At BMW now, trying to charge me $1800 for a valve cover gasket

amrazM · 12-16-2018, 09:46 AM

Go on amazon and buy a 1/4 drive ball swivel and you can get to the hard to reach screws very easily.

m3_uva · 12-20-2018, 12:26 PM

My estimate from a different indy shop, one well-reputed for also fixing up these cars for race events. Replacing both valve cover gaskets, after parts and labor, a ~$1200 job.

Replacing both valve covers (the whole assembly including gaskets) a $2200 job.

Funnily enough, a different shop quoted me $2800 for the same valve cover (including gaskets) service. This shop has performed steady work on my vehicle, but I think they're beginning to try and rip me off. Especially after having charged me $340 for an oil change recently.

This is all in the DC area.

nycplumber · 12-20-2018, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m3_uva

Damn, I got quoted $3.1k to do the valve cover gaskets and spark plugs by an indy.

They also just recently charged me $340 for an oil change (including filter change).

Time to find a new place?

Time to find some common sense lol just kidding. But seriously you should never return to that shop under any circumstances, ever.

Sooopa · 12-21-2018, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m3_uva

My estimate from a different indy shop, one well-reputed for also fixing up these cars for race events. Replacing both valve cover gaskets, after parts and labor, a ~$1200 job.

Replacing both valve covers (the whole assembly including gaskets) a $2200 job.

Funnily enough, a different shop quoted me $2800 for the same valve cover (including gaskets) service. This shop has performed steady work on my vehicle, but I think they're beginning to try and rip me off. Especially after having charged me $340 for an oil change recently.

This is all in the DC area.

In VA or MD?

m3_uva · 12-21-2018, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sooopa

In VA or MD?

VA.

Sooopa · 12-21-2018, 11:34 AM

Try Bavarian Motor Repairs in Capitol Heights and ask for Andrew. Best friend swears by him and now that his car is off of warranty he is now his go-to guy. I've never had to use him *touch wood* but I've got to admit he knows his stuff.

OzCoE92 · 12-21-2018, 12:12 PM

M3 or 328xi? Two different cars, two different motors. If this is indeed for an N52, you should take a look at E90post, there will be more help over there. I read your whole post and it sounds like you have a mechanic friend that is willing to give you cheap labor, take him up on it. If your problem still persists, then maybe try an indy shop, use the dealer as the last resort.

Agent-GHQ · 12-22-2018, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m3_uva

Especially after having charged me $340 for an oil change recently.

This is all in the DC area.

Yikes!!!! I spend $120 shipped for a complete oil change kit (Castrol 10W-60) and DIY

ItsGary · 12-22-2018, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m3_uva

Damn, I got quoted $3.1k to do the valve cover gaskets and spark plugs by an indy.

They also just recently charged me $340 for an oil change (including filter change).

Time to find a new place?

jesus. Its not even $340 worth of work.

SDPLV · 12-22-2018, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m3_uva

My estimate from a different indy shop, one well-reputed for also fixing up these cars for race events. Replacing both valve cover gaskets, after parts and labor, a ~$1200 job.

Replacing both valve covers (the whole assembly including gaskets) a $2200 job.

Funnily enough, a different shop quoted me $2800 for the same valve cover (including gaskets) service. This shop has performed steady work on my vehicle, but I think they're beginning to try and rip me off. Especially after having charged me $340 for an oil change recently.

This is all in the DC area.

When that occurs you need to name the shop on here.

And hit em where it hurts, post the price of your oil change on a Yelp Review. They'll be back-peddling real quick.

By overcharging by $100, they'll be losing 10s of thousands in business easily for being shady and up-charging like a mofo.

ItsGary · 12-22-2018, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDPLV

When that occurs you need to name the shop on here.

And hit em where it hurts, post the price of your oil change on a Yelp Review. They'll be back-peddling real quick.

By overcharging by $100, they'll be losing 10s of thousands in business easily for being shady and up-charging like a mofo.

My local BMW dealership charges $250CDN for an oil change.

$250CDN = 183.87USD

12-16-2018, 09:46 AM	#23
amrazM mTekMods 2132 Rep 2,893 Posts Drives: like a granny. Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Manhatan iTrader: (1)	Go on amazon and buy a 1/4 drive ball swivel and you can get to the hard to reach screws very easily.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-20-2018, 12:26 PM	#24
m3_uva New Member 8 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW M3 Coupe Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	My estimate from a different indy shop, one well-reputed for also fixing up these cars for race events. Replacing both valve cover gaskets, after parts and labor, a ~$1200 job. Replacing both valve covers (the whole assembly including gaskets) a $2200 job. Funnily enough, a different shop quoted me $2800 for the same valve cover (including gaskets) service. This shop has performed steady work on my vehicle, but I think they're beginning to try and rip me off. Especially after having charged me $340 for an oil change recently. This is all in the DC area.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-21-2018, 11:34 AM	#28
Sooopa New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: Bimmer Join Date: May 2013 Location: Washington, DC, US iTrader: (0)	Try Bavarian Motor Repairs in Capitol Heights and ask for Andrew. Best friend swears by him and now that his car is off of warranty he is now his go-to guy. I've never had to use him touch wood but I've got to admit he knows his stuff.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-21-2018, 12:12 PM	#29
OzCoE92 Lieutenant 96 Rep 448 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW M3 Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (3)	M3 or 328xi? Two different cars, two different motors. If this is indeed for an N52, you should take a look at E90post, there will be more help over there. I read your whole post and it sounds like you have a mechanic friend that is willing to give you cheap labor, take him up on it. If your problem still persists, then maybe try an indy shop, use the dealer as the last resort.
	Appreciate 0 Quote