[reillyrocks]

Hello, can anyone comment on the $1150 estimate I just received to install my H&R lowering springs? I was honestly expecting it to be less than $300. These guys are normally reasonable during their history of taking care of my old B6 S4 which isn't cheap to work on. I'm staggered by this cost and hoping some of you can provide context and your costs. No, i'm not handy or skilled to take this on as a DIY.

[Wgosma]

Having had similar work done on older 5-Series RWD sedan I'd say the shops price looks to be in the ballpark.

1150/4 ~ $300 per corner. That's about 2 hours or so of labor for each; pull each shock/strut and R&R the springs. Rear end on Bimmers typically bit more time consuming than fronts.

[oVeRdOsE.]

I didn't put h&r on that X3, but I did all my previous cars, including my B7.

First shock always took me about 2h (prep + evaluating all the steps), then its about 1h for the remaining 3.

A skilled shop should take less. So 5 hours @ 100$/h + service fees, should be around 600$.

Once again, I did not do the job on the x3 yet, but when Ive changed my wheels I haven't noticed any complex part that would take me hours to get it out...

total cost : H&R 450$ + labor 600$ + alignment 170$ = about 1330$ for springs, not cheap.

[TheCoolX3]

I did it myself on my X3, but I did full coilovers. You have the added step of compressing the springs, 5 minute job each. Was time consuming but I got it done in a day. Once you get one corner done the other 3 are simple. The rear looks confusing but is not that difficult to do.

An air impact gun or very strong electric impact is needed or you will get no where.

[scostu]

Originally Posted by reillyrocks

Hello, can anyone comment on the $1150 estimate I just received to install my H&R lowering springs? I was honestly expecting it to be less than $300. These guys are normally reasonable during their history of taking care of my old B6 S4 which isn't cheap to work on. I'm staggered by this cost and hoping some of you can provide context and your costs. No, i'm not handy or skilled to take this on as a DIY.

Was quoted $850 for 6-8 hr job by my Indy mechanic. Local BMW dealer quoted me $1200.

[alpwhite46]

Jesus...here in Canada it was like 250-300 bucks.

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by alpwhite46

Jesus...here in Canada it was like 250-300 bucks.

Shop labor rates in the States typically range from U.S. $90-150/hr.

[Asianoak]

well I can confidently say that while $ 1200 seems high it might be worth it. I just did mine yesterday and it took 9 hours. Keep in mind that I'm not exactly a novice but not a pro either. I've lowered probably 12 cars prior to this, done engine swaps, CV axles, clutches, etc etc. This was by far the worst suspension install ever. The e46 is incredibly easy in comparison to the f25.

For example, to do this job correctly in front and minimize risk of damage to the CV joints you literally have to pull the brakes and basically every other suspension component from the steering knuckle. I am SO glad I waited to install the H&R springs until my oe shocks died, I would not have done this job twice.

[Wgosma]

Asianoak:
How many miles on the clock when you did the work? STD or sport suspension?

This job sounds about as exciting as DIY water pump/stat!👎.
Thanks/Bill

[Asianoak]

Originally Posted by Wgosma

Asianoak:
How many miles on the clock when you did the work? STD or sport suspension?

This job sounds about as exciting as DIY water pump/stat!.
Thanks/Bill

95k miles non sport suspension... but I'm in Oregon so there really wasn't any rust or corrosion. All the bolts came out fine, getting them back in was the problem. Also, there wasn't a single place in town that had a steering knuckle spreader so I had to fake it. I'd never needed one in the past so didn't even think to get one prior to tearing into things.

Here's a pic of before (bottom) and after. I'm pretty happy with the end results. Still a bit more float after bumps than I'd like... and ride is definitely rougher compared to the original suspension... although nowhere near as floaty or harsh as most domestic SUVs. I'm pleasantly surprised that the drop is noticable too. I didn't think the inch or so would be visible.

[Wgosma]

Thanks, car looks very good. Hope I can get more than 100K on my original shocks but just have to see- another 35K until I'm there-