Rod Bearing Replacement Cost (North East Ohio)

[The_Grumpy_Cat]

Hey everyone!

Haven't posted in this section before since we lost M3F, but I figured there's no better group to ask about this than everyone here. I just reached out to my local indy for a quote on my 2006 M3's rod bearings. They're asking $1,991.75. I've attached the invoice for your reference. I'm trying to determine if this price is fair, or entirely unreasonable. I don't have a whole lot of options in terms of alternative shops - there's about 3 near me, and one wanted $2,200+ to do the job. Do you guys have any shop suggestions within a reasonable distance? I'm willing to travel for this if it can be done cheaper - and by someone presumably more qualified to do the job.

*I know I'm really beating a dead horse here...*



Thanks for your help!

[TylerBrown]

The labor rate doesn’t seem bad at $1150ish. I spent around $900 for labor about a year ago (in SoCal).

[Inizes]

You can save yourself ~$400 in parts. Don’t need to use BE bearings (use ACL, they’re about $100) and you can get cheaper and better bolts with OEM.

[Obioban]

He can’t reuse his bolts, but he can get new bolts which are cheaper AND better (more clamping force, rounder bore).

[Inizes]

He can’t reuse his bolts, but he can get new bolts which are cheaper AND better (more clamping force, rounder bore).

You’re right. I mixed up early and late cars. Needs new bolts, but go oem.

[Circa Surviven]

Depending on your mileage you might want to add motor mounts to the "while your in there" parts list. I'm nervous about getting my bearings done because if the oil pump screen or pump is bad it's a $800+ part.

[The_Grumpy_Cat]

You can save yourself ~$400 in parts. Don’t need to use BE bearings (use ACL, they’re about $100) and you can reuse your bolts.

Noted. I'll ask the shop about ACL bearings instead. Any reputable shops in your neck of the woods? Columbus is a hop skip and a jump, lol.

Depending on your mileage you might want to add motor mounts to the "while your in there" parts list. I'm nervous about getting my bearings done because if the oil pump screen or pump is bad it's a $800+ part.

I asked the shop to factor that in initially, just realized it's not on there. Only $110 in parts, and it doesn't look like they require much labor to install with everything removed. Thanks for pointing that out!

[Inizes]

Tom Hatem in Grandview is the only shop I’ve taken my M3 to. They have only done my AC (I try to DIY as much as I can). They seemed very knowledgeable and are one of the recommended shops from the local BMWCCA.

[JamesSJ1]

Price looks fair for a shop doing it, as long as they know what they're doing on this engine.

As others have said... Go OEM bolts. ACL bearings will save a chunk of money and have a good reputation (I bought them for mine). Also, make sure the oil gasket is either Corteco or authentic BMW (likely Corteco). $29 seems low for BMW, a little high for Corteco, and best to ensure it's not something that will leak given the amount of work to change it. Other things are nits...you're being overcharged for oil and the filter.

[The_Grumpy_Cat]

Is there any added advantage of going with the BE bearings?

[macaroni86]

I haven't asked Tom Hatem yet about doing bearings but everyone else around Columbus that I've contact who specializes on BMWs is telling me $3-5k. If Tom Hatem isn't near to the price at your indy shop, I might drive up there for the savings alone. I already have OEM bearings on my shelf waiting for a reasonable quote.

[The_Grumpy_Cat]

I haven't asked Tom Hatem yet about doing bearings but everyone else around Columbus that I've contact who specializes on BMWs is telling me $3-5k. If Tom Hatem isn't near to the price at your indy shop, I might drive up there for the savings alone. I already have OEM bearings on my shelf waiting for a reasonable quote.

If Tom Hatem is more reasonable, please feel free to shoot me a message! This quote is from LMS BMW in Hudson if you need it.

[macaroni86]

Will do. I actually called and asked them about it once but they hadn't done one in awhile so they said they needed to look into it and call me back...but never did. I'll actually call them tomorrow. After my subframe reinforcement next week, that will be the last "major" thing to remedy.

[Inizes]

Oo a fellow Columbus owner! Hello!

[macaroni86]

Oo a fellow Columbus owner! Hello!

How goes it? If you see a LSB vert M3 around that would be me.