[01tj]

I’m planning on selling my Jeep and E46 and am leaning towards an E90. I’ve looked into other vehicles and the only thing else that really stands out is the base Cayenne with a 6-speed. I think I would probably miss the power of my E46 though and I know I would be happy with the power from a 335xi. My only problem is if we go from 3 vehicles to two we could be in a jam if one of them goes down. Most people on here suggest only getting a 335i that is under warranty. The nearest BMW dealership is over and hour away so even if my car would need warranty repair I’d have a hard time getting it there.

My question for those of you that have a 335i that is out of warranty, do you do the maintenance and repairs yourself? Do you have the dealership do it or do you have an independent mechanic do it.

I’m asking because with my E46 I have a service manual and am pretty comfortable doing just about everything myself.

[napeHbNYC]

A lot of necessary software is available to deal with electronics. Mechanics stuff is just like any other car. I haven't owned my car for long but plan to do everything myself except for warranty stuff.

[Rydicule]

I've been out of warranty for two years, and have to this point done everything myself. However, the bigger jobs I'm bringing it to an indy to do because I don't have the tools to do it myself (Auto transmission fluid change, valve-cleaning, etc.)

[ken1137]

Dont worry about it if you are comfortable working on your e46. The turbos/wastegates and HPFP are under warranty long after the Mfg original warranty. I myself dont have a lift so I depend on the dealer for warranty work that requires a lift and an indy for other things that require a lift. I otherwise DIY'it. This is my 4th BMW and not my last.

That being said, be prepared to complain to BMWNA since most dealers come up with lame excuses to delay the inevitable replacement of the HPFP and turbos/wastegates. This delay tactic is not exclusive to BMW dealers as I have found through family members that work for auto manufacturers. GL.

[PINeely]

I do it all myself and if you owned an e46 you can expect it to be similar to maintaining that car. Be warned that there are a few proprietary tools that you will need for some services, such as a thin-walled 12pt 14mm spark plug socket (normal 12pt 14's won't fit). You may want to pick up some e-torx sockets as well.

Some services will need to be done slightly differently, for example there is no analog oil dipstick (iffy oil level sensor instead) so you get to measure what goes in and out of the crankcase. Like your e46 the transmission is also a closed system so replacing Tranny fluid is sort of a pain in the ass.

[RainKing]

Although I am still under warranty... I take the car to either the dealer or independant shop with this car. I did the DYI thing for year ( I was a mech in the USMC) but no longer have the time.

[boris]

Its just like any other car.

It's annoying because you need specialty tools (OIL FILTER, SPARK PLUGS, ETC) but it's just like any other car.

I have a Bentley Manual which helps, but I think the only thing I'll take my car in to BMW is for the HPFP.

[kdbryce]

i put my own gas in

but seriously, i really only install mods myself.. i leave most of the other stuff to the dealer

[marine24]

have done all services myself to this point, including MT fluid and rear diff fluid change and intake valve cleaning. Everything mechanical is the same as any other car. The only real specialty item that have most concerned is the need to be able to reprogram things like your battery, but you can just take it to an indy for those if your not comfortable doing it yourself.

[kihun]

I usually try to call up mobile mechanic for any other previous vehicles that i owned.. i used to own a jeep and e46 m3 but this car i got it under the warranty..

[hickoryE92]

Recently ran out of warranty and up til then I went to dealership. I have very little experience with maintenance beyond the very basic things but now I do everything myself and plan to do everything until it is too big of a job for me. Last Christmas, older brother bought me a giant service manual book for the 3 series that explains how to do everything and I use that. Got a Cobb on its way and gunna do spark plugs myself before I install that.

[boris]

Originally Posted by hickoryE92

. Last Christmas, older brother bought me a giant service manual book for the 3 series that explains how to do everything and I use that. Got a Cobb on its way and gunna do spark plugs myself before I install that.

Visit Cobb's youtube channel and watch their video. It gives you a great visual for changing the plugs.

^ There it is.

Have fun.

Make sure you have the tool too....

[01tj]

That 335i in the Cobb video looks great

[Built My Way]

I do it all, mostly. You gotsta hasta know your vehicle.

[jon_335]

Sure you can work on your car all you want. There are plenty of DIYs here. But it's not going to be the same as your e46. I went from an e36 to an e92 and while I did 95% of the work myself on the e36, I don't plan on doing much work on the e92. Jobs that took 2 hours with the e46 will take all day with the e90. Stuff is crammed tighter in the engine bay and you need to move more stuff to get to what you want. Not for me.

[boris]

Originally Posted by jon_335

Sure you can work on your car all you want. There are plenty of DIYs here. But it's not going to be the same as your e46. I went from an e36 to an e92 and while I did 95% of the work myself on the e36, I don't plan on doing much work on the e92. Jobs that took 2 hours with the e46 will take all day with the e90. Stuff is crammed tighter in the engine bay and you need to move more stuff to get to what you want. Not for me.

Unfortunately, as time moves on thats how engine bays will get....

I think with out engine bays (n54), as soon as you move the stupid plastic shroud, the wiring harness and the cowl it becomes a lot more friendly...

[dman918]

I'm all about trying to get it done myself. If not, it's an independent shop. ONLY time I have the dealer do anything is if it is warrantied.

[Saintor]

Unfortunately, this is not a binary-type of answer.

I can do my brakes (up to rotors), but can't overhaul my galipers or do waterpump replacement.

[01tj]

This thread makes me a lot more comfortable about the E90

[hickoryE92]

Originally Posted by boris

Visit Cobb's youtube channel and watch their video. It gives you a great visual for changing the plugs.

^ There it is.

Have fun.

Make sure you have the tool too....

thanks man, this'll help a lot.