Does the price for this job on my 2003 BMW X5 3.0i seem reasonable?

[bmwfan101]

Hi,

I recently took in my 2003 BMW X5 3.0i to my independent German car specialist repair shop, and I was told that the brakes need to be replaced. The estimate came to about $2,058, and here was the breakdown:

a) Brake Caliper - Front Left Friction Ready (1 of these for $345)

b) Brake Caliper - Front Right Friction Ready (1 of these for $345)

c) Brake Disc - Front (2 of these for $165 each --> $330)

d) Brake Fluid LV - 1 Liter (1 of these for $30)

e) Brake Hose - Front (2 of these for $63.20 each --> $126.40)

f) Brake Pad Sensor - Front (1 of these for $23.50)

g) Brake Pad Set - Front w/Shims (1 of these for $135)

h) 4 hours of labor for : Replace both front calipers with new fluid lines and front rotors, pads and sensor --- includes flushing and bleeding of system) -----> (4 hours of labor at a total of $560).

Therefore, when adding all these above attributes up + tax, it comes to a total of $2,058. As a result, I just wanted to check in with you guys and ask, do you guys think overall this seems reasonable to you? Also, would you guys say that this price seems significantly cheaper than if I were to take the X5 to a BMW dealer and ask for the same job to be done?

Thanks in advance!

[Bdc101]

It's high but maybe not unreasonable, IF you truly need to replace everything in the front brakes (rotors, calipers, pads, hoses). Do you actually need new calipers and hoses? I would guess your indie is trying to see how much extra work he can convince you to go for that you don't actually need.



For reference, in 60 seconds on FCPEuro.com I found that it is about $700 in parts for what he's quoted you. (Edit: third party prices, not OEM)

[Clavurion]

That is crazy money. The same parts as ATE OEM quality parts would be about 400€ in total. As least here in Europe the parts would be cheaper even from official BMW dealer.

[freedo]

this is nuts. why does it need 2 new calipers? if both calipers are sticking id rather take the risk and buy 2 used ones off of ebay for less than $100. worst case scenario one is bad and you buy another used one and still be in it for less that half the cost of a new caliper. here is fcp euro front rotors, pads and sensors for $245 and a lifetime warranty.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...t1#description

LF caliper for $163

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ft-34116773131

RF caliper for $200

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...te-34116773132

brake hose kit with fluid for $45

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...eco-19036339kt

total thats around $670 for all the parts listed and every single thing has a lifetime warranty (when it wears out if you ship it back at your costs they will replace with new part for free)

[c-bass]

Originally Posted by freedo

this is nuts. why does it need 2 new calipers? if both calipers are sticking id rather take the risk and buy 2 used ones off of ebay for less than $100. worst case scenario one is bad and you buy another used one and still be in it for less that half the cost of a new caliper. here is fcp euro front rotors, pads and sensors for $245 and a lifetime warranty.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...t1#description

LF caliper for $163

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ft-34116773131

RF caliper for $200

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...te-34116773132

brake hose kit with fluid for $45

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...eco-19036339kt

total thats around $670 for all the parts listed and every single thing has a lifetime warranty (when it wears out if you ship it back at your costs they will replace with new part for free)

Personally I wouldn't spend $100 for a used set of ebay calipers when rockauto exists.

I have used calipers from the pic n pull yard but at least I get to visually check them out first.

[bmwfan101]

Thanks for the input guys. Just to add to this, I confirmed with my mechanic that all the above parts are indeed BMW OEM parts and not aftermarket/third-party parts. Is there an advantage to using BMW OEM parts rather than aftermarket/third-party parts?

[Clavurion]

Originally Posted by bmwfan101

Thanks for the input guys. Just to add to this, I confirmed with my mechanic that all the above parts are indeed BMW OEM parts and not aftermarket/third-party parts. Is there an advantage to using BMW OEM parts rather than aftermarket/third-party parts?

In these kind of parts I would say the gain is minimal if any. For example the calipers from the factory are manufactured by ATE in the first place.

I don't know if the prices for original parts in the US are much higher. Here is an example of European price for original BMW caliper.

https://www.bmwautoparts.net/search/...%0934116773131

[cn90]

Do you know how to wrench?

The brake hose is made by ATE for BMW.

On FCPEuro website, the front brake hose is $17.
Brake wear sensor $10 etc. etc.

BMW does not make any of these parts, they just put their logo on them and mark them up.
Search forum for brake pad/rotor recommendation.

You can even rebuild the brake calipers using rebuild kit for cheap.

If you DIY, then the whole thing can be done for $400 or so.

[Bdc101]

Did you confirm that you actually need new brake calipers and hoses? Again... you probably do not

[bmwfan101]

I do not know how to wrench, and I did confirm that I needed new brakes, calipers, and hoses. Also, thanks once again for the insight thus far everyone. I will keep you guys posted.