Re: -MISC- re:DIY versus Professional Work

["Ron Buchalski" <rbuchals@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Chris writes:

>From: Christopher Pawlowicz <chrisp@domain.elided>
>To: rbuchals@domain.elided
>CC: bmw@domain.elided
>Subject: <MISC> re:DIY versus Professional Work
>Date: Mon, 19 Apr 1999 15:36:20 -0400
>
>Ron Buchalski sez
>>Frequently, there are comments and questions posted to this list 
>>similar to:
>>
>>"I'm getting ready to change the oil in my car, and the instructions 
>>state that the oil should be changed at operating temperature.  How 
do 
>>you guys change your oil when it's hot?"
>>
>>Seriously, folks, it's great to be able to DIY, but if you're a 
novice 
>>to car repairs, you'd be better off taking your car to a 
professional 
>
>ummm... so how exactly do you get to the point where you are *not*
>a novice ?
>

[snip]

Maybe it's a personal thing for me, but I can't imagine taking on the 
major task of replacing the suspension, or doing a brake job or some 
other major repair, if a) I had never done it before, b) had nobody 
with experience to rely on for assistance if I got stuck, and c) was 
going to take this car on public roads or, better yet, a driving 
school.  My personal safety would outweigh my need to learn a 
procedure.

Prior to replacing the suspension on my E30 318i (which I did by 
myself), I read and re-read Bentley's until I knew it in my sleep; 
read a Motor Trend article on E30 suspension upgrades (circa 1989); 
attended several DIY tech sessions and watched people do suspension 
work, and asked questions to mechanics.  I didn't take on the task 
until I felt that was prepared for it.