[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by admranger

I count up about $86 not including tools. Not having someone strip your oil pan bolt: Priceless.

Caveat: I have a ton of tools from when I raced. Did all my own work including pulling motors, etc. If it's not fun or provides you with a sense of satisfaction, don't do it.

Having a quality set of jack stands and a good floor jack go a long way to getting a ton of stuff done on the car. I prefer the Esco 3-ton jack stands. I do use a harbor freight (hazard fraught) all steel jack at home (oversized by at least a ton), so you can get a somewhat cheaper jack.

Thanks. I totally understand the sense of reward with any DIY project that has gone well and has been completed successfully. Unfortunately, my skills and patience isn't it what it used to be. Nor do I have the tools anymore. I'm telling you, I find a way to drop and lose bolts.

I have a trusted performance shop that only works on BMWs. They've done all my upgrades and all my service. Pretty much any non warranty work. Their prices are the same as the dealer, but I just them more than myself.