NCT failure shopping list

delly

Hi folks, I've had that sinking feeling that goes along with not getting a shiny new NCT disk. Car is an BMW E46 318Ci, and has only racked up 500 miles since last years NCT, but I think these are a 'sooner or later' type failure.



Now I won't be doing the repairs myself, hence not posting in the DIY sub forum, but I do have the option or sourcing the parts myself, as my indy is happy to just do the labour. So if you could entertain me to see if I have the right parts, I would greatly appreciate it.

First up is the steering linkage, which from what I know(little), maybe a tie rod replacement as it defines a side. I'm thinking to replace both while at it, but aware that this is most 'unknown' of the three issues.
https://www.micksgarage.com/d/tie-rod-ends/BMW/BMW-3-Series/3-Series-Coupe-1999-to-2005/318-Ci-118-1895/products/122594-3999-11400/quinton-hazell-tie-rod-end
https://www.micksgarage.com/d/tie-rod-ends/BMW/BMW-3-Series/3-Series-Coupe-1999-to-2005/318-Ci-118-1895/products/122590-3999-11400/quinton-hazell-tie-rod-end

Next is the wishbone bushes. The fail sheet says rear, inner. The part says rear, lower. I'm assuming these are the same parts?
https://www.micksgarage.com/d/wishbone-bushes/BMW/BMW-3-Series/3-Series-Coupe-1999-to-2005/318-Ci-118-1895/products/132866-3999-11400/quinton-hazell-wishbone-bushing
https://www.micksgarage.com/d/wishbone-bushes/BMW/BMW-3-Series/3-Series-Coupe-1999-to-2005/318-Ci-118-1895/products/132870-3999-1140/quinton-hazell-wishbone-bushing

Last is the anti roll bar bushes and links, which from what I can see, fit both sides.
x2 https://www.micksgarage.com/d/anti-roll-bar-bushes/BMW/BMW-3-Series/3-Series-Coupe-1999-to-2005/318-Ci-118-1895/products/3086142-3999-11400/quinton-hazell-anti-roll-bar-bushing
x2 https://www.micksgarage.com/d/anti-roll-bar-drop-links/BMW/BMW-3-Series/3-Series-Coupe-1999-to-2005/318-Ci-118-1895/products/126161-3999-11400/quinton-hazell-anti-roll-bar-drop-link

So all in all, it seems like my front end has had a very good going over. Parts total €160 odd, presuming I have the right ones. Of course with this type of thing, am I a bit mad even trying to source myself, should I let the indy work away and source his own bits?

delly

I can only take no comments so far as a good thing :pac:. I'm going to try and get next day delivery, so if I'm being obviously stupid with something, feel free to point it out before I push the button.

zilog_jones

I wouldn't order parts unless I was sure what needed replacing, especially as some aren't obvious. You'd be better off just getting the mechanic to physically inspect the car and order what's needed, as those kinds of parts should be easy to identify if they're on the way out.

Mick's Garage are not the most reliable either, many issues with receiving incorrect parts. I generally don't see the point in ordering parts yourself unless it's something particularly unusual, you want a particular manufacturer, etc.

delly

Just as a followup to this, turns out I missed the order deadline, so just left it with my mechanic. He agreed that the steering linkage was the one to watch for and unfortunately after he stripped it down, said that it was the steering column which was the issue. He didn't want a cent from me for his time on it, so that softened the blow, but I still passed him a few quid, sound fella.

So it's been a true bangeronomics car for me, purchased in 2012 for €1,800 and has served me well, but will now be retired. Time to start trawling the bangeronomics thread for a replacement.

jmreire

For stuff like engine oils and filter's, I would go online to pick up the best, quality and price wise, but for a list like your's, I would prefer to have all the part's in my hand, and take them to the local factor's. That way, you can match them to their replacement's, and be sure that they will fit. As you have discovered, there is a side benefit to doing it this way too. You find exactly what is needed, instead of an NCT list ( which it has to be said, is normally on the ball) .