Recommendations on Repair Jobs - United Bimmer Community

**Dathaeus** · 08-19-2009, 10:22 PM

Ok, I got this "Consumer Direct Warranty Services" after market warranty before I had my car go in for total inspection... it of course only covers specific parts and labor... after the diagnosis, I find out that NOT ONE of the repairs will be covered by this... big surprise eh? Anyways, I will list the repairs "needed," and the price the stealers quoted... and my question is, just like I did for my brakes, for any/all of the following, can I buy my own parts and ask a mech to install it for me to save on cost and get some nice quality parts?

(In parentheses are my local Firestone's quotes)

1.- Front wheel bearings…. $1168.46 +tax ($800)
2.- Rear wheel bearings…. $1224.75 + tax ($750)
[ These I NEED to get done because my car is vibrating a little while driving, harmonically, and the bearings are getting pretty loud now ]

3.- Front control arm bushings… $488.28 + tax ($493.38)
4.- Left rear control arm… $512.24 + tax (lower $487.72)
5.- Front tie rod ends…. $485.39 + tax (inner/out $660.42)
6.- 4 Wheel alignment…. $149.95 + tax (free)

Center console $337.47 + tax
I ordered a new leather center console cover, and it's a bit%& to do it myself, so I need to find some upholstery place to do it, but $330 is absolute madness.

Any input is appreciated! Thanks guys!

Big Evil · 08-20-2009, 06:53 PM

Front bearings are pretty straight forward (do it yourself pretty easy), rears require a special tool that runs about 280 bucks. Firestone SHOULD be able to handle it, just depends on the what the guy there is used to working on. 3-6 I'd say the dealer JUST BECAUSE they have all the training and equipment (there are a few weird things under the front end that require special tools and the cost is REALLY close). Do you drive it hard? Seems like a lot of stuff on a 12 year old car with less than 150000 on the clock.

**Dathaeus** · 08-20-2009, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Evil

Front bearings are pretty straight forward (do it yourself pretty easy), rears require a special tool that runs about 280 bucks. Firestone SHOULD be able to handle it, just depends on the what the guy there is used to working on. 3-6 I'd say the dealer JUST BECAUSE they have all the training and equipment (there are a few weird things under the front end that require special tools and the cost is REALLY close). Do you drive it hard? Seems like a lot of stuff on a 12 year old car with less than 150000 on the clock.

Ya, even though I am mechanically inclined, I think for a car I rather pay an extra whatever than spend hours myself making sure I do it right, know what I mean? Now if it like building a computer, thats different... but something goes wrong in a car, not sure I wanna be driving it!

I may just go to an indy to get the work done, one that accepts parts that I get myself to save cost... Firestone is ok, but I dunno...

Do I drive it hard... ahem... well... its not like i go on the TRACK, but most people who ride with me tend to hold that handle above the passenger side window, I dunno why...

**3050rpm** · 08-20-2009, 08:52 PM

My 2-cents worth... I think you're getting hosed by the dealer, but that's just the way they are, they figure if you wanna play, you hafta pay, justified or not. I personally am not so confident about going to a chain like Firestone, seeing as they cater to just about anything and everything that comes in, they just don't have the requisite expertise on all makes, and BMW does have some idiosyncrasies. My recommendation is you find a reputable, knowledgeable independent shop. Generally speaking they won't use customer supplied parts, but ask anyway. Sometimes it's a liability issue, sometimes it's the money they make from the parts, that's just the way it is. And do yourself and your wallet and your car (and your passengers) a favor, take it easy. For one thing, you're cruisin' for a bruisin', traffic tickets, and insurance surcharges.