Do you pay a shop to work on your car or do it yourself?

[330ci]

Originally Posted by MrGoat

Awesome!!

Gonna get the van for the trip or Beverly Hillbilly it up in the 330?


Sent from my Apple privacy invasion product

The used car market sucks, I hemmed and hawed over the one I told you about because it was out of state and wasnt sure I wanted a van yet and it sold in 3 or 4 days.

There really isn't anything in Michigan that isn't completely rusted, or just ridiculous mileage. Most likely going to have to purchase out of state at this point. I want one of the new base rangers with a topper as they're dirt cheap and get good mileage which would be perfect for what I need. But can't find one anywhere near MSRP and thats the only new car that really makes any financial sense to me.

I ended up picking this xt6 from some local auto auction with my buddy the other day, he got it for $16k, BB is 35 and it has 27k on it. Apparently he is going to have 22 into it fixed up.

I started looking at vans on there and found a few decent buys. Probably going to be the route I take to get mine. If I make a good route and it ends up being worthwhile I'll get something Newer/nicer. if it doesn't work out, just going to be a second vehicle for my shop so probably don't need anything too fancy just to putz around here.


Totally going to Beverly hillbilly it up in the BMW though, as long as it runs fine when its all back together, not much to worry about for quite a while. Might as well enjoy her for a minute.

I was thinking about pulling the passenger seat out. Making a custom bed frame with storage underneath and using my camping pad to turn it into a mini camper.

I think it would be way more cool to find beautiful state parks to sleep in with my roof down and a bug net taped to my car in its place. Would be sleeping under the stars wherever I am. if not, still would be cool to say I went Overlanding in my 3 series



I have a seasucker suction cup roof rack so I can put my bikes on the trunk hanging over the trunk lid, or a bike and my roof box.

the boot is pretty big on her so can store a decent amount of stuff, all my camp gear is ultralight stuff already so it doesn't take much room. Most the stuff I flip doesn't either, so its do able. Just sucks the bikes wouldn't be able to come inside unless I just framed the whole interior and put bike racks where the back seat is with the front wheels removed and then put the top up after I put them in.

[Tricolore66]

I've had E30, E36 and E46 M3's, and most of the costs were self-inflicted track consumables, but they were all new or almost new when I had them. I had an E24 M6 that just laid me away cost-wise, and a 928 GT that was also brutal. My 308 GTB's and 328's were actually not bad, but were all really collector-grade cars that were rarely driven. My Targa has very low mileage, in the mid 40's, and Carrera 3.2's are known to break head studs, as is not if, but when. You need to mentally and financially be ready to throw $20k at one, or figure out how to do it yourself. I've already pumped $25k into it since buying it three years ago, new synchros in the gearbox, engine-out re-seal, all new upgraded a/c components and fuel lines, etc. Just threw $4k into the stereo a couple of weeks ago! I've had enough older sports cars to just accept that all of them, no matter how nice, are a work in progress. You'd be shocked at how many air-cooled 911's are stashed away in barns and under car covers, abandoned projects or just regular cars that broke something and never got around to being fixed. Guys on the Rennlist and Pelican Parts forums are always bumping into them, buying them from widows, etc.

Originally Posted by 330ci

Totally misread that valve adjustments on bikes make more sense.

Working on an air cooled Porsche in general, just seems like automotive romance to me. I imagine myself driving one through the country side often with my arm out the window and not a care in the world. Some day. I have a feeling one would bankrupt me at this stage of my life. The fact that these BMW parts haven't come down much in price kills me every time I do a repair.

This is going to be my last e46 I think. Superdogs reply to me telling him I've had 4 and they've all been nightmares cured me it seems.

This thing might get sold here rather soon after she's running. For the amount of driving I do, Corvettes/Mustangs really are much more reliable.

[330ci]

Originally Posted by Tricolore66

I've had E30, E36 and E46 M3's, and most of the costs were self-inflicted track consumables, but they were all new or almost new when I had them. I had an E24 M6 that just laid me away cost-wise, and a 928 GT that was also brutal. My 308 GTB's and 328's were actually not bad, but were all really collector-grade cars that were rarely driven. My Targa has very low mileage, in the mid 40's, and Carrera 3.2's are known to break head studs, as is not if, but when. You need to mentally and financially be ready to throw $20k at one, or figure out how to do it yourself. I've already pumped $25k into it since buying it three years ago, new synchros in the gearbox, engine-out re-seal, all new upgraded a/c components and fuel lines, etc. Just threw $4k into the stereo a couple of weeks ago! I've had enough older sports cars to just accept that all of them, no matter how nice, are a work in progress. You'd be shocked at how many air-cooled 911's are stashed away in barns and under car covers, abandoned projects or just regular cars that broke something and never got around to being fixed. Guys on the Rennlist and Pelican Parts forums are always bumping into them, buying them from widows, etc.

There was definitely an e46 learning curve. My first was a 323ci, I sorted it all out. Then blew out the rear subframe.

a 2006 330xi 6sp manual that blew a strut through the strut tower.

A 03 330i that I didn't even get home before the valve cover blew off as a result of a blown head gasket I think. Either that or an improperly installed catch can. I never even tried to fix that one.

Then my current 330ci seemed to be a prime example. Garage kept its entire life, had pretty low miles for one, good maintenance records. Seemed like it wasn't going to have any headaches or surprises.

I drove it down to South Carolina a week after I bought it. Thing ran flawlessly.

Turns out the oil pump nuts occasionally unthread themselves, you lose oil pressure and destroy your engine.

Low and behold, I grenaded the engine during a spirited pass on the highway.

I've installed a racing oil pump into the new engine, metal impeller water pump, swapped the valve cover gasket, obviously resealed the oil pan as well. replaced all the vacuum tubing, new clutch(old one was fine but didn't really care, its out), spark plugs, I think I'm going to delete the catylytic converter heater system to clean up the engine bay as I think the heat from it warps the valve covers because they always seem to warp in that corner.

Past that its getting a new radiator and hoses, got new engine mounts, trans mounts and guibo.



I need one more hose, and a oil filter housing gasket to wrap up the engine. Then should atleast get a few weeks out of her before she starts leaking somewhere again


Funny you mention the cars that get one minor thing wrong then thrown in the garage. A kid in one of my BMW groups just scored a 2004 M3 couple with 87k from some lady in his neighborhood for $1,500 because he asked her if she ever sold it to keep him in mind and she couldn't get it started after it sat for 5 or 6 years.


E46 M3s get the "big 3" which is Vanos rebuild, subframe reinforcement and crank bearings. I imagine most platforms have their known Achilles heels at this point.

$25k in 3 yrs is pretty wild. That definitely puts things in perspective. Although I do imagine I would want to do my own work. Would likely come down to whether or not I had the ability and tools.


The Ferraris sound amazing too! Someday. Thanks for sharing, sounds like you've had quite the collection throughout the years. Always enjoy hearing about others experience. Being in the Detroit metro area, you really don't see much past American muscle cars out here with the exception of lingenfelters cars and coffee.

[Tricolore66]

That’s good motivation to do it yourself! I’m just going to give in and buy a service computer, which will pay for itself in 2 oil changes. I may do some bike shuffling and need to make sure it Will do my current bike and a DesertX I plan on getting. Ducati has so many ECU’s that it’s far more complicated that resetting BMW’s.

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

I did all the maintenance on my Ducati motorcycle when I owned it due to the distance to a mechanic who worked on them, almost 200 miles.

[JParm]

Originally Posted by 1William

I do not and have no desire to do my own repairs. I have a very limited interest and even less aptitude. I do enjoy watching people who do that work and listening to them discuss it. Most have a passion for it.

Originally Posted by rolexpatek363

I pay a garage, life's too short.

I'm with these gentlemen. I'm very much a "time is money" kind of guy and I'll gladly pay someone to do the things that I'd rather not do.

Lack of skill, but even more so a lack of interest is what gets me to the auto shop. Same goes for woodwork and renovations - I'll leave it to the experts!

[330ci]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

I did all the maintenance on my Ducati motorcycle when I owned it due to the distance to a mechanic who worked on them, almost 200 miles.

That's wild, sounds like finding a decent independent European auto mechanic here

[joeychitwood]

Originally Posted by Tricolore66

That’s good motivation to do it yourself! I’m just going to give in and buy a service computer, which will pay for itself in 2 oil changes. I may do some bike shuffling and need to make sure it Will do my current bike and a DesertX I plan on getting. Ducati has so many ECU’s that it’s far more complicated that resetting BMW’s.

Originally Posted by 330ci

That's wild, sounds like finding a decent independent European auto mechanic here

The fuel pump was inside the gas tank on my Ducati ST2. A fuel hose had deteriorated and needed replacing. I removed the fairing bits, a job that by itself was a total PIA. Drained the gas tank. Removed the tank. Pulled out the fuel pump. Replaced the fuel line. Put the bike back together. Five hours of work. Started the engine and the hose in the tank popped off because I forgot to put a hose clamp on it. Repeated the entire process the next day.

[Maleg]

I do the work on all my lawn equipment and change the oil in my truck. My mower weighs 700 pounds. Getting it to a shop for maintenance is a pain. It’s easier to do the work myself.

[330ci]

Originally Posted by Maleg

I do the work on all my lawn equipment and change the oil in my truck. My mower weighs 700 pounds. Getting it to a shop for maintenance is a pain. It’s easier to do the work myself.

You got me beat there.

Laisle, the local small engine repair guy here is awesome. Some ol timer who sorts my weed whip, edger and blower for $50-100. Then tunes them up free if need be during the season.

I'd go to him and buy one of his garbage picked finds over the local home depot. He does a far better job than I could. Small engines drive me nuts. Can't stand rebuilding floats, adjusting idle jets and replacing fuel lines every season because of the Ethanol in gas these days.

I do work on my tractor though. I imagine it's around 700 pounds as well being an old cast iron hydro drive wheel horse

[330ci]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

The fuel pump was inside the gas tank on my Ducati ST2. A fuel hose had deteriorated and needed replacing. I removed the fairing bits, a job that by itself was a total PIA. Drained the gas tank. Removed the tank. Pulled out the fuel pump. Replaced the fuel line. Put the bike back together. Five hours of work. Started the engine and the hose in the tank popped off because I forgot to put a hose clamp on it. Repeated the entire process the next day.

still sounds quicker than running to the dealer.

And the bright side is you have twice the experience now!

I've done similar, only reinstalled a fuel sending unit without the fuel pump in my highschool shop class. My teacher ribbed me pretty hard over that one. Was one of the staff cars.

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by 330ci

You got me beat there.

Laisle, the local small engine repair guy here is awesome. Some ol timer who sorts my weed whip, edger and blower for $50-100. Then tunes them up free if need be during the season.

I'd go to him and buy one of his garbage picked finds over the local home depot. He does a far better job than I could. Small engines drive me nuts. Can't stand rebuilding floats, adjusting idle jets and replacing fuel lines every season because of the Ethanol in gas these days.

I do work on my tractor though. I imagine it's around 700 pounds as well being an old cast iron hydro drive wheel horse

I have a Gravely zero turn with a Kawasaki engine. It’s easy to work on and a little work will make it outlast me. I watched a bunch of youtube videos and learned to service my Stihl equipment. The Stihl AD sells me whatever I need.

It takes about a half day to winterize everything and about a day to prep for the summer.

[minute_man]

I've always preferred to stick with a single garage for my Rovers. Unfortunately, a mate to whom I've been entrusting the care of my vehicles for nearly two decades has turned his business into a general workshop and he is 1: almost overwhelmed 2: lacks some special tools for the really heavy works.

Last year I had to look elsewhere for my L322 inevitable engine overhaul. That entailed both HG replacement, timing components and gears, all engine seals save the rear crankshaft seal, a complete valve job, cylinder heads skimming etc.

Last February, the top radiator hose (pattern part) began seeping coolant. Went to my mate's for it as well as the planned engine oil and ATF change. We looked everywhere for a genuine hose and couldn't source one. As I needed the car though, for a last hunting trip for the season, we settled for a quality aftermarket one.

I went on a short trip over the weekend, only to find my coolant level low on Monday morning. Pattern part was leaking Then snow kept me indoors until Friday when I began calling around, including the place where I had the engine done. (Had also done the alternator, a full service and rear diff seals, plus various other things, a nearly 10K spending history with them.)
They said they had a genuine hose but would only be able to fit it on Monday. So I agreed to leave the car over the weekend so that they could get a headstart. Monday I get no call. Tuesday morning I call them.

Long story short, they drag their feet through the whole week, come up with rear discs and pads, which I reluctantly approve just to keep them happy as I would change them this year anyway.

Friday Morning I pick up the car and drive to work, then back home in the afternoon. I check the pads, I see aftermarket ones; then open the bonnet and see the same pattern part brand of a hose.

Giving them the benefit of the doubt I just decide to accept the facts on the condition that there would be no more coolant leaks. Alas. Over the course of a few days I had to top up time and again. At that point I decided to confront them. I had approved 320 euros for a genuine radiator hose. I got the same pattern brand and still had a leaking cooling system. I also pointed out that they had not returned the replaced parts.

Long story short they insisted I brought the car in and left it for their checking. I refused unless they had the genuine hose in hand and any work would have to be carried out in my presence. Didn't hear back so I went ahead and got the part myself.

Today I had it fitted at my mate's garage. And, beyond any doubt, turns out they had never changed the hose. We were able to identify it from the couplings and numbers

I' now feeling like a complete idiot. But I don't think there's much I can do, other than never doing business with them again. I have above layman knowledge about mechanics and about my cars and they are aware of that. If they decided they could just go ahead and screw me over 320 euros, thinking I'd never notice, I can only imagine how others, less knowledgeable are treated.

Kind of reminds me of the proverbial, abusive, AD relationship

Rant over.

[330ci]

Originally Posted by minute_man

I' now feeling like a complete idiot. they decided they could just go ahead and screw me over 320 euros.

Rant over.

This pretty much sums up my experience with most shops. Or I'll find great specialists but the R&R mechanic half asses something leading to failure. I paid someone to replace my power steering pump on my Tahoe, they cracked the mount and it still leaked. Ended up redoing it myself. He also kinked a hose reinstalling my transmission. Blew out the 3/4 band before the next oil change and had to pay for another R&R w/ line change.





Its mid 40s and sunny here. I just got my final box from FCP Euro this AM. Good weather the next few days as well. I had decided to reuse the factory exhaust gaskets last season but decided against it and bought some aftermarket ones to save some money and ensure I'm not stuck pulling the engine over something that dumb. Wasn't past cutting corners myself at the end of last year. I also was 8 exhaust studs short when I bought my crap individually so I snagged those too instead of reusing some "refurbished" (wire wheeled and soaked in oil).

I didn't buy a new starter which kind of bothers me but hopefully will last the rest of the cars life at this point. If I get another 50-75k out of it, I'll be happy. I've got new drilled and slotted brembos with akobono pads waiting to go on as well once she's rolling.

Will definitely be buying new rubber too. Doubt the tires on it are any good at this point.

[minute_man]

Originally Posted by 330ci

This pretty much sums up my experience with most shops. Or I'll find great specialists but the R&R mechanic half asses something leading to failure. I paid someone to replace my power steering pump on my Tahoe, they cracked the mount and it still leaked. Ended up redoing it myself. He also kinked a hose reinstalling my transmission. Blew out the 3/4 band before the next oil change and had to pay for another R&R w/ line change.





Its mid 40s and sunny here. I just got my final box from FCP Euro this AM. Good weather the next few days as well. I had decided to reuse the factory exhaust gaskets last season but decided against it and bought some aftermarket ones to save some money and ensure I'm not stuck pulling the engine over something that dumb. Wasn't past cutting corners myself at the end of last year. I also was 8 exhaust studs short when I bought my crap individually so I snagged those too instead of reusing some "refurbished" (wire wheeled and soaked in oil).

I didn't buy a new starter which kind of bothers me but hopefully will last the rest of the cars life at this point. If I get another 50-75k out of it, I'll be happy. I've got new drilled and slotted brembos with akobono pads waiting to go on as well once she's rolling.

Will definitely be buying new rubber too. Doubt the tires on it are any good at this point.

Good you have the time to work on your vehicles yourself. I'm sure you'll get everything sorted properly.

Although not always possible, I usually take the day off when service or repairs are due and at least attend at the garage. The fact that I'm not cutting corners with maintenance (unless forced to) doesn't make me a sucker.

At this point, I'm also worried about foul play. Those people won't be seeing me again, that's for sure.

[330ci]

Originally Posted by minute_man

Good you have the time to work on your vehicles yourself. I'm sure you'll get everything sorted properly.

Although not always possible, I usually take the day off when service or repairs are due and at least attend at the garage. The fact that I'm not cutting corners with maintenance (unless forced to) doesn't make me a sucker.

At this point, I'm also worried about foul play. Those people won't be seeing me again, that's for sure.

I just noticed your location! I have family out in Loutraki, rather surprised people would be out there to fleece people on labor when it seems like there would be plenty incentive not to there. Everyone I encountered on my travels there was beyond helpful and just really amazing. I can't wait until I make it back.


Americans have this idea that foreign vehicles are akin to rocketships or something. I tried to pretty much give this thing away for the price of the transmission and wheels to someone willing to replace the engine. Couldn't find any takers. Couldn't find anyone to replace the engine for a price that made sense either. So alas I'm doing it. I wish I had more space to work on vehicles and time. If I had a pole barn, and a lift I'd take on far more projects. Really tough finding time to solely dedicate myself. Just a fun hobby to have.


A range rover seems like a great vehicle for the terrain out there though. My family had sub compacts. They were fun, because we didn't have them in the US, and gas is ridiculous there compared to here. But I really do miss my SUVs. Been debating on a Van, Truck, or another SUV for my business.

[minute_man]

Originally Posted by 330ci

I just noticed your location! I have family out in Loutraki, rather surprised people would be out there to fleece people on labor when it seems like there would be plenty incentive not to there. Everyone I encountered on my travels there was beyond helpful and just really amazing. I can't wait until I make it back.


Americans have this idea that foreign vehicles are akin to rocketships or something. I tried to pretty much give this thing away for the price of the transmission and wheels to someone willing to replace the engine. Couldn't find any takers. Couldn't find anyone to replace the engine for a price that made sense either. So alas I'm doing it. I wish I had more space to work on vehicles and time. If I had a pole barn, and a lift I'd take on far more projects. Really tough finding time to solely dedicate myself. Just a fun hobby to have.


A range rover seems like a great vehicle for the terrain out there though. My family had sub compacts. They were fun, because we didn't have them in the US, and gas is ridiculous there compared to here. But I really do miss my SUVs. Been debating on a Van, Truck, or another SUV for my business.

That's great you have family over here, you should come over for some summer vacations!
As for the garage, yeah, I myself was under the impression that they wouldn't try to pull this kind of nonsense on me; guess I was wrong.
But people here in general, remain helpful and hospitable in spite of thehardships they endured over the past decade or more

I have a lot of space in my property and a sheltered garage. Like you, I can't have a lift but I've thought of having someone dig a pit to work underneath my cars, which as radical as it sounds is actually pretty inexpensive and viable, although not exactly at the top of my to do list. That way I could halve my visits to shops and tackle routine servicing during weekends myself.

I've owned Land Rovers for almost two decades and the Rangie has been with me for almost four years and 80K km. I initially bought it as my weekend / hunting vehicle but it's so nice on the road that it quickly became my daily. I do 400km during weekdays for work and 800 on top of those during hunting season's weekends.

[330ci]

Well, figured out why I needed 8 more bolts, apparently they didn't mill out all the exhaust ports on my convertible but they did on the 03 sedan. I wanted to use the headers that came with the engine because they looked cleaner than mine but the gaskets I ordered were for an 02 so they had 8 less bolt holes than what came with it.

Wouldn't have noticed but the gaskets i ordered were for my 02, not the 03 so they wouldn't work. Which was rather fortunate as I thought the headers were the same on both but they weren't.

Ended up having to remove the 8 studs I just installed and use the old headers. So glad I didn't scrap them yet. Laziness has its perks some days.

[330ci]

Originally Posted by minute_man

That's great you have family over here, you should come over for some summer vacations!
As for the garage, yeah, I myself was under the impression that they wouldn't try to pull this kind of nonsense on me; guess I was wrong.
But people here in general, remain helpful and hospitable in spite of thehardships they endured over the past decade or more

I have a lot of space in my property and a sheltered garage. Like you, I can't have a lift but I've thought of having someone dig a pit to work underneath my cars, which as radical as it sounds is actually pretty inexpensive and viable, although not exactly at the top of my to do list. That way I could halve my visits to shops and tackle routine servicing during weekends myself.

I've owned Land Rovers for almost two decades and the Rangie has been with me for almost four years and 80K km. I initially bought it as my weekend / hunting vehicle but it's so nice on the road that it quickly became my daily. I do 400km during weekdays for work and 800 on top of those during hunting season's weekends.

I can't wait to head back, I haven't been on a vacation in years. Was a semi annual trip prior to the pandemic though. I need to get back into the groove.

Looking forward to getting the BMW back to road trip in. Despite being the most masochistic vehicles in existence. The driving experience makes it all worth it

[330ci]

Snapped an injector today. But otherwise ready to drop back in at this point. Have to pull one off the old engine, replace it, other than that finally ready to go back in after I degrease and vacuum out under the intake.

[minute_man]

Originally Posted by 330ci

I can't wait to head back, I haven't been on a vacation in years. Was a semi annual trip prior to the pandemic though. I need to get back into the groove.

Looking forward to getting the BMW back to road trip in. Despite being the most masochistic vehicles in existence. The driving experience makes it all worth it

The same is true about Land Rovers but of course both makes are popular for good reasons Great job there, I always love to see freshly applied RTV sealant on an cylinder head rocker cover (perhaps because I need my head examined for driving a rover ).

[330ci]

This saga is coming to an end. Gotta clean some stuff up tomorrow in the engine bay, button up the hoses, hook up electronics and hopefully will be able to hear her run in the next few days. Spent around 2 1/2 hours on it after work today and made a ton of progress. Should be smooth sailing from here. All the hard stuff is done.

[Andad]

I hope it runs as expected.

I have my vehicles serviced by independent Mercedes and Porsche mechanics but do the work myself on my old ‘92 XJ, Beach Buggy and Suzuki Swift Sports (and my Thruxton R).

I have a hoist at my factory which makes things easier.

I also have a Repco mechanic who’s business is 100 metres from my factory and he is handy for work I need done quickly.

Currently replacing the brake cylinders and shoes on my Buggy.

One side is ok but the other side will need a new oil seal.

[minute_man]

Originally Posted by 330ci

This saga is coming to an end. Gotta clean some stuff up tomorrow in the engine bay, button up the hoses, hook up electronics and hopefully will be able to hear her run in the next few days. Spent around 2 1/2 hours on it after work today and made a ton of progress. Should be smooth sailing from here. All the hard stuff is done.

Great progress! I would recommend you to change the engine mounts while still easily accessible, if not already done so. They're inexpensive and fresh ones make a lot of difference

[330ci]

Originally Posted by Andad

I hope it runs as expected.

I have my vehicles serviced by independent Mercedes and Porsche mechanics but do the work myself on my old ‘92 XJ, Beach Buggy and Suzuki Swift Sports (and my Thruxton R).

I have a hoist at my factory which makes things easier.

I also have a Repco mechanic who’s business is 100 metres from my factory and he is handy for work I need done quickly.

Currently replacing the brake cylinders and shoes on my Buggy.

One side is ok but the other side will need a new oil seal.

Reminds me of my 95 Tahoe! I feel like I had to adjust the shoes out every oil change. Looks nice and clean!

My plans of getting this engine spotless didn't come to fruition. The valve cover area, back and all the major crud is off. Still have to scrape the rest of the pan off, clean up the oxidation and swap over some accessories, brush off the pulleys and get the surface rust off. I'm over this project at this point though. Hopefully she starts up relatively easy.

I've always wanted a beach buggy they've always seemed like fun vehicles to me I just wouldn't have the time to enjoy it. I bet the XJ is a ripper!

I always say I'm going to take the next project to the mechanic, but I have this "I can do that" mentality. This one definitely is the biggest job I've done myself. Besides wiggling the engine out and into place I didn't have any other help, definitely would employ some help before hand if I ever did this again. I feel like you could knock this out in a weekend with 2 sets of hands.



A lift is a dream at this point. I really hope I can find a shop with one, or set up so I can put one in. Lifts make life so much better. Bench pressing the engine cradle back into place while cussing out my friend to hand me a bolt and ratchet while I'm being crushed beneath the wheel to keep everything aligned was pretty funny, but would be nice to avoid those situations if at all possible.

We had a good local mechanic, but they ended up on a TV show and now its all hot rods in and out of there shop. I think its probably a smart idea to find a local independent before the next job I don't feel like doing pops up.

[330ci]

Originally Posted by minute_man

Great progress! I would recommend you to change the engine mounts while still easily accessible, if not already done so. They're inexpensive and fresh ones make a lot of difference

I put revshift poly mounts in. Hopefully they're not complete shit on the road. I installed them before I found out the engine was trashed so I've never been in the road with them. Just hope they don't vibrate too awful bad. The roads here suck though.

[Andad]

The old XJ runs really well.

Pix taken in March at the All British Car Day.

[Mountain]

Cars are full of so many electronic components, I definitely leave to the experts. I also never own a car out of warranty, so get it serviced by the dealer so I don’t invalidate the warranty.

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by 330ci

Reminds me of my 95 Tahoe! I feel like I had to adjust the shoes out every oil change. Looks nice and clean!

My plans of getting this engine spotless didn't come to fruition. The valve cover area, back and all the major crud is off. Still have to scrape the rest of the pan off, clean up the oxidation and swap over some accessories, brush off the pulleys and get the surface rust off. I'm over this project at this point though. Hopefully she starts up relatively easy.

I've always wanted a beach buggy they've always seemed like fun vehicles to me I just wouldn't have the time to enjoy it. I bet the XJ is a ripper!

I always say I'm going to take the next project to the mechanic, but I have this "I can do that" mentality. This one definitely is the biggest job I've done myself. Besides wiggling the engine out and into place I didn't have any other help, definitely would employ some help before hand if I ever did this again. I feel like you could knock this out in a weekend with 2 sets of hands.



A lift is a dream at this point. I really hope I can find a shop with one, or set up so I can put one in. Lifts make life so much better. Bench pressing the engine cradle back into place while cussing out my friend to hand me a bolt and ratchet while I'm being crushed beneath the wheel to keep everything aligned was pretty funny, but would be nice to avoid those situations if at all possible.

We had a good local mechanic, but they ended up on a TV show and now its all hot rods in and out of there shop. I think its probably a smart idea to find a local independent before the next job I don't feel like doing pops up.

Are there any DIY auto repair lift rentals in your area? Something like My Mechanics Place?

[330ci]

Originally Posted by Maleg

Are there any DIY auto repair lift rentals in your area? Something like My Mechanics Place?

I called a few local shops years back looking for bays and everyone said no due to insurance issues.

We only have a few local shops left and they're always packed with work these days.

I'm sure if I ventured to Dearborn or Detroit I'd be able to get cheap labor and probably find decent mechanics.

I've been talking about getting a pole barn to set up shop in and have a lift for a few years now. The pandemic set my plans back a bit. But come March I will be searching for a new shop for my business and hoping I can get all the personal amenities I want slapped in there too.

[minute_man]

Steering angle sensor had been on its way out lately, lighting up the dash and throwing DSC and air suspension faults. Calibration would clear the faults temporarily but they were beginning to come back more frequently and more persistently.

Was quoted 600 euros for the part, which then would need programming + labor in the neighborhood of 300, all together about a grand and probably 1 workday lost for me...

The steering angle sensor on this Rangie is the same as on Mini's and X5 BMW's. And it is repairable. The culprit is the contacts ring which wears out over the years.

Some nice German fellow, sells an improved, heavy duty repair kit on eBay.

All together about 100 euros and some afternoon exercise. All tested and working great. Will torque the bolts and fit the cowling and trim panels tomorrow, along with a nice cleanup.







No more lights on the dash. I'm a little bit sore but very pleased