How much should lower + thrust arms cost to install?

AllaVodka · 08-26-2021, 11:26 AM

Replacing all 4 for the front.

Being quoted $1400 including alignment and seems high

njdangelo · 08-27-2021, 05:16 AM

The book probably says 2hr per arm and the parts are about $400 plus dealer margin so that's not too far off. I'm sure it won't take them that long as mine took me about 4hrs to do and I had no idea what I was doing but regardless they quote based on the computer generated labor hours. Assuming you're going to a dealer?

AlmondJayRoM3 · 08-27-2021, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllaVodka

Replacing all 4 for the front.

Being quoted $1400 including alignment and seems high

Why does it seem high?

If you price out the genuine parts including random one time use items like the axle nuts, you will be around $700. Alignment is around $100-$150. With labor around $100/hr, $1400 is probably about right. Then you also get the free loaner for the day.

Cheapest you might be able to get this done is around 1000 at an independent shop using generic parts but when it comes to suspension bits on these cars, I would rather go genuine bmw parts.

AllaVodka · 08-27-2021, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlmondJayRoM3

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllaVodka

Replacing all 4 for the front.

Being quoted $1400 including alignment and seems high

Why does it seem high?

If you price out the genuine parts including random one time use items like the axle nuts, you will be around $700. Alignment is around $100-$150. With labor around $100/hr, $1400 is probably about right. Then you also get the free loaner for the day.

Cheapest you might be able to get this done is around 1000 at an independent shop using generic parts but when it comes to suspension bits on these cars, I would rather go genuine bmw parts.

Sry I should have clarified. This is only for labor. I have the parts. That was quote for labor + alignment

shoman24v · 08-27-2021, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllaVodka

Sry I should have clarified. This is only for labor. I have the parts. That was quote for labor + alignment

$1400 for labor and alignment and you're supplying the parts? No thanks. They are not that hard to do yourself if you have the tools and experience.

F30lolz · 08-27-2021, 07:59 AM

Where in NY OP? I used to go to two shops when I lived there and were priced reasonable but its Upstate Ny, though not too far north from Bear Mt.

AllaVodka · 08-27-2021, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F30lolz

Where in NY OP? I used to go to two shops when I lived there and were priced reasonable but its Upstate Ny, though not too far north from Bear Mt.

I'm actually down in Houston currently. Kind of split time between the two. Love bear mountain btw, ive been to a many army games

AllaVodka · 08-27-2021, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoman24v

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllaVodka

Sry I should have clarified. This is only for labor. I have the parts. That was quote for labor + alignment

$1400 for labor and alignment and you're supplying the parts? No thanks. They are not that hard to do yourself if you have the tools and experience.

Yeha it seemed super high. Dont have the ability to do it myself... but what do you think would be reasonable for all 4 + an alignment?

sspade · 08-27-2021, 08:36 AM

If you're looking to go the budget route, then I would consider purchasing a kit like this and finding an indy to jump on the install for $500 cash, including alignment. I think this can be done if you search around.

By the way, TRW is a world class engineering and manufacturing company with many divisions including massive offroad military vehicle suspension systems. I worked closely with them for a prior job and toured a couple facilities.

I personally think this is the best value front control arm refresh out there for the F30. Definitely going this route when Im ready.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/15254911226...IAAOSwaeRZGV6~

AllaVodka · 08-27-2021, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sspade

If you're looking to go the budget route, then I would consider purchasing a kit like this and finding an indy to jump on the install for $500 cash, including alignment. I think this can be done if you search around.

By the way, TRW is a world class engineering and manufacturing company with many divisions including massive offroad military vehicle suspension systems. I worked closely with them for a prior job and toured a couple facilities.

I personally think this is the best value front control arm refresh out there for the F30. Definitely going this route when Im ready.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/15254911226...IAAOSwaeRZGV6~

Thanks. Appreciate the recommendation, I actually already got the vac sealed monoballs from kies... hopefully they're worth the $$

Orion4 · 08-27-2021, 12:07 PM

I used the TRW control arms from FCP with I did my front end a couple of weeks ago. WIth the right tools and time, its a pretty straight forward DIY.

OneLastBMW · 08-27-2021, 08:00 PM

Buy every tool you could possibly want, take a rainy Saturday to do it, pay an Indy for an alignment and buy $700 worth of black licorice. You'll still be money ahead.

Nobody near me that I'd let touch my car allows bring your own parts. I do most anything myself except tires and alignments but have asked around when I was in a hurry to get some springs installed. I just waited til I found the time.

im_an_alien · 08-28-2021, 09:38 AM

Replacing those is so easy you can diy with a decent set of tools and jack stands. Doesn't even require an alignment after...

WDE82 · 08-28-2021, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlmondJayRoM3

Why does it seem high?

If you price out the genuine parts including random one time use items like the axle nuts, you will be around $700. Alignment is around $100-$150. With labor around $100/hr, $1400 is probably about right. Then you also get the free loaner for the day.

Cheapest you might be able to get this done is around 1000 at an independent shop using generic parts but when it comes to suspension bits on these cars, I would rather go genuine bmw parts.

OEM is not generic. They're identical to Genuine BMW parts for half the price or less. I'd definitely go to an indy for this kind of service. BMW dealer markup is insane.

BimR · 08-29-2021, 08:57 PM

Alignment is $80-$100 and can be done anywhere. $1300 just for labor? So ya, it's pretty high. Take your time and look around. Find a good indy and even put a quote on yourmechanic just to check. I think you can get it done for halfish.

SeanFitz335 · 08-30-2021, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllaVodka

Thanks. Appreciate the recommendation, I actually already got the vac sealed monoballs from kies... hopefully they're worth the $$

100% worth the $$. I installed the VAC arms myself in the garage on jack stands. Not difficult, though I have a full set of tools and quite a bit of experience, plus my car is RWD. X-Drive is a bit more involved.
It only took a few hours for the thrust arms. I would think an indy shop could do it in that on a lift. Throw in alignment and you are $500-$600.

AllaVodka · 08-30-2021, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeanFitz335

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllaVodka

Thanks. Appreciate the recommendation, I actually already got the vac sealed monoballs from kies... hopefully they're worth the $$

100% worth the $$. I installed the VAC arms myself in the garage on jack stands. Not difficult, though I have a full set of tools and quite a bit of experience, plus my car is RWD. X-Drive is a bit more involved.
It only took a few hours for the thrust arms. I would think an indy shop could do it in that on a lift. Throw in alignment and you are $500-$600.

Yeah I wish I had the ability to do it myself. Keep getting quotes around $1,300...

How do you like the vac's so far?

BimR · 08-30-2021, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllaVodka

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeanFitz335

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllaVodka

Thanks. Appreciate the recommendation, I actually already got the vac sealed monoballs from kies... hopefully they're worth the $$

100% worth the $$. I installed the VAC arms myself in the garage on jack stands. Not difficult, though I have a full set of tools and quite a bit of experience, plus my car is RWD. X-Drive is a bit more involved.
It only took a few hours for the thrust arms. I would think an indy shop could do it in that on a lift. Throw in alignment and you are $500-$600.

Yeah I wish I had the ability to do it myself. Keep getting quotes around $1,300...

How do you like the vac's so far?

Are you in TX now? Did you look at YourMechanic?

AllaVodka · 08-30-2021, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BimR

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllaVodka

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeanFitz335

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllaVodka

Thanks. Appreciate the recommendation, I actually already got the vac sealed monoballs from kies... hopefully they're worth the $$

100% worth the $$. I installed the VAC arms myself in the garage on jack stands. Not difficult, though I have a full set of tools and quite a bit of experience, plus my car is RWD. X-Drive is a bit more involved.
It only took a few hours for the thrust arms. I would think an indy shop could do it in that on a lift. Throw in alignment and you are $500-$600.

Yeah I wish I had the ability to do it myself. Keep getting quotes around $1,300...

How do you like the vac's so far?

Are you in TX now? Did you look at YourMechanic?

Hey yeah in TX rn; haven't looked at or heard of that.. what is it?

BimR · 08-30-2021, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllaVodka

Quote:

Originally Posted by BimR

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllaVodka

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeanFitz335

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllaVodka

Thanks. Appreciate the recommendation, I actually already got the vac sealed monoballs from kies... hopefully they're worth the $$

100% worth the $$. I installed the VAC arms myself in the garage on jack stands. Not difficult, though I have a full set of tools and quite a bit of experience, plus my car is RWD. X-Drive is a bit more involved.
It only took a few hours for the thrust arms. I would think an indy shop could do it in that on a lift. Throw in alignment and you are $500-$600.

Yeah I wish I had the ability to do it myself. Keep getting quotes around $1,300...

How do you like the vac's so far?

Are you in TX now? Did you look at YourMechanic?

Hey yeah in TX rn; haven't looked at or heard of that.. what is it?

A website that gives you an estimate and they come do the work at your house. I use it only to get estimates. No commitment to sign up so have a look.

quakerroatmeal · 08-30-2021, 09:28 PM

Houston should have a ton of shop's. 1400$ and you supply parts is high to me as well.

https://www.bimmershops.com/search?q=houston%2C%20tx

Try these shops.

AllaVodka · 08-30-2021, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quakerroatmeal

Houston should have a ton of shop's. 1400$ and you supply parts is high to me as well.

https://www.bimmershops.com/search?q=houston%2C%20tx

Try these shops.

Thanks

08-26-2021, 11:26 AM	#1
AllaVodka Captain 634 Rep 709 Posts Drives: BMW B58 Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	How much should lower + thrust arms cost to install? Replacing all 4 for the front. Being quoted $1400 including alignment and seems high
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08-27-2021, 05:16 AM	#2
njdangelo Captain 436 Rep 844 Posts Drives: 2019 x5 50i Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: CT iTrader: (1)	The book probably says 2hr per arm and the parts are about $400 plus dealer margin so that's not too far off. I'm sure it won't take them that long as mine took me about 4hrs to do and I had no idea what I was doing but regardless they quote based on the computer generated labor hours. Assuming you're going to a dealer? __________________ 2019 x5 50i - current 2016 340i THP stage 2 - gone but not forgotten.
	Appreciate 1 AllaVodka634.00 Quote

08-27-2021, 08:36 AM	#9
sspade Major General 2465 Rep 5,457 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Stevenson, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2016 BMW 320i [7.87] 2014 BMW 328i [6.83]	If you're looking to go the budget route, then I would consider purchasing a kit like this and finding an indy to jump on the install for $500 cash, including alignment. I think this can be done if you search around. By the way, TRW is a world class engineering and manufacturing company with many divisions including massive offroad military vehicle suspension systems. I worked closely with them for a prior job and toured a couple facilities. I personally think this is the best value front control arm refresh out there for the F30. Definitely going this route when Im ready. https://www.ebay.com/itm/15254911226...IAAOSwaeRZGV6~
	Appreciate 1 AllaVodka634.00 Quote

08-27-2021, 12:07 PM	#11
Orion4 Lieutenant Colonel 481 Rep 1,571 Posts Drives: 2013 335i Sport Line Sedan Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Melbourne, FL iTrader: (0)	I used the TRW control arms from FCP with I did my front end a couple of weeks ago. WIth the right tools and time, its a pretty straight forward DIY.
	Appreciate 1 sspade2464.50 Quote

08-27-2021, 08:00 PM	#12
OneLastBMW Sarcasm while you wait. 149 Rep 118 Posts Drives: 2017 F33 B58 xDrive Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: The Fringe of the Motor City Suburbs iTrader: (0)	Buy every tool you could possibly want, take a rainy Saturday to do it, pay an Indy for an alignment and buy $700 worth of black licorice. You'll still be money ahead. Nobody near me that I'd let touch my car allows bring your own parts. I do most anything myself except tires and alignments but have asked around when I was in a hurry to get some springs installed. I just waited til I found the time. Last edited by OneLastBMW; 08-27-2021 at 08:06 PM..
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08-28-2021, 09:38 AM	#13
im_an_alien Lieutenant Colonel 1127 Rep 1,508 Posts Drives: 2016 340i Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Florida/NH iTrader: (0)	Replacing those is so easy you can diy with a decent set of tools and jack stands. Doesn't even require an alignment after...
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08-29-2021, 08:57 PM	#15
BimR Lieutenant 245 Rep 500 Posts Drives: 2016 328 Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Alignment is $80-$100 and can be done anywhere. $1300 just for labor? So ya, it's pretty high. Take your time and look around. Find a good indy and even put a quote on yourmechanic just to check. I think you can get it done for halfish.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-30-2021, 09:28 PM	#21
quakerroatmeal Second Lieutenant 119 Rep 282 Posts Drives: 2018 430i Grand Coupe Join Date: May 2021 Location: DFW iTrader: (1)	Houston should have a ton of shop's. 1400$ and you supply parts is high to me as well. https://www.bimmershops.com/search?q=houston%2C%20tx Try these shops.
	Appreciate 0 Quote