Dealer Service Quote

[zhpmatt]

Hey guys,

Long time lurker finally turned poster... gotta love it.


My '01 X5 3.0 is at 94k mi, so I stopped by the dealer to get an estimate for recommended work at the 100k milestone.

I also told them about these issues I've been having:

1. My A/C has been on the fritz lately, only working when I'm at speed.
2. My rear light indicator has been telling me I have a bulb out, however it comes and goes randomly. The dash light is often on and I see no lights out in the back and vice versa.
3. Transmission has been occasionally hesitating in stop and go traffic.
4. Has stalled twice in the last 3-4 months, both times when turning sharply. (U-turns are now off limits until I figure out what is going on) I've tried to duplicate the problem multiple times in parking lots and such, with no success.

So this is what they've quoted me (prices include labor and taxes):

Inspection I: $475.91
Fuel Filter: $164.23
A/C Evac: $147.00
Trans: $396.45
Plugs: $311.02
Diff: $119.95
Brakes: $99.95
Coolant: $99.95

Total Cost: $1,814.46

I wanted to post this on here to see if you had any better suggestions including other reputable St. Petersburg, FL (or Tampa) area shops that would be able to complete the service for less $$. Any of those listed items unnecessary?

Let me know what you think, I'm eager to explore other options. Thanks a ton.

-Matt

[01X54.4]

I found a independent mechanic and was charged for $484.49 for trans. fluid flush and fuel filter replacement. It is about two thirds of your quoted price. I am trying to say that if you can find a comfortable independent mechanic, it should be cheaper going that route. Just $.02.

[Zulu95]

A/C Could be the aux fan not working.
I just had the AC service port seals done and complete evac/recharge for around $160.
Do a search for the stalling issue. I remember reading others had it.
I also had the tranny fluid changed for much less than you were quoted.
A good indy service location will save you $$$

[2002Silver4.6is]

Price for plugs seems damn high. Might just do those yourself. Check out these threads and you can PM the guys and ask them and "How To" questions:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...ht=Spark+plugs

Why are you considering an "Inspection I"? Personally I think the "Inspection I" is a bit of a rip off. If you keep up on the maintenance on your X (like you seem to do) all of those things inspected should be fine. Anyone else agree / disagree?

What are they going to do to the diff? Change the fluids? Might be a good DIY...

What is the $99 for brakes? Seems cheap to do the pads...

The $99 for coolant a flush? I never gave much thought to a coolant flush.. seems kinda silly. Anyone else pros / cons coolant flush??

[JCL]

I think Inspection I is a good list of things to check, but there are two problems. First is that the service is overpriced, and second is that there can be a wide range of quality of service delivered. A quick glance at the items listed is not the same as checking them thoroughly. I suspect that items like lubing all the hinges get missed too often. In your case, there is an additional issue that the Inspection I appears to be at full list price, when in fact many of the other repair items listed above overlap with the Inspection I list. I would ask them to either discount it, or skip it if they won't do so.

I assume the brake quote is to flush the fluid. Required every two years, absolutely should be done if it is due.

The coolant change and flush is required every four years. The conditioners and inhibitors don't last forever. If it is due, it absolutely should be done. I suspect it is more of a drain and fill than a flush at that price, but the OEM coolant isn't cheap, so I would let them do it.

For the rear light indicator, if you don't have add-on trailer wiring (which could be the problem) then I suspect the sockets, which get corroded. You can find details using search on this forum. Not a difficult one to fix yourself, or take it to an independent. The dealer would likely replace the sockets, which may or may not be required.

Good luck

[PersonaNonGrata]

:welcome:

My '02 3.0 was stalling on me as well when doing hard left turns, like in a parking lot and once while make a left turn at an intersection. Scary! I can't recall what both fixes were but one was traced to an ignition coil. As Zulu stated, this has been discussed several times before so dig up those posts for more info. Good luck!

Oh, and I echo the thoughts of the others: find a good independent BMW mechanic.

[2002Silver4.6is]

Originally Posted by JCL

I assume the brake quote is to flush the fluid. Required every two years, absolutely should be done if it is due.

The coolant change and flush is required every four years. The conditioners and inhibitors don't last forever. If it is due, it absolutely should be done. I suspect it is more of a drain and fill than a flush at that price, but the OEM coolant isn't cheap, so I would let them do it.
Good luck

Thank you for the informative post!!