BMW M5 Forum and M6 Forums banner

Thermostat help in Atlanta!

4K views 11 replies 4 participants last post by  rated ///M 
#1 ·
Hi all,

Name's Ravi, just moved down to Atlanta for a couple months not even two weeks ago. Don't know the area all that well, or the more reputable shops. I've a Le Mans blue E39 M5.

Anyway, SES light came one, had the code read (P0128) and looked up all the things needed to swap the thermostat. While I'd love to tackle this myself, I have no tools, no hand pump to bleed the coolant, no idea where to dispose of the expelled coolant, and no spare car for the downtime. Most of the videos/DIYs i researched say it's ~1-2hr job. I looked up the parts prices on fcpeuro.com and i can get the sensor, thermostat, crush washers, and o-rings for less than $200.

I did call Buckhead Motor Werks, and they're quoting me at $532 right now for parts and labor. Won't let me bring my own stuff to them. So...wondering if there's any mechanically inclined guys on the forum (and close to ATL) that could help me out with this bit of maintenance. Definitely will bring beer, and can kick some $$ your way as well if need be. With the holidays coming up, money has been flying out the door left and right, and if i can save a bit and meet some great people, that's a win in my book.

Pics for attention grabbing




 
See less See more
3
#3 ·
Hey Ravi,

Welcome to Atlanta! There are certainly a lot of E39 M5 owners in the area. I haven't replaced a thermostat on my m5 yet so I'm not sure how much help I can be. There are a couple Atlanta BMW groups on Facebook that might grab some interest and may find the help you are looking for. My schedule is pretty tide up with the holidays but I may get a few hours break to possible give you a hand and some tools. Could be a good learning experience for me too. Leave your info and I can get in touch with you.

In the meantime look up: E39 Atlanta and ATLBIMMERS on Facebook.
 
#5 · (Edited)
thank you for your response, I'll definitely check those out. It's a learning experience for me too, but overall seems pretty "simple."lot of digging to switch the piece out, but at least its soft digging.

you can email me at e46rsgill at gmail. As for the car, I've tried not to drive it as often as I can avoid it, but i do have to drive to marietta for work 2-3 times a week. I've been keeping track of the temps ever since I hopped back in the car before thanksgiving, and it's never been past the middle in either of the gauges. SES light came on 12/12/15. I'll be busy for the holidays as well, but will have the 1st-4th likely free.

Thanks again for saying hi.



http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e3...id-thermostat-replacement-today-lot-pics.html

 
#7 ·
bump.

Saw quite a few M5s out at Caffeine and Octane, including a nice M5 wagon, but no one was near the cars, so didn't get to meet anyone. Going to call Alex Auto today, but if anyone has suggestions of good shops in the Atlanta area, it'd be appreciated.
 
#8 ·
Ravi,

I've been asking for BMW mechanic referrals around Atlanta as well. Here's what I've collected so far. Unfortunately, I cannot vouch for anyone specifically yet, but it's a good place to start.

-http://www.alexautoinc.com/about_us.php - Roswell
-http://www.performingimports.com/ - Alpharetta -
-Auto Europe - 1923 Piedmont Cir NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
-Munich West - 2990 N Decatur Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
-European Auto Care of Atlanta - 1903 Piedmont Circle Northeast, Atlanta
-Markert Motorsport in Lawrenceville
-Solomotorsport in Norcross

Welcome to Atlanta!

John
 
#12 ·
Hey Ravi I just found this thread (oops). Thank you for trusting me with your car, I am glad I could help you out. If there is anything else you need please dont hesitate to ask :))
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top