Rear trailing arm referb??

[getouth]

Just wanted an idea of what labor should cost to swap out all bushes on the rear of my E30.

[Earendil]

Just wanted an idea of what labor should cost to swap out all bushes on the rear of my E30.

What labor should cost, or the total cost of labor? No one should be charging you extra just to do this job, but the quantity of time it takes is large. But it also depends on what exactly you need/want done. The major bushings are

Rear Trailing Arm Bushings (RTAB)
Subframe Bushings
Differential Bushing
Rear Shock Mounts (RSM)

The RSMs are usually replaced with the shocks, and last about as long as them. I wouldn't worry about them unless you want to.
The differential bushing you could mess with if it looked bad, but generally those things are solid as shiet. Not much labor involved there.
RTABs are where you'll see some of the most benefit in ride and performance if your current ones are shot. Replacing these involves removing the trailing arm (the assembly your wheel attaches to) and pressing them out/in. This would take someone that knew what they were doing a couple hours.

Subframe Bushings are on my list of least favorite E30 things to do. I'm not sure I'd have a mechanic do this that couldn't tell you that they've done it before in the past on an E30, or gave you some sort of quote they were willing to stick to. This involves dropping the entire subframe of the car, and them special tools or created tools to get the bushing out. I found a design around here and spent $30 at a hardware store and built something that worked pretty well (and a BFH), but it still took me a few hours.

I'd give a nod to any mechanic that can do all 4 sets of bushings in under 4 hours, and I wouldn't be shocked if they quoted over 8 hours. If you get near 12 I'd say find a different mechanic.

[Todd Black 88]

Depending on how rusty everything is under the car, makes a huge difference if it goes quick or not.

I did my trailing arm bushings in my garage, without removing the entire trailing arm, but close, in about 2.5hrs. I had the dealer do my subframe bushings, and it took them an hour.
The diff bushing needs to be pressed in and out, so you need to remove the cover.
Rsm's actually fail pretty often on modified suspension, but last along time if running stock, pillow soft, springs and shocks.

Having the proper tools is the key.

[getouth]

Is $650.00 too much to do the job the car is a fl car with no rust and I'm providing the parts.

[Vivek]

Is it really too much; idk it's not an easy job really. But for $650 I would 100% do it myself. I've done it twice, and it was my first big suspension job. Sure it's a pain in the ass, but not so much that I'd she'll out$650 for it.

[seatown88]

That price seems high for just labor...but it is not a fun job to do. Quote could be high because the mechanic doesn't want to do the job. I'd get a second opinion from another shop.

[jeffnhiscars]

I was quoted 8-12 hours which is a non starter for me despite the pita aspect of it. Id rather spend that on body work for my 84 318i then drive it and take my time on the rear subframe. Im also going to do the whole enchillada...half shaft boots, wheel bearings, inner brake hoses, diff seals and perhaps the parking brakes. I figure Ill never have to look at the rear end again :-)

[mohamed...]

i though it was a pretty fun job, but i have many lifts and all the right tools. I too would not pay anyone to work on my car. It not a hard job just takes time.

[Earendil]

i though it was a pretty fun job, but i have many lifts and all the right tools. I too would not pay anyone to work on my car. It not a hard job just takes time.

I did it outside on asphalt with a couple wood blocks and a bfh, and it was a good learning experience but I wouldn't call the majority of it "fun" :)
The fun aspect can be increased the more time you give it. I gave myself two weeks and took all of it, only working when I felt like it and the weather was okay. It's not a job I'd want to do with the pressure of a deadline.