Price Check Please! - BMW Forum

DeathMetal · 03-01-2005, 10:43 PM

I want to replace my timing belt and water pump. I have all the parts but would probably rather have the actual labor done by a shop. What is a fair and reasonable price for a job like this? I have an 86' 325es.

SynSyx · 03-01-2005, 10:55 PM

sounds like if u have all the necessary parts it would only take a skilled mechanic on or two hours of labor. the total cost would depend on his rate.

why are you replacing the belt and pump?

tyro2001 · 03-01-2005, 10:58 PM

i belive its recomended that you replace both if you are going to replace the belt, dont know why that just what i heard.

llll1l1ll · 03-01-2005, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tyro2001@Mar 1 2005, 10:58 PM
i belive its recomended that you replace both if you are going to replace the belt, dont know why that just what i heard.

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You are correct, sir! As long as you're down there, the water pump is on the way to the belt so you might as well.

tyro2001 · 03-01-2005, 11:36 PM

WOOHOOO

DeathMetal · 03-02-2005, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SynSyx@Mar 1 2005, 10:55 PM
sounds like if u have all the necessary parts it would only take a skilled mechanic on or two hours of labor. the total cost would depend on his rate.

why are you replacing the belt and pump?

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are you sure that this is only a 1-2 hour job?

llll1l1ll · 03-02-2005, 02:53 PM

Yeah it took me about 6 hours.

Bmw1990 · 03-02-2005, 04:25 PM

It will take a skilled mechanic more like 3-4 hours.

e30fanm3 · 03-02-2005, 07:01 PM

6 hours to do a timingbelt on a 325?! if i go slow it takes 2 hours, of course i cant count how many ive done. you are prolly lookin at being charged 3 hours by a BMW shop, any other shop and it will take alot more cause most shops are scared to do them for some reason

Kowalski · 03-02-2005, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by e30fanm3@Mar 2 2005, 06:01 PM
6 hours to do a timingbelt on a 325?! if i go slow it takes 2 hours, of course i cant count how many ive done. you are prolly lookin at being charged 3 hours by a BMW shop, any other shop and it will take alot more cause most shops are scared to do them for some reason

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i agree 6 hours is a long time i havn't done a 325 one but iv done many other cars and none have taken anywhere near that time

Numark318i · 03-03-2005, 01:04 AM

....well i just had all my belts changed..mechanic did it in 20minutes...of course i got a 4cyl....but it shouldnt take to long would be my guess.
Me and my dad just changed my water pump in 45 minutes...you can probally do it yourself. Get a book on ur car..bently or something.

if not prolly like 3 hours of work would be my guess.

ldsbeaker · 03-03-2005, 04:37 AM

I agree, they will probably charge you about 3 hours of time, but it is a good chance to get up close and personal with your engine if you have that inclination. By all means, take your time, don't worry about how long a "skilled" mechanic would take to do it. Fixing your own car correctly is something you can't put a price tag on, no matter how long it takes.

Drive on, Bimmerheads.

llll1l1ll · 03-03-2005, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ldsbeaker@Mar 3 2005, 04:37 AM
I agree, they will probably charge you about 3 hours of time, but it is a good chance to get up close and personal with your engine if you have that inclination. By all means, take your time, don't worry about how long a "skilled" mechanic would take to do it. Fixing your own car correctly is something you can't put a price tag on, no matter how long it takes.

Drive on, Bimmerheads.

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My words exactly.