Pay a premium for 5 speed swap install?

[ME30W]

I currently have an auto 325i and am looking to swap in a 5 speed. I got a quote from an extremely reputable shop that has, arguably, the best reputation in the area. It was quite high at about $1200 for labor, and $650 for parts (they will only use parts they source).

I'm not very mechanically experienced, and can not do the job myself, but I wanted to get opinions on how difficult the job actually is. Would I be compromising the car if I took it to a lesser known, but still quality, shop?

I have no problem paying the money if the job is done that much better, but am still in the process of figuring out my best move.

[MR 325]

That's an insane amount of money for the labor AND the parts. (Unless most parts are new).

To give you an idea, I would charge you less than half of that labor cost out here.

[ME30W]

That's an insane amount of money for the labor AND the parts. (Unless most parts are new).

To give you an idea, I would charge you less than half of that labor cost out here.

Just out of curiosity, how many hours does your shop charge for the job?

[MR 325]

Just out of curiosity, how many hours does your shop charge for the job?

I just do side work from home. ;)

I would charge a flat rate of around $500 and have it done within 2 days.

[MrSlacker]

Lets see... its a 2 day job to do it right. Lets say 16 hours total - which makes $1200 job only $75 an hour. Usual shop rate at a good shop is about $80 so this math works out correctly.

As far as parts - $600 seems about right if you are using a brand new clutch, master cylinder and other misc stuff while you are in there. Don't forget trans mounts, bracket that holds it, clutch lines, pedals, shifter lever, bushings etc etc... actually if I think about it, $600 is even LOW if you are doing everything right.

Now imagine you bring all the parts to them... they install everything and their job is done. However, it turns out that transmission is faulty - something that you will find out only after install. Who will pay to remove it and swap in a new one? As a customer, you will try to find 100 excuses that it wasn't your fault and they should swap it for free... This way shop can guarantee that parts are good and IF they are not, they know its their responsibility to fix it.

[rocco16v]

i paid to have mine done and it cost me $1600 but that was years ago

[P.Kelly]

Lets see... its a 2 day job to do it right. Lets say 16 hours total - which makes $1200 job only $75 an hour. Usual shop rate at a good shop is about $80 so this math works out correctly.

Out here the gold standard reputable shop does this for $700 in labor (minus the cruise control wiring) at $100/he shop rate provided you bring in all the parts already pulled from the donor car.

While I have NOT done this myself yet, I've yet to hear anyone suggest seriously that it is a 12-16 hour job for a qualified shop that has done one before.