'98 318ti owner needing suggestions

[coonbear]

Hello, everyone. I have a '98 318ti for about two years now and I need your suggestions on what to look out for in terms of possible parts that will need replacement within the coming year and such. The car currently has about 68,000 miles on it. I have to admit -- I don't know much about cars, but I do take good care of my ti such as prompt oil changes and services. I already got the belts, water pump and battery changed about two weeks ago. Now I have more serious problems and they are busted ABS sensors, airbag sensors and seat sensors. The dealership has already given me a quote and I just need to know how much more parts replacement should I be expecting. I love the car, but I am also going back to school. I will really appreciate anyone of you giving me genuine advice and suggestions. Thanks much in advance. =)

[ddiorio1313]

Are you crazy?! Unless your car is certified or under warranty the dealer is going to charge you an arm and a leg...I had a stupid battery replaced in my car at the dealer...it was $250.00! I thought it was the alternator, and my car was under warranty then, but it wasn't so the dealer just replaced the battery without asking me, and then slapped me with a bill! Oh yah the battery isn't covered under the certified warranty. Find yourself a good local mechanic that only works on imports...make sure their shop is clean and they can speak decent english so you can convey your problems...I used to live in Fremont , CA about half an hour from San Fran. I used to take my car to 2 guys named Mike and Devon. They are in Fremont right off the main blvd, can't remember the street name. I think their company name was Auto Import Specialist.... Give it a shot.

[coonbear]

I am actually very frustrated right now with the problems and the dealer has my car. The dealer has quoted $1500 for the ABS sensors and $550 each for the mat sensors and seatbelt buckles. Can other mechanics work on these sort of problems or does it have to be done at the dealer? What are problems should I be expecting? Much thanks for the recommendation. I will check it out after I pay for the diagnostic charges.

[ddiorio1313]

Make sure your mechaninc is certifeied....Most of your good mechanincs will have the same certification that your dealer mechanic has. Infact alot of your local mechanincs got their start at a dealer and moved on up to owning their own business. I know that San Fran is expensive as hell to live there, but here a dealer charges anywhere from 75-100 dollars an hour, the mechanic I got charges a low 45.00 dollars an hour big difference when you are having 2 - 8 hour days of work done! There are alot of really educated guys on this sight, so I am sure you will be able to find out some info on other things that are getting ready to go bad...Good Luck

[coonbear]

Thank you very much for the advice. I just found a certified mechanic in San Mateo. Hopefully, he can also tell me what sorts of parts replacement and repair to expect in the coming years.