beeeamer 0 Report post Posted May 31, 2010 I've just had my E36 for a few months but unsure where to take if for servicing in Christchurch. I'm pretty happy with doing my own oil changes, but i do like taking it somewhere that knows what they're doing and pick things up that also needing fixing/replacing and puts in the correct oil/filter the car needs (has done 190k and know it has Magnatech in it now). Main concern at the moment is the radiator coolant. my doctor (i know haha) told me to only use BMW supplied coolant which is blue, something about generic coolant cracking the plastic radiator head(?) but my car has green coolant. it's last service by the previous owner was in Jan at Jeff Gray so would have thought they'd change it if it had the incorrect coolant though. quick search of google only brings up Jeff Gray and Kevin Burt M-B and BMW specialist for Christchurch. anyone have any recommendations? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cliffdunedin 8 Report post Posted May 31, 2010 Main concern at the moment is the radiator coolant. my doctor (i know haha) told me to only use BMW supplied coolant which is blue, something about generic coolant cracking the plastic radiator head(?) That's the first time i have heard of Non-OEM antifreeze being any different to OEM(if there is such a thing?) In regards to a service, i think most in Chch use Jeff Grays also getting a service does not necassarily mean they will try and find any and all small issues with the car...as i have found out, after buying a regularly serviced(once a year through JG's Wellington) but finding MANY small issues! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beeeamer 0 Report post Posted June 1, 2010 i'm not 100% sure about it since it was just my doctor telling me and haven't had a chance to have a proper search on it yet, but i have seen a post where it was recommended to use BMW coolant. i can do oil/coolant change myself and can get a reset tool for the service lights, so just not sure whether it's worth paying extra for a proper service if they dont pick up things that need doing that i dont know about hmm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JaseNZ 53 Report post Posted June 1, 2010 (edited) Mr Gray is ok but very $$$$, Try acton automotive, they know there beemers and have all the tools required and you will be presently surprised at the savings while still getting the same service (except the complementary car groom). >>Clicky me for google map<< Off topic where did you get your car. You say you have only had it a few months and has 190k on the clock. Just curious as that is about the time I traded mine in and traded up. Edited June 1, 2010 by M-Spec Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cliffdunedin 8 Report post Posted June 1, 2010 I don't know about BMW coolant but i would say there were very little difference between all antifreeze/boiler. i can do oil/coolant change myself and can get a reset tool for the service lights, so just not sure whether it's worth paying extra for a proper service if they dont pick up things that need doing that i dont know about hmm Many will disagree but i think doing it yourself can be just as good as a professional job, remembering that a service is more than changing oil and coolant though...Plugs, leads, oil filter, engine/coolant flush if you can do those you are set. then when you go in for a WOF you can always ask them to do a general poke and prod...unless like myself you are inclined to doing those things! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beeeamer 0 Report post Posted June 1, 2010 Mr Gray is ok but very $$$$, Try acton automotive, they know there beemers and have all the tools required and you will be presently surprised at the savings while still getting the same service (except the complementary car groom). >>Clicky me for google map<< Off topic where did you get your car. You say you have only had it a few months and has 190k on the clock. Just curious as that is about the time I traded mine in and traded up. hahaha yeah i think i so, the dealer (chch european) said it was traded in on a later 325 motorsport in a similar colour. hope there's nothing wrong with it! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JaseNZ 53 Report post Posted June 1, 2010 hahaha yeah i think i so, the dealer (chch european) said it was traded in on a later 325 motorsport in a similar colour. hope there's nothing wrong with it! hahaha , yeah thats my old car, You got a bargin there as i spent alot of $$ on it, M3 cab's and melye outer ball joints, Retrofitted in the 18 button obc, new door seals, door cards up front but you will have to do the rears. New water pump and and hyd tensioner and ider bearings, new rotor's and pads all round. 3 series stainless door sills. The list goes on. Anything you want to know about it just give me a yell, Did most of the work on it myself Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark 178 Report post Posted June 1, 2010 ^^ Hehe ... more Bimmersport incest! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JaseNZ 53 Report post Posted June 1, 2010 ^^ . Passin on the love Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beeeamer 0 Report post Posted June 1, 2010 hahaha , yeah thats my old car, You got a bargin there as i spent alot of $$ on it, M3 cab's and melye outer ball joints, Retrofitted in the 18 button obc, new door seals, door cards up front but you will have to do the rears. New water pump and and hyd tensioner and ider bearings, new rotor's and pads all round. 3 series stainless door sills. The list goes on. Anything you want to know about it just give me a yell, Did most of the work on it myself haha cool. it was advertised on trademe thursday arvo and i bought it saturday morning, wanted it as soon as i saw it. probably a long shot, but don't suppose you still have the old orange corner lights/tail lights? i may be against the norm, but i think the orange lights look real good on this colour blue 3 series so looking to convert back at some point i think Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JaseNZ 53 Report post Posted June 1, 2010 (edited) haha cool. it was advertised on trademe thursday arvo and i bought it saturday morning, wanted it as soon as i saw it. probably a long shot, but don't suppose you still have the old orange corner lights/tail lights? i may be against the norm, but i think the orange lights look real good on this colour blue 3 series so looking to convert back at some point i think I have got the left hand side rear if you want it $30 (bloody cheap) , so you would just have to pickup a right hand side. Here is the build info in case you were interested, I also have the full car jam report on it if you want that as well. 243 AIRBAG FOR FRONT PASSENGER 246 STEERING COLUMN ADJUSTMENT MECHANICAL 277 LT/ALY WHEELS DOUBLE SPOKE STYLING 314 HEATED WINDSCREEN WASHER NOZZLES 337 M SPORTS PACKAGE 354 GREEN STRIPE WINDSCREEN 401 SLIDING/VENT ROOF, ELECTRIC 411 WINDOW LIFTS, ELECTRIC 423 FLOOR MATS, VELOUR 428 WARNING TRIANGLE 481 SPORT SEATS F DRIVER/FRONT PASSENGER 498 HEADRESTS IN REAR, MECHANIC. ADJUSTABLE 520 FOGLIGHTS 534 AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONING 542 CHECK CONTROL 556 EXTERIOR TEMPERATURE DISPLAY 686 DIVERSITY-FUNCTION AERIAL 687 RADIO PREPARATION 694 PREPARATION FOR CD CHANGER 704 M SPORT SUSPENSION 710 M LEATHER STEERING WHEEL 807 JAPAN VERSION 818 MAIN BATTERY SWITCH 925 SHIPPING PROTECTION PACKAGE 928 TYIRE CONTROL Edited June 1, 2010 by M-Spec Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JaseNZ 53 Report post Posted June 1, 2010 (edited) Jeff Gray where the guys who did the water pump and idlers and the fan was replaced as well as the water pump bearing went and threw the belt off and destroyed the fan blades. Was all covered under warranty. They would have done the coolant replace so i am sure they used what was correct. Edited June 1, 2010 by _Mark_ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beeeamer 0 Report post Posted June 1, 2010 sweet, thanks for all the info Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
