Need your thoughts on a price quote!
 

Guys,

I've noticed that when I go over a bump while turning right, I often hear clunk/thud(?) noise. So first thing I checked was a cv boot(outer) and discovered that rubber boot split in two. Therefore, I've visited a few local bmw specialist shops and got quoted as follows (part/labor):

1. Replacing the outer cv boot only = $450
2. Replacing with an aftermarket axle = $450
3. Replacing with a factory axle = $650.

What do you guys think about these quotes? :dunno:
Is anyone here from austin, tx?

Any input will be appreciated! :thumbup:

(E53 '04 4.4i, front driver side)

While ive never done that repair and dont know how much the boot is, 450 seems kinda high to just replace a boot.

I agree on that with you, boot is only around $50 or so.... :banghead:

Umm, is someone providing lube and condoms for that price. Because I think you are about to get raped. What are they nuts? They see a BMW and they think they can charge 200 an hour.

Find a normal indy, and take your car there.

SlickGT1, what would be an average cost to get this job done? These places said oem axle alone costs around $500 or so... I definitely feel the pain. lol

Look up part numbers on realm.com.
Then look up axle prices on ecstuning.com. Lots of options. Search here on opinions about different brands.
Saw my indi do it in about an hour. Cost in labor, $75.

In an hr? wow, they must be really good b/c I was told that it's about 3-5 hr job. Anyhow, I guess going with an aftermarket axle assembly isn't a bad idea(quality) at all... Thanks :beerchug:

Yea 3-4 hours sitting on floor with home tools. These guys had it all off in 20 min. The did my engine mounts for $150 in two hours.

I wish there is a shop like that here. :(

Way too high for just the boot. Local Dealers in Jersey charge $175 - $200 to do the boot. Local indy's charge $100 - $150 for the boot. While I personally think it is more cost effective and time efficient to just replace the entire axle. If you have the tools and replace the axle, 1hr 30 min job. You could also go to autohausaz.com and look for the parts there. I get my boots from them and they cost $10.00 for the kit. Whether you get oem or aftermarket, I feel they are gonna split within 35k miles anyway, might as well go cheap on it. Are you mechanically inclined at all?

I've never replaced one before so more than likely I will take it to a shop. The problem is finding a decent shop who doesn't over charge me.

+1, Do it yourself.

I would but don't have time and environment to work on it. I think I will have a local shop replace a left axle for around $440. This is the lowest quote I've got after calling a dozen places this morning. :(

I have just hade mine done by a dealer in the U.K
£317 (for the pair)
didn't think that was too bad.

$404 for a pair is an excellent deal! Too bad I can't find a local shop like that here.

You could also buy the parts online and just have an indy do the labor. Might save a few bucks.

buy the shaft !!!
 

And then drive around till You find a shop that will do it ,there just like drive shafts on all the cars on the road .Just make sure there careful with the sensors around there.

Got my car serviced at a local bmw/mini specialist shop, I thought I only needed front driver side cv boot replaced but found that the passenger side boot was also torn and a small oil leak detected. I wasn't too happy with the $$ but the good thing is that it's running good. :thumbup: