Repairs...

[MINIz guy]

So, this will be my first post on this forum. We have a '03 X5 3.0i.

Today, we went in to Morristown BMW to get a few things fixed. We walked out just having our A/C fixed. It was just the freon being low, so they recharged it. The freon was just $9.95, but the labor was $270. Would labor actually be that expensive, or is it just the dealership jacking up the price?

The service guy also made some recommendations that should be fixed. That includes:
Thrust Rod Bushings
Front Outer Axel Boots (Starting To Tear)
Rear Cupholder
Shifter Boot
Fan Clutch
Drive Belts

The rear cupholder was kicked out of place and is broken. It was supposed to be repaired with the shifter boot but my parents declined. The dealer wanted to charge $520 for either just the cup holder or both, (my dad refused to be clear about this.)

To get all this fixed, would it be better to go back to the dealer or go to some independant shop? Also, could anybody tell me any independant shops around the zip code : 07046 ?

[Bimmer360]

the cupholder and the shifter boot can be DIY, just need to get the parts right?

[MINIz guy]

It can be a DIY if I get a good guide to do it. Don't I have to remove the whole center console to do this? If so, I'm just 14 with parents that won't bother with those parts or provide me any tools or help.

We have tools, just the matter of having the right tools.

[HBSRA10]

Originally Posted by MINz guy

The freon was just $9.95, but the labor was $270. Would labor actually be that expensive, or is it just the dealership jacking up the price?

Low freon (recharge A/C) cost me $175 at an independent BMW service place. I also got front outer axel boots done. I believe that was another $300.

[MINIz guy]

Alright, so I could say we got ripped off by the dealer.

Could somebody in New Jersey tell me a good independant specialist around the zip code listed above? My parents are planning to go back to Morristown BMW to get a price quote on the recommended parts. We'd really appreciate a good specialist to compare prices to.

[Quicksilver]

If you think you got ripped from this dealer (Which BTW is a sponser on this site). Just repost your problem and entitled it "Morristown I don't feel good about this" State the issue and if you have a legitimate case perhaps they may review it with you privately.

Originally Posted by MINz guy

Alright, so I could say we got ripped off by the dealer.

Could somebody in New Jersey tell me a good independant specialist around the zip code listed above? My parents are planning to go back to Morristown BMW to get a price quote on the recommended parts. We'd really appreciate a good specialist to compare prices to.

[mrbmwx5]

check here for the independant in your area..

http://www.bimrs.org/

[motordavid]

Even if it was $100 hr for labor, (half of which goes into the
stlr fund), it isn't a ~3 hr job.

They are a sponsor, but you got ripped, imo. The CV boots,
if cracking, the belts and fan clutch, are "get done" after a
another opinion; the other stuff was delusion add-on fluff,
though just my opin, from afar.

But, the CV boots and belts are prob. pushing the limit on an
'03...

Surprised, but maybe not surprised: these sltrs will do anything
to hammer an out of warranty car.

Try Search Tab, as the NJ Indie question has come up before...
GL,mD

[swissfrank]

MINz guy, I'm actually impressed with the level at intellect you show at 14, kudos! But agree'd with everyone else the price seems a bit steep!

[MINIz guy]

Haha, you should what my parents think of me, way different opinions.

Anyway, I think we may be out of luck with the independant specialist. Motor Works West only works Monday-Friday, and Oldwick Village Garage is too far away for my dad to have any interest to drive to.

Thanks for all your help guys. May seem that the dealership is the only way to go.