[ciaka]

Just wondering. Been fixing German cars for some time. I wonder if folks on here can chime in, about what types of repairs are easy or which h are definitely shop items, and why. Just got an x3 and want to be prepared.

BTW, where can I get a good service manual for my 2017 x3 rwd? Hoping there are free places. Thanks.

[pungo]

It really depends on your skill level and without knowing it, I can't advise what types of work it would need to go in the shop for. Typical maintenance should be easy for a home mechanic comfortable with wrenching cars. Personally, I've never taken a vehicle to a shop for any work except wheel alignment and tire changes due to not owning the equipment required, though I've rebuilt engines and transmissions, so it really comes down to your skill set on what you can handle.

There's a TIS ISO shop manual floating around.

[383vett]

With all the Youtube videos out there, a person with tools and some mechanical know how can tackle a good number of mechanical tasks. Solving electrical problems could be more difficult.

[ciaka]

That's what I am trying to locate, a good service manual. Been browsing online for a while, but can't seem to find one.
Also don't k ow which are good. Looking for factory service manual if possible.

I have been working on my cars for a while. Have cayenne turbo and panamera turbo, among some others.
Took one to shop, mechanic bludgeoned it, so I decided to learn. Over years I have done pretty much everything short of complete engine replace.

So if anyone can point to good manual it would be great. Next after that will be a good diagnostic solution. Not sure what factory uses or if it's for sale, but looking for good complete disks that allows pd of issues and fault scans too and clearing.

Greatly appreciate assistance. Feel free to pm if needed. Raje care.

Originally Posted by pungo

It really depends on your skill level and without knowing it, I can't advise what types of work it would need to go in the shop for. Typical maintenance should be easy for a home mechanic comfortable with wrenching cars. Personally, I've never taken a vehicle to a shop for any work except wheel alignment and tire changes due to not owning the equipment required, though I've rebuilt engines and transmissions, so it really comes down to your skill set on what you can handle.

There's a TIS ISO shop manual floating around.

[Wgosma]

BMW offers paid access their Technical Information system (TIS), it's pricey but is the online service and repair tool BMW technicians use- Google search it.

There is a bootleg site with same info as above, it was shut down by BMW legal action not long ago. Some say it is possible to register and access the site, periodically; it is apparently still operational/accessible if one is registered. Free site, no fee - newTIS.info.

[pungo]

Sounds like with your experience, you should be able to tackle all the common repair and maintenance work. Get an OBD Ethernet cable and install ista+ on a laptop and you'll have the proper diagnostics software and service manuals.

ISTA+

[poleary115]

Youtube videos are good, for basic repairs. Not a lot out there the newer your car is. There can be a lot of special tools depending on job you are doing.

[tom2021]

I would do oil change only.