Mechanic Dilema/Need Advice

[jmweb]

I've been having this mechanic dilema recently.

My fathers worked on our family cars for as long as I can remember, but im younger then most local BMW drivers/most BMW drivers so my memory is short. Hes apparently done some pretty impossible things that registered local mechanics were amazed he could do. So I've never had a problem letting him fix any of my vehicles. Heck, hes cheap too.

But that was before I owned my first BMW. I've been hesitant to let him touch it, its all been basic simple things such as the frozen window problem where the window comes off the track. That was my first problem with the X5. He fixed that in an hour, and was the first BMW he touched.

The angel eyes instructions were completely wrong and he figured it all out from scratch in 3-4 hours, at first I wouldn't let him not follow the instructions as I wanted to go by the instructions that were for another vehicle which obviously wouldnt work.

He's worked on a lot of electrical/sound things so doing electrical stuff he's good with.

But, its a BMW. The local mechanic charges $60 an hour, which I am fine with, but takes for ever and a day to get me in. Plus their customer service ain't so hot. i.e. They said I needed a part and they'll have it in a week and call me. A week and a half later, they didn't have it and they didn't call. They called their supplier and the mechanic said it'd be another week and $130.

Typically one of the newer mechanic's work on mine anyway and not the apparently "BMW Certified" guy, though theres no certifications for BMW listed on their certification wall.

None the less, the mechanic that owns the shop is known to work on higher end cars around here. Theres always a BMW, Mbenz, Jag, in his lot.

My dad got me the same part for $60 cheaper, next business day. He knows the owner at the local parts store.

Now, I got a problem with my altenator. My father connected the voltage reader to see what the problem was. i.e. is the battery just not holding its charge, or is it at full charge, or something else. Ran some tests, i.e. start the car to see powermeter level. He determined there was something wrong with a section of the altenator OR the belt and wanted to take a part off the BMW so he could easily see the altenator. But I had a lunch meeting.

I got an appointment at the local garage (That was suggested for BMW's as we dont have a dealer) for Tuesday.

So, should I let my mechaniclly inclined father to work on it or wait for my appointment?

[xnsf]

have your father take a look

and have a look at these:
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...ease-help.html
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...ement-diy.html

[statdoc]

So far, I fail to see a reason to avoid having your dad do the work. You are not under warranty, right? You say he does a good job, is cheap, and you can trust him. Where is the problem?

[jayjay_dee]

Originally Posted by statdoc

So far, I fail to see a reason to avoid having your dad do the work. You are not under warranty, right? You say he does a good job, is cheap, and you can trust him. Where is the problem?

[jmweb]

It's a BMW?

Special mechanic only type a car?

[Kris@modmynav]

Originally Posted by jmweb

It's a BMW?

Special mechanic only type a car?

It's a BMW, but still a car.

I'm not a mechanic, and pretty sure I don't have long enough experiences as your father does.
but I try to fix my things by myself even I'm still under warranty.

I don't see a reason that you are getting afraid of your father's touch/work.

[jmweb]

haha, cuz its a BMW

But, I'll cancel the appointment with the mechanic.

[iop9000]

If i were you, i will spend some quality time / watch your dad fix it and pro'lly learn a thing or two.

[x5pdx]

IF I was your dad, I'd slap you on the back side of your head and tell you to watch and you might learn something. Give the man some respect!!! It's only a BMW!!! It's still a car!!! And most importantly... he's still your dad.

[ca911]

let your dad try and fix it, if he can't, take it to the mechanic!