Changing suspension bushings cost labour

I'm curious about this as well. I have heard 2 ball park estimates for around $5k...

 

I am not home right now but 2 years ago I had all bushings replaced and shock rebuilt. Recollection is the job was about 12 hours for all corners. Will check bill in next 24 hours for you. Do not know if there are material differences between an '89 328 and you car.

 

Late 328 should be more time in theory as there are 16 rubber bushes on the rear instead of 8.

 

I am in the process of a complete suspension rebuild now. Working on it very slowly (months). I would estimate approximately 30 (give or take a few) hours to remove all the control arms from the car, press out the old bushings, properly clean and paint the control arms, press in the new bushings & grind tac weld into place, reassemble on the car and then align the front and rear suspension. Remember "while your in there" its amazing how much stuff is worn if its all original. Ball Joints, Steering rack, shocks etc... I'm sure when you get the car back you will be happy you had the work done even if it cost an arm and a leg!!

 

You pay a professional because you expect him to have all the knowledge and the right tools which make the job easier and faster than a shade tree mechanic.

My estimate for someone who has done this before is:

30 minutes to get the control arms out from each corner
30 minutes to grind / press out the bushings for each corner
30 minutes for sandblasting and cleaning
30 minutes for painting several coats
30 minutes each corner for putting them back in

That is 2.5 hours per corner, 10 hours for all bushings.

1 hour each bearing.
1 hour for misc shrouds, liners.

So, 14 hours +/- 2 hours is right on the money for this job.

 

Here is a copy of the description of the work done on my '89 328. Someone mentioned it should take longer than your 308 due to more bushings. The total charge was 18 hours. The shop I use has been very reasonable relative to the dealer I used to use so I am confident this is fair. The charge for alignment etc. is elsewhere on the bill and charged separately. It was 18 hours for

"Perform Complete tear down of front suspension . Remove Control Arms and Shocks Swaybar links , Calipers and sensors . Mark all alignment shims for installation in original locations . Remove Rear Shocks , Disassemble Rear control arms for inspection and clean and lube all pivot points and hardware at both outer knuckle and at chassis side . Remove rear swaybar mounts for service , Found right rear chassis side bent to the point of mounting stud preventing nut/bracket removal . Straighten welded in stud and bent bushing cap . Lube and re-install rear swaybar bushings and end links . Grind welds from a-arm bushings prior to replacement , Re-Tack weld new bushings in place once installed . Clean/Wash all shock hardware (spring seats etc) prior to assembly . Once all suspension was installed lower car to ride height and torque all mounting bolts . Install wheels and wheel houses and torque wheels to 74 ft. lbs. Note : tire pressures are set at 45 psi for winter and add Sta-Bil fuel system treatment . Flush brake system again due to caliper removal .
Enclosed Transport back to house"

Shocks were also sent out and rebuilt.

Hope this helps.