Service Inspection

[bonoz]

hey guys,
i just joined the forums because i wanted to ask you all a question.. or more.
I recently bought a 1998 328i sedan automatic (was looking for manual, but couldny find one in my price range). So i wanted to just get an inspection done on my car, like checking oil, engine fluids and coolant and all that. Now should i take it to the dealer and give them my entire wallet or goto like sears auto center and have them do it.

Now, i have 2 problems that i want to get fix with the car. 1) the interior car sterio and Clock display illumination was very very dim, even at night you have to really stare at it and see. 2) Air conditioner when turned on, fluctuates for a few minutes when the car starts off (i.e. air starts coming, goes out for few moments, then comes back..), well any ways there is a problem with my AC that i want to get fixed.
SHOULD i goto the dealer for this problem or have the sears guy have a look at it.

and my last question: When you goto the dealer for an inspection check on the car, do they just find out all the problems with the car and inform you, or do they actually fix the problems, or what??

im sorry im only 17 and i am still in the process of learning all this.

thanks

 

[Tom]

Welcome aboard, you don't have to take your car to a dealer for inspection. Look in the YellowPages for a local BMW or German repair place. Most of these shops can do the maintenance and repair for the fraction of the dealer prices.

 

[Chesty Bonds]

They'll survey the car and tell you what needs attention for a small fee but they won't fix them unless you ask (and pay) them to fix it! Bit of a bummer really.

Welcome to the board.

 

[codex57]

There might be a dimmer switch. Just scroll the wheel one way and it should get brighter unless something's wrong with ALL the led's. Check the left side of the dash. I don't know that model car that well, but it's usually there on most cars.

 

[bonoz]

Thanks for all the welcome.

Yes there is a dimmer switch on the left of my dashboard, and it does work. But it does nothing to the stereo lights and the clock light. Other dashboard lights work really fine, but its just those 2 lights that don't and the dimmer wont have any effect on them.

.....
...... is it beamer or bimmer?

 

[///M SPEED]

Welcome aboard!

Beamer = Motorcycle

Bimmer = Car

 

[bonoz]

Thanks.

does anyone have any idea how much it would cost me to get my AC and my interior dimmed lights fixxed at the bmw dealership?