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Thread: Repair Costs

  1. #1
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    Repair Costs

    Hey Guys,

    I have a 2011 328i xDrive with 44k miles. I absolutely love my car. I have only made one car payment since purchase. I did however get to spend $900 replacing the oil filter housing gasket, the serp belt and the tensioner . Crappy part was I already had replaced the belt and tensioner three weeks prior.

    How much have some of you guys spent on your beemers?
    When do you say enough is enough on putting money into them?

    Just wanted to get some thoughts.

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    EXOTICS
    An out of warranty BMW owner with mechanical skills,DIY & willing to learn attitude=A good start.
    Add a decent set of tools and willingness to perform required maintenance=An affordable BMW. $$

    The owner of an out of warranty BMW, who detests grease under his fingernails, books an appointment at his local BMW dealer at the slightest noise or required maintenance, such as a simple oil change=Not so good.
    Add in monthly auto loan payments=A truly unaffordable BMW. $$$$

  3. #3
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    Well put.

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    2020 Mercedes S560
    After one $5K repair bill my wife asked why we were keeping my 2009 550.

    I started car shopping the next weekend.

  5. #5
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    That would probably be a good time to do it. That's a ton of money for one repair!

  6. #6
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    '03 Z4, '85 Subaru Wagon, '87 Suzuki Savage LS650
    Quote Originally Posted by mlasnoski View Post
    ...on your beemers?
    Don't ask me why, but it's "bimmer", beemer refers to the motorcycles and what everyone outside of enthusiast boards call bmw's.

    Anyways, I have a 2003 and I've spent about $2k in repairs that weren't part of basic maintenance, since the warranty ended. When my yearly outlay on repairs cost more than payments on a newer car, then it's time to get something else.
    Not so much a signature as a cry for help.

    Hold on, saw this in a cartoon once...think I can pull it off.

  7. #7
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    03 zhp, 97 e36m3, 04 zhp
    My good friend has a 2010 328i xDrive coupe and in 150K miles, he's done nothing other than oil changes, tires, brakes and I just swapped out his DISA valve yesterday. I am still amazed considering the bad reputation of e9x platform.

  8. #8
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    99 M Coupe,04 K1200rs
    Quote Originally Posted by mlasnoski View Post
    Hey Guys,

    I have a 2011 328i xDrive with 44k miles. I absolutely love my car. I have only made one car payment since purchase. I did however get to spend $900 replacing the oil filter housing gasket, the serp belt and the tensioner . Crappy part was I already had replaced the belt and tensioner three weeks prior.

    How much have some of you guys spent on your beemers?
    When do you say enough is enough on putting money into them?

    Just wanted to get some thoughts.
    Why did they replace almost new parts?, $900 seems outrageous for a minor gasket fix?,I would guess 2/3 hrs, $375 labor, mine would be $120!

  9. #9
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    Are Slower than yours.
    Quote Originally Posted by beshannon View Post
    After one $5K repair bill my wife asked why we were keeping my 2009 550.

    I started car shopping the next weekend.
    I was also quoted 5k for my wifes X5, same motor as your 550i. It was due to a leaking ($63) coolant pipe and a leaking (.98) o-ring. You have to take off the heads to do the job ( about 18 hours of labor = $$$) Way to go BMW. I found there is a kit by AGA where you don't need to take off the heads to replace that coolant pipe and o-ring. After $1,200 the X5 is fixed. My wife wanted to sell it and get a newer X5 with the N64.... I looked it up and that same coolant pipe is now integrated into the block now... so when that little o-ring leaks again...you have no choice but to take off the heads.

  10. #10
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    Parts was $275 and Labor was $600.
    Labor for housing gasket and Labor for the tensioner/belt.
    I'm going to be looking for an indie shop.

  11. #11
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    z3
    I just fix my own BMWs... Ill go to the local indy for some jobs that need specialty tools or something I cant do at home

  12. #12
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    1997 M3 Coupe
    Maintenance isn't typically too bad for an inline 6 non M motor. The v-8's seem to be a totally different animal. I would be curious why you are replacing the belt and tensioner again? Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. They are no harder to worker on than any other car, just a little intimidating because of the name.
    1997 M3 Coupe Estoril/Modena......Track monster
    1997 M3 Coupe Cosmos/Dove
    2011 X3 Black/Black
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    1986 IROC-Z Black/Gray

  13. #13
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    The BMW dealership I took it to, said because oil got all over the belt and tensioner that it both had to be replaced. I mean I understand belt, it was soaked in oil, but I figured you could reuse the tensioner, but they said no. I even tried to get them to "warranty" the tensioner out; seeing as I had just done it two weeks ago.
    I've learned my lesson. The next time it needs a repair, I'm going to be taking it to a reputable Indy shop in town. I've heard very good things and their labor per hour is very very reasonable!

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