[TooPoor]

I know I have seen previous threads discussing this topic, but based on how labor rates have likely gone up a bit in the past year I'm curious what everyone paid to have their springs installed. Looking more for feedback on non-HAS springs (ie. H&R 550 springs). My local shop quoted something like $1600 (w/o cost of springs) which seems like it would be way too much, but they likely are going by BMW's standard hours (an assumption) to replace stock springs. I just don't want to push back on them and sound like an idiot if their quote is in line with what others are paying.

[pbonsalb]

I am just a DIYer but it took me a day. If I did the job more often than once, my time would improve a bit.

[TooPoor]

Hey... Concord. Not that far away from me. Not many M5's in NH it seems.

If you don't mind me asking - do you have any shops around you that you'd recommend? I've installed coilovers, springs, etc on previous cars, but am no longer interested in DIY (no time).

[pbonsalb]

I have not used a shop in 15 years so I don’t have any to recommend. I have heard others mention names so there must be a few decent ones around but can’t recall them.

[M5KEITH]

I got a quote today 8 hours $1,000 plus cost of springs and alignment.

Shop said if they get it done in less time they would charge less. Need to buy the springs first.

[M5KEITH]

I am located in Plymouth MA.

[Stück]

BMW KSD lists the front spring R&R time to be 33FRU, and the rear at 30FRU.

Any independent that has any intention of staying in business is going to run time at KSD x 1.5 which is industry standard and very fair. Many dealerships are top tier independent service facilities are running a x 2 multiplier, especially on older cars where age, corrosion and ham fisted idiots that have been in there before complicate otherwise straight forward work.

Keep in mind labor guides are developed on a new car with a suite of the correct tools in a controlled environment.

anyway...

10 FRU = 1 hour.

ergo 63 FRU x1.5 - 9.45 hours.

$1600 is very reasonable, netting a labor rate around $169 per hour, which is again very reasonable for a legitimate shop to attract and retain good technicians and stay in business for years to come so they can do things like offer a warranty and stand behind that work.

Also worth mentioning that lowering springs have next to zero margin, with average jobber pricing being 10-15% below MSRP and many online retainers offering them to the public at or below what a shop can buy them for. Labor only ain't keeping the lights on for any repair facility, so pay the ask or purchase the tools, gather the experience and tackle the job yourself.

[mjd41985]

Originally Posted by M5KEITH

I am located in Plymouth MA.

I've had good luck with Motor Cars International in Bridgewater, MA. They've installed springs on both my E39 M5 & F13 650i and were less expensive than other shops that quoted me. I haven't gone there with my F90 b/c I don't mind the stance on the comp pkg.

[M5KEITH]

Originally Posted by mjd41985

I've had good luck with Motor Cars International in Bridgewater, MA. They've installed springs on both my E39 M5 & F13 650i and were less expensive than other shops that quoted me. I haven't gone there with my F90 b/c I don't mind the stance on the comp pkg.

Thanks I will give them a call.

[dcohen13]

I am in Orange County, CA. My buddy who has a shop quoted me $600 to install the Eibach Pro Kit lowering springs.

[pbonsalb]

For the amount of work involved, I think that is a good deal.

[jivom5]

shouldnt be more than $600 for installation dont pay the bs M tax. I've had several lowered cars and its always been under 600.. definitely shop around the whole job takes around 5 hours

[pbonsalb]

So you have done the job on the M5, which requires removing the rear seat parts and speaker tray and seatbelts to access the rear strut mounts, and have found that 5 hours is sufficient?

[jivom5]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

So you have done the job on the M5, which requires removing the rear seat parts and speaker tray and seatbelts to access the rear strut mounts, and have found that 5 hours is sufficient?

i haven't lowered the m5 yet, however my m4,panamera,audi,corvette,Lexus all took less than 6 hours at my shop. audi required a full interior disassemble too

[Stück]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

So you have done the job on the M5, which requires removing the rear seat parts and speaker tray and seatbelts to access the rear strut mounts, and have found that 5 hours is sufficient?

He sAiD iT sHoUlD OnLy bE $6o0