Labor cost to replace shocks/struts?

[Cyrix2k]

I know I'm a little late coming to this thread, but I was just quoted $160 labor to replace both front struts on the 540iT I just bought with 177K miles. (That's with a 40% discount from the shop I purchased the car from.) I've read in another thread here that it's an 8 hour job, so I don't know how he can charge so little, but I'm not complaining! I also seem to be the odd 540 owner who doesn't care about making it more sporty, so any suggestions for replacement brand? I'm thinking Bilstein or Sachs, but am pretty clueless. If anyone knows the exact part #, that would be awesome, as there seem to be lots of options with little explanation of the difference: http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/200..._assembly.html

Thanks!

V8 e39s are ridiculously easy to replace struts on - it might take an hour in the shop if not less. The I6 ones are more difficult. Go BMW Sachs if you want a factory ride.

[HeliBarney]

Thanks! How about the rear air shocks? Any idea how difficult and/or time-consuming?

[themadone]

do you think you can give me the name of the shop that installed your springs.

$250 for the whole job. A place in Staten Island. Had it done there about 2 years ago. I always use this shop for simple non technical work. Replacing struts and springs is a peace of cake job and any half decent mechanic can do with their eyes closed. If you're interested PM me for more info.



You guys will probably eat me alive for this, but after i had mine done, my mechanic did the alignment by closing one eye and aligning the front wheels using the back ones as a reference. This was 2 years ago and my tires and track are perfectly fine. I guess a bit of luck and you don't need to spend an extra $200 bucks.

[gcarlton]

I was quoted $2000 yesterday from shop in Boca to replace front struts, rear shocks, front arms, bushings and links. These are not with genuine parts. Is this way over priced?

[crazy4trains]

I was quoted $2000 yesterday from shop in Boca to replace front struts, rear shocks, front arms, bushings and links. These are not with genuine parts. Is this way over priced?

That just depends on the labor rate. You really need to know how many hours the shop quoted you. You should plan on 8 hours for the front and 8 hours for the rear. That assumes you replace just about everything that is replaceable and one person is doing the work.

[Mark185]

For non-OEM quality parts, I would say that price is not good. They can make more than 100% profit on the parts alone if they are cheap Asian copies of Lemforder or Meyle parts. My experience with non-OEM quality control arms and bushings is not good. They have never lasted as long as the Lemforder and Meyle parts.

[JaxPlanet]

Old post

[nikh23]

I was quoted 450 for all 4 corners in Queens, NY. Ended up doing it myself using these videos as a guide

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h96mYDfvrUk&t=294s

[justinca540i]

Old post

So what if it's old? There's a reason they don't get locked or archived. If someone has a relevant question, why does it matter if OP started the thread 1 week ago or 10 years ago. That's what this site is for, to learn from.

[crazy4trains]

Old post

Nope.

Old thread. New post.