BMW repairs

kimlangley7 · 12-31-2013, 09:05 AM

I recently had my 99 BMW M3 repaired at a local shop here in reston, VA. Task was replace defective front wheel bearing. The shop hit me up for $259 in parts [front wheel bearing/hub assy] and $440 in labor.

Normally I would do it myself - but weather was in the mid 30s, day after Christmas - and I just wanted it done. Now - I'm "reflecting"..

Pelican sells the part for $125 > local parts store for $163 >> so is a $100 mark-up industry standard??

and the task itself > remove wheel - remove brake system > remove axle nut - pull old hub out install new hub.. torque to specs.. > it's not over the top difficult..

what say ye? did I buy 2 gallons of hallogen fluid fromn this shop??? >> I do know they won't see me again..

VaSteve · 12-31-2013, 09:11 AM

They might have bought the BMW part in the BMW package so they can offer the warranty. I had a half shaft replaced on my E46 AWD and I was told the that the aftermarket parts were junk by the shop I use and trust when it's too cold to do it myself.

Jim Richards · 12-31-2013, 09:12 AM

Hey Kim, which shop assaulted your wallet? PM if you prefer .

Dan J · 12-31-2013, 09:31 AM

BMW list for the part is 276.43 Alldata lists 1.2 hrs for labor
Did the also align it?

kimlangley7 · 12-31-2013, 09:35 AM

Dan:

Yes they did a 4 wheel alignment > $190 for that >> All total it was $888 for front wheel bearing and the alignment... > they offered to replace my valve cover and Oil stand gasget for something like $600 labor > no thanks

GG Allin · GG Allin's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimlangley7

I recently had my 99 BMW M3 repaired at a local shop here in reston, VA. Task was replace defective front wheel bearing. The shop hit me up for $259 in parts [front wheel bearing/hub assy] and $440 in labor.

Normally I would do it myself - but weather was in the mid 30s, day after Christmas - and I just wanted it done. Now - I'm "reflecting"..

Pelican sells the part for $125 > local parts store for $163 >> so is a $100 mark-up industry standard??

and the task itself > remove wheel - remove brake system > remove axle nut - pull old hub out install new hub.. torque to specs.. > it's not over the top difficult..

what say ye? did I buy 2 gallons of hallogen fluid fromn this shop??? >> I do know they won't see me again..

When I did my front wheel bearings I had the benefit of a Harbor Freight press and new spindles. Another vender had the spindles for $35 each. That was a no brainer. No need to separate the old ones.

Given the tools and a lift I could do a front bearing in under an hour. Your labor seems out of line. Coincidentally My '98 needs a front left bearing right now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimlangley7

Dan:

Yes they did a 4 wheel alignment > $190 for that >> All total it was $888 for front wheel bearing and the alignment... > they offered to replace my valve cover and Oil stand gasget for something like $600 labor > no thanks

The valve cover bolt grommets are what usually leak. Those and a new gasket are simple to replace. $600 is insane.

kimlangley7 · 12-31-2013, 10:04 AM

one of the things is>> the M3 front wheel bearing is a bearing/hub assembly > you swap out the entire hub > so no/minimum "voodo-magic" of removing the inner bearing then the outer race > and driving in the new race with the bearing/race tool... > like on the 911 SC > where you need to freeze parts so they shrink.. make the fit > you pull off the M3 hub > not that hard...

yeah . I think I bought some "hallogen fluid".. oh well > live and learn... this event did prompt me to buy a 3/4 inch torque wrench [good to 300 ft/lbs]> so I can do the job myself next time...