540i repair advice

[compmore]

got a quote today from bee-ems in sydney for work they say is needed on my 94 model
Labour Parts
replace tailshaft coupling $227.70 261.80
replace brake booster 277.20 2230.00
Maybe able to resleeve for $1100 parts
replace engine mounts 148.50 430.70
replace steering draglink& tierod ends 118.80 531.00
replace castor arm bushes 247.50 292.00
replace rocker cover gaskets 594.00 135.30
replace a/c belt 89.10 59.35

total with wheel align $5,699.10

Can't really Do it myself so appreciate if you could give us some feedback on above.Will also get some parts prices from beastmaster who were about half price last time

thanks

geoff

[Paul in NZ]

BMA auto parts in the US will be much much cheaper than that but you better check that Bee ems would be happy with that.
The rocker cover gaskets and A/c belt would prolly be a DIY,I wouldnt attempt the other stuff either.Some of the other Aussies here get there parts from BMA.All the stuff sounds normal

[BillionPa]

$430 in engine mounts!?!?!??!
$600 for gasket replacement labor!?!!??!

[The Bigfella]

Yep - couldn't agree more. I got quoted US$7.10 for a part by BMA today - and Aus$40 (call it US$30) from BMW Aust. I went the Aus route, only because my latest shipment had just left BMA and this part was a special order part. Delays have been minimal - even for the special order piston rings that had to be made in Germany, sent to USA then here.

The thing that swung me was a throttle position switch that my (then) Indy sourced via BM Aus - for $501 - same thing available for $50 at BMA. I hat rip offs.

I'd do all those jobs myself except maybe the steering.

[compmore]

bee-ems are happy for customer to supply parts as last time they were 1/3 of Australian price so will get some online prices.

wasn't sure if the labour was fair particuarly replace rocker cover gasgets as at say $80 per hour thats 7.5 hours work. they say it's a very fiddily time consuming job

anyone ever done??

geoff

[shogun]

They must be while working. 7.5 hours?
Man, that is abt. a full work day!

[compmore]

yeah i know they charging nearly a full days work.For the labour cost of A$594
could nearly take a week off work and attempt myself as have done much more than rocker cover gaskets on previous cars and bikes

thats why i'm asking if anyone has done it before because don't want to take it on if it's a real hassle as they say or special tools are needed

rgds,

geoff

[genphreak]

BeeEms are pretty good usually, the parts one simply can't buy locally though. You should get prices form the US primarily, if you are short on time call Euopean Car Parts (ASV) in Villawood. I just buy frm BMA, they know what thye are doing and ship fast- always respond and do the right thing.

I beleive that the head gaskets take a lot of effort and time- but I have never worked on an M60/62 engine. Nick

[Ross]

7 1/2 hours would about cover exchanging the motor. Go elsewhere or DIY.

[markus]

jesus christ $1100 for a master cylinder? talk about crooks.