Tune up...sigh...

[FknNice]

Called my indy and got quoted:

$440 for a tune up (air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs + wires)
$30 for an oil change
$350 for front inner tire rod replacement

Soooo...thoughts? Anyone have any front tire rods for cheaper in the NY area?

[mattmartindrift]

$30 is wrong for an oil change, should be more if they're using the correct oil.


E39 doesn't have spark plug wires, I think you need to find a reputable indy BMW shop - sounds like your guy hasn't ever dealt with this car, or any type near it.


if $350 is for tie rod comes with alignment - it's not unreasonable.

[PatrickW]

Here are some prices to use in comparison (taken from Bavauto's website)

Oil filter (Mann) -$8
Oil (BMW 5W-30) -$50
Air filter (Mann) -$20
Spark Plugs NGK 6962 (get these from advanced) for under $12 total
(OEM wants $25+ per plug)

Ignition Coils If you really want to would be $55 each but i personally wouldnt do that unless a TON of miles..

IDK what kind of oil he is using for $30..

[mattmartindrift]

spark plugs are more than that @ $7/per plug.

BKR6EQUP is the part number

[FknNice]

$30 is wrong for an oil change, should be more if they're using the correct oil.


E39 doesn't have spark plug wires, I think you need to find a reputable indy BMW shop - sounds like your guy hasn't ever dealt with this car, or any type near it.


if $350 is for tie rod comes with alignment - it's not unreasonable.

Not wires - my mistake - he said something else...boot I think? idk he has a thick french accent and deals with BMW, Mercedes Benz, etc. I trust him with my vehicle.

Synthetic, 5W-30

[jamesdc4]

Everything you list other than the tie rods are relatively easy DIYs.

[filon102]

Everything you list other than the tie rods are relatively easy DIYs.

i did my spark plugs less than 20 min

its easy as hell :buttrock

[FknNice]

That is true - but time is my enemy =[

Working two jobs (one 5 days a week, one 7 days a week). It's just easier for me to drop it off at the indy in the morning and pick it up in the afternoon between jobs (1 senior level office job, 1 grocery store/corner store cashier job).

[jamesdc4]

That is true - but time is my enemy =[

Working two jobs (one 5 days a week, one 7 days a week). It's just easier for me to drop it off at the indy in the morning and pick it up in the afternoon between jobs (1 senior level office job, 1 grocery store/corner store cashier job).
I understand.

[jdjg]

talk to Gumbi and Bimmerfiver...

[FknNice]

talk to Gumbi and Bimmerfiver...

I believe Gumbi's shop is in Jersey? That's time I'd have to set aside to drive out there

He PM'd me the details but I've never been

[jamesdc4]

I believe Gumbi's shop is in Jersey? That's time I'd have to set aside to drive out there

He PM'd me the details but I've never been
At least you know it would be in good hands!

[FknNice]

At least you know it would be in good hands!

Very very true. I have to set a day apart and just show up, brake+gas, and have them fix the tranny :cool


(brake+gas = older thread of mine)

[PatrickW]

http://autoparts.porschereports.com/auto-part/176721-6962-ngk-v-power-spark-plug-part-bkr6e

NGK V-Power $1.79 each.. I paid 11.43 for all 6 at advance

[mattmartindrift]

http://autoparts.porschereports.com/auto-part/176721-6962-ngk-v-power-spark-plug-part-bkr6e

NGK V-Power $1.79 each.. I paid 11.43 for all 6 at advance



it's because you cheaped out and got the low-end plugs. as I said:

BKR6EQUP is the part number

[madmonda]

$440 is way too much for plugs, air, oil (BMW 528i=no plug wires). Besides, a proper tune up would consist of more maintenance than just that. Have him check/change your vacuum lines. And also have him clean out your idle control valve. Might as well get your coolant flushed and you brake system checked too. I'll start taking my car to your mechanic if he's doing oil changes for $30, and if he is using a QUALITY, synthetic oil (none of that store brand oil). I used to pay the stealership over $100 for an oil/air filter change. $350 for tie rods and alignment=WIN!!!
If you gotta do what you gotta do, then do it. But I would buy the parts (at least the tune up parts) and have the old guy down the street put em on for $50 and a case of beer. You'd save yourself a couple hundred bucks.

[FknNice]

$440 is way too much for plugs, air, oil (BMW 528i=no plug wires). Besides, a proper tune up would consist of more maintenance than just that. Have him check/change your vacuum lines. And also have him clean out your idle control valve. Might as well get your coolant flushed and you brake system checked too. I'll start taking my car to your mechanic if he's doing oil changes for $30, and if he is using a QUALITY, synthetic oil (none of that store brand oil). I used to pay the stealership over $100 for an oil/air filter change. $350 for tie rods and alignment=WIN!!!
If you gotta do what you gotta do, then do it. But I would buy the parts (at least the tune up parts) and have the old guy down the street put em on for $50 and a case of beer. You'd save yourself a couple hundred bucks.

I decided I'll do the air filter change myself and a few other minor things. I already got my coolant/radiator flushed with new liquids for $125 when I first got the car (had an overheating problem - it was due to air bubble). He does use Mobil 1 as the oil - but that's not including the filter and not charging for labor. As to the tie rods and alignment - hell yeah that's a win lol - considering they're OEM tie rods too - even better.