Seeking council on quote - M3 RSFB, PE, P Suspension, PPK2

[Neovison]

Hi... Thanks in advance for the input. There are some very learned members on this forum, so I thought I might ask a potentially painful question (since I spent the $ already). The car is a bone stock 2013 135i M-Spt. (I loathe the current handling and have a conspiracy theory that BMW scuttled the car)

I don't want to write a book here on why I'm keeping it stock but will elaborate if asked.

The Quote = $8050.00

All parts, labor, tax and alignment included. Everything fully installed. Pay $8050 then pick up the car... Done... I'm also paying a premium having BMW do the work, and don't have the time to evaluate all aftermarket options, independant shops that can install different stuff...etc.. etc..

Please keep in mind the hours of labor associated with this installation. I have the detail, and they want 12.5 hours of labor to do this.

This what I'm getting installed:

BMW M3 Rear subframe bushings

BMW PPK (Variant 2) - with the associated cooling hardware installed. I like the idea of getting the hardware, even more than the flash.

BMW Performance Suspension (front sway only)

BMW Performance Exhaust (this was an impulse add - This better be more than a muffler)

Alignment

OK... I'll brace myself for the onslaught...

[ShocknAwe]

What do you mean Performance Suspension (Front sway Only).

Performance Exhaust is pretty much just a muffler.

[Neovison]

As I understand it, the PS come in two packages. One with a front and rear sway bar, and one with a front sway bar only.

[Neovison]

For the exhaust, and coming from a 2009 STi, I think of an exhaust as hardware that starts at the turbo and ends at the tail pipe. I work incredible hours, and just agreed to the PE install without fully vetting what it includes. When it comes to modifying the car, this is it... I'm installing the above parts, then DONE. Thought I would do the comprehensive install, then NO MORE STUFF. (Except new tires to replace the RFT's)... Then that is absolutely it.

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by Neovison

As I understand it, the PS come in two packages. One with a front and rear sway bar, and one with a front sway bar only.

I just wanted to confirm that they weren't just giving you the front bar ONLY, that would have been a giant rip.

For your reference, the 135i PS is springs, dampers, and front sway bar only. 128i PS is front and rear. So that's what they meant.

Have they given you a price breakdown per item and labor charges associated? That will help. I'm no good with BMW labor charges as I don't use my dealership. Hopefully someone can chime in on that.

Good luck!

[ilikebmxbikes]

Can you post the itemized quote?

I am curious to see what you are paying for the parts. Those items I can immediately tell you if you are paying too much.

Considering you are getting m3 rear subframe bushings put in, your quote of 12.5 hours doesn't seem unreasonable but the overall quote of $8k seems pretty high.

[Cavpilot2k]

On the N55, the PE is both a muffler and a mid section with a resonator delete (Y-pipe), as the N55 has no secondary cat.

[Neovison]

I'm paying too much, but I don't have a garage (at the moment), I don't have the time to research the more optimal aftermarket solutions let alone match the suspension tuning (springs to dampers..etc). Can't do coilovers. I'm assuming that BMW did the due diligence to get the PS to handle optimally? I'm assuming the same with the PPK2 and the cooling hardware - I have to worry about CA emissions, don't want to break stuff and want to keep the warranty, maintain some value incase I need to sell. Also the 2013 is the end of the line for the 135i and I'm starting to see decreased availability of the BMW Performance products in the market (thought I would just get this done). I'm putting mileage on the car and would rather experience said mileage with this stuff on the car. There will always be greater and lesser, but time is going by and I want the car to be what it should be. BMW could have added all this stock (135is has all this sans PS) but I think the marketing dept got involved and redefined the product portfolio by scuttling the 135i with a de-tune and installing Twinkies as the RSFB's... I'll spare you the endless justifications on this irrational purchase but fundamentally investing in a quickly depreciating asset never pans out mathematically. I can't quantify the feeling of carving through California canyons in a 135i with all this installed but I will apply a small discount to the parts list below to more accurately reflect the true net present value of this comprehensive installation...

Price: BMW Per Suspension 1,100
Price: Front coils 118
Price: Rear coils 141
Price: 1M/M3 RSFB 400
Price: BMW PPK (Var 2) 1,700
Price: BMW Per Exhaust 1,063

Price: Flying through the high Sierra in a 135i with the above installed = priceless

...(In my eyes

[Neovison]

Thank you - It wasn't clear if I was getting the y pipe. Oddly, the BMW SW wasn't sure either.

[Speed25]

I don't see a thing wrong with what you're doing. Most on this site certainly lean toward aftermarket and/or DIY (performance/dollar equation), but you've made it clear your time is valuable and you want a warrantee. You'll end up with a pretty fast car that handles great and should get "no questions asked" service at the dealership if you need anything. You don't want other mods and doesn't sound like you'll track it (but you could, anyway!).

Get it done, enjoy and don't look back.

[mr.fabulous]

give 'em hell, you can't go wrong with this

[vegas135is]

You are basically turning it into an IS model. Awesome. But chances are you could spend the same at dinan and get better performance and a warranty.

You could spend less and get even more with a jb4 and some research but be ready to void any warranty you have and understand that things start to break when you add power.

[wjk_glynn]

Originally Posted by ilikebmxbikes

...Considering you are getting m3 rear subframe bushings put in, your quote of 12.5 hours doesn't seem unreasonable but the overall quote of $8k seems pretty high.

+1

Originally Posted by ilikebmxbikes

Can you post the itemized quote?

+1

[Solo_M_Tech]

8k for minimal suspension improvements (RSFB are the only thing worth the money here), performance exhaust (lots can be had cheaper), Front sway bar (E92/3 M3 sway bar is around $150) PPK2 (Get an add on oil cooler, better filter, and JB4 for +80hp instead of 20). Your money could be spent better. KW V2 coilovers $2k, JB4-$530, E92M3 sway bar-$150, Berk Street exhaust ~$600, BMS oil cooler- ~$500, RSFB-$400. You will have a superior performing car, and the difference in money spent, can be used for better tires, wheels, and cosmetic mods. Spend wisely. This is just my opinion.

[Iron Man]

Originally Posted by Neovison

I'm paying too much, but I don't have a garage (at the moment), I don't have the time to research the more optimal aftermarket solutions let alone match the suspension tuning (springs to dampers..etc). Can't do coilovers. I'm assuming that BMW did the due diligence to get the PS to handle optimally? I'm assuming the same with the PPK2 and the cooling hardware - I have to worry about CA emissions, don't want to break stuff and want to keep the warranty, maintain some value incase I need to sell. Also the 2013 is the end of the line for the 135i and I'm starting to see decreased availability of the BMW Performance products in the market (thought I would just get this done). I'm putting mileage on the car and would rather experience said mileage with this stuff on the car. There will always be greater and lesser, but time is going by and I want the car to be what it should be. BMW could have added all this stock (135is has all this sans PS) but I think the marketing dept got involved and redefined the product portfolio by scuttling the 135i with a de-tune and installing Twinkies as the RSFB's... I'll spare you the endless justifications on this irrational purchase but fundamentally investing in a quickly depreciating asset never pans out mathematically. I can't quantify the feeling of carving through California canyons in a 135i with all this installed but I will apply a small discount to the parts list below to more accurately reflect the true net present value of this comprehensive installation...

Price: BMW Per Suspension 1,100
Price: Front coils 118
Price: Rear coils 141
Price: 1M/M3 RSFB 400
Price: BMW PPK (Var 2) 1,700
Price: BMW Per Exhaust 1,063

Price: Flying through the high Sierra in a 135i with the above installed = priceless

...(In my eyes

So if I read this right, around $4500 for parts and $3500 for labor, tax and alignment? Seems a little expensive even for dealer work to me.

[3002 tii]

With exception of M3 bushings, I would rather get the Dinan equivalent of everything above. It'll probably cost the same, have better resale value and you'll get more power out of their tune. And you still get a warranty as you would on the BMW Performance stuff.

[TwinTurboXI]

Sounds like you are going to have a very nice 135i. Most of us would go about the mods you have chosen differently but in the end, your car will end up very nice.

It will be hard to dispute the labor costs involved with the parts you selected. However, you should be able to get the actual parts for much better prices. Go to GetBMWParts.com and compare the prices to what you were quoted. There are some pretty significant price differences. If the link gets removed by the site, PM me and I’ll send it to you. The dealer should have no problem price matching another dealer for parts.

http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...714&startrow=1

[MightyMouseTech]

That is a really good labour rate. I was quoted 10 hrs to replace the RSFBs and 8 hours to install the PPK2.

[mr.fabulous]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

That is a really good labour rate. I was quoted 10 hrs to replace the RSFBs and 8 hours to install the PPK2.

TEN HOURS to do RSFBs? *Wow*, makes me feel better about giving away my old E36

[MightyMouseTech]

Ya. Did them myself in 4-5 hours, even without the proper press tools.

[methodz]

Yeah I had my RSFB installed for $400 at Offset Motorwerks and they got it done in about 4 hours. I'd recommend them if you plan to come down to SoCal to visit friends or family one day. Hell I think they could do all your installs in a day if you just bring down the parts. Would save you a few grand on installs based on your quote. They will even provide you a rental for the day

[Neovison]

Originally Posted by TwinTurboXI

Sounds like you are going to have a very nice 135i. Most of us would go about the mods you have chosen differently but in the end, your car will end up very nice.

It will be hard to dispute the labor costs involved with the parts you selected. However, you should be able to get the actual parts for much better prices. Go to GetBMWParts.com and compare the prices to what you were quoted. There are some pretty significant price differences. If the link gets removed by the site, PM me and I’ll send it to you. The dealer should have no problem price matching another dealer for parts.

http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...714&startrow=1

I really wish I spoke to you sooner... The car is still at the dealership. I think it will be full week tomorrow.. Something about "storms in the East, holding up the cooling hardware for the PPK2"... I'm going from a bone stock 135i to a 135i with M3 subframe bushings, BMW Performance suspension, PPK (Varient 2), and the performance exhaust... I decided NOT to put on the solid aluminum Turner MS bushings... Man, i hope I didn't screw up with the M3 bushings? The 135i is lighter than the M3 so I think I'll benefit with these with the lighter car? I'm hoping that I FEEL a difference here? Riding in a friend's 911 has redefined what "handling" is... I hope my 135i isn't a marshmallow anymore?