I'm with the OP on this. Many times you can buy the exact same part (like that calsonic compressor) for 1/4-1/2 of the BMW price. If you DIY, that's the way to go. But you have to educate yourself. There's plenty of cheap parts out there

Unfortunately, if you don't DIY, you have to live with the rules of the mechanic you go to. Markup on parts is often a big source of revenue for them. If they are busy, they are just not interest in a low margin job. I get that. They may also not want the expected arguments of what happens when the part you brought in fails. My Indy will except outside parts but with no warranty of any sort. Decided to spend the money on the BMW tools I needed (especially software) and Switch to 100% DIY. I only see the Indy now to install tires and alignment.

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David.X5
2001 X5 4.4i Sport
SOLD! at 160k miles