[9iron]

My '08 328i w/ 90k miles recently had the "service engine soon" light pop on. The dealer said there was a bad coil. Options were to replace single coil/plug, or (recommended) replace all 6 coils/plugs.

Also, my VCG was leaking (which i already knew). They recommended to replace this as well since they found some leaking into the well.

Basically, they said if i fixed the VCG, they wouldnt charge any labor for the plugs/coils since they needed to take it apart anyway. So my question...

Is $1500 too much to have the VCG/plugs/coils replaced at the dealer? I called a reputable indy shop for a quote and it was <$100 difference. I plan on driving the car for quite a bit longer (~150-180k). Am i getting screwed, or should i bite the bullet and get it done?

Ive thought about trying it myself, but if i F-up, it might cost me more in the long run.

What do you think?

[marketmaster]

Honestly, the VCG looks like a PITA to replace. Not really a pain but a lot of work. Here is a DIY:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=775317

It's up to you to determine what your times worth.

[Meeni]

That's a typical price for these 2 items. It's actually on the low side for dealership pricing, and kind of competitive with independent german shops.

[IK6SPEED]

Find an enthusiast locally and fix it yourself, its not rocket science, i even changed a cylinder head with my father on a n52 328i and it wasn't too bad haha
th VCG and plugs are easy and should cost a couple hundred in parts, i know VCG is less than $40 from online dealer or eBay

Originally Posted by 9iron

My '08 328i w/ 90k miles recently had the "service engine soon" light pop on. The dealer said there was a bad coil. Options were to replace single coil/plug, or (recommended) replace all 6 coils/plugs.

Also, my VCG was leaking (which i already knew). They recommended to replace this as well since they found some leaking into the well.

Basically, they said if i fixed the VCG, they wouldnt charge any labor for the plugs/coils since they needed to take it apart anyway. So my question...

Is $1500 too much to have the VCG/plugs/coils replaced at the dealer? I called a reputable indy shop for a quote and it was <$100 difference. I plan on driving the car for quite a bit longer (~150-180k). Am i getting screwed, or should i bite the bullet and get it done?

Ive thought about trying it myself, but if i F-up, it might cost me more in the long run.

What do you think?

[Efthreeoh]

If you've never removed a valve cover before then don't DIY this one. The Valvetronic makes it a very non-standard VCG fix.

Removing the Valvetronic motor is easy, getting the valve cover out of the tight space is another story, though part of the reason for the tight fitment is because of al the valvetronic gear under the VC.

[Jklad]

Probobly a 5 hour job at the dealer, and add parts to the cost.

[still in school]

My dealer quoted me 1800 for parts and labor for my VCG and OFHG as well. But I think that's because they were also doing the recall for my HPFP.

I ended up doing it myself. It was my first time doing a valve cover gasket. I definitely learned a lot. I also broke a valve cover bolt while re-installing and found a few things wrong that I repaired along the way. Be sure to inspect your valve cover for cracks. A few members here have discovered a crack next to filler hole. We're suspecting it's from the PCV valve.

Would I do it again even with all the headaches? Absolutely. It was a great learning experience.

[9iron]

Update: I had the dealer do the job. Hopefully i wont need to do much more work for a while. In the past 3 months ive replaced brake pads, rotors, coils, plugs, VCG, and new rims/snow tires.

I think my oil filter housing gasket is seeping a little.........what happens if i dont replace this soon?

Im praying the car keeps running well after these are fixed. Im hoping to get to at least 150k before thinking about a new ride. (I know i probably will need a new water pump at some point)

[Socket]

Originally Posted by 9iron

Is $1500 too much to have the VCG/plugs/coils replaced at the dealer? I called a reputable indy shop for a quote and it was <$100 difference. I plan on driving the car for quite a bit longer (~150-180k). Am i getting screwed, or should i bite the bullet and get it done?

Sounds fair...