How ridiculous is this estimate? HAHA

[Level3]

I didn't really want to put my car on jack stands and mess with this installation so I decided to check a couple local shops around. This was the most recommend shop on bimmerpost for my area. This is the estimate I got back. After I said it was a little ridiculous and asked their hourly rate. He said $105.00 per. So basically these guys think it takes 6 hrs to install downpipes. Here is a direct quote "We are at $105 an hour and are not a speed shop so our pricing structure is not going to be set like those that you may get from those type of shops." Enjoy the view below. PS - A coworkers boyfriend works at a performance shop and has a lift at his home garage. After talking to him about it, he agreed to slap all parts on for $350.00.

[kprocivic]

It took me 6 hours never doing it before in the driveway. It's not a fun job at all.

[LuLaBells]

I have a friend that has a shop in Ga. He told me that the down pipe install sucks but he could do it in 2 hours, $100 an hour. Some of these shops will not deviate from that amount of time given for a job.

[lowbudgethero]

Originally Posted by kprocivic

It took me 6 hours never doing it before in the driveway. It's not a fun job at all.

same definitely took the better part of an afternoon, would have been easier if i actually knew what i was doing

but BMW should have a set amount of hours for replacement of the catalyst

[Level3]

Originally Posted by kprocivic

It took me 6 hours never doing it before in the driveway. It's not a fun job at all.

Yeah... I get that it took you 6 hrs. You don't do cars for a living. This place is a well established BMW performance center with lifts all over, and Dynos, and M3s sitting around. This place charging 6 hrs for downpipe is basically theft.

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by Level3

Yeah... I get that it took you 6 hrs. You don't do cars for a living. This place is a well established BMW performance center with lifts all over, and Dynos, and M3s sitting around. This place charging 6 hrs for downpipe is basically theft.

Agree. Took me less than 6 hours in my driveway on jack stands, taking my time, with frequent breaks to relax or check the install video I was following. If I were to do it again (with a lift) I could probably do it in 3.

What that quote means is they dont really want to do the work for you. I'd take the car elsewhere if possible.

[Level3]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Agree. Took me less than 6 hours in my driveway on jack stands, taking my time, with frequent breaks to relax or check the install video I was following. If I were to do it again (with a lift) I could probably do it in 3.

What that quote means is they dont really want to do the work for you. I'd take the car elsewhere if possible.

I don't think that's really the case. I think they may cater to a wealthier group that doesn't question how much they charge. I contacted them when I was first researching retrofitting nav in my F30 last year. I asked them how much to install if I provided all the parts for retrofit. They quoted me $700 for install and $300 for coding. I researched it and decided to tackle it myself. The install took me less than 2 hours and I got it remote coded for a 100 bucks.

They just charge what their clients will let them get away with charging.

[JS135]

Was quoted $250 here (Canadian).

[Downeaster1]

BMW tech here: For non-warranty repairs, we always quote KSD x 1.5. KSD is our internal time rate guide and multiply that by 1.5. So if a catalytic converter pays 2hrs warranty, customer time would be 3hrs for customer pay.

[e92ben]

It's a business man. They have employee costs. Taxes. Rent. Utilities. Etc. They have to pay bills and make a profit too.

[Level3]

Originally Posted by e92ben

It's a business man. They have employee costs. Taxes. Rent. Utilities. Etc. They have to pay bills and make a profit too.

yeah... there's a difference in making a profit and taking advantage in my book. The other 3 shops that supplied estimates are also out to "make a profit" quoted me $475, $550, and $600 for the same service. The on the side mechanic I've decided to go with is charging $350. So yeah... you're right... they're making plenty of profit off suckers like you that think that's a fine estimate.

[litebulb]

My indy which is also a BMW shop foreman, took maybe 4-5 hours for my DP, CP and FMIC. I was there the whole time and he wanted everything to fit perfectly, so that meant cutting and sanding down only what was necessary for the FMIC. I've seen other shops work where they just hack everything and it looks a mess. His shop rate was $89 CDN/hour.