How much for new spark plugs, front left brake caliper, and fuel filter

So the allegedly the head gasket was supposed to be blown, but after being at the shop and pressure tested the guy believes there are no symptoms of it. He thinks misfire is from spark plugs I forget the brand but I guess they aren't good in BMW. He said 4-500 for new plugs, front left brake caliper and fuel filter? Is this normal?

Originally Posted by kshade40

So the allegedly the head gasket was supposed to be blown, but after being at the shop and pressure tested the guy believes there are no symptoms of it. He thinks misfire is from spark plugs I forget the brand but I guess they aren't good in BMW. He said 4-500 for new plugs, front left brake caliper and fuel filter? Is this normal?

First of all, NO it ain't normal. Plugs cost $49.95 for all 6 of them and are a 30 minute DIY with nothing more than a 10mm ratchet and a spark plug socket. A brake caliper is $50 and would take me an hour to replace if you blindfolded me. A fuel filter is $50 and another easy 45 min DIY.

Second, if they diagnosed a "misfire" as a bad head gasket (or even thought that) then they are not very smart. Save your cash and drive away fast!

OP. Listen to him. He taught me how to fix a few things on my car and I can testify that what he says is the truth, except for the rotor replacement. Without being blindfolded, I figure it should take him roughly 25 minutes tops. Blindfolded? Maaaaaybe 30...

But I digress...

You can EASILY do these repairs yourself if you search around a little. They are NOT hard to do by any means (the fuel filter can be a bit... gassy...) and can be done in less than a day, even without knowing what you're doing.

Originally Posted by smolck

First of all, NO it ain't normal. Plugs cost $49.95 for all 6 of them and are a 30 minute DIY with nothing more than a 10mm ratchet and a spark plug socket. A brake caliper is $50 and would take me an hour to replace if you blindfolded me. A fuel filter is $50 and another easy 45 min DIY.

Second, if they diagnosed a "misfire" as a bad head gasket (or even thought that) then they are not very smart. Save your cash and drive away fast!

I'm 17 gonna stay away from that stuff right now, I just want to know how much it should cost

Originally Posted by kshade40

I just want to know how much it should cost

There are multiple answers to that oft-asked question.

You already have one side of the story.

Another side of the story would be for you to plug in your zip code and the tasks listed into the repair pal web application to see what it thinks it would cost.

See the bold red link below:
- Finding a reputable BMW indy in your area (1) (2) & the consumers' checkbook method of finding a good mechanic (1) & repairpal labor/job/shop rates by zip code (1) & other things to consider replacing while you're already there (1)

The third part of the story is that I know of people who paid $1,200 at BMW of San Jose for a standard four wheel brake job - and I know of people personally who paid $450 to have a battery replaced at the same place.

So, if you were at 'my' dealer, it would be a steal at the price you've been quoted.

There. You have your answer.

EDIT: There are more lessons for a 17 year old ... so, if you're actually a 'smart' 17 year old (and I have no way of knowing you so I'm not accusing you of anything), then you will/can read and understand this (which is meant in the most sincere of ways):

• Here is a cut-and-paste response written to a 19-year-old college kid trying to explain why DIY works best.
• And another one written to a 17-year old kid with a badly maintained BMW.
• Yet another, to a 21-year old, who bought a BMW with unexpected issues who said "I can't work on a car".

I learned most of what I know about cars by the time I was 18. Know how? I just frickin' opened the hood and dove in. And this was 30 years ago before we had the Interwebz and YouTube. Other than changing the air in your tires, or the blinker fluid, those tasks are about as DIY as it gets.

You don't own a Space Shuttle... it's a car, with a motor and transmission, and brakes, and wheels and tires, and seats, and windows, and headlights.

Roll up your sleeves and get to it!

Being 17 has nothing to do with it. YouTube has video diy's on everything you need done. When I was you age (in the mid 90's) I didn't know much either. As jvr826 did I just dove in. I replaced transmissions and clutches without a manual, the internet, or know how. These jobs your car needs are MINOR by comparison.

Sent from my One X using Bimmer App

Originally Posted by smolck

First of all, NO it ain't normal. Plugs cost $49.95 for all 6 of them and are a 30 minute DIY with nothing more than a 10mm ratchet and a spark plug socket. A brake caliper is $50 and would take me an hour to replace if you blindfolded me. A fuel filter is $50 and another easy 45 min DIY.

Second, if they diagnosed a "misfire" as a bad head gasket (or even thought that) then they are not very smart. Save your cash and drive away fast!

Yup, but if your intimidated to do these maintenance items, at least do the spark plugs yourself. brakes and fuel filter you can bring somewhere. Should be less than 2 hr job for both, so roughly ~$250 in labor?? Really depends on their labor rate.

Originally Posted by bluebee

There are multiple answers to that oft-asked question.

You already have one side of the story.

Another side of the story would be for you to plug in your zip code and the tasks listed into the repair pal web application to see what it thinks it would cost.

See the bold red link below:
- Finding a reputable BMW indy in your area (1) (2) & the consumers' checkbook method of finding a good mechanic (1) & repairpal labor/job/shop rates by zip code (1) & other things to consider replacing while you're already there (1)

The third part of the story is that I know of people who paid $1,200 at BMW of San Jose for a standard four wheel brake job - and I know of people personally who paid $450 to have a battery replaced at the same place.

So, if you were at 'my' dealer, it would be a steal at the price you've been quoted.

There. You have your answer.

EDIT: There are more lessons for a 17 year old ... so, if you're actually a 'smart' 17 year old (and I have no way of knowing you so I'm not accusing you of anything), then you will/can read and understand this (which is meant in the most sincere of ways):

• Here is a cut-and-paste response written to a 19-year-old college kid trying to explain why DIY works best.
• And another one written to a 17-year old kid with a badly maintained BMW.
• Yet another, to a 21-year old, who bought a BMW with unexpected issues who said "I can't work on a car".

To be honest I'm not trying to get sympathy at all or brag, but I am smart honors and ap courses I could probably do the work, no nothing about cars, 3 sport athlete, but I am suffering from a concussion and its very difficult for me right now

Originally Posted by smolck

First of all, NO it ain't normal. Plugs cost $49.95 for all 6 of them and are a 30 minute DIY with nothing more than a 10mm ratchet and a spark plug socket. A brake caliper is $50 and would take me an hour to replace if you blindfolded me. A fuel filter is $50 and another easy 45 min DIY.

Second, if they diagnosed a "misfire" as a bad head gasket (or even thought that) then they are not very smart. Save your cash and drive away fast!

Hey smolck, will you work on my car? I'll give you 50% of what the dealer would charge, and that amount would probably be more than what you expect. It will give you a lot of experience maintaining BMW E46 as well. I can bring the car to your place. I can't stand working on my cars anymore.

Originally Posted by Dave 330i

Hey smolck, will you work on my car? I'll give you 50% of what the dealer would charge, and that amount would probably be more than what you expect. It will give you a lot of experience maintaining BMW E46 as well. I can bring the car to your place. I can't stand working on my cars anymore.

Sure. My repairs usually come out to 70%-80% less than dealer cost so you would be giving me a substantial raise. As for experience maintaining an E46, I have been doing that for my personal car for 6 years. I also maintain another 7-10 for local people, I'd be happy to add you to my list!