One Place Says This, European Place Says That

[SemiPerfect]

Well folks, I've learned that there are honest people and dishonest people.

It all started when I took my 1995 325i BMW to a transmission shop b/c it seemed the transmission was a bit quirky. Transmission shop offered to rebuild it for $1200-1800.. The car also had a non-working odometer and I noticed the exhaust system needed checking, but anyways, I decided to get a second opinion on the transmission and have this other place check out everything else to.

Here is what they found:

Transmission needs a switch replaced: $50-500 (includes labor) depending on type of switch needed, (thats a $1300-1750 difference)

Exhaust system (catalytic converter and pipes) need to be replaced: $344

Oil leak needs to be fixed (near front of motor, close to A/C): $100 (labor included)

Odometer has short circuit: $350 for new cluster, in replacing this, it will fix my non-working clock as well.

Water pump needs to be replaced: $79

Additional labor cost: $300

$1223-1673 to repair everything + $150 in tax or so

[thekid]

NO!!!! SAY IT AIN'T SO!!!!.....

Welcome to owning a car. Some mechanics out there will try to screw you out of every single dime that you have. Others are honest with you, tell you what's wrong and charge you the cost of fixing it and fix it right the first time. Do a little research on a mechanic before you take the car to him. I would not recommend going to one that you have heard nothing about. Where do you live? Perhpas some one on the board is also from there and can tell you a good mechanic to go to in your area. THe mechanic I go to is actually 30 miles away from my house. But I know I can trust him, he doesn't over charge and always does the best work. Its worth it.

[bigred318]

hahah exactly it owuld have been your fault if you would have gotten worked! anyways thats part of car ownership people will try to screw ya to get more money for their shop they have to survive also!! thats why you take it to 3 4 or even 5 people first getting estimates

David

[SemiPerfect]

I live in Shreveport, LA.. took it to a place called European Car Center.. a guy that works me had a 85 BMW 325es that he took there and they did him right he said.. This place has excellent customer service and the owner was real nice...

I forgot to add that my back brakes were going out, so its $169 + $12 for the sensor reset.. not bad i guess, think it's all disc brakes..

thanks

[Brian325i]

Yeah...it's not unheard of to get ripped off by an auto shop. You just gotta keep researching and getting estimates.