Reasonable labor costs?
So I'm trying to put together a list of maintenance items I want to address so that I can start pricing what it would cost for a good local shop to perform everything. I'm calling around and getting some pretty steep labor cost quotes. Maybe it's just BMWs/German cars in general but it all seems overpriced to me.
For example, I just got quoted $350 in labor for the VCG in addition to $400 for the VANOS. They wanted $216 in labor for FCABs (in addition to which they strongly advised an alignment and "sterring sensor calibration" which I have not heard of, $190 and $100 respectively). They also not so politely informed me that all service would not be warrantied by the shop since parts would be supplied by me and not them.
All of that seems really high. I mean the VCG is like a $30 part, you're telling me it costs $350 to install? Please. So for someone who realistically has zero chance of ever DIY'ing something like a VANOS unit or suspension bushings, are these reasonable? And more importantly, what's a non-mechanic to do? Besides be a baller of course. I have a couple more shops to call but I'm not expecting much variance. Also it seems that there's not much point to buying the parts myself a bit cheaper if none of the work done is going to be guaranteed. I want to keep this car tip top for years to come so any advice is appreciated!
--Wes--
04 330i ZHP Oxford Green/Natural Brown
04 330Ci ZHP Silvergrey/Alcantara (RIP)