Low usage as bad as high miles?

[uofom3]

m3 specific parts = grab ankles at the stealer
standard e30 parts = CHEAP
i just bought a new rear half for my center consol on the e30 new from the stealer for $25.00... can't argue with that...
stuff is not that expensive once you learn how to turn a wrench as most of the costs for repairs to standard e30's comes from labor (60$ belt... 2 hours labor at 85...) ... start small and eventually you can do a lot... i'm always trying to learn how to do more stuff, and it's fun as hell once you feel comfortable doing bigger jobs

[AdironRider]

doing your own repairs is cool and an easy way to fix your car, but for the average joe, its not going to happen. Also, full brakes on my Jeep Cherokee including two new rotors up front cost me 325 bucks at the garage, same service on my 88 325is, 575 bones. Gaskets and belts are cheap across the board cause there isnt a difference really other than they are made for different motors.

[nando]

we're talking about parts here, not labor. Without even checking for the lowest prices, for 4 new rotors (slotted in front, OEM would be slightlyc heaper), pads, set screws, sensors and fluid are all well under $300. You got raped! E30 brakes are so easy to repair I can't see why you wouldn't DIY. Plus you only need basic tools to pull it off.

for under $350, I could do the above PLUS rebuild all 4 calipers... another $100 buys SS lines. your argument doesn't hold water.

BMW labor costs more because it's a premium car, even if the work to repair is the same - not because parts costs more.

[AdironRider]

Dude, jsut because you can work on cars doesnt mean everyone else in the world can. I myself have a job, and school to deal with. I cant just take the car out of commision while I teach myself how to work on it. This seems to be parkers problem to, as he mentioned that his car was 600 miles away getting repaired. Not everyone knows how to turn a wrench, just as Im sure there are some things you cant do yourself.

[nando]

Dude, jsut because you can work on cars doesnt mean everyone else in the world can. I myself have a job, and school to deal with. I cant just take the car out of commision while I teach myself how to work on it. This seems to be parkers problem to, as he mentioned that his car was 600 miles away getting repaired. Not everyone knows how to turn a wrench, just as Im sure there are some things you cant do yourself.

so what.. I work 40 hours a week and take 15 credit hours with a 4.0gpa, many people work and go to school. for the cost of labor you could buy a bentley for $30 and $100 worth of tools that would save you a lot of money in the long run. E30s are the easiest car I've ever worked on, bar none. You don't even need a manual if you have some common sense. ;)

[mph]

I'm not even going to argue with that guy. Its simply not worth it.

[e30Matt]

dude, youve got a 14 year old car. Shit breaks. Its just something your going to have to live with. Change the fluids, do as much prevenative maintenance as you can, and pray for the best. It seems like your doing all you can, but if its still frustrating, maybe you should drive something other than a 14 year old BMW

haha, shit breaks on month old cars too.. :roll:

Yeah, like that deadly E46 M3 engine implosion crap.