TPMS diagnosis and replacement cost?

[cheweihu]

About two weeks ago TPM Malfunction light came up on my '11 M3. Initially it seemed like something's loose because the light would go away for a day or two then come back for another day or so. I waited until it's solid there and made an appointment with my local dealer.

I brought my car in three days ago and it was jam-packed. They couldn't work on my car until the second day afternoon. My SA called me and said that one TPM went out and the repair cost would be about $250 (I got aftermarket wheels so it's not warrantied). I agreed and told him to proceed with fixing.

Today I went to pick up my car and saw a $394.29 bill.

-Labor 199.89
- Wheel Electronics Module 136.85
- Screw-in valve 41.91
- tax

I was confused and asked to talk to my SA. He came and explained to me the labor was 3 hours and they charged me only an hour. "One hour taking wheels off, one hour diagnosis, one hour putting them back" and I was told basically they have saved me another 300$ by charging me only $199 on labor so they couldn't come any lower.

I know the TPM for 10+ cars are more expensive but I was expecting $150 parts + $100 labor since they don't need to take the wheels off to run diagnosis. Am I missing something here??

Oh, and Merry Christmas everyone!

[Socal714]

You actually got a decent deal at the dealership. You only paid for diagnosis and nothing for the repair time. I find it pretty fair. Usually dealership charges 1hr for diag and .5hr for install time for a tpm sensor. Ive been a tech for 8+ yrs.

[cheweihu]

Originally Posted by Socal714

You actually got a decent deal at the dealership. You only paid for diagnosis and nothing for the repair time. I find it pretty fair. Usually dealership charges 1hr for diag and .5hr for install time for a tpm sensor. Ive been a tech for 8+ yrs.

Oh I didn't make it clear. I think he told me that they have absorbed diagnosis and charged me only repairing. So this is the fair price. Whoa it's steeper then I thought

Thank you Socal714!

[Socal714]

No problem. Not all dealership and tech are theives. Hahaha

[Flying Ace]

your experience is part of the issue with taking your car for out of warranty repair at the dealership. They have their own rates, and have all the leverage to charge you for their time.

However, you should be able to negotiate the rate again. I think certain states may have laws that says a repair shop can't proceed with a fix that costs over a certain amount until the owner okays it. In CA, at least at my local dealer, they have a maximum rate for diagnostics (I think $250), for anything. Any issues found would require a conversation with the Service Advisor for next steps and pricing

But my question is, isn't your 2011 still in warranty? why were you charged in the first place?

[Socal714]

Rates are not negotiable. There is not a maximum rate for diagnostic. Any further diagnosis or repair will need approval by the customer. Rates are different between each dealers.

[JoePcone]

discount tire will install them all for $40. Just order them online from getbmwparts.com

[AnotherM3]

Wow! I got quoted $90 for the replacement of (1) TPMS after taxes from Americas Tire. No diagnosis fee, they have their scanner and they check all 4 wheels within seconds.

[cheweihu]

@AnotherM3, that's actually what I was imagining before I brought in my car as I read elsewhere that I could drop by some franchise tire shop and have them scan it for free. I don't understand why they need so many hours to diagnosis and find out the problem.

@FlyingACE, my car is a late-2010 and even I got extended warranty my wheels/tpms were aftermarket.

What I don't understand was that I was quoted $250 on the phone when my SA called me but charged nearly $400 the next day, when I went in.

I guess I am fine this time, just learned a lesson, will be more cautious next time when dealing with stealer$hip ..

Happy New Year !

[Flying Ace]

oooh...well aftermarket TPMS/wheels, you might as well have taken it to any tire shop really...