Do you know how much it costs....

[mrsT]

to have a new radiator and new suspension on a '95 325iC? There is a small coolant leak so I'm going to say at worst it's the radiator, and the car rides pretty rough on bumps and such so I am assuming it needs suspension work, but not sure. It has bigger wheels on it than the factory size, so i know that affects the ride, but it shouldn't ride this hard.

I'm about to put my car in the shop to have these things done and I don't want to get overcharged since I am a young female and might not know better.

Just a ballpark range please. Thank you so much!!

[E36 Phantom]

There's no way to give a ballpark figure for "coolant leak and suspension repair." You do realize those are boundlessly wide categories that could range from $300 - several thousand, right?

You need to get several quotes if you don't feel confident that you'll get the straight scoop from one shot, and figure out what's wrong. Generally the radiator won't leak, it will fail catastrophically with a hose attachment breaking off. Chances are water pump or t-stat housing or expansion tank.

For suspension, it looks like you have 18's on very low profile tires. Yeah, that'll ride real rough. It's a consequence of not having much sidewall to absorb the impact. That's life. I doubt you really have much wrong. Being a 1995 E36, you're guaranteed to have a few suspension related things (mostly bushings) that should be replaced but I doubt any of those are the cause of your problems.

Figure cost or cost + <10% markup on parts, and I don't know what your labor rate is. I pay $145/hr.

[mrsT]

Thanks for your help, and yes I do realize that it could vary greatly in price range. I am prepared to may as much as it costs but obviously don't want to waste any money either.

I have had other BMW's with larger wheels and they never rode this rough. It hits bumps so hard that my windows go down a tiny bit then back up because it thinks I'm opening and closing the doors. Very annoying.

[E36 Phantom]

Like I said, you need to get it diagnosed by however many shops it takes for you to feel comfortable with a diagnosis for us to be able to tell you. Or you need to get under the car and go fishing for leaks yourself and we can give you a rough idea. WRT the wheels, I'm looking at the pictures and wouldn't want to ride in that thing, the ride would suck. You've got almost no rubber. When suspension components are going bad they generally get bouncy and soft, not stiff.

[mrsT]

Ok, I'll keep in mind what you have said. But I still think there is more to it than just the wheels...I do drive the thing you know. And I'm not a newb to bimmers so it's not like I'm talking out of my arse :)

Have a good day.

[e36m34life]

Yeah 18's with low pro tires will make a ride worse, but not so much worse that it would cause the window thing to activate. I had 18's with low pro tires on my E36 back when I had stock old struts, and when I changed them back to 17's the ride did not get much better.

So yeah I confident to say that if you get new struts your ride will improve a lot. It won't take away all the harshness, but it will make it much better.

I recommend that you take your car to at least three different shops and get quotes from all. Then post the quotes on here and we will go over them and tell you if they are fair or not. :)

Good luck

[mrsT]

Wow, a reply that doesn't seem abrasive. (Chad needs to lighten up.) Thanks! :)

Since you had the same size wheels, you know what I mean. I know the ride will always be somewhat rough due to the wheel and tire size but it has SOMETHING wrong with it besides that. I have used a shop before that I trust but it has been a while, so I'm going to try there first. I am excited to get it in the shop and have it all running and operating perfectly. Yay!

[AJ Gure]

Wow, a reply that doesn't seem abrasive. (Chad needs to lighten up.) Thanks! :)

Since you had the same size wheels, you know what I mean. I know the ride will always be somewhat rough due to the wheel and tire size but it has SOMETHING wrong with it besides that. I have used a shop before that I trust but it has been a while, so I'm going to try there first. I am excited to get it in the shop and have it all running and operating perfectly. Yay!

why r u happy, your spending money, what are the shop rates in your area, mine here in edmonton canada are 75/hr and the stealership is 100/hr, i once had a coolant leak and luckily i had it at the right place only costed me $250 to fix

[bimmerbarbie]

Yay another female! Chad's just a punk, he isn't intentionally grouchy, and in reality his responses to your questions were kind-hearted for him. He does usually know what he's talking about, however, and in order to be as helpful as he can be he'll ask other questions.

Do a search on the window dropping on bumps issue on here, I've seen that complaint quite a few times on here and I'm not really convinced it's a suspension problem. I have 18s with decent (for me) sidewall, and it's still a bone-jarring experience. I prefer it that way, keeps me on my toes so I don't go all soft and grandma-ish. I'm quasi-joking, btw. If you're worried about your suspension, take it to a tire shop and ask them to check it out. Here's the key: go back to the bay where they're working on it and watch them! Talk to the mechanics, ask questions, show that you're interested and care about your car. Usually dealing with the actual mechanics, not the ones up at the front desk, will get you an honest answer and establish a good working trust relationship, and before long you'll have them eating out of your hand! That's what I always do, and now the shop that I always go to will reserve the bay that I like for me when I call and say I'm headed up there. They'll also hook you up with parts and money saving tips, and if you make friends with the managers then it's even better.

For your coolant leak, it may not be as huge a problem as you're preparing yourself for. The same method of observing them work and asking questions will get you far with this problem too. Just explain your issue to them and ask for them to take a look at it, see if they can determine where the leak is coming from. Do this at a couple places, see who you think is the most trustworthy and willing to help, and to get a good idea of the average price; then take the car back.

It is true that when a young female walks in with a nice car, most guys will immediately see dollar signs, but by showing that you aren't a pushover, are interested in how it works and how to solve the problem, are willing to chat with them while they work on your car, and that you know at least a little bit (I'm not sure how into the car you are, this one's determined by you) about your car, they'll treat you fairly. Usually more than fair, actually, in my experience. Loyalty goes a long way as well. Being willing to buy the best brands even when they're expensive, and wanting to get the best driving experience you are able to, will make them eager to help as well, since that's their passion: they'll love to see a woman treat a car the way it should be treated.

[max5roadster]

It is true that when a young female walks in with a nice car, most guys will immediately see dollar signs,

Not entirely the first thing that may cross our minds... just sayin. :P

[bimmerbarbie]

Ok, management then in the business aspect. What you're talking about is what WE capitalize upon! :D I'm joking with that, actually, friendliness and intelligence goes just as far as prettiness does.... being pretty definitely doesn't hurt.

Oh! I'm not saying to flirt or anything, just be nice. And just in case, wear a diamond on your ring finger, so if they start hitting on you you can let them down gently. You don't want them thinking of you as dating material, this is a business relationship, and that's bad business. Just making myself clear on that one, for the record and all.

[E36 Phantom]

Wow, a reply that doesn't seem abrasive. (Chad needs to lighten up.) Thanks! :)
I wasn't trying to be abrasive. :dunno: Sorry if you felt that way, what part of my post came across as so?
Yay another female! Chad's just a punk, he isn't intentionally grouchy, and in reality his responses to your questions were kind-hearted for him. He does usually know what he's talking about, however, and in order to be as helpful as he can be he'll ask other questions.

Loyalty goes a long way as well. Being willing to buy the best brands even when they're expensive, and wanting to get the best driving experience you are able to, will make them eager to help as well, since that's their passion: they'll love to see a woman treat a car the way it should be treated.
:rofl: Thanks Amber. But I'm not a punk....much....:eeps: :p

And a huge +1 to loyalty. I'm VERY big on finding one shop that knows what they're doing, treats my car well, and has prices I can stomach. Then I stick with them. If the price is a bit higher than other places now and then, I just consider it a small premium to have a shop that I respect and know do the work on a car they're familiar with. The mechanics/owners definitely appreciate that, and I think they can see when a customer is being loyal and want to give that customer good service.

[mrsT]

Chad...I admit, you weren't all that bad in your post to me, but you just seem a bit cranky. Thanks for being nice.

Ok guys & girls. I have been swamped at work and school and am just now getting a chance to update you. I put the bimmer in the shop last Friday, got it back this Tuesday afternoon.

It needed a new radiator and new front struts and mounts (told you Chad :P). It was about $1500 worth but I reminded him who I was (haven't been in there in a few years) and he realized I would continue to be a repeat customer, I actually knew what I was talking about, and I was willing to have him to it all at once so he cut it down to $1200. Barbie...I did batt my eyes a little lol, jk. He only made a couple hundred on labor as far as I know. For the $1200, he also replaced my clock light and changed the oil and reset the oil light, and checked the car all over for anything else but it was all good.

The car drives 10xs better! I am so glad I went ahead and spent the money. It also isn't leaking coolant at all. It's 81 degrees today in OKC and I had the top down on lunch....it's the life. :)

[jbomz3]

Chad...I admit, you weren't all that bad in your post to me, but you just seem a bit cranky. Thanks for being nice.

Ok guys & girls. I have been swamped at work and school and am just now getting a chance to update you. I put the bimmer in the shop last Friday, got it back this Tuesday afternoon.

It needed a new radiator and new front struts and mounts (told you Chad :P). It was about $1500 worth but I reminded him who I was (haven't been in there in a few years) and he realized I would continue to be a repeat customer, I actually knew what I was talking about, and I was willing to have him to it all at once so he cut it down to $1200. Barbie...I did batt my eyes a little lol, jk. He only made a couple hundred on labor as far as I know. For the $1200, he also replaced my clock light and changed the oil and reset the oil light, and checked the car all over for anything else but it was all good.

The car drives 10xs better! I am so glad I went ahead and spent the money. It also isn't leaking coolant at all. It's 81 degrees today in OKC and I had the top down on lunch....it's the life. :)



Hiya , glad you're chuffed (Happy) with your car and isn't the roof off (top down) the only way to drive ? i've always got a smile on my face when i'm driving with the roof off , hence the wind in my hair and the flies in between my teeth :rofl: .

Westie's (Chad) somtimes Kranky
http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/184454026X.02.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
Although i'm never sure which one , BB will know , i think they form the double act :thumbup: . JJ .

[E36 Phantom]

Chad...I admit, you weren't all that bad in your post to me, but you just seem a bit cranky. Thanks for being nice.

Ok guys & girls. I have been swamped at work and school and am just now getting a chance to update you. I put the bimmer in the shop last Friday, got it back this Tuesday afternoon.

It needed a new radiator and new front struts and mounts (told you Chad :P). It was about $1500 worth but I reminded him who I was (haven't been in there in a few years) and he realized I would continue to be a repeat customer, I actually knew what I was talking about, and I was willing to have him to it all at once so he cut it down to $1200. Barbie...I did batt my eyes a little lol, jk. He only made a couple hundred on labor as far as I know. For the $1200, he also replaced my clock light and changed the oil and reset the oil light, and checked the car all over for anything else but it was all good.

The car drives 10xs better! I am so glad I went ahead and spent the money. It also isn't leaking coolant at all. It's 81 degrees today in OKC and I had the top down on lunch....it's the life. :)
Where was the radiator leaking from, a seam? I'm very surprised. :rofl: at the struts and mounts, can't all be winners I guess.

And no, lol, not cranky. I just try not to waste time with extraneous stuff and get to the point. It's just me normally.

Westie's (Chad) somtimes Kranky

Although i'm never sure which one , BB will know , i think they form the double act :thumbup: . JJ .

:bustingup

Oh hush up Shag......:lmao: You're just trying to be a pot-stirrer....:p
Just what's this double act you speak of accomplish, anyway? :eeps:

[jbomz3]

Where was the radiator leaking from, a seam? I'm very surprised. :rofl: at the struts and mounts, can't all be winners I guess.

And no, lol, not cranky. I just try not to waste time with extraneous stuff and get to the point. It's just me normally.


:bustingup

Oh hush up Shag......:lmao: You're just trying to be a pot-stirrer....:p
Just what's this double act you speak of accomplish, anyway? :eeps:

I'm not a sh!t-stirrer honest :throw: , i'm a p!ss-taker :neener: (i like a laugh i don't cause trouble) .
The Krankies where a comedy double act (duo) of suppossedly an adult man and schoolboy , they used to do all kids tv shows and such late 70's early 80's here in the uk (think they may still be going) but if you look close at that pic' the schoolboy is actualy a woman (they were man and wife duo) "Wee Jimmy Kranky" and his catchphrase was fandabidozzie (fan-dabi-dozzie) . :confused: ??? . JJ .

[E36 Phantom]

So you're saying Amber looks like a little boy? Ooh, she's not gonna be happy with you, Shag, when she gets back on here. She just might end up as a little JailBird after all!

[jbomz3]

So you're saying Amber looks like a little boy? Ooh, she's not gonna be happy with you, Shag, when she gets back on here. She just might end up as a little JailBird after all!

Where did i say that ??? you've just said it !!!

I said "Westie's sometimes a little Kranky but i never know which one"

Ok i'm in a hole i best stop digging :behead: . JJ .

There was actually a thinly vailed complement there ... So thin i think you missed it ... Comedy Duo

[mrsT]

I got it JJ, don't worry lol.

This board is very amusing the more I look at it. :)

[jbomz3]

I got it JJ, don't worry lol.

This board is very amusing the more I look at it. :)

Good :thumbup: . Yes i think Westie and Jailbird (or the newly named Krankies) are top-class entertainment . Only joking (as i'm pretty sure they know i am) i like to have a laugh , and what i know of them those 2 do to , it's only fair they laugh at me because they can't understand the lingo , cus they don't speak the queens english like what i do . All the best with the open top motoring and i hope you have many hours of it . JJ .

[E36 Phantom]

I got it JJ, don't worry lol.

This board is very amusing the more I look at it. :)
Oh you should see us in the live chat. :p (Hint, I'm quick and to the point in serious matters. Things are TOTALLY different when we start going OT in threads or in chat :D)

Good :thumbup: . Yes i think Westie and Jailbird (or the newly named Krankies) are top-class entertainment . Only joking (as i'm pretty sure they know i am) i like to have a laugh , and what i know of them those 2 do to , it's only fair they laugh at me because they can't understand the lingo , cus they don't speak the queens english like what i do . All the best with the open top motoring and i hope you have many hours of it . JJ .
Nothing but the best for ya Shag!

PS, the Queen just rang. She says you calling that gibberish of yours anything related to her made her spit tea all over her crumpets in disgust. She's going to come after you for corruption of an otherwise lovely language. :p

:bigpimp:

[jbomz3]

Oh you should see us in the live chat. :p (Hint, I'm quick and to the point in serious matters. Things are TOTALLY different when we start going OT in threads or in chat :D)


Nothing but the best for ya Shag!

PS, the Queen just rang. She says you calling that gibberish of yours anything related to her made her spit tea all over her crumpets in disgust. She's going to come after you for corruption of an otherwise lovely language. :p

:bigpimp:

Which Queen ??? Liz or our beloved BB ??? Oh yeah tea i guess that's not BB then . Do you have crumpets as well ??? which type ??? crumpet's another word that has more than 1 meaning . JJ .

[E36 Phantom]

Queen Liz o'course mate!

To be totally honest I don't have the slightest idea what the hell a crumpet is, but I've heard they're bland (like most of your food) so I've never cared to find out. I just know you English like your tea and crumpets according to the stereotype, so....... :p

[jbomz3]

Queen Liz o'course mate!

To be totally honest I don't have the slightest idea what the hell a crumpet is, but I've heard they're bland (like most of your food) so I've never cared to find out. I just know you English like your tea and crumpets according to the stereotype, so....... :p

They're actually very nice and if done corrctly soft , and with lashing of butter spread on them "full fat" suprised you don't have them in the US , i thought most average Joe's were hooked on a drip feed so they get fat straight to the vein :yikes: . JJ .

[bimmerbarbie]

Say what?! I don't even know where to begin. I am NOT either of those funky looking people, thank you very much. Sure we can call me the Queen now, I'm down with that. Who is Shag? You're both Shag? Westie? That's Chad. Tea is good, but I'm sure it loses its taste over the pond. Do ya'll really eat those nasty brussel sprouts? Crumpets.... I thought they were scones? No no, he's from California, they don't do anything that has fat in it. Why is he called "Wee Kranky"? He looks almost as much of a tall freak as Chad. But that would make me the ugly little one, and I don't do ugly. I've never heard of that show, must be a brit thing. Or an old person thing. Or both. Yes, quite possibly both. We are pretty funny, but you'll need to find prettier people to compare us to. And arrogant too. Cr*p I think a plane is crashing outside.

OP glad you got it all taken care of! If you think this is bad.... just wait. If you're brave, you could try the chat. But that gets scary sometimes, even for me.

[jbomz3]

Say what?! I don't even know where to begin. I am NOT either of those funky looking people, thank you very much. Sure we can call me the Queen now, I'm down with that. Who is Shag? You're both Shag? Westie? That's Chad. Tea is good, but I'm sure it loses its taste over the pond. Do ya'll really eat those nasty brussel sprouts? Crumpets.... I thought they were scones? No no, he's from California, they don't do anything that has fat in it. Why is he called "Wee Kranky"? He looks almost as much of a tall freak as Chad. But that would make me the ugly little one, and I don't do ugly. I've never heard of that show, must be a brit thing. Or an old person thing. Or both. Yes, quite possibly both. We are pretty funny, but you'll need to find prettier people to compare us to. And arrogant too. Cr*p I think a plane is crashing outside.

OP glad you got it all taken care of! If you think this is bad.... just wait. If you're brave, you could try the chat. But that gets scary sometimes, even for me.

Right ok Queen BB from now on ???

1. Yes Chad n me are both Shag :dunno: and Westie is Chad
2. Tea is nice over here , but i prefer JD or bitter :confused:
3. Yes we eat Sprouts , crumpets are nice , scones are nice too , with jam and cream :)
4. Another youth from cali' said on this run they're setting up "we'll start at "Big-Boy Burgers" or some such malarky .
5 ."wee Jimmy Kranky" was the schoolboy one , they're scottish wee is scottish slang for little (the scots hate us english more than you Yanks , the Ruskies , the Aussies , the Irish ... well you get it everybody) :bawling:
6. The show was british and yes old , so no doubt you'd not heard of it
7. :dunno: you're pretty , funny and arrogant ??? i never said all 3 , what sort of plane was it ??? a "black jet" ?
. JJ .

[E36 Phantom]

Say what?! I don't even know where to begin. I am NOT either of those funky looking people, thank you very much. Sure we can call me the Queen now, I'm down with that. Who is Shag? You're both Shag? Westie? That's Chad. Tea is good, but I'm sure it loses its taste over the pond. Do ya'll really eat those nasty brussel sprouts? Crumpets.... I thought they were scones? No no, he's from California, they don't do anything that has fat in it. Why is he called "Wee Kranky"? He looks almost as much of a tall freak as Chad. But that would make me the ugly little one, and I don't do ugly. I've never heard of that show, must be a brit thing. Or an old person thing. Or both. Yes, quite possibly both. We are pretty funny, but you'll need to find prettier people to compare us to. And arrogant too. Cr*p I think a plane is crashing outside.

OP glad you got it all taken care of! If you think this is bad.... just wait. If you're brave, you could try the chat. But that gets scary sometimes, even for me.

Stream of consciousness much dear?

No, I don't know how he started calling me Shag. Shag is JJ, plain and simple. I am not.
We have the occasional fatty foods, but overall Californians are definitely less fatty than, like, the Midwest. We actually exercise out here though. :p
:lmao: Love the non-nonchalant Oh I think a plane is about to erupt in flames outside my window. Related, did you hear about the F-18 Hornet the crashed in SD not too long ago? Yeah, the fool went literally right over my house and crashed less than 2 miles away from me. I was 2 miles from getting killed from crashing fighter jets! :rofl:

Right ok Queen BB from now on ???
4. Another youth from cali' said on this run they're setting up "we'll start at "Big-Bog Burgers" or some such malarky .
7. :dunno: you're pretty , funny and arrogant ??? i never said all 3 , what sort of plane was it ??? a "black jet" ?
. JJ .
Yes. Betty Burgers. Amazing, amazing burgers. And shakes....drool.

Pretty, check. Funny, check. Arrogant, double check....:rofl:

[jbomz3]

Stream of consciousness much dear?

No, I don't know how he started calling me Shag. Shag is JJ, plain and simple. I am not.
We have the occasional fatty foods, but overall Californians are definitely less fatty than, like, the Midwest. We actually exercise out here though. :p

Sorry for any misconstruation in the previous translation , i meant you answered if i posted shag , sort of knew who it was aimed at so to speak .


Yes. Betty Burgers. Amazing, amazing burgers. And shakes....drool.

Pretty, check. Funny, check. Arrogant, double check....:rofl:

I still stand by my claim i never mentioned 3 .

Why do they exercise ??? i thought that's what they used the wet n dry vacuums for (liposuction) to suck the excess lard out ;) . JJ .

[bimmerbarbie]

Yes, stream of consciousness very much. Thought it was fitting seeing how late I'd come into the conversation. The plane, I'm really not sure. Just as I was typing, a very loud strange whining noise came from outside sounding like it was going towards the airport. I'm assuming it crashed. :dunno: Oh no, Chad, maybe the plane was sent by Andy's goons as payback! That would explain why they missed you. I mean, we're all happy you survived of course. What the hell there's another plane making that noise. And a train. WTF is going on?! Chaos!


Ew on the lipo description.