Took the M3 in today to have state inspection and emissions done... I also requested estimates for installation of H&R sport springs, GC RSMs, and RTAB's.

Call me at 8:30 to tell me that they don't accept warranty I have and want to know if I want them to continue.

"Um, sure , hopefully, the car won't need anything that might require use of the warranty."

Call me again at 12:45 to tell me car won't pass inspection without new rotors. I'll need rotors, pads, and sensors.

I just ordered new pads and rotors. So I ask how much on labor to do the brakes? $250 + $64 for the sensors I don't have. OK, so were not doing brakes today and I guess I'm not getting it inspected.

Service Manager also tells me the following (with price quotes included)
Your power steering hose needs replaced $128.00
You have a diff bushing that is shot and needs replaced $190.56

Requested estimates:

Intsall front H&R srings $330
Install rear H&R springs $155
Replace RTAB's with Powerflex ones (This one surprised the hell out of me.....$160

Looks like I have a lot of work ahead of me.

Point of this post....I HATE TAKING MY CAR TO THE STEALER!!!!

I go to the dealer for oil filters and little stuff, never again for labor. They burned me once, tried to a 2nd time, never again.

Do it yourself, save a bundle :)

Those prices are actually pretty good from a dealer.

Sorry if this is OT, but 97 MPWR could you lemme know via PM when you install the Powerflex's and have some miles on them??? I have been looking into them and want to get some impressions. Oh, and I personally avoid the dealershits at all costs.....but maybe its just that I have such a distrust towards dealerships.:) Thanks.

Why do you need new sensors, though? Unless you've eaten through them or the mechanic is careless as hell, they're reusable.

Yeah, those aren't bad at all.

D-I-Y! D-I-Y! :D

Your dealer will install non-BMW parts? Why won't they accept your warranty?

Good question. They said nothing about the types of parts I wanted installed.

Oh well, I am doing most of this stuff myself. I'm waiting on rotors to be delivered and then next week will probably tackle the GC RSMs. I think I may let them do the RTAB's though. They quoted me $202...might be worth it considering what a headache I've heard the procedure is???

The Powerflex RTAB's that I installed on my M3 squeak when going over bumps slowly; like pulling out of your driveway you hear squeaks. At first, I though they were my RSM's, but I found out later that it was the RTAB's making the sound.

CHONGUS