Whether you have a souped up 3 Series or a classic 507 Roadster, know when to hold them and when to fold them in terms of what repairs you can do on your own. If you are in over your head with your BMW repairs, don’t hesitate to contact us at The German Auto Doctor, because we specializes in this work. Avoid tackling the following BMW do-it-yourself projects at all costs:
1. Auto Body Work
Whether you get hit by another vehicle or accidentally back into an object, handling your own auto bodywork can be a disaster to try yourself. These vehicles are made with some of the most sophisticated manufacturing processes. If you try to handle the auto body work yourself, the chances of you getting it back to mint condition are rare.
2. Computer System Repairs
BMW vehicles, like most of today’s automobiles, are controlled by computer systems. Get BMW repairs from auto shops that understand how to tweak your electric systems and properly diagnose problems. When a computer code pops up, you need an auto shop that can assess it and then take action. Computer errors can range from minor issues, and glitches that throw your entire car out of whack.
3. Radiator Replacements
Replacing the radiator on a BMW model can easily cost you about $600. Keep in mind that this is money well spent. When you try to replace your radiator on your own, there’s a huge chance of error. This error causes your BMW engine to overheat. If the engine overheats, your hoses will swell and blow, and you may even create serious engine damage.
A bad radiator can degrade to the point that you even need an entire engine replacement. Once the problem gets this bad, you’ll be sinking several thousand dollars into your BMW repair, when you could have nipped it in the bud by paying an auto shop on the front end.
4. Serious Engine Work
Flat out, if you’re not experienced with handling engine work, leave it to a BMW repair shop. Having to replace a timing belt, camshaft or another part can become catastrophic in novice hands. The entire value of your BMW is tied to the engine work, so you should leave it to a certified technician to be on the safe side. It’s money well spent that will make your BMW drive like a dream.
5. Transmission Replacement Or Rebuild
Finally, leave the transmission work to a certified technician that understands this part. Whether you have a stick shift BMW model or an automatic, this part is too sophisticated to handle if you’re not skilled. You need for your BMW to be able to shift gears without grinding or shutting down, so hire a shop in your area that can do it all from fluid flushes to transmission rebuilds.