Labor costs

Tiny
ANDREWSBOSTON
  • MEMBER
  • BMW 525
I have a 1995 bmw 525i, with 160k miles, 2.5L i-6. I have suspension work that needs to be done. I need shocks/struts all around, swaybar links replaced, and an allignment.

I have been given an estimate between $1800-2000. I think this is a bit high. I think I can get the job done for $300-500 less, as the repair-person contacted a bmw dealer for parts.

my question is not what the total cost should be, but how many labor hours this job should take. I find the internet is infinately useful to find parts costs, but I can't find any estimated repair times. If I can find these times, then I can figure if my price is fair or not.
Monday, March 12th, 2007 AT 4:51 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

Just looking at a repair time guide for your car. 2 hrs each front shock 1 Hr link pins, 1.25 Hrs each rear shock and about 1 Hr alignment. But I would say that this is could be done quicker, but 8Hr total by the book, Good luck.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Tuesday, March 13th, 2007 AT 4:54 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
The real question is do you have adjustable suspension? 2000.00 is high, but you did buy the ULTIMATE driving machine!
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Tuesday, March 13th, 2007 AT 6:25 PM
Tiny
ANDREWSBOSTON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I'm pretty sure it's not the adjustable suspension. I don't even know if it was available on the 525i. But maybe so. I think I just got a highball quote from someone using dealership parts prices.

Thanks for the information!
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Tuesday, March 13th, 2007 AT 8:09 PM
Tiny
ANDREWSBOSTON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Does anyone know of an online repair time guide, or is that something kept in the mechanics safe under their bed?
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Tuesday, March 13th, 2007 AT 8:12 PM
Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,601 POSTS
What is the status of this posting?
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Wednesday, October 24th, 2012 AT 6:22 PM

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