[bimmer74]

I took my 57,000 mile 2009 128i to the dealer for the battery recall and they suggested an inspection - so I said yes. Despite the car being just 7,000 miles and 6 months out of warranty, they suggested:

- replace front struts
- replace front strut mounts
- replace oil filter housing seal
- replace transmission shift shaft seal

Overall quoted at $3,300!!!

I took it to an indy:

- replace front struts - was needed because one was leaking. Total parts and labor $700, including 4-wheel alignment.
- replace front strut mounts - this was NOT needed. Dealer wanted $500 for this. Considering parts are around $200, they tacked on $300 in labor - for no additional labor! The strut mounts come out as part of the strut replacement. Bastards!
- replace oil filter housing - was needed and done by indy for $300. Dealer wanted $800.
- replace transmission shift shaft seal - there is very slight seepage and according to indy would be premature to replace.

So, $1,000 at indy vs $3,300 at the stealership.

Other than that the dealer fixed a couple of issues under warranty a couple of years back, including replacing driver's window motor and fixing AC leak.

Overall not too bad so far. It is definitely worth it to find an independent BMW specialist.