Re: Does this seem right?

["Russ Maki" <rinard@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Doug, labor seems high on the bushings/ball joint, but I live in Milwaukee,
where people beat their brains out for pennies, and then the state takes
half of it away. I'd look for an independent BMW specialist to do this
work -- maybe you could post your location to the list and another member
could suggest a good shop. Also, I'm an E30 owner and therefore ignorant to
E36 ways, but is there a complete control arm assembly available for the
side where you need the ball joint? It might save some labor cost to go that
route. I'd shy away from almost any dealership for repairs at this point in
the car's life.

As for the rear shocks, on the E30 (dunno about your car) that's a great
entry-level do-it-yourself project. If you're concerned about cost (and
judging from your post, you are) you could take it on and save maybe $200 in
labor and parts markup. Or you could invest your savings in some good
wrenches or a floor jack.

If you're driving a 10-year-old car, it's time to get your fingernails
dirty!

Russ Maki
Ixonia, Wis
'87 325ic
'83 633csi
And uh...other cars.



> Date: Fri, 08 Feb 2002 10:40:49 -0500
> From: dmax <dmax@domain.elided>
> Subject: Does this seem right?
>
> Would someone care to advise me whether this estimate from my dealer
> seems reasonable and whether or not a decent mechanic could do the same
> without getting my car too messed up?
>
> On a '92 325i...
>
> Front lower control arm bushings...$27 parts, $240 labor
> Outer Ball Joint ...$52 parts, $200 labor
> Rear Shock absorber assembly w/Bilstein: $150 parts/ $175 labor
>                                                                 also 2
> guide supports...parts $69
>
> Is the reference VPP Warranty part from a dealer mean lifetime on the
> shocks...or is that wishful thinking?
>
> Finally, if a good wrench could do this, anyone know of a good one in
> north central NJ?
>
> Thanks folks!
>
> (PS--thanks for all your help with my electrical gremlin--I feel like an
> idiot, but it turned out to be, hopefully, just a bad battery--dealer
> installed and bad after 1.5 years!)
>
> Cordially,
>
> Doug

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