Dealer just charged me $400 to change a bulb, what are my options...

[rmani]

Originally Posted by NJ04e53

wow - that is one expensive bulb.. I had replaced mine last week before my trip down NC..I called up and pick up OSRAM D2s bulb from pepboys for $100 and it matched my other xenon perfectly.. Which dealer did you go to? There's a member selling their d2s here - http://www.xoutpost.com/classifieds/...6000k-d2s.html

thanks man. i had 6000ks in my old m3 they looked great but i really like the bright white stock look of the 4500ks. i pmed a few people on here i'm just gonna cut my losses and buy two new bulbs, and while i'm at it get LED rear tails so everything will work and match. I just need someone on here who's willing to help me install everything I hate working on stuff like this. I'll pay someone on here if they're willing to come to my house and do the install for me. I'll even throw in some beer or vodka.

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by rmani

thanks man. i had 6000ks in my old m3 they looked great but i really like the bright white stock look of the 4500ks. i pmed a few people on here i'm just gonna cut my losses and buy two new bulbs, and while i'm at it get LED rear tails so everything will work and match. I just need someone on here who's willing to help me install everything I hate working on stuff like this. I'll pay someone on here if they're willing to come to my house and do the install for me. I'll even throw in some beer or vodka.

Come out to the Connecticut meet this weekend and I'll do it for free!

[NJ04e53]

There you go! Jose just invited you to the meet and get your installation for free.. You're the man Jose! Wish I can come this weekend..I feel inferior without big rims..

[haigha]

Originally Posted by rmani

thanks guys. ive been dealing with some personal stuff right now and my head just wasn't right. i feel so stupid and just lost nearly $400...

Something to consider is that it could have been even more expensive if you:

- had an accident because of the missing light.

- got a ticket.

Also since, it was $360ish with the discount, it must have been around $335 plus tax, right? That sounds more reasonable if their hourly rate is $120 or $140.

And your tale of woe will probably help others here avoid the shock of a large bill for a seemingly minor repair by at getting an estimate first

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by NJ04e53

There you go! Jose just invited you to the meet and get your installation for free.. You're the man Jose! Wish I can come this weekend..I feel inferior without big rims..

No biggie ... just trying to help a guy down on his luck.

No need to feel inferior ... my wheels are 20's but not as wide as stock.

[rmani]

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

Come out to the Connecticut meet this weekend and I'll do it for free!

that's really nice of you to offer tanks man, but unfortunately I don't have the new bulbs yet (plan on buying the ebay set someone recommended) and I have an engagement party in NYC on saturday so I doubt I can make it. I'll gladly pay someone here in NJ if they can help me out. I live in 07920 so if anyone is near by please let me know.

[rmani]

Originally Posted by haigha

Something to consider is that it could have been even more expensive if you:

- had an accident because of the missing light.

- got a ticket.

Also since, it was $360ish with the discount, it must have been around $335 plus tax, right? That sounds more reasonable if their hourly rate is $120 or $140.

And your tale of woe will probably help others here avoid the shock of a large bill for a seemingly minor repair by at getting an estimate first

This is a very good point and it makes me feel better. I hope my tale of woe can help save someone else from it. BTW I went to morristown BMW which has always given me great service but I am definitely annoyed about this bulb issue. They also kept me waiting for 2 hrs!

[J.Belknap]

Originally Posted by rmani

I just want the freaking lights to match.

Phillips 85122 bulbs start life at 4.3K but "burn in" over time to 4.8-5K.

This might be what you're seeing.

[Gurltech]

Sorry to hear that.
Bought all new bulbs including new Fog bulbs and Angel Eyes from ECS
My indie charged me 100 bucks for the complete install.
Took him two hours, because he worked from the top down and did not remove the bumper.

[black02m5]

The install depends which model you have. With the 3.0 I've read that the bumper doesn't need to be removed. With my 4.8 the bumper has to come off.