Enthusiast tech near Olympia needed

[bindibmw]

I have been driving my '85 325e since 2011; as a student I haven't kept up with maintenance as I should have, but I am emotionally bonded with my car. My car needs some repairs and tlc in order to keep it on the road. My current mechanic has no interest in working with me on my 325e, is of the opinion that its not worth the effort, expense. Can anyone recommend a BMW enthusiast tech in the Olympia or Elma area? Thanks!

[DrJosh]

What do you need done? That will probably help someone offer up their services.

[bindibmw]

repairs needed

Steering rack - rebuild or replacement; valve adjustment; tail light assembly repair; possible heater core replacement. Thanks for asking!

[Matt-B]

fuck the other guy, accuracy automotive in gig harbor is legit, might be to far for you.
John is a good guy.

otherwise offer some $ and food or and beer, and youll get help quickly

[DrJosh]

That's really not a bad list at all. But it'll be relatively expensive and I could see why some joe schmo who doesn't know these cars wouldn't think it's worth it.

FWIW you can probably fix whatever is going on with the taillight assembly fairly easily yourself. It just comes out with 4 nuts (I believe 10mm). You can still get the assembly new if you want, and I'd also get a new gasket.

[cheffy30]

fuck the other guy, accuracy automotive in gig harbor is legit, might be to far for you.
John is a good guy.

otherwise offer some $ and food or and beer, and youll get help quickly

hit up the guys in gig harbor. add the timing belt and water pump while you're at it... plan on 2k at least... you'll be happy for another 100k miles!!
thank us later...

[2mAn]

Steering rack - rebuild or replacement; valve adjustment; tail light assembly repair; possible heater core replacement. Thanks for asking!

E36 Steering Rack with everything you need $250 shipped

https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=416815

Heater Core $165 shipped

https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=417861

and while you're at it

https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=415683

[bindibmw]

hit up the guys in gig harbor. add the timing belt and water pump while you're at it... plan on 2k at least... you'll be happy for another 100k miles!!
thank us later...

We've taken care of the timing belt and water pump, Im encouraged, thanks.

[bindibmw]

That's really not a bad list at all. But it'll be relatively expensive and I could see why some joe schmo who doesn't know these cars wouldn't think it's worth it.

FWIW you can probably fix whatever is going on with the taillight assembly fairly easily yourself. It just comes out with 4 nuts (I believe 10mm). You can still get the assembly new if you want, and I'd also get a new gasket.

Thank you!

[MidnightSpeeder]

I've done about a million valve adjustments on my M20 lol. I could honestly do it in roughly half an hour for way less than a shop. Could even teach you how to do it yourself so you can keep up on it without paying for it. Only need a couple of basic tools. EDIT - I'm in Yelm/Lacey btw.