Do you work on your own car..? (Poll)

Rat3d ///M · 05-19-2016, 05:40 AM

After the "M4 crashes into a tree at hand of service advisor" or whatever thread I got to thinking about how many people I've talked to that don't work on their own ///M cars. Just last week I talked to a guy that was a little too in love with his ESS VT2-625 powered E92 M3 (probably a little too in love with himself as well, but thats neither here nor there) and when I asked him how bad the install was on the ESS kit (it was tough getting a word in between all of his comments about how great his car was) I was shocked when he said "I don't know, I had ___________ do the install." Surely someone with a supercharged M3 (and numerous other mods) that seems to be this passionate about their car does their own work. No? Okay, guess not. Moving along..

So my question is, how many of you do your own work? I included a nice little poll to make things easier.

I've been fortunate enough that I have only had to pay another individual to work on my car maybe 5 or 6 times in my 14 years of driving, and half of that was probably because I didn't have the right tools (wheel alignments or tire mounting and balancing come to mind). The other half was because I was inept and didn't feel comfortable doing the job. Now I am not bragging or saying I am mechanically inclined in any way, shape or form. Just an average DIYer with a love of cars and a hatred for paying someone to do something I am more than capable of doing myself. That being said, I have my limits. When it comes to oil changes, brake jobs, installing performance parts, changing fluids, or even some "more involved" jobs like throttle actuators I can do all day long. I've even done my own coding, and might be confident enough to do a rod bearing swap myself given I had a detailed step by step DIY to follow. But things like clutches, or removing motors I would be lost and probably wouldn't know where to start.

Give a little explanation on why you don't do your own work, if that's the case (i.e. "I'm lazy", "I don't know what I'm doing", etc.) This might be fun..

bkdore · 05-19-2016, 06:03 AM

I've always done almost all of my own work. I'll let someone else do insured body work or warranty repairs. I don't have all the tools for tire mounting/balancing and full alignments so I'll pay someone to do that. I'll let someone else change a windshield if needed. With the M3 I've only had minor maintenance so far. I'm considering doing the rod bearings myself when the time comes. If I ever had a engine failure I would probably change it myself. It's the most expensive and complex car I've ever owned, so it's much more likely that I'll have to bring it in to a shop than anything I've owned before. Lately I don't have as much free time to do things myself, so that might be another reason I'd go to a mechanic. Hopefully that won't happen.

yidgyi · 05-19-2016, 06:54 AM

I'm a DIY kinda guy with a buddy helping me. Major things I take to the shop because I either don't have the tools or don't have the time. Still covered by original factory warranty so for now unless its minor things I bring it to the service center if its a big issue.

starkfu · 05-19-2016, 08:06 AM

I do everything myself and only take parts in that I have removed for things that need machining or use of a hydraulic press (only cause I don't have one yet). I will take it in for a recall or usually one time when I purchase a new to me vehicle.

Tires I usually have done too - but I will take the rims off at my house and take just the rims in.

Alignments I have done, but I only have one place I let do it.

I just hate the idea of someone else touching my cars....

turbo_joe · 05-19-2016, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by starkfu

I do everything myself and only take parts in that I have removed for things that need machining or use of a hydraulic press (only cause I don't have one yet). I will take it in for a recall or usually one time when I purchase a new to me vehicle.

Tires I usually have done too - but I will take the rims off at my house and take just the rims in.

Alignments I have done, but I only have one place I let do it.

I just hate the idea of someone else touching my cars....

Same here except I picked up a cheap harbor freight press last year just for doing wheel bearings and bushings etc. I dont trust any shops to turn a wrench on my car not to mention the cost associated with paying someone to work on your car. I see the $XX.XX I would spend in a shop as money that could of went into more go fast parts

Machine work, mount/balance, alignment, etc. are the main things I outsource since I dont have the equipment to do them myself.

kb9uwu · 05-19-2016, 08:16 AM

Where's the "I do everything myself" option? I can't afford to pay someone to work on this thing...

Rajmun340 · 05-19-2016, 08:43 AM

Other: Car is under factory warranty.

Tewie · 05-19-2016, 09:12 AM

I plan to do whatever I can find a DIY and have the tools for on my own or maybe with help from a friend.

decimation1 · 05-19-2016, 01:16 PM

Other.....I can do anything a dealer/indy can..... Except a state inspection and AC charge....

Cidle · 05-19-2016, 01:41 PM

I have done most repairs, mods and maintenance myself before I moved into a condo. On previous platforms I normally have a custom short block done and do the rest myself, down to wiring up a standalone wiring harness and ignition setup (ltitle trial and error with ignition module once, haha)

Last year I paid to have the rod bearing and subframe bushing done, buddy's don't have a lift..

I do not bother with oil changes, not worth the hassle for me...

Kong Sheng Han · 05-19-2016, 03:17 PM

Taught myself how to work on the M3 because I stopped trusting shops with my car. Too many assholes lying about what's wrong or damaging it when given the simple task of removing a nail from a tire.

Now, no one touches my car except my alignment guy. I remove wheels when getting tires changed. For something like valve adjustment (on E46) I may take the car to a fellow enthusiast.

I wish I could change my own tires and do my own alignment.

WingZeroX5 · 05-19-2016, 03:18 PM

DIY everything except for body work

nitrojunky · 05-20-2016, 08:22 AM

where is the option for 'i do all of my work'? (except body work)

Properstyle · 05-20-2016, 09:55 AM

The only work I don't do my self is welding and I had a shop do my subframe bushing install only because I honestly didn't have the time to it.

did my coilover install
Spark plugs
oil
Ess supercharger install
and will be doing rod bearings in the next few months as well.

aris21 · 05-20-2016, 10:34 AM

I'm the same way in terms of being "mechanically inclined" but it's just not worth my time nor do I have time to work/repair my m3.

I value my time a lot so at the end of the day I could be more productive doing something else (work, business, spend time with fam) and would actually be losing money per hour vs paying labor rates of a shop if I do it myself.

IIAp3x · 05-20-2016, 11:27 AM

I do the majority of my own repairs, except coolant, brake, and PS flushes... Each of those are $99 at the local BMW dealer here so I let them handle the nasty shit...

I do everything else unless it requires engine or trans removal...

CIFUM3 · 05-20-2016, 01:50 PM

Just two weeks ago my alternator went out and left me stranded... Took it to the dealer and then had it towed home after I was quoted $1,996.00 for the repairs... I did it myself it was a pain but saved my self 1700 bucks... Also did my own supercharger and entire exhaust!

saved thousands so far. Only thing I don't like doing is dealing with electrical/wiring

Yvette · 05-20-2016, 10:39 PM

I used to do all work when I owned rsx back in the teen time. Now i just let my mechanic do all the work. That way i can do more important stuff like for living

MMMCOOKIES55 · 05-20-2016, 11:04 PM

Its more satisfying to do most jobs yourself. It's all part of being an enthusiast. However, on the other hand, having a 10 month old and a very demanding job kinda kills that lol so lately its been my local indy.

Joe S · 05-21-2016, 02:39 AM

Yes, I put petrol (gas) in it every week

///Motown · 05-21-2016, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tewie

I plan to do whatever I can find a DIY and have the tools for on my own or maybe with help from a friend.

This

MightyEKA · 05-21-2016, 08:00 AM

I do not even do the oil change (mainly due to the fact that people appreciate a fully filled service book here). I did change the exhaust system, though.

The reason why I do not work on it is not due to lack of knowledge or skills (google knows everything). It is because I'm too scared of f**king up the car. I would just panic if something went wrong. But I just got myself my first garage, so maybe it will change now.

View Poll Results: Do you work on your own car?
Nope. I'm a dealer/indy guy only. If the car needs something, I get my wallet ready	12	12.24%
I do most jobs myself, but major repairs I leave to the professionals	50	51.02%
I do minor jobs (oil, brakes, fluids, spark plugs) anything deeper I might be a little lost	23	23.47%
Oil changes only for me. Anything else I pay for labor	4	4.08%
Other (please specify)	9	9.18%
Voters: 98. You may not vote on this poll

05-19-2016, 05:40 AM	#1
Rat3d ///M 997.1TT 1005 Rep 1,672 Posts Drives: 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Germany iTrader: (1)	Do you work on your own car..? (Poll) After the "M4 crashes into a tree at hand of service advisor" or whatever thread I got to thinking about how many people I've talked to that don't work on their own ///M cars. Just last week I talked to a guy that was a little too in love with his ESS VT2-625 powered E92 M3 (probably a little too in love with himself as well, but thats neither here nor there) and when I asked him how bad the install was on the ESS kit (it was tough getting a word in between all of his comments about how great his car was) I was shocked when he said "I don't know, I had ___________ do the install." Surely someone with a supercharged M3 (and numerous other mods) that seems to be this passionate about their car does their own work. No? Okay, guess not. Moving along.. So my question is, how many of you do your own work? I included a nice little poll to make things easier. I've been fortunate enough that I have only had to pay another individual to work on my car maybe 5 or 6 times in my 14 years of driving, and half of that was probably because I didn't have the right tools (wheel alignments or tire mounting and balancing come to mind). The other half was because I was inept and didn't feel comfortable doing the job. Now I am not bragging or saying I am mechanically inclined in any way, shape or form. Just an average DIYer with a love of cars and a hatred for paying someone to do something I am more than capable of doing myself. That being said, I have my limits. When it comes to oil changes, brake jobs, installing performance parts, changing fluids, or even some "more involved" jobs like throttle actuators I can do all day long. I've even done my own coding, and might be confident enough to do a rod bearing swap myself given I had a detailed step by step DIY to follow. But things like clutches, or removing motors I would be lost and probably wouldn't know where to start. Give a little explanation on why you don't do your own work, if that's the case (i.e. "I'm lazy", "I don't know what I'm doing", etc.) This might be fun.. __________________ Current: 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo Former: ESS Supercharged ///M3 Interlagos Blue ZCP Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Rat3dM Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rat3d_m/
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05-19-2016, 06:03 AM	#2
bkdore Second Lieutenant 103 Rep 251 Posts Drives: 2015 435i GC Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Lafayette, Louisiana iTrader: (1)	I've always done almost all of my own work. I'll let someone else do insured body work or warranty repairs. I don't have all the tools for tire mounting/balancing and full alignments so I'll pay someone to do that. I'll let someone else change a windshield if needed. With the M3 I've only had minor maintenance so far. I'm considering doing the rod bearings myself when the time comes. If I ever had a engine failure I would probably change it myself. It's the most expensive and complex car I've ever owned, so it's much more likely that I'll have to bring it in to a shop than anything I've owned before. Lately I don't have as much free time to do things myself, so that might be another reason I'd go to a mechanic. Hopefully that won't happen.
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05-19-2016, 06:54 AM	#3
yidgyi ///M 237 Rep 703 Posts Drives: 2013 E92 M3 ZCP Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Northern VA iTrader: (0)	I'm a DIY kinda guy with a buddy helping me. Major things I take to the shop because I either don't have the tools or don't have the time. Still covered by original factory warranty so for now unless its minor things I bring it to the service center if its a big issue. __________________ Follow me on IG: dre.pt
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05-19-2016, 08:06 AM	#4
starkfu Josef 24 Rep 100 Posts Drives: '10 E90 M3 JB DCT Join Date: May 2016 Location: Lovettsville, VA iTrader: (0)	I do everything myself and only take parts in that I have removed for things that need machining or use of a hydraulic press (only cause I don't have one yet). I will take it in for a recall or usually one time when I purchase a new to me vehicle. Tires I usually have done too - but I will take the rims off at my house and take just the rims in. Alignments I have done, but I only have one place I let do it. I just hate the idea of someone else touching my cars.... __________________ - 2005 E46 M3 AW SMG - 2010 E90 M3 JB DCT
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05-19-2016, 08:16 AM	#6
kb9uwu Supreme Czar 309 Rep 779 Posts Drives: AW E90 M3 6MT (GONE) Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Central Illinois iTrader: (0)	Where's the "I do everything myself" option? I can't afford to pay someone to work on this thing...
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05-19-2016, 08:43 AM	#7
Rajmun340 Major 413 Rep 1,178 Posts Drives: 2013 E92 M3 ZCP factory order Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	Other: Car is under factory warranty.
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05-19-2016, 09:12 AM	#8
Tewie Lieutenant 198 Rep 466 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 ZCP Melbourne/FoxRed Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Vallejo, CA iTrader: (0)	I plan to do whatever I can find a DIY and have the tools for on my own or maybe with help from a friend.
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05-19-2016, 01:16 PM	#9
decimation1 First Lieutenant 196 Rep 386 Posts Drives: 08 e90 MT Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1)	Other.....I can do anything a dealer/indy can..... Except a state inspection and AC charge....
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05-19-2016, 01:41 PM	#10
Cidle First Lieutenant 50 Rep 368 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (2)	I have done most repairs, mods and maintenance myself before I moved into a condo. On previous platforms I normally have a custom short block done and do the rest myself, down to wiring up a standalone wiring harness and ignition setup (ltitle trial and error with ignition module once, haha) Last year I paid to have the rod bearing and subframe bushing done, buddy's don't have a lift.. I do not bother with oil changes, not worth the hassle for me...
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05-19-2016, 03:17 PM	#11
Kong Sheng Han Banned 303 Rep 1,140 Posts Drives: Something something racecar Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Austin, Texas iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i [0.00] 2001 BMW M3 [0.00]	Taught myself how to work on the M3 because I stopped trusting shops with my car. Too many assholes lying about what's wrong or damaging it when given the simple task of removing a nail from a tire. Now, no one touches my car except my alignment guy. I remove wheels when getting tires changed. For something like valve adjustment (on E46) I may take the car to a fellow enthusiast. I wish I could change my own tires and do my own alignment.
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05-19-2016, 03:18 PM	#12
WingZeroX5 Colonel 766 Rep 2,361 Posts Drives: F80 / F30 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (14)	DIY everything except for body work
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05-20-2016, 08:22 AM	#13
nitrojunky Private 15 Rep 75 Posts Drives: C6Z, 335i, e90M Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: ATX iTrader: (0)	where is the option for 'i do all of my work'? (except body work)
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05-20-2016, 09:55 AM	#14
Properstyle Major 506 Rep 1,385 Posts Drives: 2011 e90 ZCP m3 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Killeen, TX iTrader: (0)	The only work I don't do my self is welding and I had a shop do my subframe bushing install only because I honestly didn't have the time to it. did my coilover install Spark plugs oil Ess supercharger install and will be doing rod bearings in the next few months as well. __________________ 2011 E90m3 ESS G2, active auto x pipe, RK FULL E85, DD 2015 X5M Bootmod3, Downpipes, Mineral white-The wifes DD 1994 300zx 2jz Swapped slicktop- The toy/track car
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05-20-2016, 10:34 AM	#15
aris21 Private First Class 36 Rep 176 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 E92 Join Date: May 2015 Location: San Francisco, CA iTrader: (1)	I'm the same way in terms of being "mechanically inclined" but it's just not worth my time nor do I have time to work/repair my m3. I value my time a lot so at the end of the day I could be more productive doing something else (work, business, spend time with fam) and would actually be losing money per hour vs paying labor rates of a shop if I do it myself.
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05-20-2016, 11:27 AM	#16
IIAp3x Captain 184 Rep 656 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Perdido Key, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 Mercedes C300 [0.00] 2009 Mercedes ML320 ... [0.00] 2008 BMW E92 M3 [0.00]	I do the majority of my own repairs, except coolant, brake, and PS flushes... Each of those are $99 at the local BMW dealer here so I let them handle the nasty shit... I do everything else unless it requires engine or trans removal...
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05-20-2016, 01:50 PM	#17
CIFUM3 Captain 103 Rep 999 Posts Drives: 08 E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Goodyear iTrader: (0)	Just two weeks ago my alternator went out and left me stranded... Took it to the dealer and then had it towed home after I was quoted $1,996.00 for the repairs... I did it myself it was a pain but saved my self 1700 bucks... Also did my own supercharger and entire exhaust! saved thousands so far. Only thing I don't like doing is dealing with electrical/wiring __________________ Performance ESS 625 VT2 Supercharger - CAE Shifter - Revinora race+ axle back - Macht Schnell down pipes - SOSI X-pipe Looks M colors grill - CF trunk - Sapphire Blue Forgestars F14
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05-20-2016, 10:39 PM	#18
Yvette Major General 761 Rep 7,408 Posts Drives: M Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (19)	I used to do all work when I owned rsx back in the teen time. Now i just let my mechanic do all the work. That way i can do more important stuff like for living
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05-20-2016, 11:04 PM	#19
MMMCOOKIES55 Major 350 Rep 1,376 Posts Drives: '17 M3 ZCP/ '16 ATS-V Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Apex, NC iTrader: (3)	Its more satisfying to do most jobs yourself. It's all part of being an enthusiast. However, on the other hand, having a 10 month old and a very demanding job kinda kills that lol so lately its been my local indy.
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05-21-2016, 02:39 AM	#20
Joe S Lieutenant 151 Rep 410 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Competition Package Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0)	Yes, I put petrol (gas) in it every week __________________ [IMG]http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/image.php?type=sigpic
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05-21-2016, 08:00 AM	#22
MightyEKA New Member 26 Rep 25 Posts Drives: BMW M3 ZCP 2011 Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0)	I do not even do the oil change (mainly due to the fact that people appreciate a fully filled service book here). I did change the exhaust system, though. The reason why I do not work on it is not due to lack of knowledge or skills (google knows everything). It is because I'm too scared of f**king up the car. I would just panic if something went wrong. But I just got myself my first garage, so maybe it will change now.
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