I was told i needed to replace my lower ball joints on my 1998 bmw 328i

[djl]

any idea how much it should cost? When i went to meineke they told me i needed to replace the lower ball joint on both sides of the front. They said its $289.99 for each joint but i know bmw site where i have bought parts in the past and it says they cost $31.95 each. are they trying to rip me off or what? or is the part im looking at possibly something else? there estimate was $900 when my friend told me it should only cost about $300-350 tops

 

[DouglasG]

Well Its all about the labor. ask how much they charge per labor hour. its probably 75 dollars. Anytime you get your ball joint replaced you will also need a front end alignment as well. No.. thats about the right price for lower ball joints.. the lower ball joint for my car costs 25.99 with a lifetime warranty. Theres other things they have to do most likely to replace the ball joint.. they might have to take the control arms off because you need a few special tools to replace the ball joint... unless its the kind thats welded onto the control arm.. and in that case you'll just have to replace that. 900 sounds a little too much to me.. even by their high prices it shouldnt be anymore than 700. ask if you can get an itemized statement on that estimate.