It is a big job, and the valvetronic motors (not vanos) do have to be pulled off as they go through the valve covers. And it usually looks like just a valve cover gasket leak when the timing covers leak as they mostly leak out of the very top where they meet the valve covers. It takes a little experience to know that I guess....

And yes, you have to remove the valve covers first to be able to remove the timing covers. It is still a few hours more labor over the valve cover gasket job, but MUCH less than doing it at different times. There is a way to "sneak" the timing cover job that doesn't require removing the valve covers, but you still have to take them loose and it isn't the proper way to do the job.

I guess all you can do is ask them to work with you with the price giving the situation, see what they want to do from a customer service standpoint. If they value their long term customers and understand that they should have at least recommended doing them at the same time as it is a known common leak with directly overlapping labor, they will work with you.

__________________
"When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all" (Bender, futurama)

You make something idiotproof, they'll make a better idiot

You think professional is expensive, just wait until you pay for amateur.

Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right.

Examine what is said, not who speaks.

X5 pics

RIP 4.6is.....

2003 4.6is