Foreign sports sedans really are expensive to maintain.
July 20, 2006 1:47 PM Subscribe
Ouch, I just got a quote for $895 on a brake job for a 2001 325i BMW. Previous thread indicates that this may be way out of line. The parts supposedly cost $500 alone. Is this right? Any experience bringing a BMW to a non-dealer?
They told me I need some sort of dustless pads and a couple of high performance things, along with new rotors.
This is in the Kansas City area, I've heard Morrie's auto is pretty good, but they tend to not be tidy (oil spots on the carpet, etc.) and I want to trade it in less than 6 months from now.
I've done brake jobs before (Jeep Grand Cherokee 95), is it possible to do it on the BMW without any special tools or computers (I tried fixing something on the engine before but it set off service lights I needed to take to the dealer to have them turn it off at the tune of $85, which I suppose isn't bad if I can do it for significantly less).
Sorry getting a little frusterated when I pay $1600 in less than two weeks and I walk into a dealership with a dozen plasma TVs, free drinks and a free detailing job everytime I go. I should put free in quotations. Just trying to make sure I'm not getting completely ripped off.
They told me I need some sort of dustless pads and a couple of high performance things, along with new rotors.
This is in the Kansas City area, I've heard Morrie's auto is pretty good, but they tend to not be tidy (oil spots on the carpet, etc.) and I want to trade it in less than 6 months from now.
I've done brake jobs before (Jeep Grand Cherokee 95), is it possible to do it on the BMW without any special tools or computers (I tried fixing something on the engine before but it set off service lights I needed to take to the dealer to have them turn it off at the tune of $85, which I suppose isn't bad if I can do it for significantly less).
Sorry getting a little frusterated when I pay $1600 in less than two weeks and I walk into a dealership with a dozen plasma TVs, free drinks and a free detailing job everytime I go. I should put free in quotations. Just trying to make sure I'm not getting completely ripped off.
Pads and rotors for the front and rear should come to a little over $300, according to these folks. Brake jobs are easy, especially with disk brakes. The rotors may give you a little grief, but it should take you less than 2 hours. Is your time worth $300 an hour?
I had my neighborhood mechanic do my Saab's brakes last week, around $295 for parts and $95 for labor. I would have done it myself, but at those rates why bother?
Take it to an Indy or do it yourself.
posted by Floydd at 2:05 PM on July 20, 2006
I had my neighborhood mechanic do my Saab's brakes last week, around $295 for parts and $95 for labor. I would have done it myself, but at those rates why bother?
Take it to an Indy or do it yourself.
posted by Floydd at 2:05 PM on July 20, 2006
In addition to Morries' it looks like Kenny Mitts @ German Imports Specialists 2015 Burlington N KC 64116 (816) 221-5656 is also recommended.
(Here and here)
posted by Floydd at 2:19 PM on July 20, 2006
(Here and here)
posted by Floydd at 2:19 PM on July 20, 2006
If you get service lights, there's a lot of places that will rent the service computers to you by the hour. The AutoZone near me will do it for free (just a deposit) if you promise to buy parts from them.
posted by SpecialK at 2:20 PM on July 20, 2006
posted by SpecialK at 2:20 PM on July 20, 2006
My partner has an older BMW, and we always take it to a non-BMW mechanic. He's fixed things which a BMW specialist had never been able to adequately fix.
I think the trick is to find a really good mechanic, and look for non-brand parts. You may also look for a BMW specialising wrecker, it's a great way to get good qualit parts for a lot less than new.
posted by tomble at 2:54 PM on July 20, 2006
I think the trick is to find a really good mechanic, and look for non-brand parts. You may also look for a BMW specialising wrecker, it's a great way to get good qualit parts for a lot less than new.
posted by tomble at 2:54 PM on July 20, 2006
Actual dealers are a rip-off because their labor charges are so high (unless you're still in warranty of course!). Look for an independent BMW certified mechanic in your area. Try one of the many BMW forums online, search the archives, or ask if nothing pops up in search. Alternatively, check out the recommendations for mechanics on Click and Clack's website.
posted by Joh at 6:31 PM on July 20, 2006
posted by Joh at 6:31 PM on July 20, 2006
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by doctor_negative at 2:02 PM on July 20, 2006