Hope someone is out there! My daughter's 1998 328i is at the mechanic's right now. The car burst into steam yesterday and has been towed to a mechanic. I was hoping it was something minor like a cracked radiator hose; but of course no. He says the thermostat housing needs replacing. His quote is $420 - says $165 parts and the remaining $250 or so is labor, that it will take 3.5 hours to repair. I've been looking at some postings of people who have done this themselves and they say it takes about an hour. Are WE the ones getting hosed on this? Can anyone tell me what I should ask this guy before he starts the work? (BTW, we're in So. California.) Thanks for any replies.
1998 328i thermostat housing
- Thread starter DonnaB
- Start date
Here is a racing thermostat housing for $35:
http://www.importperformanceparts.net/imports/aatuning_thermohousing.html
Another site:
http://www.bimmerpartswholesale.com/BM_Thermostat~Housing_list.html
Is this a dealer or an independent? At dealer list MAYBE the parts might cost that much, although it still seems high just for the housing. Is he replacing any hoses at the same time? If so the parts cost may not be so bad.
I have not done this on a bimmer, but I have done this type of work on other engines, including a Volvo which uses a similar design. The Volvo took about 45 minutes including refilling the system. In 3.5 hours I could do the repair, drink 3 or 4 beers and take a nap.... Sounds like he figures he has you by the *#$& since you will have to pay towing to take it somewhere else.
http://www.importperformanceparts.net/imports/aatuning_thermohousing.html
Another site:
http://www.bimmerpartswholesale.com/BM_Thermostat~Housing_list.html
Is this a dealer or an independent? At dealer list MAYBE the parts might cost that much, although it still seems high just for the housing. Is he replacing any hoses at the same time? If so the parts cost may not be so bad.
I have not done this on a bimmer, but I have done this type of work on other engines, including a Volvo which uses a similar design. The Volvo took about 45 minutes including refilling the system. In 3.5 hours I could do the repair, drink 3 or 4 beers and take a nap.... Sounds like he figures he has you by the *#$& since you will have to pay towing to take it somewhere else.