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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wheels and Tires Forum Sponsored by The Tire Rack > Strut Replacement Labor Cost



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      11-14-2018, 02:04 PM   #23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gjm120 View Post
Have you looked into Strutmonkey (strutmonkey.com)? A good solution if you don't want to mess with spring compressors.

I assume they are still around but haven't seen a recent posting on here.
I know about them, but I don't intend to upgrade my struts and shocks to high performance version, and there is really no reason to change the springs. It seems paying for INDY to change it to Bilstein B4 is cheaper.
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      11-14-2018, 02:09 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spazzz View Post
If you have a place to do it, do it.

$500 just for the front, buys you a Harbor Freight jack, the spring compressor I linked, all the wrenches, beer if you drink, ganja if you smoke and a useable torque wrench.
Jack stands would also come in handy.

If you don't have a spot to wrench keep making calls.
I got the other tools. Maybe I just buy a spring compressor and DIY. I estimate the shocks probably can be done in 2 hours. The front struts may take 4 hours for the first time.
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      11-14-2018, 02:37 PM   #25
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Originally Posted by E7J3F3 View Post
If you're getting quoted $1400 all in and it includes an alignment to boot that sounds like a screaming good deal to me. I have to get an alignment done at the dealer and that'll be another 200 probably. FWIW I only have one or two options besides the dealer within a day's drive, they all know it, and their prices reflect that. I would imagine that living in coastal CA you have a wealth of options for indy service and that's why you are getting such good rates.
I am not sure $1400 is a good rate considered the alignment only costs $120 here and the full set of Bilstein B4 OE replacement struts and shocks only cost $300. Your part cost seems very high. What are they? Koni, Bilstein B6 or B8, OEM?
All the new parts were Genuine BMW branded. I could've saved money going aftermarket, but she's my baby.
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      11-14-2018, 03:01 PM   #26
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mckwong View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by spazzz View Post
If you have a place to do it, do it.

$500 just for the front, buys you a Harbor Freight jack, the spring compressor I linked, all the wrenches, beer if you drink, ganja if you smoke and a useable torque wrench.
Jack stands would also come in handy.

If you don't have a spot to wrench keep making calls.
I got the other tools. Maybe I just buy a spring compressor and DIY. I estimate the shocks probably can be done in 2 hours. The front struts may take 4 hours for the first time.
You can rent a spring compressor from any auto store for free.
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      11-14-2018, 05:00 PM   #27
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Antetokounmpo View Post
You can rent a spring compressor from any auto store for free.
Unfortunately I can only find the cheap two side clamp type for rental. I would rather to pay $100 to get a safer more robust type like spazzz suggested.
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      11-14-2018, 05:04 PM   #28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Antetokounmpo View Post
You can rent a spring compressor from any auto store for free.
Unfortunately I can only find the cheap two side clamp type for rental. I would rather to pay $100 to get a safer more robust type like spazzz suggested.
If you use it right it's very safe. They have safety pins.
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      11-14-2018, 06:49 PM   #29
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If you use it right it's very safe. They have safety pins.
I guess so, but I don't have confidence that I can use it right.
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      11-14-2018, 08:25 PM   #30
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On my fronts, E60 535xi, I ended up using 1 of my hook/pin style for the opposite side of the pro style.

This combo pulled it down evenly for easy re-installation. With the pro alone I was close to bottoming out with tension still on the nut. Maybe the pro by itself would have done it but I figured a quick reach for the other one made it a guaranteed cake walk.

Don't let that scare you. Like Antetokounmpo said the auto parts store is always there for rental if you need one.

For me the drivers side front was my first attack. The knuckle spreading thing threw me after reading alot of posts. I ended up breaking a flat bar trying to pound with a 3 lb mallet and prying at the same time. I finally went in, searched again and found the 3/8 to 1/4 socket adapter trick.

Dropped right out pretty much. I had a WTF moment and a little laugh at myself.

You will be happy you DIY when done.

Whatever spring compressor you use, make sure the threaded bolt is greased
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      11-15-2018, 07:04 PM   #31
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Got a new labor quote for your reference. This one is more reasonable.

Front Struts: $420
Rear Shocks: $210
Alignment: $140
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      11-15-2018, 07:17 PM   #32
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Those prices sound fair to mre. It depends if you have more money or more time. If you only have one car like most people then it becomes a time critical job. The rears are pretty easy to do. A good mechanic might do it in an hour but the first time took me four. I was just being careful and I had to go to the dealer to get some parts that were rusted. The fronts are more involved and I had them done as it needs an alignment anyway. Good luck.
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      11-15-2018, 07:32 PM   #33
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skiwhmts View Post
Those prices sound fair to mre. It depends if you have more money or more time. If you only have one car like most people then it becomes a time critical job. The rears are pretty easy to do. A good mechanic might do it in an hour but the first time took me four. I was just being careful and I had to go to the dealer to get some parts that were rusted. The fronts are more involved and I had them done as it needs an alignment anyway. Good luck.
If DIY on the struts, I need to invest in a good spring compressor around $100. I probably will have an INDY to do the front struts, as the extra $320 will save me 4 hours time, and I will just do the rear shocks myself.

On the other hand, I have a 4 years old Mazda CX-5 that may need new struts in a couple years, so if I DIY on my E90 now, I will learn the technique and save some money on that car...
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      11-15-2018, 07:54 PM   #34
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Bingo, now I think you are getting it.

I learned on my 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. A few more things on the BMW but no biggie, except for that first knuckle...lol
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      11-16-2018, 01:27 AM   #35
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I brought my front strut assembly left & right to the same place I always get my tire work done. They have a spring compressor and did both for me for $20
No spring compression for the rears, way easier.
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