An expensive question?

Mon May 13, 2013 7:08 am

Hi All
My M20B23 soon goes to BMW for a cam belt replacement, associated cam seals and engine belts and a new sump. The engine is original, FSH, 250,000 kms.

In light of the extent of the work to be done, is there any other preventative work worth considering at this time.

Any suggestions appreciated

Neal

Mon May 13, 2013 7:16 am

From the wiki, as Im about to do my cam belt, the waterpump looks ideal.most things that would have to come off for its replacement will come off anyway for the above, saving labour charges.

Mon May 13, 2013 7:23 am

Depending on condition, you could have the alternator belt and if it has, the power steering belt.

Mon May 13, 2013 7:43 am

Besides the water pump, if they are not already including them, then the cambelt follower pulley and tensioner spring is also a wise change when going in so far.

Mon May 13, 2013 8:54 am

Assuming the layout is the same on all m20's; as well as water pump, cambelt tensioner and spring. I'd have a look at the condition of the distributor and rotar arm, the thermostats a cheap componant too. New coolant too obviously, check all the water hoses for cracks. If they're doing the cam seal, the four D-seals in the cylinder head are a quick job to replace. Might as well get the valve clearance checked whilst you're there.

Mon May 13, 2013 10:23 am

Don't worry, the dealer will have a nice list for you , some of it may even need changing

The obvious question is, why are you giving it to a BMW dealer ?

These are all pretty straight forward jobs , but with dealer pricing and the "it needs a new one mate" mentality , has potential to cost you a not inconsiderable amount of moolah !

Mon May 13, 2013 10:51 am

^this is true..

All of the above changes (bar the cam seal and D-seals). Are documented in the wiki pages. I did all of these myself for the first time a few months back..

Mon May 13, 2013 6:01 pm

Wear a tight belt, so they don't take your trollies down for a good bumming.

Mon May 13, 2013 11:48 pm

pacerpete wrote:Don't worry, the dealer will have a nice list for you , some of it may even need changing

The obvious question is, why are you giving it to a BMW dealer ? These are all pretty straight forward jobs , but with dealer pricing and the "it needs a new one mate" mentality , has potential to cost you a not inconsiderable amount of moolah !

Add to the fact this is an Aussie dealer who will no doubt be charging another 100% because Germany is a long way away.

Madness sending it to them for anything.

Tue May 14, 2013 1:12 am

nickso wrote:
pacerpete wrote:Don't worry, the dealer will have a nice list for you , some of it may even need changing

The obvious question is, why are you giving it to a BMW dealer ? These are all pretty straight forward jobs , but with dealer pricing and the "it needs a new one mate" mentality , has potential to cost you a not inconsiderable amount of moolah !
Add to the fact this is an Aussie dealer who will no doubt be charging another 100% because Germany is a long way away.

Madness sending it to them for anything.

Thanks for the advice. I have nothing but praise for my BMW dealer - very reasonably priced (hard to believe, I know) and service second to none. I have been taking my cars there for over 20 years and they look after me. They even provide me a list of part numbers and allow me to supply my own parts (get them at good price from US).
The service manager is an old BMW nut - owns several E21s and E30s. He did the pre delivery check of my E30 as a lowly technician in 1983

. His signature is on EVERY service stamp from new.
I leave the car there for a week or two and get a very small bill. I guess they fit it in between bigger jobs and some poor sucker covers my costs

Have checked independent servicing - no saving to be made and far less competent.
I don't have the time to do the work myself at the moment.

Already (at dealer Service Manager suggestion) got cam seals, pulley, tensioner spring and all belts.
Water pump sounds like the only additional worth considering.

Tue May 14, 2013 7:33 am

Just do the water pump. It's definitely a "do it while its all apart job."

Although I'm not Turley conversant with m20's. Is the water pump driven from the cambelt or by an aux belt?

Tue May 14, 2013 8:12 am

Driven by an auxiliary belt.