$2000 for both reat strut replacements!

Hi All,

I am in the UK and have a 630, I recently took my car to have its annual statutory check and have been advised this-

"Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)"

So I took it to an indie BMW, and they said they needed to change both sides with part 8 here- (part number 33326770831)

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...47&hg=33&fg=30

They said it was because BMW do not sell rear bushings on their own so they have to replace the the whole strut costing around £360 each and 4 hours of labour each...

Is this true and is it something I can do on my own?

I've done 40k miles on it so is it expected for the bushings to be worn out so quickly?

Hi! There are probably aftermarket parts suppliers for these items, or for the bushes alone. You may need specialist equipment to remove the bushes as they are inserted and removed under pressure. You may find a low mileage breakup car and buy the complete assemblies not sure how much benefit you will gain. You could go to an independent garage use BMW parts but save on the labour.....
As for them going early.... we live in speed bumps centre/pot hole centre of the universe which is a major cause of suspension issues early in a cars age........
You could look at the online TIS and see what is entailed in changing them.....

Hi, I looked at TIS...doesn't seem too bad....can't see how it takes 4 hours to change one strut? http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/s/view.pl?1/09/67/23

Has anyone tried this, and able to give some tips?