Work estimate reality check ...

[ainadude]

Guess there's nobody here who lives in the Las Vegas area (I had asked for some suggestions on a non-dealer mechanic earlier today and have, as yet, received no response). Anyway, I went to a well-known and apparently well-regarded local shop for an estimate for a) timing belt swap (incl. water pump); and b) R/R the radiator.

They came back with an estimate of $1,800.

OK, I'll admit I've been spoiled. In Honolulu, where I used to live, I had a former neighbor and longtime friend who had been a BMW senior tech before opening his own shop and he always gave me a break on anything I needed done.

But, c'mon, does this estimate bear any resemblence to reality? It seems really steep, especially in terms of the labor quote of 8-10 hours at $99/per+tax. And that figure includes three hours to do the radiator, which I 'm pretty sure you have to do anyway when you do the timing belt. The guy I talked to -- who's actually from Hawaii, too -- told me he was working off the All-Data sheet with respect to labor hours.

I know some of you are actual pros -- does the above jibe with your experience? Appreciate any substantive input.

[jasonsnoddy]

1,800 > free.

srsly, its super easy, there are a ton of walkthroughs, and theres not many uncommon tools necessary. just do it yourself. anytime you go to a shop that you dont know anyone in, you gone get raped.

[nando]

either do it yourself for the $300 in parts it will cost you, bend over and pay $1800 (basically $1500 in labor), or sell the E30 and buy a Kia with the 100k warranty.

No way that is 8-10 hours labor. A timing belt and waterpump is probably an hour and a half for an experienced tech - maybe 3 hours booked. Swapping radiators isn't any extra work (3 hose clamps, two screws) since you have to drain the coolant for a waterpump anyway, and it makes the timing belt easier if the radiator is out of the way.

So yeah, I wouldn't go anywhere near that shop again. You're getting soaked.

[worangejuice]

Do it yourself bro..........do it, you'll feel like a man!!!
timing belt diy step by step

[ZM Blue Devil]

damn, i wish that was the going rate. One a month and Id be set.

yeah over billed for sure. Yes you could do it, if you dont want to, it should be less then half that quote. my bigger fear is anyone that quotes that much either did so to rip you off or has never done one. Not sure which is more scary. Find a e30 mechanic. Not just a mechanic, not just a BMW mechanic, but a e30 mechanic. Not only will they charge you less but will be able to see 14 other things to make you aware of.

[ainadude]

Yeah, thanks guys ... what I figured.

[e30huh]

buy me a round trip ticket and 5 days/4 nights hotel and i'll take care of it for you....

[jaycheetwood]

I would be more than happy to come out for a weekend and help you do it. Just pay my ticket to vegas and back hahaha. I have done a few of them and now built a couple motors.

[delatlanta1281]

Nando is right, the hardest thing would be taking the main pulley off. With no lift I can do the timing on an e30 in 3 hours... Bring it down here, and I will charge you 250 for labor.

[txtorquemade]

1. DIY
2. Fly a couple of us out there and put us up for two days.

Really, DIY. This isnt hard if you can change your oil and plugs you do this. Take pics, Stay organized. You will do fine.

Listen to those that are telling you this!!

[Mossman]

I think book time is about 4 hours on the timing belt/wp, that's what my old shop used to charge IIRC. And yeah, add half an hour for the radiator for swapping temp sensors over, because although it doesn't have to come out to do timing belt it makes it easier and once the fan is off it really isn't any extra work. There's gotta be some local e30'er that would come to your place and do it for $100 if you have a decent place to work on the thing.

[RainierHooker]

I guess I can't really say anything that hasn't already been said, but...

$124.95 - OEM Timing belt, Tensioner, Graf Water Pump, and shipping from Elephant Motorsports (Site sponser and all around good guys)
~200.00 - Mishimoto Aluminum Radiator
$50.00 - Basic Craftsman Toolkit from Sears

I may be wrong, but all that and about three hours of your time is way better than an $1800 raping. Plus you get the satisfaction of doing it yourself. Thats half the fun of owning an e30.

[jaycheetwood]

You fly me there, i will pay my whole hotel stay, you buy the beer and we are set. I can change that damn belt and do some gambling and call it good.

[F34R]

This shit happens all the time here in NY, I have a few people that bring me their BMWs because I don't ass fuck them for everything they have.

I just did the rocker arms on my brothers b25 head. While I was there I also did the belt and pump, I think those parts were 65 bucks. 45 for the pump and 15 for the belt.

Do the job your self, buy a bentley manuel off amazon and a craftsman tool set and save that money for better things. Like more cool PARTS!