Major Service

[z168]

Well today I dropped off the X for service at my Indi in Glendale. Job detail is:

1. Front cover, VANOS seals, L and R valve cover gaskets
2. Valley Pan, intake gaskets, seals
3. Thrust arm bushing
4. serpentine belt
5. steam engine wash

That was an easy $1,700. But after this, as I am my own service adviser, I would have nothing pending

[BMWvoid]

Do you take your X5 to Avus?

[z168]

No, are they good?

[BMWvoid]

I have had service at both Avus in Glendale and Bimmers Clinic in Reseda. Both are major supporters of the BMW CCA Los Angeles Chapter and that's how I heard about them. I have been pleased with both services--both were high quality and trustworthy--but Avus was more convenient.

I have had my X5 for 4 years. I bought it at Center BMW. 80% of my service has been at Center. But, I have used Avus for some major items. For example, they completed my transmission service. I read all the discussions on this board regarding transmission service. The dealership would not do it. After a great discussion with the people at Avus, I did it at 64K. I am now at 82K.

It sounds like you have a good place. With so many BMW's and Mini's in LA, there are plenty of great independent shops. Both Avus and Bimmers Clinic are a better value than the dealership, but they are not cheap. For example, I had an Inspection 2 completed at Avus at or around 60K. They were priced the same as Center BMW. But, Center did not include changing a number of items, only inspecting them and changing if needed. Where as, Avus changed everything on the list.

If you have a good experience with your place, you can share it on this board. There is a discussion regarding independent shops.

[z168]

Good to know. I will look them up thanks
--

I just got a call from the shop. My oil separators and tensioner bearings are done. So thats another $400 to my total

[z168]

My total came to $2600. Now shes all done. Time to enjoy her again

time to work on the other pending list

[JonK]

What year and displacement are your X5?

I am looking for a mechanic who would do time chain cover gasket for my 2005 4.4 X5 without pulling out the engine.

[z168]

I have a 00 4.4

I spoke too soon. I now have thermostat and pre-cat O2 sensor code. I will need to get that done. but now the engine, radiator, tranny and diff are leak