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Hi guys
Probably you remember I asked this forum couple weeks ago about getting transmission oil and filter change vs transmission flush done at a independent shop. Anyway, they quoted me $300 at that time. Today, I brought in the X5 for them to do the service. They kept for 5 hours and called back to let me know that there are few things their technicians suggest to have done soon.
1-control arm bushing- part (114) + labor (245)=359
2-trans service- part (513)+labor (187)=700
3-drive axles-axle shaft-part (412)+labor (600)=1012
4-Wishbone link- part (240) labor (99)=339
5-drive belts- part (60)+ Labor (118)=178
6-Air filter- part (23)+ labor (20)=43
7-6,000 mile service- part (84)+ labor (30)=114. the total is over $3K.
It is a total surprise for me to see this suggestion. What are the symptoms do I need to look for if these things are need to be replaced. The guy said if I don't do it soon, it will be hard on my front tires and won't pass the safety test. I think I may ask for second opinion but the problem is where I am at there are not many independent BMW shops to shop around. Are these service necessary at all at this time. Mine is 01 X5 3.0i 85726 miles and it has been asymptomatic or I don't know what to look for.

ALX5

Get a second opinion elsewhere. Common practice for shops to offer low price/free services so they can get you in and offer a list of "needed repairs". I once had a place do a "free oil change" and they tried to see me new brake calipers because my existing calipers were leaking. You could see where they had squirted brake fluid up around the pistons. To make it worse the service manager had tried exactly the same thing with the customer right before me. You should have seen her face when I told her to eat the free oil change and give me my keys or I'd report the vehicle stolen!

i'd get a second opinion as many of those problems can be detected during normal driving.

And if we knew where you were located, someone might be able to give you a suggestion on an independent mechanic...

Thanks X5Dawg
I am in Salt Lake City, Utah about 30 miles from Park City

$20 labor to change the air filter? comical.

so trans service $700...was that what was originally quoted for $300?

yeah. sounds like a nickel and dime job. you should get a second opinion for sure.

I hope you got a written estimate. Here's why,

A few of these things Air filter/drive belts seem like a good price but here's the rub. Anybody that quotes me $300.00 (in writing) for a job and turns around and charges me $700.00 would be subject me to a great deal of consternation, and would prompt me to discuss the many reasons why $300.00 is all they would be getting as payment.

Then i would find another repair shop.