How many of you guys actually do work on your own car?

[Jon325i]

I've done plenty. Yank complete drivetrains, swap out entire suspensions, clutches, brakes, fuel system stuff and I've completely gutted an E30 once. The only stuff that isn't done by me: mount/balance tires, recent custom exhaust work (not knowledgable with welding) and smog tests.

E30s are pretty straight forward and easy to work on. I've done some wrenching on E36s and E46s and those cars are a bit more of a pain due to the tighter packaging of everything.

Jon

[Dave]

My concern with full suspension work is the major $$$ id have to spend on special tools. Wouldnt you need a spring compressor to do jobs like that?

Or you can buy a set of them for pretty cheap at Sears or Harbor Freight. Sure, they take more work to use than what shops have, but they do the trick.

[Rob]

everything, including mounting tires. Farm out the balancing, and luckily havent had to do any machine work type shit.

[bimmer8604]

Wouldnt you need a spring compressor to do jobs like that?

Yes, you get rent one at autozone for free.

Kyle

[E46toE30]

The only thing I have paid to have done to any of my e30s was to have tires mounted onto rims, and on my 325eS I had briefly, I paid a friend to install a clutch. I could have done it, but I was very busy at the time, and he was out of work, so it worked out for both parties.

Otherwise, i have replaced full suspensions, and am about to rebuild an engine. If I only had a lift, i could get more done more easily.

My concern with full suspension work is the major $$$ id have to spend on special tools. Wouldnt you need a spring compressor to do jobs like that?

[E46toE30]

Can I do most maintenence jobs without a lift?

I do not have previous experience beyond changing oil,replacing fluids,changing my radiator and flushing the cooling system in my old car. HOWEVER I do consider myself to be fairly adept in learning and know my car termonology pretty well.

Is the bently manual a good resource for noobs as well as pros?

[Dave]

The only thing I have paid to have done to any of my e30s was to have tires mounted onto rims, and on my 325eS I had briefly, I paid a friend to install a clutch. I could have done it, but I was very busy at the time, and he was out of work, so it worked out for both parties.

Otherwise, i have replaced full suspensions, and am about to rebuild an engine. If I only had a lift, i could get more done more easily.

[s52e368]

me

[bwanac]

Work on your car... tahts where most of the enjoyment comes from for most people on this board. Or maybe not... but I know a lot of people think that way.

[MR 325]

Other than the machine work during the motor build and mounting tires on to rims, I have done everything.

[E46toE30]

I know that many of you do...

What repairs have you done yourself? What kind of repairs would you leave to professionals?

i dont have a garage so I am limited in my ability to work on my own car but since ive owned the e30 I am itching to buy tools! What should I do??