Strut question

[williezwildcat]

Brought 2005 X5 4.4 Sport Pkg 58K miles into dealer today. Steering was off center, and occasional knocking from left front wheel well when going over bumps. Also, tire pressure warning light occasionally lighting up. Just put new set of Bridgestones 19" on truck. Dealer informed me that left front strut/shock has a small leak. Pump is able to compensate, but will need to replace, and would not do alignment as he said it would be useless unless strut replace. Questions are these? Is it usual for strut to go bad at 58K? Price quoted to replace front left strut is $1080 (including 3 hours labor), doesn't that sound excessive? CPO does not cover this issue, is that correct? Any suggestions as to a more economical solution?
Thanks in advance for feedback.

[killcrap]

well if you want an economical solution, you should of gotten an econmonical vehicle. 3hrs is little bit high, i charge 2-2.5 hours for that job. some people have patched the air spring, but i would just replace the air spring for peace of mind.

[williezwildcat]

Killcrap,

Not looking to go cheap, just want to make sure I am not getting ripped off. In looking online, genuine part costs somewhere in neighborhood of $300-$350. I love capitalism, and would rather pay to get it done right. However, dealer wants to charge me $900+ for same part, I've got a problem. Plus, you buy a $57,000 vehicle, you would expect to get more mileage out of the struts. My wife's Navigator is approaching 100K, drive the same roads, and still rides like on clouds, and it is a friggin glorified Ford.

[motordavid]

Find an Indie, get a quote...it may be a pleasant surprise.
Dlrs think their parts are automatic 3X markup, imo.
Yes, CPO does not cover it. Give the CPO a read:
world class boiler plate and "maybe yes/maybe no".
GL,mD

[williezwildcat]

Thanks MotorDavid, I've got a call into an indy who only does BMW work. Unfortunately not many to choose from in my area, but this one has great rep and I know them personally. Appreciate the feedback.

[killcrap]

the life on x5 air springs is about 50-60k miles. the life on axle boots are the same. Sway bar links around 80k, tension strut bushings around 30k. bmws suspension components are not designed to last, they are designed for handeling. Dont compare your navigator to your x5, they are not the same. The Navigator has a truck chassis, and the x5 has a car chassis.

[williezwildcat]

Agreed Killcrap. Wasn't fair to compare. Just frustrated on the part markup issue.

[Weasel]

I feel like I have overcome the odds, at 91k miles I still have the original airbags in the rear and the original outer axle boots in the front! They actually look better now then when I got the truck too, pure silicone spray does wonders for rubber!

[explicitdwk]

when i brought mine in for service, they replaced mine because it was under factory warranty. my car only has 21k miles. O.o def do it, but it is expensive..

[jst2878]

the front airspring retails for around 800.00. if you find one for 350 let us know where. just do the replacement yourself if money is an option or sell the X and get a new honda or toyota. get ready to fork out some bucks for this vehicle.