A build plan that starts with one real job

A list of modifications can grow much faster than the time and money available for them. Start with one change you can explain clearly: what problem does it solve, and what would count as a good result?

Start with the actual vehicle

Add your car with its year, platform and engine details. A BMW 318i badge alone does not establish which parts or instructions apply. In your vehicle workspace, attach the checklist below to the correct car before you open its build planner.

Give the idea a place in the plan

Create a build with a clear name, direction and total budget. Add the first modification with its expected cost, priority and stage. Keep an estimate separate from money already spent. Delivery, tools, workshop time and supporting work may change the total.

Use the notes to record what still needs confirmation. “Check the exact part number before ordering” is more useful than treating an attractive listing as proof of compatibility. A planned or ordered item is not an installed item.

Choose the next action

Decide whether the next step is checking a source, finding a suitable workspace or arranging professional help. Use the vehicle’s parts and guides views when they apply. After the real work, update the status and retain the relevant evidence.

Save your starting checklist in CapCar. Then open the build planner from the saved checklist. You can return to it from Journal checklists on your vehicle page.

Add the costs that do not come in the box

An illustrative planning example: a part at €80, delivery at €10, tools at €25 and a €15 contingency make a €130 allowance. These are invented budget figures, not quotes or researched prices. Workshop labour would be extra. Replace every estimate with your actual offer before deciding.

Keep the estimate until the work is finished, then record what you actually spent. If a supporting repair becomes necessary, add it as its own task instead of hiding it in the part price.

See the project-car planner for the budget and progress workflow.