So I pulled off the highway yesterday when my E30 began billowing steam after the hose connecting to the radiator appeared to have popped off. I thought it might have been only a hose clamp, but I had it towed to my mechanic. I talked to my mechanic today who told me he will have to replace the radiator since the hose connection had broke off due to regular pressure. He said this is a common issue. I was just wondering if this is a common issue because I was quoted $457 for parts+labor. Is this fair? Sorry for sounding completely automotive-mechanically retarded and any feedback is appreciated. Could this issue have been prevented?
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Sounds about right. It doesn't matter how fast Ryann can do it. IIRC the book time is 2.1 hours. Where I used to work on BMWs that's $200 of the price right there. then add in the radiator which will be marked up b/c the shop is a business. Throw in 2 new radiator hoses and tax and your likely at the other $257 of the estimate. It's a 20 year old car, many parts will break eventually, if you replaced the radiator in the last few years it would be odd but if it's original it's not really out of the ordinary.
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Originally posted by bimmerteck View PostIIRC the book time is 2.1 hours. Where I used to work on BMWs that's $200 of the price right there.
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Originally posted by Ryann View PostWell, an OE Behr radiator can be had for around $165. So $292 for labor + 1 gallon of coolant? Sounds pretty steep to me. I can have my rad drained, disconnected, and out in 15min or less. What's the shop rate/hr?
Originally posted by bimmerteck View PostSounds about right. It doesn't matter how fast Ryann can do it. IIRC the book time is 2.1 hours. Where I used to work on BMWs that's $200 of the price right there. then add in the radiator which will be marked up b/c the shop is a business. Throw in 2 new radiator hoses and tax and your likely at the other $257 of the estimate. It's a 20 year old car, many parts will break eventually, if you replaced the radiator in the last few years it would be odd but if it's original it's not really out of the ordinary.
]Real sht
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You guys are freaking insane. You're going to cough up $475 for a radiator, a hose if I read correctly, and labor?? The radiator alone is $120+ and removing plus installing is something you should or should learn to do on your own. It's like 3 hoses and a sensor? It's not a big deal whatsoever man! Do it, you own an e30 so you're partially obligated to! :)
And sorry if you really can't!
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Originally posted by ak- View PostYou guys are freaking insane. You're going to cough up $475 for a radiator, a hose if I read correctly, and labor?? The radiator alone is $120+ and removing plus installing is something you should or should learn to do on your own. It's like 3 hoses and a sensor? It's not a big deal whatsoever man! Do it, you own an e30 so you're partially obligated to! :)
And sorry if you really can't!
I was about to post this, but when I re-read it I sounded like a douche. Your post is much more classy, nicely done.
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Originally posted by bp9129 View PostEh, I've never worked on cars in my life and I value my e30 too much to fuck something up and have it sit in pieces. Anyway its already with my mechanic and I gave him the go ahead.
But thanks for making me feel like I'm throwing money away lol
Who is going to do the suspension?sigpic
Originally posted by JinormusJDon't buy an e30
They're stupid
1988 325 SETA 2DR Beaten to death, then parted.
1988 325 SETA 4DR Parted.
1990 325i Cabrio Daily'd, then stored 2 yrs ago.
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Originally posted by Asbradley21 View PostThis has happened to my 318 and my dad's I filed off the some of the plastic on the broken off nipple and just crammed my rad hose on as well as I could. Hasn't come off or given me any problems. It's a known issue with these rads.
]Real sht
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