Valve seals

Jeeze, I would ask what a new engine is listed for. We used to do this for around $350, the seals are dirt cheap. I would think that this can be done without taking the heads off like 99% of the other engines ever produced. Where is the labour to add up to $7200.00, That is (7) eight hour days of labour to add to $7200 at $125 an hour. The seals are $22.48 for the whole kit on partsgeek, so year they are taking you for ride to your wallet just look at URL copy & past to browser window: http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2011/bmw/550i/engine_mechanical/valve_stem_seal_kit.html

7 eight hour days at $125 an hour is $7000 with $200 extra for high priced dealer part prices. If it needs work done on it take it somewhere else. You could likely watch Youtube and do this yourself in a day.

I watched a youtube video of a dealership removing the engine to get to the valve stems seal and did not remove the heads so I am sure it can be done without taking the engine out, just take it somewhere else.

Yikes! RUN AWAY, RUN AWAY from that repair shop.

Find an independent BMW shop and get a quote. It is possible to install new stem seals with the heads on the engine using compressed air to keep the valves in place. Maybe this can be done on a BMW engine.

Thanks you for all the responses. Extremely helpful. I'm in Toronto Canada. The car is sitting at the dealers for the go a head. I've had both recalls done. I'm shocked that a highend car like this can have so many problems so early on. Thank you Gary, engine creator and F O R for your input I really appreciate it. They quoted me 160 labour at 72hrs. I laughed and said I'd call bmw Canada for a discount. I love how this 550 drives but it had been very unreliable. The car is in mint condition with low km. Is this a common problem with bmw? Should I even bother fixing it? Should I just sell it? 2011 550i xdrive 80- 90km

Well if you do fix it make sure they are not using the original valve seals as they are no good and likely after-market sets from known parts makers/sellers has done their research an came up with a much better set. I would research and even call ahead to some after-market parts dealers to ask if they have known of the better valve stem seals made to overcome the OEM failures.