FCPEuro friendly shops in SoCal

capt_slow · 06-20-2021, 11:52 AM

Are there any indy shops in the LA/OC area that let you take home the old fluids?

I'd like to be able to use FCPEuro's lifetime replacement guarantee and ship back the old oil and fluids for credit. However, I'm not aware of any shops that will do that. The last indy shop I spoke with said they couldn't do this.

Disclaimer: I'm doing the math between investing in tooling for DIY maintenance work and taking it to a indy shop. Using the labor rates of my last indy shop ($100/hour) and DIY tooling cost of around $2000*, it will take about 7-8 years of regular maintenance to break even.

*$1500 for a set of QuickJacks, plus another $500 for other stuff.

kickthecan · 06-20-2021, 01:04 PM

Idk of any, but you don't necessarily need quick jacks

Simple low style racing Jack from harbor freight + 4 stands and a big set of mechanics tools should run you max of $500

You can also get ramps and handle it like that too

Just food for thought if you can't find a shop

capt_slow · 06-22-2021, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kickthecan

Idk of any, but you don't necessarily need quick jacks

Simple low style racing Jack from harbor freight + 4 stands and a big set of mechanics tools should run you max of $500

You can also get ramps and handle it like that too

Just food for thought if you can't find a shop

That's a good point. Also noticed the QuickJack is on sale at Costco for $1199, may run for less during Black Friday or if it shows up in the warehouse. A simple lift jack, stands, and BMW pad adapters would run about $350, not bad.

Joooser · 06-22-2021, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capt_slow

That's a good point. Also noticed the QuickJack is on sale at Costco for $1199, may run for less during Black Friday or if it shows up in the warehouse. A simple lift jack, stands, and BMW pad adapters would run about $350, not bad.

It's a great tool to have. Makes life easier working on cars

capt_slow · 06-22-2021, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joooser

It's a great tool to have. Makes life easier working on cars

I'm starting to think this as 50/50. There are some maintenance tasks that are a breeze, like oil changes and diff fluid changes. Those I can get away with DIY.

Then, there are some that sound like a b!t3h. The tranny fluid change and coolant change come to mind and I might just leave it to a indy shop for that.

Going back to my OP though, I still think it's an interesting question to look into regardless.

learntocode · 06-22-2021, 10:32 PM

Ask Cooper & Bimmer Experts at Irwindale, they might allow you to keep old fluids if you explain that it's for warranty exchange for FCPeuro.

Joooser · 06-29-2021, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capt_slow

I'm starting to think this as 50/50. There are some maintenance tasks that are a breeze, like oil changes and diff fluid changes. Those I can get away with DIY.

Then, there are some that sound like a b!t3h. The tranny fluid change and coolant change come to mind and I might just leave it to a indy shop for that.

Going back to my OP though, I still think it's an interesting question to look into regardless.

I'm not sure how far you're from Burbank but we have Mtech Autocare. Ej might save things but not sure as far as oil. Maybe if you brought one of those big oil jugs he may be able to help.

I took my car once to Racewerks for other work and they did save all the parts for me.

Jeef · 07-09-2021, 09:36 AM

dang. it's come down to this... lol.

Support your local shops! You aren't saving much on oil changes.

I prefer to have reputable shops change the oil. They can properly dispose of the filter and oil. You don't have to deal with the mess. The list goes on.

Gen13 F36 · 07-10-2021, 11:43 AM

Wow...man this is crazy. I understand you like or prefer a specific oil for your car. If your not going to change oil yourself then pay extra to shop so they collect used oil and give it back to you.

Most shop they won't do it because it's extra work for them to collect and repackage used oil for you. And by the way they get paid for recycling used oil.

capt_slow · 07-11-2021, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gen13 F36

Wow...man this is crazy. I understand you like or prefer a specific oil for your car. If your not going to change oil yourself then pay extra to shop so they collect used oil and give it back to you.

Most shop they won't do it because it's extra work for them to collect and repackage used oil for you. And by the way they get paid for recycling used oil.

As said in my OP, I'm running the numbers between DIY and taking it to a indy. Finding a shop that lets you take the old parts and fluids home is somewhere in between. If such a shop doesnt exist then it's simply not an option to consider.

I'll reach out to the guys at Cooper & Bimmer, thanks!

06-20-2021, 11:52 AM	#1
capt_slow Captain 556 Rep 906 Posts Drives: 2017 F31 328d Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1) Garage List 2015 VW Golf SportW ... [0.00] 2017 BMW 328d xDriv ... [10.00] 2020 BMW i3 Rex [0.00]	FCPEuro friendly shops in SoCal Are there any indy shops in the LA/OC area that let you take home the old fluids? I'd like to be able to use FCPEuro's lifetime replacement guarantee and ship back the old oil and fluids for credit. However, I'm not aware of any shops that will do that. The last indy shop I spoke with said they couldn't do this. Disclaimer: I'm doing the math between investing in tooling for DIY maintenance work and taking it to a indy shop. Using the labor rates of my last indy shop ($100/hour) and DIY tooling cost of around $2000, it will take about 7-8 years of regular maintenance to break even. $1500 for a set of QuickJacks, plus another $500 for other stuff. __________________ 2017 328d xDrive Sports Wagon: Estoril Blue, Black Sensatec, M-Sport Pkg 2020 i3 Rex: Capparis White, Giga World
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06-20-2021, 01:04 PM	#2
kickthecan Private First Class 46 Rep 145 Posts Drives: E46 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: United States iTrader: (1)	Idk of any, but you don't necessarily need quick jacks Simple low style racing Jack from harbor freight + 4 stands and a big set of mechanics tools should run you max of $500 You can also get ramps and handle it like that too Just food for thought if you can't find a shop
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06-22-2021, 10:32 PM	#6
learntocode Second Lieutenant 54 Rep 243 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: NA iTrader: (4)	Ask Cooper & Bimmer Experts at Irwindale, they might allow you to keep old fluids if you explain that it's for warranty exchange for FCPeuro.
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07-09-2021, 09:36 AM	#8
Jeef Lieutenant Colonel 388 Rep 1,945 Posts Drives: AW E92 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (6)	dang. it's come down to this... lol. Support your local shops! You aren't saving much on oil changes. I prefer to have reputable shops change the oil. They can properly dispose of the filter and oil. You don't have to deal with the mess. The list goes on.
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07-10-2021, 11:43 AM	#9
Gen13 F36 Brigadier General 1599 Rep 3,752 Posts Drives: 428i Gran Coupe Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (1)	Wow...man this is crazy. I understand you like or prefer a specific oil for your car. If your not going to change oil yourself then pay extra to shop so they collect used oil and give it back to you. Most shop they won't do it because it's extra work for them to collect and repackage used oil for you. And by the way they get paid for recycling used oil.
	Appreciate 0 Quote