Dealership estimates

[Dietitian]

It's a totally fair system. They're not charging for the repair per hour. They have a fixed price for the job and charge that regardless of the actual time required. If you don't like the fixed, accurate pricing, go to an indy shop and pray to baby jesus that he doesn't eff up your car.

[X5Flyboy]

3rd window regulator??? May I suggest that you ride with all the windows open as much as you can, and/or cycle all the windows everytime you get into the car. If it's raining, you may want to install window wind deflectors so you can also crack open the windows.

I had one window regulator break on the trip back to Idaho after picking it up from the person I bought it from in June, 2005 (<42k mileage). I am now approaching 91k without another occurence. (I know, I know, I'm really pushing my luck by "saying" that out loud) I learned from this website that you "normally" get better longivity with use vs little to no use.

[HPIA4v2]

Originally Posted by JohnD

One thing that people don't seem to be complaining about is when the hourly rate works out in their favor. The dealer quoted me .75 hours to install the Ipod integration in the wifes 2004 325CI. When everything was said and done the install took 1.5 hours, not including the free wash. The tech who installed it also made recommendations to replace speakers, etc.. All of which were covered by the warranty. In total, I paid .75 hours and had about $1200 worth of work done. I think the best analogy I have seen on this post was the shoes that cost $25 to make and were sold for $100 - everyone is out to make a profit, sometimes they win and some times they lose, it is the average that keeps them in business.

One think I am going to add, I was quoted similar price on window regulator replacement by Indy shop $450(non BMW CCA member) and $415 (for BMW CCA member). The dealer was so busy wouldn't even return my call. Since none of them can fix my car on the next day, I did it myself, part is $178 at dealer though. So Can't say OP got ripped-of though like anything in life if you feel strongly about it speak up.

[redbaronace]

Just wondering if anyone in Seattle area can lend a hand to a fellow x5world member in fixing the drivers front window regulator. Money is tight as my job in real estate is being affected by the down economy. Hoping to avoid paying the dealer to fix this problem by fixing it myself. Problem is that I am not the most handy when working on cars. If someone local can assist me, I would be most appreciative and would gladly assist you in other areas in return.

Thanks
Bryan
206-227-9376.

[h20mobius]

Bryan - not sure if you fixed yours yet, but thought I would share with you my findings...

My X5 is going in to an indy tomorrow for a new, OEM regulator here in Portland, Oregon.

I called all BMW dealerships in the Portland/Seattle market, and called 8 indepedents... and received estimates between $300 and $700.

Luckily, the guy I take it to routinely quoted me $330, so it goes to him!

It might be worth the trip to you (Seattle was the most expensive at dealerships) if you can't find anyone willing to do it for under $400.

Good Luck

[redbaronace]

Originally Posted by h20mobius

Bryan - not sure if you fixed yours yet, but thought I would share with you my findings...

My X5 is going in to an indy tomorrow for a new, OEM regulator here in Portland, Oregon.

I called all BMW dealerships in the Portland/Seattle market, and called 8 indepedents... and received estimates between $300 and $700.

Luckily, the guy I take it to routinely quoted me $330, so it goes to him!

It might be worth the trip to you (Seattle was the most expensive at dealerships) if you can't find anyone willing to do it for under $400.

Good Luck

Thanks for getting back to me. I found a former BMW dealership mechanic who was able to fix it for $90 labor and bought the aftermarket Left Front regulator for $80 on Ebay for a total of $170 installed. I did assist in the install which was great because I got a chance to see how it all goes together and might venture to do my own next time.

If you are interested in taking your car to him, he is in Smokey Point (50 minutes north of Seattle). Since he just did mine, yours would probably only take 1 hour instead of the 90 minutes it took us.

bryan

[h20mobius]

Nice deal you found! I tried finding a local guy with "some experience" but the only way I could break the $300 threshold was to use a non-OEM regulator...

I even tried craigslist, mini-shops, etc, etc.! If anyone knows of any "lesser" expensive indys in Portland - I'd love to hear about them!