Ard - for some reason you have decided that I am one of those "3rd or 4th wave". Not quite sure where you think you're getting that information. My first BMW was a 1984 E24 633csi that I... wait for it... purchased new. As a matter of fact I ordered it and picked it up at the dealership less than 7 days after it arrived to the US from Germany. Owned it until 2013 and sold it with 145k miles. After the warranty ended I did all my own wrenching and have been wrenching (professionally for a time too) initially in 1976 and still do to this day.
Purchased a couple of E30's over the years, but my next NEW BMW was a 1997 E38 740iL that I traded in for a... here we go again... ordered 2001 E38 740iSport again taking delivery within 7 days of it arriving in the states. Unfortunately, I sold it in 2009, replaced with a 2008 E65 I bought new in late 2008. But I missed my E38 so much I purchased a used 01 Sport that was a near clone to the one I sold, but with less miles.
Last year I did purchase a 1 owner E70 used and again do all my own wrenching. The bearing on the compressor was a much less expensive and, in the long run, better resolution than to replace the entire compressor. But I did appreciate your insight in my dilemma with that damn race and broken bolt.
Currently I own an additional 3 E36 compacts that I bought used and have refreshed two of the three that my two sons in college now drive. The third is on jacks in my garage next to my E38 getting some much needed restoration. Either that one or one of the other two will end up getting an S62 swap and be a fun little go cart for the track.
The E38 is also getting some much deserved rest. Redid the timing chains in 2016. Fresh paint last year and some new mods this year (NBT retrofit for one) and will remain a garage queen.
I did not mean to offend you with my last statement on posts, that was done more in jest than malice. Hence, the use of the
. If you took real offense to that, I do apologize. However, my knowledge of Kaput and his history with BMW's is solely the reason I replied. The guy does know his stuff as you appear to also. That doesn't mean I am just going to blindly agree with either of you or keep from expressing my opinion from my experience and knowledge. Yes, book smarts are there but so is experience as a "real" mechanic. Additionally, I have zero issue getting along with other mechanics, shade tree mechanics, or simply hobbyists.
Hope you can take this as intended, an olive branch and we can move forward. If you want to continue with personal attacks, please, by all means, give it your best shot. You'll find me not willing to be an internet tough guy. I have had disagreements with Kaput on things over the years as I have with you too, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the sharing of knowledge.
Hope you have a better day tomorrow.