Subframe/RTAB question.. paying too much?

[Nairb]

Ok, so I definitely need new subframe bushings, and I've heard that it is such a PITA that you might as well take it to a shop and do it.

I am wanting to use AKG subframe, and probably Powerflex RTAB's. Of course, I might as well replace some common wear item's when it's all being replaced.. exhaust hangers, diff mount, CV boot, and turns out I need a new rear pinion seal.

So, I took it to a local mechanic today and he quoted me "about $600" for all of the work! That is with no parts.. just labor. Is this crazy, or what?

I don't really want to do the subframe by myself, and from what I've read it's a serious bitch to do.

However, he is probably the cheapest mechanic in the area who can do work like this.

What should I do?

[KenC]

That's a good deal for labor on all that. It's not a quick job.

For a DIY, getting the old bushings out is really the only PITA.

[Nairb]

Yeah I know how difficult it is, but I was reading around and some people are saying they paid like $450 with parts or $300 for labor.. so I am just like "holy shit, this guy usually has really good prices.."

I'm willing to pay, but honestly I don't like other people working on my car and I definitely don't like to feel like I'm getting ripped off.

[KenC]

Was that quote just for the RSBs and TABs? Or for all the other stuff you listed?

[fronton]

if you dont have an engine crane, take him up on the $600. very fair price.

[KenC]

Engine crane??

[fronton]

how else are you going to hold an engine in place while you swap subframe bushings?

[StereoInstaller1]

how else are you going to hold an engine in place while you swap subframe bushings?

You have no clue what you are talking about.

The front has no subframe bushings.

[downernsp]

That is fair. Yeah others might have gotten a better deal,but hey that is just how shit is. Learn and DIY that wat you can avoid labor.

[Nairb]

Was that quote just for the RSBs and TABs? Or for all the other stuff you listed?

RSB, diff mount, RTAB, exhaust hangers, CV boots.. most of the common wear items back there..

[KenC]

Thats a good price for labor then.

[skurvydog]

I'm in the process of doing this now, i have everything off just waiting for parts now. It wasn't that bad and I'm a complete noob. You can probably handle it in a timely manner.

[Kershaw]

that's a really good price for labor. i have done the RSBs on e30s TWICE. it is an absolute pain in the ass and it took me all day. both times.

the bmw shop my brother used to work at wouldnt even do RSBs because the labor cost and what they could plausibly charge the customer did not work in their favor. they would flat out tell customers to use someone else for that.

[bzboardz]

if your thinking about DIY what about buying an already clean rear subframe(with camber/toe adjustments if you need them)

sounds like a good price, i think bushings from powerflex cost 300$ alone

[HarryPotter]

That's not really a bad price for all that you've mentioned.