How much for M3 suspension install?

GPIC135I · 03-18-2010, 09:26 AM

Hi guys,

I'm looking at getting all the front M3 suspension parts (control arms and sway). I'm just wondering how much the install of all these parts would run me? Did anybody get those installed at a BMW dealership? Did they galdly do it or argued about it?

Thanks for the input!
Anything is helpfull

bradford · 03-18-2010, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GPIC135I

Hi guys,

I'm looking at getting all the front M3 suspension parts (control arms and sway). I'm just wondering how much the install of all these parts would run me? Did anybody get those installed at a BMW dealership? Did they galdly do it or argued about it?

Thanks for the input!
Anything is helpfull

6.5 hours, book, per my dealer.

nordique14 · 03-18-2010, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradford

6.5 hours, book, per my dealer.

that is nuts. It took me less than than for the front sway bar plus the front AND rear M3 pieces. I am not even very good at this sort of thing either.

Dackelone · 03-18-2010, 06:30 PM

I think more like 12 hours is what they would charge COD!

Think about it this way... most dealers charge two hours JUST to do a simple front brake rotor and pad change! What ever the book time is... double it and you will get close to the "real" price.

Plus your gonna need a "good" four wheel alignment. That oughta set you back some change too. Say $150 bucks. ?

JBW · 03-18-2010, 07:36 PM

I was just quoted 10 -12 hours for a full suspension upgrade including camber plates, coilovers, front and rear control arms, rear subframe bushings, both sway bars and alignment.

Opinions as to whether or not this sounds right are welcome!

Dackelone · 03-18-2010, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBW

I was just quoted 10 -12 hours for a full suspension upgrade including camber plates, coilovers, front and rear control arms, rear subframe bushings, both sway bars and alignment.

Opinions as to whether or not this sounds right are welcome!

That sounds like a pretty fair deal to me. Does that also include a 4 wheel alignment? IF so thats a GOOD deal!! How much does your shop charge per hour?

bradford · 03-18-2010, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nordique14

that is nuts. It took me less than than for the front sway bar plus the front AND rear M3 pieces. I am not even very good at this sort of thing either.

I'm sorry, I actually requested a quote for the REAR SUBFRAME BUSHINGS, not the M3 bits. The subframe bushings alone were 6.5 hours.

JBW · 03-18-2010, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dackelone

That sounds like a pretty fair deal to me. Does that also include a 4 wheel alignment? IF so thats a GOOD deal!! How much does your shop charge per hour?

Yes, it includes 4-wheel alignment on a new machine. They charge $90/hour. I have not been to this particular shop yet for anything. I've been investigating options. All parts will be ordered next week, so I need to figure the installation part of the equation out soon.

BMW86 · 03-18-2010, 08:05 PM

anyone know how long the front control arm kit will take?

Dackelone · 03-18-2010, 08:09 PM

You should also ask IF they can lower the hourly labor rate for you. I know back when i worked at a VW/Subaru dealership... we charged 65 per hour for regular work... but the front end guy who did all suspensuon work would only bill $45 per hour. Its also the same for most body shops. The tech still makes the same money per hour... its just the "shop" makes less. I would ask about a discount.

Also... some free beer won't hurt either.

I always bring a case of beer with me for my "guys". The "trick" is getting to do the work first and THEN they can drink my beer!!

JBW · 03-18-2010, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dackelone

The "trick" is getting to do the work first and THEN they can drink my beer!!

Ha, ha.

I think shops usually don't care, but maybe I can negotiate it down by offering them all the parts coming off the car. All those new 135i parts must be worth quite a bit!

cpt97m3 · 03-18-2010, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradford

I'm sorry, I actually requested a quote for the REAR SUBFRAME BUSHINGS, not the M3 bits. The subframe bushings alone were 6.5 hours.

That's about right for the rear subframe bushings. Took me a little longer than that.

HP Autosport · 03-19-2010, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW86

anyone know how long the front control arm kit will take?

1.5 to 2

HP Autosport · 03-19-2010, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradford

I'm sorry, I actually requested a quote for the REAR SUBFRAME BUSHINGS, not the M3 bits. The subframe bushings alone were 6.5 hours.

We charge 7, so 6.5 is pretty close.

ianc · 03-19-2010, 10:21 AM

Quote:

It took me less than than for the front sway bar plus the front AND rear M3 pieces

'Scuse my ignance, but what are the rear M3 pieces you refer to? I know about the subframe bushings, but since you say you did the front and rear in less than 6.5 hours, I'm assuming it must be something else?

ianc

bradford · 03-19-2010, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ianc

'Scuse my ignance, but what are the rear M3 pieces you refer to? I know about the subframe bushings, but since you say you did the front and rear in less than 6.5 hours, I'm assuming it must be something else?

ianc

4 suspension arms up front, 4 in the rear. Also potentially the rear lower camber arm from the M3, if you can find a shock with a compatible lower mount.

03-18-2010, 09:26 AM	#1
GPIC135I Private 6 Rep 67 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (2)	How much for M3 suspension install? Hi guys, I'm looking at getting all the front M3 suspension parts (control arms and sway). I'm just wondering how much the install of all these parts would run me? Did anybody get those installed at a BMW dealership? Did they galdly do it or argued about it? Thanks for the input! Anything is helpfull
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03-18-2010, 06:30 PM	#4
Dackelone European Editor 10532 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	I think more like 12 hours is what they would charge COD! Think about it this way... most dealers charge two hours JUST to do a simple front brake rotor and pad change! What ever the book time is... double it and you will get close to the "real" price. Plus your gonna need a "good" four wheel alignment. That oughta set you back some change too. Say $150 bucks. ?
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03-18-2010, 07:36 PM	#5
JBW Lieutenant 41 Rep 436 Posts Drives: 2010 135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New England, USA iTrader: (3)	I was just quoted 10 -12 hours for a full suspension upgrade including camber plates, coilovers, front and rear control arms, rear subframe bushings, both sway bars and alignment. Opinions as to whether or not this sounds right are welcome!
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03-18-2010, 08:05 PM	#9
BMW86 Major General 398 Rep 9,156 Posts Drives: RS3 Sedan / Macan S Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	anyone know how long the front control arm kit will take?
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03-18-2010, 08:09 PM	#10
Dackelone European Editor 10532 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	You should also ask IF they can lower the hourly labor rate for you. I know back when i worked at a VW/Subaru dealership... we charged 65 per hour for regular work... but the front end guy who did all suspensuon work would only bill $45 per hour. Its also the same for most body shops. The tech still makes the same money per hour... its just the "shop" makes less. I would ask about a discount. Also... some free beer won't hurt either. I always bring a case of beer with me for my "guys". The "trick" is getting to do the work first and THEN they can drink my beer!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote