99 M3 AC compressor replacement - $1k+!?

[kgtg]

Guys,
The garage just gave me the bad news: I have a leaking compressor on my 99 M3 convertible.
I have been given a quote of above $1000 (parts and labor):
$510 - compressor part
$180 - filter (the garage guy said that I need to replace this also if I dont want to void the warranty on the compressor)
$27 - freon gas
$36 - belt (he claimed this needs replacement because the compressor has leaked fluid on this belt)

$280 - labor

$1033 - total (without taxes !)

Does this sound like a ripoff? I mean, i dont seem to have any problems in the cooling yet....ac seems to be working fine.

Thanks in advance,
KG

 

[TheBry]

GEEZUS! That's too bad, man. I can empathize with you. I really know what you must be going through right now.

I used to own a VW Passat V6 (with the 30-valve engine). My water pump was leaking a bit and the dealer wanted to charge me a fortune to fix/replace it since I was out of my bumper-to-bumper warranty (24K miles). I declined the repair and guess what happened? The leakage got worse, and leaked onto my belts (including the timing belt)... things slipped... and my heads ended up crushing all of my valves. I had to have a complete new head, valve system installed. Fortunately, that was covered under my drivetrain warranty (100K miles). I'm told if I had to pay for it myself it would have been around $1600 including labor. I lucked out on that one. Due to that experience, when I got my 330Cic last month, I made sure to get the extended service plan too -- just to be on the safe side.

Since you've got a '99, I'm guessing you're through your warranty period, right?

 

[theBMWenthusiast]

ya i hate the repairs, my dads 2001 BMW 740iL had its radiator leaking and it cost above a $1000, he was so pissed

 

[Pacho]

Listen get a second opinion and check for the parts on line they are less expensive than paying retail there are many good shops out there that work on BMWS don't just take the dealer word on this.