e39 steering rack and other repairs - is this reasonable?

[AdamT 0]

Hi all. This is my first post.

I had recently failed a WOF on several things on my 96 e39 528i. I have attached the WOF fail sheet and the quote. The main thing is replacing the steering rack which is quoted at around $700. I have fixed the esy things but I am not mechanically minded so It is beyond me doing any of the major work.

I have only recently purchased this car and cant see it being economical to spend another 2k on it.

Is this a reasonable quote? Is anyone able to advise?

I am based in Rotorua.

[charles28 136]

Hmm i just had a steering rack reconditioned for $350 + gst ( A Golf VR6)

So the used price doesn't seem great? you may have to call around and ask some places for prices? plenty of Forum members on here that sell parts.

Edited May 13, 2014 by Charles32

[euroriffic 609]

$120 seems steep for a belt. Where was the work quoted?

[AdamT 0]

$120 seems steep for a belt. Where was the work quoted?

Hi. I wont actually name the the place but its a fairly reputable MTA AA approved mechanics in Rotorua. They dont specialise in BMWs or Euros though. Yeah I thought that too about the belt

[nath 134]

Rack could be about right, my Audi got a new one for a couple of grand

[euroriffic 609]

I'd try a specialist if I were you. See what they think

[AdamT 0]

I'd try a specialist if I were you. See what they think

Yeah we are pretty limited in Rotorua with any BMW specialists. I think there may be 1 or 2 Euro places though.

[HELLBM 1557]

$180 for a steering rack @hellbm

[BreakMyWindow 1874]

Must be a pretty darn good power steering flush through for that quoted price.

[Etwenty1 45]

That's a very expensive quote. Note the wof sheet says rear brake hoses cracked but they have quote fronts. Anyway those hoses can be much cheaper I got some for about $25 a side. I'd suggest you try sherson automotive in greerton tauranga. Short drive 30 mins? and he's very reasonable on costs.

[AdamT 0]

That's a very expensive quote. Note the wof sheet says rear brake hoses cracked but they have quote fronts. Anyway those hoses can be much cheaper I got some for about $25 a side. I'd suggest you try sherson automotive in greerton tauranga. Short drive 30 mins? and he's very reasonable on costs.

Thanks for that. I was surprised at the cost for the break hoses too as Ive seen braided sets for not much more. I'll check out Shersons. This quote just seems ridiculous the more I look at it.

[FuManChu 2]

Watch WOF inspections closely! I was failed on my 406 for cracked front brakelines, which when I went to replace them were fine. I cleaned the road film off them and passed the recheck. Kind of paranoid now what they will pick on next time!

[AdamT 0]

So to update I have had a quote done by Sherson Auto Centre in Greerton and its literally half the price. A little over $1000. And they are a BMW specialist. I guess it does pay to shop around. I also feel much more comfortable having guys who know BMWs work on it too.