Cost to swap auto to 5 speed

[soul rebel]

Roughly how much would I be looking at to get an independent bmw mechanic to swap a 1989 325i auto to a manual? For people who have done it, how much did the parts cost? And about how many hours of labor did it take? I am looking at getting a car thats in great condition, the only problem is it's automatic, and am wondering if its worth getting it or just waiting longer and trying to find a manual in as nice of condition.

[whiltebeitel]

It will be much more cost-effective to buy a manual car if you aren't willing to parts-dive and do the work yourself.

[matt]

$1500-$2k if you're paying for labor.

$600-$1200 if you aren't.

[soul rebel]

I called around at some local shops, two didn't want to even try and tackle it, one of the two quoted me at 1500-2000 in labor if they even would attempt it. The third said he'd do it for 500 in labor if I sourced the parts. Does this sound suspiciously low to anyone, or was the first quote just the guy not trying to do the job? If anyone has any experience with German Car Specialists in Bellevue, Washington, let me know what you think.

[matt]

That's definitely low. Maybe he's hungry, maybe he's trying to rip you off.

Anyway I wouldn't do it for $500.

[atomic]

I was lucky and was able to pick up all swap parts needed on here. Had to drive 4 hours to get them. Broke down this is what I have invested in my swap and had a indepenant BMW repair shop do it for me. Although the guy who owns the shop is a good friend and we go back to when we both worked at the local BMW dealer 17 years ago

Swap parts(everything) $600
new clutch and misc parts $325
Labor $500
gas & food to go get parts $100


GRAND TOTAL $1525 FOR EVERYTHING

[thereisnoyun]

....

500 dollars? I say 750 is pretty good low price, 500 is pretty darn low... maybe he's doing it on the side and using other peoples tools. That I can see.. .but you are also dealing with super shadiness

[soul rebel]

Can anyone recommend a good shop in the Seattle area that won't charge me 2000 to do this job? To people saying buy a manual car, I can't find a manual car in this good of condition for anywhere near the price of this car plus a swap, assuming I can get the swap done for around 2000.