Fair price?

[rcmartin3]

I had to bring my e70 x5m to a new indy mechanic because my normal guy is on vacation. For the work quoted, does the price seem reasonable for an indy? Trying to decide if I wait to see my regular mechanic in January.

Thanks all and happy holidays.

[wcs531]

I'd probably wait for the other Indy... The transfer case servo motor (27107568267) can be had new from OE suppler for half of what he is charging. I get they need to make money on parts but that's just ridiculous.

Additionally, the actual servo motor failing is very rare from what I understand. Its usually just the plastic gear that goes wears out and can be replaced separately for much cheaper.

No clue about the vaccum pump.

[rcmartin3]

Originally Posted by wcs531

Additionally, the actual servo motor failing is very rare from what I understand. Its usually just the plastic gear that goes wears out and can be replaced separately for much cheaper.

No clue about the vaccum pump.

Really helpful, thank you. This was all for a couple small leaks I noticed, and apparently one of them is the transfer case.

[Sophisticated Redneck]

Is your valve cover leaking oil? That's what's killing you on the labor, pulling a valve cover on a s63/n63 engine is labor intensive as you have to pull all the high pressure fuel Injection lines/wiring. You can do the vacuum pump without pulling the valve cover though.

[bmwpower603]

I doubt that the Indy shop can even do the vacuum pump.

Unless they are a BMW only shop. They are going to struggle with that.

If they are just quoting you for valve cover gaskets, they don’t know what they are doing. The injectors to to be removed, cleaned, and sealed with new retainer clip and Teflon oring/gasket.

Also, if your valve covers are leaking, your oil return line cover is leaking as well. This should be done while the vcg’s are being replaced. All of your vacuum lines should be replaced as well.

I would also do the upper timing cover gaskets, water pump, t stat; if those are original to the car. I’m sure I’m missing some other items.

**I would also replace all of your vanos solenoid gaskets

[Duc Hunter]

Just a side note, my Indy charges $100/hr labor here in Florida. Your labors would add up to over 20 hours of labor?

[Molez93]

My Indy BMW/Porsche shop charged me about $500-600 in labor (4 or 5 hours) to replace my vacuum pump last fall. I provided the pump as I initially thought I was going to try to DIY it.

If it’s me, I’d wait until I’m facing no other option in order to stay with my regular shop instead to going somewhere new.