Maintenance records?

Izzyzx · 24th March 2006, 03:40

I recently bought a my M5 (January 2005) and I only have the maintenance records going back to 2003. I had a reliable BMW mechanic look it over before the purchase he pointed out some problem areas ( nothing major) but gave it his blessing. Does not having complete maintenance make my M5 diminished in value?

raymondw · 24th March 2006, 13:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Izzyzx

I recently bought a my M5 (January 2005) and I only have the maintenance records going back to 2003. I had a reliable BMW mechanic look it over before the purchase he pointed out some problem areas ( nothing major) but gave it his blessing. Does not having complete maintenance make my M5 diminished in value?

The oldest E28's are now almost 22-annums old. I doubt that many have complete service records from day one. The ones that do certainly will require a premium, but that is not to say that lack of a complete service history will result in a much lower value. Condition and mileage does.

Izzyzx · 24th March 2006, 16:03

Thanks for you comments and observations. I’ve just hear so much about people keeping every maintenance record (even every oil change the car has ever had for the last 20 years and it make laugh.) and using only BMW trained mechanics.

I was reading of the M5 brethren ( on this site) that walked away from an M5 purchase because the seller didn’t have good documentation concerning some head work that was perform by what had been an unqualified BMW mechanic. I understand the M1 head is a very critical item, but if the mechanic does the repair correctly and test drive (flight) is passed. What difference does it make if the mechanic is factory trained? I know some BMW mechanics that have screwed up by bimmers in the past.

de Witt · 24th March 2006, 16:35

I do not trust dealer mechanics. They are there to make money, and at about $90-120/hr, they get a fairly substantial portion of the pie. However, the old BMWs are not worth the time and effort. Parts are not in stock, the procedures are known by a few mechanics, etc.

You have to either do it yourself or find a mechanic that is willing to take care of your BMW or a mechanic that specializes in BMW.

Izzyzx · 24th March 2006, 18:11

You are soooo right… Why would anyone pay $100 for an oil change or even $300-$400 for minor tune-up is beyond my comprehension (for the documentation?) I have a rule of thumb: that I do all the small stuff (weather permitting) and anything else requiring specialize tools/equipment goes the mechanic.

I’m seeing a pattern here: looks like most E28 M5 owners (in opinion) are risk takers and are willing to tackle most repairs. Nothing is more gratifying doing your own repair and taking the money saving and buying a new set of tires or a new power amp/speakers…

That’s why I have to figure out how I’m going to adjust my valves this coming spring…

toys r' us · 24th March 2006, 18:45

When I bought my car in 2003 it was from the original owner and fortunately he had all the service records going back to the date of purchase, even from the the same mechanic(pretty impressive).every invoice was very detailed and written legibly.But that was not the only thing that sold me on the car.
I had looked at a couple of them over a period of several months.The ones I were interested in were brought to a shop and inspected before the purchase.A couple of them the shop advised me not to buy it because of bad maintenance. Until one day I brought in the one.I knew I was going to keep it from the moment I met the owner and drove the car-perfect! By the way, the shop stopped charging me for the inspections after the second car and i highly recommend them if any one is interested in a shop in Santa Rosa!
What I like about the car is that it was designed in a way so as not to be difficult to work on.I can only do minor repairs myself.Anything major goes to the shop in Berkeley(can i name names?) My next repair will be the timing chain rails $$$ as they are sagging quite a bit...what can I say, it's my only car and i drive it every day (almost, the other times i am walking)...
So, uh, where were we...I guess maintennce records are not that important but, proper maintenance is!
Have fun driving!
Paul B.

de Witt · 24th March 2006, 19:54

Bav Professionals in Berkley? Name the good ones.

toys r' us · 25th March 2006, 18:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by de Witt

Bav Professionals in Berkley? Name the good ones.

Bavarian Professionals in Berkeley and North Bay Bavarian in Santa Rosa