I bought all new Meyle HD LCAs and Koni front struts. I had planned to do the work myself but it has gotten bitterly cold and it is miserable working on the car in my garage. I reached out to a shop and asked what they’d charge to install the LCAs (which has all new fasteners and ball joints) and struts (which includes new strut mounts) and I got a quote for over $2100!! I feel like that’s highway robbery. Supposedly the front struts can be replaced in 3 hours according to various things I’ve read online. LCAs in the same or less time.

What does everyone think a ballpark labor rate should be for something like this?

Thanks!

 

The book labor rate will include for dropping the front subframe to replace the control arms. You don't HAVE to drop the subframe, but that's part of the factory procedure. There are YouTube videos for the procedure. If you are competent in the garage, its not a terrible job. Could probably take a shade-tree mechanic the better part of a Saturday afternoon.

 

I contacted a second BMW specialty shop and the guy quoted me $850 to install the new struts and LCAs. Seems a lot more reasonable. Still a lot of money I could probably save, but that also includes an alignment and a guarantee that it will be done right and I don’t have to freeze my butt off in the garage for an entire day. I was also a little unsure how to accomplish both the struts and LCAs at one time. Should I remove the struts first then take off the arms, or vice versa.

 

Any update?