Clutch replacement costs

[mountainkiddo]

So it's finally time to replace my clutch on my 2003 525i at 160,000 miles I might add!
I got one estimate and it includes the flywheel. It shows:
Clutch kit - $379
Flywheel - $1132
Crankshaft Sealkit - $142
And labor - $950
Other sundry parts and fees with a total cost of $2972.

For today's 2019 prices, is this reasonable? I am getting other estimates, but I wanted to run it by you folks as well.

Thank you for your feedback!!

[rbelton]

Here's a clutch and flywheel kit from FCP Euro for $520 total: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...valeo-52401220

The factory flywheel is so much because it is a dual mass. Converting to a solid lightweight aluminum flywheel is common, and will add some performance. It will also save you $1100 LOL!

Labor sounds reasonable but you could probably negotiate that down a little.

[effduration]

Do Not switch to a single mass (lightweight alum) flywheel unless that is exactly what you want to do. Do not switch to a SMF because it is cheaper.

In my observation, a lot of people who switch to a SMF (40%? 50%?) regret it due to higher chatter at idle or other feel problems. An SMF will not turn your 525i into a rocket ship.

OP your prices look high. A OE-quality LUK dual mass flywheel (part # 21217512474) is $400. And the OE LUK clutch kit is $140.

I would shop around and find another tech to give you an estimate.
on FCP Euro

[cnn]

1+,

My 1998 528i still has stock clutch at 180K miles.

At your mileage, I'd do this:

1. Keep the Dual Mass flywheel if the mechanic says it is still good.
Most people say the stock flywheel lasts 2 cycles of clutch replacement.
Sometimes they can resurface it, but the shop needs to know how to resurface a DM flywheel: basically there is a tool to prevent the spring from jerking back and forth during resurfacing.

2. RMS for sure, use only BMW or ? Corteco.

3. Clutch Kit at FCPEuro is about $200-$250 etc. LUK vs Sachs.


Optional but good to do "while there":

4. Master Cylinder FTE; Slave Cylinder FTE.

5. The rubber hose that goes from reservoir to Master Cylinder.

6. The metal line that goes from MC to Slave Cylinder.
This line is a combo of metal piep + rubber hose in one part.
PN 21526751171.

[MotorMouth93]

I believe BMW intended the flywheel to be reused once so no reason to buy another one unless yours is somehow busted.

Don't buy the whole rear main seal carrier plate, don't even remove the plate from the engine. Just pop the old rear seal out and pop a new one in.

A clutch delay valve delete is also a good idea

Also replace the plastic clutch fork pivot pin with a steel one and consider replacing the clutch fork spring since they can break on occasion.

[Aubergine]

Jumping in here since I have had the clutches replaced on two I6 E39s in the last year.

So it's finally time to replace my clutch on my 2003 525i at 160,000 miles I might add!
I got one estimate and it includes the flywheel. It shows:
Clutch kit - $379
Flywheel - $1132
Crankshaft Sealkit - $142
And labor - $950
Other sundry parts and fees with a total cost of $2972.

For today's 2019 prices, is this reasonable? I am getting other estimates, but I wanted to run it by you folks as well.

Thank you for your feedback!!

I'll echo the others, why are you replacing the flywheel? This takes a good chunk of parts and labour off the bill. Also... if the shop did not discuss with you "Well, the flywheel might be bad so we are including it in the quote but rather just handed you a quote with it listed then please, please take your car elsewhere. Any decent BMW shop knows that 5 Series flywheels usually last through several clutches.

Do Not switch to a single mass (lightweight alum) flywheel unless that is exactly what you want to do. Do not switch to a SMF because it is cheaper.

In my observation, a lot of people who switch to a SMF (40%? 50%?) regret it due to higher chatter at idle or other feel problems. An SMF will not turn your 525i into a rocket ship.

OP your prices look high. A OE-quality LUK dual mass flywheel (part # 21217512474) is $400. And the OE LUK clutch kit is $140.

I would shop around and find another tech to give you an estimate.
on FCP Euro

Shops will be buying parts through WorldPAC or Northside Imports. While FCP and Pelican is a gauge, they are going to charge you list price or close to it on parts. If you can find a shop that will let you bring parts, all the better. Caveat being, they will usually not warranty the work then.

I believe BMW intended the flywheel to be reused once so no reason to buy another one unless yours is somehow busted.

Don't buy the whole rear main seal carrier plate, don't even remove the plate from the engine. Just pop the old rear seal out and pop a new one in.

A clutch delay valve delete is also a good idea

Also replace the plastic clutch fork pivot pin with a steel one and consider replacing the clutch fork spring since they can break on occasion.

I agree on a lot of this. RMS is a definite but some of the clutch master cylinder work can waiting unless you need it. Replacing the master cylinder is 1-1.5 hours regardless of the clutch job. That said... they can go bad shortly after clutch replacement so just be aware.

[mountainkiddo]

Wow! thank you ALL for these great answers!

So the reason the flywheel was included in the estimate is because I asked for it to be priced in. My clutch has been slipping badly for some time now, so I can't imagine how the flywheel could still be any good. If that is a poor assumption, let me know. I will definitely have the shop look before replacing.

How do I find other BMW techs in my area? I'm finding dealers but not independents. This shop was recommended to me by another non-BMW shop.

[TheTailor]

If it's just a clutch job then you can find a reputable transmission shop to do the job as well, with something like that you would probably save a dollar vs going to a BMW specialist.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[TerraPhantm]

Wow! thank you ALL for these great answers!

So the reason the flywheel was included in the estimate is because I asked for it to be priced in. My clutch has been slipping badly for some time now, so I can't imagine how the flywheel could still be any good. If that is a poor assumption, let me know. I will definitely have the shop look before replacing.

How do I find other BMW techs in my area? I'm finding dealers but not independents. This shop was recommended to me by another non-BMW shop.

Don't pay that much for a flywheel. You can get the LuK branded one (which is the OE supplier) for $400 at fcpeuro, possibly cheaper elsewhere: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...512474#fitment

Also while you're at it, it might be worth using a 530i clutch/pressure plate. Would probably last a little longer (though I doubt many of us will own our cars long enough for that to make a real difference).

[Aubergine]

Wow! thank you ALL for these great answers!

So the reason the flywheel was included in the estimate is because I asked for it to be priced in. My clutch has been slipping badly for some time now, so I can't imagine how the flywheel could still be any good. If that is a poor assumption, let me know. I will definitely have the shop look before replacing.

How do I find other BMW techs in my area? I'm finding dealers but not independents. This shop was recommended to me by another non-BMW shop.

Pulling this apart a little...

The flywheels are very durable so I might buy it but plan to return it.

Try bimrs.org Assuming you are in Baltimore, I would do some Yelp reading and talk to your local BMW CCA Chapter. You'd be surprised the places people will come up with.

[zohaibrose]

I bought my 540i non driving, needed a clutch, so I priced around and found a reputable shop that did it for 1250 out the door, 3k is probably going to total your 525