E46 330ci repair quote opinions needed

[logan-1986]

I've got my e46 330ci in at a BMW main service center and they've given me a massive quote and I just wanted to get an opinion as to whether it sounds reasonable, and what the other options might be, e.g if anyone knows of anywhere good in the South East where I could get the work done cheaper.

The quote is (all inc vat):

washer pump - £100.74

brake pads and discs - £454.30

lower arm bushes - £313.25

antiroll bar bushes - £130.58

antiroll bar bushes (other side) - £111.28

shock absorber near side rear - £381.12

shock absorber offside rear £271.02

rocker cover - £586.67

brake hoses - £168.61

cleanup oil (steam clean I guess) - £118.66

investigation - £198

mot - £54.85


Thank you to anyone for your opinions!

[Thermobaric]

I've used CPC Engineering in Amersham and TCS Autos in High Wycombe. Both recommended.

[Krikkit]

Why does it need all that doing? Is that just a suggested list to make it tip-top?

I'd take that list down to your local garage and get them to quote for the same thing. I'd be shocked if it's more than half that.

[911gone]

A lot of those jobs are easy DIY's, unless you are not confident to do them, or don't have the right tools/facilities.

Pads & Discs seem expensive to me. Parts are cheap enough and it's an easy job.

Do you not have any good independent garages nearby?

[hyphen]

If mot is due as stated, get the mot done elsewhere. Fix what comes up, then worry about the rest.

[logan-1986]

Krikkit said:

Why does it need all that doing? Is that just a suggested list to make it tip-top?

I'd take that list down to your local garage and get them to quote for the same thing. I'd be shocked if it's more than half that.

This is partly based on a list of complaints I had given them but mostly just things they've come up with. I'm just waiting for a quote from a local independent now.

[logan-1986]

Thermobaric said:

I've used CPC Engineering in Amersham and TCS Autos in High Wycombe. Both recommended.

Thanks for the recommendations, I will check them out.

[logan-1986]

911gone said:

A lot of those jobs are easy DIY's, unless you are not confident to do them, or don't have the right tools/facilities.

Pads & Discs seem expensive to me. Parts are cheap enough and it's an easy job.

Do you not have any good independent garages nearby?

I've never had very good experiences with independent garages in this area to be honest. So I'm also looking for a few recommendations for people who really know these cars and can get to the bottom of the issues. In terms of DIY, well let's just say that I think it was me who somehow broke the windscreen washer pump motor when I replaced all the coil packs recently.

[logan-1986]

hyphen said:

If mot is due as stated, get the mot done elsewhere. Fix what comes up, then worry about the rest.

I think they've already done, or are doing and planning to fail/redo the MOT. That also slightly annoys me as if they've done the investigation, why not give me a chance to say yes/no to the fixes before the MOT so that it doesn't have a failure recorded on the history (i.e if they know the brakes need doing).

[Superbad]

logan-1986 said:

I've never had very good experiences with independent garages in this area to be honest. So I'm also looking for a few recommendations for people who really know these cars and can get to the bottom of the issues. In terms of DIY, well let's just say that I think it was me who somehow broke the windscreen washer pump motor when I replaced all the coil packs recently.

The washer pump costs less than £20 and it’s a very easy DIY, won’t take more than 15 mins. Plenty of videos on YouTube.

[Longnose]

I replaced the rear shock absorbers on my 330CI convertible myself. The parts were cheap enough (from Euro Car Parts - I was in a hurry!). I'm not a mechanic, just an amateur at servicing and simple repairs with a reasonable tool kit, but I was surprised how quick and easy it was. Probably a couple of hours.

[W201_190e]

They should give discount for older cars. Ask them for the discounted price. Dealers will go all in at full retail. Try it.

[anonymous-user]

logan-1986 said:

shock absorber near side rear - £381.12

shock absorber offside rear £271.02

why is one side over £100 more than the other?

[stevemcs]

eezeh said:

why is one side over £100 more than the other?

It takes them longer to walk around the other side

Seems very expensive to me, just find a local garage with a good reputation.

[anonymous-user]

stevemcs said:

It takes them longer to walk around the other side

Seems very expensive to me, just find a local garage with a good reputation.

Agreed, 500 odd quid for a rocker cover and presumably, gasket?
Absurd pricing, perhaps they don't want the work? Take it to an independent specialist.

[d_a_n1979]

logan-1986 said:

I've got my e46 330ci in at a BMW main service center and they've given me a massive quote and I just wanted to get an opinion as to whether it sounds reasonable, and what the other options might be, e.g if anyone knows of anywhere good in the South East where I could get the work done cheaper.

The quote is (all inc vat):

washer pump - £100.74

brake pads and discs - £454.30

lower arm bushes - £313.25

antiroll bar bushes - £130.58

antiroll bar bushes (other side) - £111.28

shock absorber near side rear - £381.12

shock absorber offside rear £271.02

rocker cover - £586.67

brake hoses - £168.61

cleanup oil (steam clean I guess) - £118.66

investigation - £198

mot - £54.85


Thank you to anyone for your opinions!

You’re being ripped off! Typical BMW main dealer prices; so OTT is laughable.

Please don’t get that work done by BMW; ask around on here and on Facebook (if you’re on there) for recommended local BMW Indy mechanics and either source the parts yourself (via tried & trusted resellers such as C3BMW and BMWmotormec - www.C3BMW.co.uk // http://www.ebaystores.co.uk/BMW-MOTORMEC?_rdc=1); you’ll find the part numbers for the items on www.realoem.com (input the last 7 digits of your VIN into the box at the top of the page and it’ll bring up your exact car)

As it’s a 330 Ci; you’ll need the correct suspension parts for it; they won’t just be standard off the shelf IIRC, so look for Sachs shock absorbers etc

The prices they’ve quote are anywhere between 2 and 6 times what you’ll get via the aforementioned resellers; so check them for your parts list and then do some bits DIY and get the rest done by a decent, local independent mechanic

[LC23]

http://www.kmautotechniks.co.uk

Not sure where in the south east you are but the guys at K&M are brilliant. Used them for years for my BMWs and would not think of taking them anywhere else.

[Mr Tidy]

Not too close to you OP but I've been taking my BMWs to TWG Automotive in Camberley for over 5 years and have never had an issue. Will the principal is ex-Sytner so knows these cars from when they were newish.

Or RBM Hampshire in Hook that is run by Ross who worked for Sytner for 15 years until he set up on his own last October. My Z4M Coupe has had an Inspection 2 and replacement crank rod bearing shells done there and I've been very pleased with what he has done, as well as the cost.

[trickywoo]

http://www.bmrperformance.co.uk/

[Triumph Man]

eezeh said:

logan-1986 said:

shock absorber near side rear - £381.12

shock absorber offside rear £271.02

why is one side over £100 more than the other?

I was wondering that... I think on the 5s there’s something about disconnecting the fuel filler pipe on one side to get to the strut (I may be wrong) - maybe similar on the 3s? Can’t see how that would be £100 more though!