BMW dealer declines suspension work on E30

[KIRIEIW]

I'm not surprised. I work at a dealer and we need a forman to sign off on the car BEFORE its dropped off for service if its a 1997 or older. I'd guess at least 85% of dealers don't even have mechanics working at that dealership who saw e30's under warranty back in the 80's. My point is an independent shop who see's e30's on a weekly basis would be a better choice for having your car worked on vs a dealer mechanic who's never worked on a e30 before. Thankfully my shop forman and a few other guys I work with did see e30's under warranty and are familiar with them but that's very rare for dealer guys to stick around that long. Most dealers are a joke.

[reelizmpro]

It's completely DIY. With basic tools and press. In fact you don't even need a press with polyurethane bushings.

[ghrays]

So I took my 1990 325i to my local dealer today, from whom I bought new tires and basketweave wheels a few months ago to have the tires rebalanced as there was slight vibration in the steering wheel (they fixed it for free). While there, I asked the service advisor to give me a quote for replacing the rear trailing arm, differential mount and subframe bushings. They declined, saying they don't have anyone who knows how to work on E30s, and they don't have any of the special tools to press out/in the bushings.

I think i'll do it myself and find a machine shop to press the bushings.