$650 for spring install/alignment???

[gatoraviator]

Guys,
Just as the title states, does this sound realistic? I live in Va Beach and have very slim choices for places to take my car and there is one place that deals specifically with BMWs and Porsches. I was told the alignment would be $100 and the remaining $600-650 would be for the labor and spring install. Just trying to get a feel if this is too much or sounds right. Thanks for your time guys.

Mike

[LateBraking]

LOL.

That better include the price of the springs themselves!

[aus]

If it was a coil over install with a corner balance, then it would be fine.

[OMID INC]

Coil install cost me $250 CB (at a loser rip off guys place) cost me another $250.

I wouldn't pay more than $325 for spring install and alignment

[LateBraking]

^ I disagree just in that I believe corner balance + alignment does reasonably cost $250.00 in most cases.

However, OP said that he was quoted $600.00 for labor on spring install, which is where my bullshitometer came in.

[Psylight]

Whoa...thats a grip! I got my springs installed for 130 and alignment should be somewhere between 60-100.

[gatoraviator]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I thought that sounded high. I mean, I've owned an Acura and Infiniti in the past and I did springs on those which didn't cost that much, but this is my first BMW and everything for this car is expensive, so figured that's what it was. Oh well, now I need to find something more reasonable in this area. Again, thanks.

[OMID INC]

corner balance should cost around $200-$250 because it does take skill and time.

an alignment can be done for $100 or so.

i just don't agree with the BS alignment by hand that a certain someone thy everyone raves about on the forums does

[LateBraking]

Originally Posted by OMID INC

corner balance should cost around $200-$250 because it does take skill and time.

an alignment can be done for $100 or so.

i just don't agree with the BS alignment by hand that a certain someone thy everyone raves about on the forums does

Right, that's what I meant.

[richardbb85]

Originally Posted by gatoraviator

Guys,
Just as the title states, does this sound realistic? I live in Va Beach and have very slim choices for places to take my car and there is one place that deals specifically with BMWs and Porsches. I was told the alignment would be $100 and the remaining $600-650 would be for the labor and spring install. Just trying to get a feel if this is too much or sounds right. Thanks for your time guys.

Mike

i am getting my springs install on the 22nd, and he charges a resonable price. He is in northern virginia though, pm if you feel like making a trip up here.

[Daft]

A local shop (Mantis Racing) wants $800 for spring install and alignment. I'm like WTF?!

[Psylight]

Originally Posted by Daft

A local shop (Mantis Racing) wants $800 for spring install and alignment. I'm like WTF?!

Yeah they wanna take you for a ride for sure..

[calintexas]

Here's a post by Trent Cole, a BMWCCA Lone Star Chapter Tech Advisor. Trent owns a popular DFW shop and has patiently answered members questions for years. The short story here is that to do the job you expect, the shop needs to have a big investment in equipment, someone that knows how to use it, and it takes time (labor) to do it right. You need to be aware of what you are actually getting for your money. http://www.lscbmwcca.org/forum/FindPost10461.aspx

[Golgothar]

Wow!

I just had my Dinan stg1 suspension kit (which is more than just springs) installed and i got an alignment all for $450 out the door.

Sounds like they are giving you a raw deal man!

P.S. - My itemized reciept broke it down as follows: Sping+parts install 3 hrs @ $100 and hour. 4 wheel alignment $150.
Hope that helps!

[Simon@RENNSpec]

According to the BMW handbook, it actually takes about 5-6 hours to remove/install the factory strut, springs. Realistically, it shouldn't take more than 3 hours to install a set of springs. We normally charge $250 for springs install, additional $150 for 4 wheels alignment. Hope this info help!

[MNm3]

I just installed my Eibach pro kit and it took at MOST 3 hours, especially if you know what you're doing. I didn't have to get an alignment/cb done since the pro kit doesn't do enough to merit it.

[kitw]

Originally Posted by MNm3

I just installed my Eibach pro kit and it took at MOST 3 hours, especially if you know what you're doing. I didn't have to get an alignment/cb done since the pro kit doesn't do enough to merit it.

You need an alignment done. Our tires are way too expensive to cheap out on $150 for a good alignment.

[MNm3]

Originally Posted by kitw

You need an alignment done. Our tires are way too expensive to cheap out on $150 for a good alignment.

I got word back from more than one source that with the Eiback kit, you do not need an alignment. I would hope the guys at IND and Eibach would know what they are talking about

My tires are shot anyway from a track day and I'm trying to make it to winter without changing (i have another wheel/tire set for winter), so this will be a nice little test to see if they wear much differently.

[Hunter399]

Keep in mind it is easier to install a coil over set up than springs..

[kitw]

Originally Posted by Hunter399

Keep in mind it is easier to install a coil over set up than springs..

Maybe in the front, but not the rear. Remember you don't need to pull the trunk carpet or the rear shocks to do springs.

[RJM3]

It all depends who does the alignment and what equipment they use ...

The decent alignment cost around 300-400 alone.

[Jameson@Alpine]

thats nuts!