E36 common faults, complaint about dealer, and great shop in Northern NJ

[dmax <dmax@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On the coils for the E36.  I've replaced three, each at a different
time, and each under warranty from the dealer where I bought this car.
Symptom for me, one cylinder wasn't firing--hardly noticed loss of
power.

Just yesterday I learned that there had been a service bulletin about
the coils, indicating that they should all be replaced at the same time,
but the dealer seemed to miss that notice..

Where did I learn this?  From a great shop in NJ where I went on
recommendations from another list member and another friend--
http://www.motorworkswest.com

My dealer identified that I needed shocks, ball joints and bushing for
my '92 325i...for just under a $1,000.  Motorworkswest did that part for
around $600 and also found I had cracked belts (dealer (morristown bmw)
put in new radiator and missed those a year ago),  cracked guibo,
leaking spark plug gasket (dealer replaced a year ago), and most
frightening, my parking brake cable had worn a spot 1/8th deep into my
gas tank because of the bad angle of a bracket.  That damn dealer had
been the only to ever look at my car for the last 8 years and no one
ever noticed?

If other dealers are the same, only viewing their responsibility as
giving the customer what he or she asks for and not finding and pointing
out real problems, then those relying on dealer maintenance are, in my
mind, risking a lot.  If you haven't done so, you might find a similar
quality independent bmw specialist near you--not only will you get
better prices, but you'll likely get a reliable appraisal of your car.
Dealers evidently are appraised by that satisfaction form...as if that
speaks to the mechanical integrity of your car!

Sorry, had to get that out of me.  (If you're anywhere near the north
half of NJ, it's worth the trip to Wycoff--tell David I sent you! I
have, btw, no affiliation or profit motive in my ringing endorsement of
these guys).

Cordially,

Doug
'92 325i--now, finally, correct!

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