripping and cleaning them, and sealing with silicone to try and stop the condensation - they are getting condensation in as there is a leak somewhere, usually the rear bulb access panel. I have just experienced this whole saga where I found someone had removed the xenons on my Z4 due to failure and put aftermarket halogen units in, botching the wiring in the process. In the end I returned the car as it is a £1000+ to have 2 xenon headlight units put in + ballasts & fitting (and that is used parts). At a BMW dealership I imagine you'd be paying in excess of £2000 for new xenon headlight units. If they are halogen units it's not so bad, you have a few options.

3. Find a good wheel refurb company, sometimes they will supply another set of wheels whilst yours are being refurbished.

4. I like to change my oil every year regardless of the service interval - I don't agree with BMW's large mileage intervals (sometimes 2 years) between oil changes. I know modern synthetics can last a good while but 10,000+ miles is not something I'm comfortable with unless I was using very high quality oil. My view is: oil is cheap but engines are expensive.

5. Not always, it depends on the indy - my local BMW specialist provide courtesy cars. I guess its down to finding one that does

Thanks,
Josh

[MACK]

Any decent indie should be more than capable of doing that list of jobs. Is there not someone you trusted nearby with your previous cars. Loan car wise, all depends on the indie or specialist garage, I know my indie has loaners that they don't charge for and I believe its quite common now.

[wiggy001]

Thanks for both responses. I've not used an indie for the BMW before - apart from MOTs all I've had done is an inspection 2 which was done at my local main dealer and my previous 3 series was always main dealer serviced. I used the dealer partly because I need a courtesy car and partly because I know the identify every tiny thing that they can try to make more money out of, so knew I'd get the full bill of health for my car (if that's makes sense).

Reason for wanting to try an indy now is that my old 3 series had a full BMW service history and was immaculate inside and out. Until I was taken off the road by a lorry on the M25. The main dealer history counted for nothing to the insurance so I'm reluctant to spend the premium again on main dealer servicing going forward but will if it turns out to be less hassle.