2011 X5 service issues

[gnilson]

So I recently became the proud owner/service person for a 2011 X5 w/80k miles. It had belonged to a friend who's son had been using it but then got his own car. She just wanted out of the payments and made me an offer I could not refuse. I finally got around to taking it in to the dealer to see if there were any recalls due and have them give it the once over. It came back with 3 recalls; airbags, front drive shaft and fuel pump. The big shocker, however, was when they said it would need spark plugs which would cost $500!!! Just for the plugs!!! Are they insane?? Rock Auto carries the Bosch ZR5TPP33S as the replacement at $8.95 apiece. The only thing I can think is that the service manager meant $500 with installation. Still, that seems seriously steep unless they have to remove the turbo or something. Am I missing something?

Also, the P/S pump whines. Even after sucking the reservoir dry twice and wasting 2 liters of their precious fluid. Its a bit quieter but still audible at under 2k rpm. Should I continue to do this or is the pump done? The fluid is a bit dirty again after 3k miles.

The initial step-in on the throttle also has a full 1 count before the engine responds AT ALL! This is not turbo lag, this is zero response, period..

Thanks
Geoff

[Qsilver7]

Congrats...but help us help you better...you forgot to type the suffix or mention WHICH 2011 X5 model you have. Do you have one of the gassers (35i, 50i, X5M)...or the diesel (35d)?

Leaving off the suffix after the "X5"...is like going to the e39 forum and asking questions about your 5's engine...and never including the 25i, 28i, 30i, 40i, or M5.

[gnilson]

Congrats...but help us help you better...you forgot to type the suffix or mention WHICH 2011 X5 model you have. Do you have one of the gassers (35i, 50i, X5M)...or the diesel (35d)?

Leaving off the suffix after the "X5"...is like going to the e39 forum and asking questions about your 5's engine...and never including the 25i, 28i, 30i, 40i, or M5.

Duh! Its the 3.5i. Not sure where my brain was on that one.

[jclausen]

If you do the work it costs less, but can you do it that is the question and the dealer is always going to be the most expensive

[gnilson]

If you do the work it costs less, but can you do it that is the question and the dealer is always going to be the most expensive

Um..you're stating the obvious here. Yes, I can do the work. Yes the Stealer is always the most expensive option. That is not what I asked. Let me rephrase my question. Why is it so expensive to change a set of plugs on this motor? Is it that complicated? If so, is there a step-by-step procedure someone can point me to?

Also, have I done enough to service the p/s pump or is there a detailed procedure I should follow?

TIA
Geoff

[White94RX]

Change the plugs yourself, then you decide if it was worth it or not. It's not a ten minute job. Honestly it's kind of a pain in the ass because of the covers and wiring harnesses going across at the back of the engine.