E93 Front shocks replacement

biturbo · 03-05-2022, 12:28 PM

My E93 just failed it's MOT with a knackered front shocker.
I am going to replace both and was wondering how many hours labour would be needed.

I have seen a video from Autodoc which shows one side replaced in 15 minutes, I realise that the guy doing it probably does it all day.
My local mechanic reckons about an hour for both.

The place I normally take it to reckons about 3 hours

, seems a bit steep.
What do folks think.

Phil325i · 03-05-2022, 02:33 PM

I'd say about 30 mins per side. Please don't replace just one!

OliSharp · 03-05-2022, 05:50 PM

Lol @ 3 hours, are they stopping for a snooze?!

1 hour for both sides, including getting your car on and off the lift, and taking the wheels off.

Do the top mounts, bump stops and dust covers at the same time. Maybe the arb drop links too (they cost about £15 for both sides, and have to come off anyway to get the dampers out).

The OE dampers are Sachs, Bilstein b4 is another option (although bilstein say not for m-sport suspension).

If your front dampers have failed the rears won’t be far behind. That’s a much more involved job than the fronts in an e93. Only let someone you trust do that as it involves taking off some of the roof alignment plates. Now I know how to do it, I’d maybe allow 2 hours to do the back carefully.

You’ll be amazed at how much better your car rides and handles once you’ve changed all the dampers though, worth doing them all in one go!

03-05-2022, 12:28 PM	#1
biturbo New Member 0 Rep 23 Posts Drives: E93 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: West Sussex iTrader: (0)	E93 Front shocks replacement My E93 just failed it's MOT with a knackered front shocker. I am going to replace both and was wondering how many hours labour would be needed. I have seen a video from Autodoc which shows one side replaced in 15 minutes, I realise that the guy doing it probably does it all day. My local mechanic reckons about an hour for both. The place I normally take it to reckons about 3 hours , seems a bit steep. What do folks think.
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03-05-2022, 02:33 PM	#2
Phil325i Brigadier General 630 Rep 3,200 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	I'd say about 30 mins per side. Please don't replace just one! __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front
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03-05-2022, 05:50 PM	#3
OliSharp Private 9 Rep 61 Posts Drives: E93 330i Highline MSport Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: SW London iTrader: (0)	Lol @ 3 hours, are they stopping for a snooze?! 1 hour for both sides, including getting your car on and off the lift, and taking the wheels off. Do the top mounts, bump stops and dust covers at the same time. Maybe the arb drop links too (they cost about £15 for both sides, and have to come off anyway to get the dampers out). The OE dampers are Sachs, Bilstein b4 is another option (although bilstein say not for m-sport suspension). If your front dampers have failed the rears won’t be far behind. That’s a much more involved job than the fronts in an e93. Only let someone you trust do that as it involves taking off some of the roof alignment plates. Now I know how to do it, I’d maybe allow 2 hours to do the back carefully. You’ll be amazed at how much better your car rides and handles once you’ve changed all the dampers though, worth doing them all in one go!
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