[ny325]

Got into my car this morning, and started it up. My entire car started shaking abruptly, and my SES light came on. I was like WTF? Couldn't drive more than 40mph, and my rpms didn't move much. I thought I was in the hole for some big $$$$. I took it to my Indy shop who are all former BWW technicians. The owner was a former shop foreman, and now owns his own shop. He diagnosed a engine coil gone bad. It was fixed, and off I went with a bill of $160.00. Car runs great again. He recommended changing my vanos, and thermostat. Thank god for these guys. It really pays to know of a Indy shop that does great work. Thank you. I'm sure the stealership would've said I need a lot more, than the engine coil.

[El Cheapo Loco]

Or you could have changed the coils for $30 apiece...

But in all seriousness, order new coils online and replace the rest before another one goes.

[Efthreeoh]

Depending upon the mileage, replacing all the other coils may be a good idea. However I'm not sure why your Indy recommended replacing the t-stat since it will not leave you stranded, and when failed will throw a SES light, so wait for it, if ever, to fail. BY VANOS he means replace the VANOS solenoids. There is ample evidence on this Forum that cleaning and swapping the solenoids is most times as effective as replacing them. But again, the solenoids with throw a SES light, which is the time you'd investigate either a clean and swap, or if necessary, replacement of one or both of the solenoid units. Preemptively changing parts on the N52 is mostly a waste of money. None of the parts your Indy recommended will leave you stranded in need of a tow.

My 2 cents.

[tlow98]

Yep, it's all relative. Sounds like you're happy and it was a painless process, which is the most important thing. The dealer would have wanted to replace all the coils and maybe the plugs...for about 6 bills. HA!

[Socket]

I wuv good news stories

[ny325]

True. My Indy did say it's not urgent to change the thermostat. or the vanos solenoids. He said my SES light will go on. It's then I could check both.

[tc535i]

Happed during my test drive. I knew what it was but played dumb and very concerned. Seller got a new coil, 6 new plugs, and dropped the price to under 15k

Pays to do your homework!

[rick100]

I got one coil gone bad. Dealer replaced it under warranty. I asked the service advisor how much would've been if I was out of warranty , she says 700 dollars

I told my indy shop and he laughed.

[NOITALL]

Originally Posted by rick100

I got one coil gone bad. Dealer replaced it under warranty. I asked the service advisor how much would've been if I was out of warranty , she says 700 dollars

I told my indy shop and he laughed.

I needed spark plugs once and went to the dealer to check (I buy some stuff at the dealer because sometimes it's worth it. I.e.: it's cheaper or the same price as outside, with bigger warranty and guarantee):
He gave me the plugs and wanted to grab my card. It was then that I asked: "how much is it?"
"210".
I gave him the finger and went to an auto parts store and got the same plugs sans the bmw logo for 12 bucks each 2-pack (so 36).

Lesson is: do your homework, shop around. But sometimes the dealer could be used.

[ny325]

Omg. One coil, and deaer wanted $700.00. What ripoffs.