Quote:
Originally Posted by crystalworks
Replying here as it makes more sense here.
By this reasoning none of us should be turning wrenches on a BMW, or any other car for that matter, as we are not trained auto technicians. Or working on our houses because we aren't contractors, or any other number of examples. A bit reductio-ad-absurdum admittedly. But to say that anecdotal evidence and personal experience of members should be disregarded (especially one as mechanically inclined as Andrew) is like saying we should all ignore our father's when he is trying to teach us something. Doesn't make sense.
As I said, BMW recommends replacement of suspension fasteners as well. But they routinely go unchanged during maintenance. If the stiffening/reinforcement/skid plate bolts/nuts were $1/ea I still doubt many would replace them due to inconvenience, just like the suspension fasteners. I'm sure the dealerships would stock and replace them if they were so cheap. Many more DIYers than do now (which is in low single digit % I'm sure) would replace, but most would just zip them back on and not think twice.
We all understand your position. BMW recommends replacing the bolts every time they are loosened. You've stated it, we accept that, or at least I do. You do as you see fit obviously. We disagree that they need to be replaced. We've stated it, along with our experiences.
If someone comes here asking about whether they need to be replaced or not, our responses would be wildly different. Yours would be: "BMW recommends replacing them." That should be the end of that as no one knows why BMW recommends that. Our responses would be, "BMW does recommend replacement, but not many here do, we don't see a reason to, and my/our experiences are..." There is no debate that needs to happen... and yet it does.  |
I will assume I didn't make myself clear so I'll try again--Neither of us was part of the BMW design team. Whether we defend new or reusing bolts we can offer nothing more than an opinion based on our experience. We don't know what we don't know. My post had nothing to do with DIYing which is always a good thing if for nothing more than a contribution to self esteem.
I am not questioning anyone's personal experience. I am clearly stating it should not be used as a definitive answer.
I don't see my responses as debating. I don't know what the right answer is. I respond to posts that defend not using the bolts using an invalid premise. That is completely different. I am not debating a point of view. I am challenging the basis for drawing the conclusion to reuse the bolts and telling someone, who is asking what to do, to reuse the bolts. IMO that is a disservice to that member.
When you post something that is a valid and a definitive basis for reusing the bolts I will thank thank thank you. I don't like paying the price for new bolts.