BMW: BMW USA lack of Service (Rant)

In article <com>,
Dave <com> wrote: 
 

Since M-B have seriously reduced the quality of materials used in their
recent models, I'd guess things like service for 20 year old cars will
follow shortly.

IMHO, such things are better handled by owners clubs and specialists
anyway. Few with a car this age will pay modern prices.

--
*The colder the X-ray table, the more of your body is required on it *

Dave Plowman co.uk London SW 12
RIP Acorn

On Thu, 28 Aug 2003 23:16:56 -0600, "Dave" <com> wrote:
 

That *might* help someone down the road in a couple of decades, but it's
unlikely to prove palliative to you.

I'd suggest trolling ebay for a shop manual...

"Dave" <com> wrote in message news:<com>... 
Unfortunately, Bentley Publishing, the maker of arguably the best
paper repair manuals for BMW, does not make one for the E23. However,
they do have a discussion forum that can be very helpful, see here:

http://tech.bentleypublishers.com/forum.jspa?forumID=61&start=0

For your car, your best bet is to contact one of the following sites
to see who may have factory "blue books" manuals avaiable:

Brett Anderson (www.koalamotorsport):
http://www.koalamotorsport.com/mall/descriptions/describebluebook.htm

Steve D'Gerolamo (www.ultimategarage.com):
http://www.ultimategarage.com/pubs.html

BMW's Mobile Traditions unit, does put out a parts CD that has parts
and diagram info for your car and at about $50, would also be very
helpful, see here:
http://www.koalamotorsport.com/mall/etk.asp

> ESPECIALLY in Germany, they think it is crazy to own, never mind care 

After having lived in Germany for 3+ years, I can understand not owning an
older car. Rust eats cars like crazy over there. My late 60's 1800ti turned
out to have cancer thoughout the body & frame after I bought it from some
unscrupulous G.I.

Many other cars of all makes, M.B. included, suffered similarly.

"Dave" <com> wrote in message news:<com>... 
Dave,

I understand your point of view. Part of the problem lies in the
vehicle you purchased - a 7 series model. 7 series owners are less
likely to be the "do it yourself" type, and the 7 series is the lowest
production model of the 3, 5, and 7 series. That being said, it is
understandable why there is less support for the 7 series in the
service manual arena as well as the aftermarket segment. I own a 1991
750iL myself and do some of my own work, but for many things I must
take it to a mechanic. There is no local mechanic who seems to know a
7 series well, so I take my car to the dealership. Interestingly
enough, the local dealer seems to have no problem with working on the
older cars. Part of that is because the newer cars are all under
warranty, and the reimbursement rate for warranty repair is less than
the labor and part prices that a customer paying for their own repairs
will pay.

I wish you the best of luck getting a manual. Check Haynes, I think
they might have a manual covering the E23 7-series.

--Todd