Re: e36 strut replacement

["Al Floer" <cybercord@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Your mech is on drugs....  There are several options here.  There will also
be some more comments after my post, and I hope they match mine or give
better information:

So here goes:  $195 each is a rip off.   Bilstiens each from BMP (bmpd.com)
are only 134 plus shipping each for heavy duty or sports.  Touring are
around $80 each.  As for $300 labor... Find another mech, or negotiate  a
better price like $200 total for labor.  It's quoted at 1.25 hrs per side
for shocks.  So its sounds like he is quoting around 100/hr.  (Ouch)  Here
in Atlanta the rate is around $70 per hours (non dealer).

Replace both sides and the shock mounts.  Never do just one side on things
like this.  The car deserves and you more.  Do not sacrifice your ride.
Don't be penny foolish, so it right.

Price for alignment is ok, if done right.  Total price for the front work on
my 96 E36 was 250 for shocks (Bilstiens HD) and 200 for labor.  I also
replace the shock mounts.

You will need spring compressors, but nothing else out of the ordinary.

Good luck, and let us know what you come up with.

Al F.
'00 M Roadster
'96 E36
'88 E24
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <bdup@domain.elided>
To: <bmw@domain.elided>
Sent: Monday, July 28, 2003 7:07 PM
Subject: e36 strut replacement


> after several days of bumpy driving, i went to my mechanic and found out
> the left front
> strut needs to be replaced on my 3i8i convertible. he quoted me $195 ea.
> (suggested
> that i replace both of them, of course), $40 for wheel  alignment, and
$300
> for labor.
> ouch.
>
> i asked for the part number to see if i could find it cheaper and have him
> do the
> installation. he agreed to do so, but said there would be a surcharge
> because the
> shop makes money off the parts. i didn't find that unreasonable, and he's
a
> good guy, i
> don't mind paying -- when i have money. but being a poor law student i
have
> two
> questions:
>
> 1. what are the hazards of only replacing one side? Bentley's says always
> replace
> struts and springs in pairs, is it to risky to  do it one at a time.
>
> 2. for the most part the car drive's fine, but whenever i hit a bumpy area
> in Nebraska's
> pothole ridden streets there's significant bounce and rattle. is the car
> unsafe to drive,
> for say 30 days, until i get afford to repair both sides?
>
> 3. how difficult is it for me to replace the strut assembly myself? i have
> my Bentley and
> Haynes manuals and a decent set of tools -- will i need anything special,
> besides a
> spring compressor?
>
>
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