Is there a list somewhere on this forum of recommended mechanics for the E39? Specifically I'm looking for mechanics in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, nearer the Fort Worth side. Prefer someone who knows the 5HP19 transmission. Thanks!
Any luck? I know your post is old, but I need a good BMW mechanic in Fort Worth. Have you found anyone you can recommend?
I finally got my 2003 BMW 530iA M-Sport a few months ago. I took it to Euro Car Tech in Arlington TX.
They did good work BUT they are damned expensive, they do not know the M54 engine or the E39. The guy at the front desk admits he does not know cars (let that sink in for a minute).
I'm discovering that some BMW/import shops don't work on older models such as ours. Although BIMRS.org is mostly useless for locating service outside of major cities, it identifies 3 shops in DFW area.
I see the three. I'm not familiar with Autoscope. Ultimate Bimmer and Lonestar have excellent reputations, but neither of them are close to me.
There are some small shops in the area that specialize in older Bimmers, but unfortunately it is hit-or-miss as to how reliable they are.
Thank you for the leads and for the link to the site that I didn't know about.
Few shops have a transmission expert and most will subcontract that sort of work, perhaps performing the R&R themselves.
The 5hp has been around a long time and is pretty robust with a few common "issues", often in the valve body, repairable in situ. Another common one is a drum which requires complete dismantlement.
Depending on your ability/willingness to DIY there is lots of info available on repairing them. Otherwise find a transmission expert(avoid chain shops)familiar with that model trans.
Last edited by ross1; 07-01-2022 at 09:40 AM.
If you can leave two black stripes from the exit of one corner to the braking zone of the next, you have enough horsepower. - Mark Donohue
Yep, back at a shop I used to work at, we had an old guy named Gary who was a certified transmission wizard that knows all the transmissions that BMW uses. He was our shop mechanic. Great guy. But You’re correct, not every shop has a transmission specialist. Out here in Northern Virginia, out in Sterling, there is a great transmission shop called Champion Transmission. Fellow named Pedro Bessera runs it, the guy is a transmission whisperer, learned the trade through his father, and has passed it on to his son. Great people, very trustworthy, and properly principled. He helped me out big time with my old V10 Dodge 3500 a few years back. But he also knows all the transmissions on all the Euro cars. They’re out there, just have to sort them out, in my case, a good friend recommended him.
Set the controls for the heart of the sun
Well, This week I made an appointment with Lone Star BMW. The guy that answered the phone not only understood and could discuss the issues with my car, but he told me he drives an E39 himself!
Unfortunately, times being what they are, their closest appointment is two weeks from now. I'll report back how it goes.
My only add - La Jolla Independent for anyone in the San Diego area. They have been excellent - he has an e38 of his own, and e39 M5 customer cars. He has been beyond nice, and helpful with my Daughter.
Since this is turning into an anywhere thread, thought I'd ask about a recommendation in the Sacramento/Roseville area. The shop I would use the rare times I needed one closed in Rocklin (retired) last year . Very helpful guy. Found one online w/good "online" recommends was a place up in Auburn called RyanG but have never used them.
DFW update / July 2022 BMWCCA - Mike Miller in Tech recommends Lone Star Bavarian / Trent Cole
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