Just venting. I'm sure some of you can relate to my pain.
I brought my car in because the 'Check/Service Engine light' came on and also take care of the recall notice I got.
With 90k on the clock, I expected some work to be done but.......

Here's the result:

• Tank Venting Valve(causing the engine light) - $569.00
• Active Steering Motor Leak - $2395.00
• Engine Vacuum Pump Leak - $1039.00
• Change Oil / Replace front brake pads - $1397.00

Total Repair Cost = $5400.00

No way, don't do it. I'd just let them take care of the engine light work and then I would go to a reputable, independent BMW shop for the rest (especially the brakes). Good luck.

Ouch! That's robbery. Pure and simple :nono:

Rex, I met one of the lead techs at Stevens Creek BMW who's also a good friend of Darwin. Let me talk to them and get back to you. Import Auto on San Carlos is another good indy.

But oil and juts brake pads is almost $1400?? Do they change the rotors??

Thanks Tony.

My car is already at Mt. View BMW. I'm ok with the cost if it's justified as I feel more comfortable with the dealer doing the work - at least I have a 'neck to strangle' should anything not be up to par with the repairs. But I'm assuming the rotors were changed as well - no way I can see just pads & oil costing that much.

In any event, can you ping Darwin's buddy and run the costs by him? I didn't go back to SC BMW because last time they curbed one of my wheels and scraped my lip splitters...

Just sent Darwin an email and copied you.

You should double check the brake job cause I've read before that BMW does not always replace rotors with pads.

I got your email - thank you for that, Tony.

I definitely plan to call confirm the work on my brakes. I was listening in on conference call at work when I took the call from SA, so I wasn't 100% paying attention - !@#$.

you're right Tony, they don't always replace the rotors when they do the pads. On my fronts the replaced the pads only, on the rears the did both (thankfully I still have maint warranty). Those prices are ridiculous, to be honest, I'd ask them to at least buy me dinner if they were going to screw me like that, eesh. Bro, if you were local I'd do most of that for a 12 pk and some good convo :thumbsup:

:blink: :unsure: :unsure:

dealers love customers like you.
that's expensive, even by dealer standards. you are getting ripped off. dont be afraid to find an independent shop.

It ended up being $4700.00 - not sure what you mean by 'customers like you', but I'm hoping you don't mean that negatively...

Thanks for the comment.

nothing personal, but you shouldnt take what the dealer is dishing out to you. at least haggle them a bit.
example:
1400 for brakes and oil? ouch. even if i paid full bmw retail for the discs, pads, and sensor, thats less than $600.
vacuum pump? $400 part at full bmw price, and an easy job to replace.

maybe find an independent shop. personally i use a bmw tech who does work out of his house on the side.

I hear ya. Actually, ECF & SonicMS have clued me in to some folks they know. Given the age & mileage (no more warranty), I think it's time to use some of the resources available to me.

Thanks for the comment :thumbsup:

Wow...sorry to hear about this... :(

GL with the situation Rex. Were there any other telltale signs besides the check engine light? Just wondering if any of those issues could have been diagnosed earlier. As a fellow 545i owner just curious if I can prevent, or notice these conditions earlier.

Mainly concerning these:
# Tank Venting Valve(causing the engine light) - $569.00
# Active Steering Motor Leak - $2395.00
# Engine Vacuum Pump Leak - $1039.00