[HotSpicyChicken90]

Oh my.... I get headache when I hear that. The same thing happened to me when my front right wheel-side axle boot broke. BMW-dealership wanted 750 euros (745 Dollars) for replacing JUST THE BOOT!

It is insane. It took me around 4 hours in total, but I saved 700 euros!

[dbs600]

Originally Posted by M_Bimmer

Sorry....this is what happens when a response is done using a cell phone.....

BTW, I priced an LCI 2-wheel, w/ electric steering, 535i....all are BMW parts:

- $286.30 for 32-10-6-784-716 Steering Tie Rod Assembly, Left ($185.52)
- $286.30 for 32-10-6-784-719 Steering Tie Rod Assembly, Right ($185.52)
- $66.75 for 32-10-6-791-561 Tie Rod Boot ($48.86)
- $66.75 for 32-10-6-791-561 Tie Rod Boot ($48.86)
- $4.70 for 33-30-6-787-062 Combination Nut - M14x1,5-10ZNNIV ($3.61)
- $4.70 for 33-30-6-787-062 Combination Nut - M14x1,5-10ZNNIV ($3.61)
- $10.02 for 83-23-2-208-093 Lubricating Grease FB-1 ($6.85)

Parts Counter Price (Max): $725.52 (full MSRP)
BMW Dealership (Min): $482.83

The above is the range of "over-the-counter" BMW prices for BMW stamped parts, and the the lower prices could be lower if you shop around at BMW online dealership websites.....

If you paid the MAX price of $725.52, how does your dealer explain the increase of $324.48? That is an absolute criminal markup....considering the ANY BMW dealership could still sell you the parts @ $482.83 and still make a large profit....this is supportable with Google....

The labor rate is going to be chasing a unicorn and won't yield you much w.r.t. challenging their quote...but two hours is reasonable, so $300 - $350 would be fair, but you'd only be reducing the labor by $100.....still every little bit counts....

The new information you provided that you are doing other work is a little puzzling...if you are already doing work, and they probably are price gouging you on that effort (alignment, etc), then they should be a little forgiving on the "new" work found bill....they do want you to come back, right? Also, you could quickly force their hand if you called another BMW dealership and ask them what they'd charge for the same work...to force your current dealership to come down on the bill....

So to answer your question....$1075.52 should be the max you should pay period...and the dealer should be able to go down as low $832.83 for a fair price for the work...given that this would be under $400 at a independent shop (using Tie Rod Assemblies by Lemforder 32106784716 @ $71.17 each = $160 in parts)...

Why not just complete your current work, and forgo the front end alignment, and repair until later? The car is still drive-able, right? It does make this ordeal a pain, but you are getting ripped at least $300 and up to $1000...this is not a matter of a few dollars....

Good Luck...

[Note 1: Pricing above is based on my F10 and my locale...but should be within 10% if we have the same F10 configuration....]

[Note 2: I am a BMW CCA member and it is absolutely worth it...the $500 to $1500 off on a new BMW after you get your best price at a dealership is worth it, then there is the 10% - 15% off on parts and service, and the very nice monthly magazine....plus a lot more]

Don't be crazy; no need to apologize at all. Your analytical, detailed, thorough and thoughtful reply has provided more info than I could've imagined.

I think I will use your break down to negotiate better pricing and keep you posted with the results when I get the car back.

Thank you again!

[dbs600]

Originally Posted by beegeezy

I would leave and go to your Indy. The Lemforder parts are the exact same as the parts in the BMW box. The dealer can’t compete since the labor, and especially the parts, are so much more expensive vs OEM parts. If you get the parts from FCPEuro they have a lifetime warranty as well.

Indy is still definitely a possibility.

I'd like to get down to the bottom of it with the dealer first though.

Thank you for the suggestion.

[dbs600]

Originally Posted by HotSpicyChicken90

Oh my.... I get headache when I hear that. The same thing happened to me when my front right wheel-side axle boot broke. BMW-dealership wanted 750 euros (745 Dollars) for replacing JUST THE BOOT!

It is insane. It took me around 4 hours in total, but I saved 700 euros!

Awesome job on taking matters into your own hands!

Thank you for the encouraging words.

[spielnicht]

Sadly, this is very common dealer practice. I only say sadly because it's legal and they take advantage of owners everyday with no reason to stop. As I mentioned in my experience, the same dealer that tried to charge me 30% markup over MSRP sold me the same part at >25% below MSRP through their online store.

Originally Posted by M_Bimmer

If you paid the MAX price of $725.52, how does your dealer explain the increase of $324.48? That is an absolute criminal markup....considering the ANY BMW dealership could still sell you the parts @ $482.83 and still make a large profit....this is supportable with Google....

[Tevzadze2.0]

Originally Posted by dbs600

Hello everyone,

My Tie Rods are seized and dealer states they need to be replaced in order to perform an alignment, that they can't loosen them.

Dealer wants $1,500 for the job; $1,050 parts, $450 labor.

Anyone have any idea what a fair price should be elsewhere?

Or what I should get this down to with the dealer?

Thank you.

I had the exact issue and paid 630 total

[dbs600]

Originally Posted by spielnicht

Sadly, this is very common dealer practice. I only say sadly because it's legal and they take advantage of owners everyday with no reason to stop. As I mentioned in my experience, the same dealer that tried to charge me 30% markup over MSRP sold me the same part at >25% below MSRP through their online store.

Thank you.

Originally Posted by Tevzadze2.0

I had the exact issue and paid 630 total

Thank you as well.

Was that at a dealer?

If so... congrats(!), but to me. :/