01-13-2010, 02:21 PM
I don't know about this whole, "don't change the ATF, that might kill it" theory, but I think a normal pan drop and filter change would be the way to go, I can't imagine that would do anything other than help. DIY.
And yeah, you don't need to "flush" the coolant either. Just open up what you can, drain, fill, bleed. DIY.
I would hold off on the alignment until you figure out what condition the bushings are in. The front thrust bushings likely need replacement, but if everything else is wonky, and tie rods and steering box are worn out, alignment is irrelevant. Not to mention there's almost nothing to align on a BMW anyway, there's so few adjustments. You could check the toe yourself with tape measures and yardsticks, camber and caster are usually non-adjustable without eccentric bushings. Shops must love aligning BMWs. "Ok, it's all wrong, we set the front toe, we can't fix anything else, that'll be $79.99"
I have nothing else to add other than to ask how this thread got out of order? :dunno:
And yeah, you don't need to "flush" the coolant either. Just open up what you can, drain, fill, bleed. DIY.
I would hold off on the alignment until you figure out what condition the bushings are in. The front thrust bushings likely need replacement, but if everything else is wonky, and tie rods and steering box are worn out, alignment is irrelevant. Not to mention there's almost nothing to align on a BMW anyway, there's so few adjustments. You could check the toe yourself with tape measures and yardsticks, camber and caster are usually non-adjustable without eccentric bushings. Shops must love aligning BMWs. "Ok, it's all wrong, we set the front toe, we can't fix anything else, that'll be $79.99"
I have nothing else to add other than to ask how this thread got out of order? :dunno:
The only thing that stops a bad guy with a van is a good guy with a van