What are reasonable install costs?

[Delgar]

I'm getting the itch to get a LI installed on my BMW M3.

I (finally) found a place that would install it.

They said install price for a 2 head would be about $750 and for a 4 head, about $1150.

Is this reasonable? Is it really that involved?

I haven't bought a jammer yet but would like to.

Any comments would be appreciated.

[djrams80]

No, way too much! I'd say $300 for the 2 head system and maybe $400 for a 4 head system is about right. Shop around.

[rsatmans]

DIY
cost: $0 besides time
experience: priceless
knowing it was done correctly: invaluable

[Sufu]

Do it yourself, charging $750 for a 30min job is obsessive.

Worst case scenario just get a wireless kit for your jammer instead, then no need to run wires through the firewall.

[PMoth]

Do it yourself, charging $750 for a 30min job is obsessive.

Worst case scenario just get a wireless kit for your jammer instead, then no need to run wires through the firewall.

30 min job huh? I bet you wont jam sh$t after that 30 min install. Correctly done in an e46 M3 with time for proper alignment of the heads, looming and securing wires, soldering electrical connections, and mounting the cpu and switch in a convenient place, I can see the job taking between 4-10 hours for a 2-head or 4-head system. Maybe even longer than that. Do it right the first time.

[crazyVOLVOrob]

I got charged $250 total for my install of my 4 head LI. 2 front 2 back. And then when I had them replace the heads they charged me $100

I only ever pay in cash which helps a bit;)

[focalcivic]

Crazy as it sounds member have paid from 150 to 1500, that was the 9500ci which is more involved, but goes to show the difference in price.

I would not go bargain basement either it could be a sloppy job. I would make sure whom ever installs it knows about radar and laser jammer installs, don't assume they do. The best bet would be a shop who carrys Bel or Escort remote units, then at least they know about radar installs.

A good 2 head install will take a few hours a 4 head will be longer since they have to run from the back to the front.

[Delgar]

Thanks everyone for the tips.

I'd prefer to do it on my own but this car is very tightly packed in the front and I'm not wanting to pull the firewall/grommit apart on my own. Its also fairly tight between the grill and the radiator fan, and I have no experience mounting the diode heads.

On my own, I've wired an Ipod adapter from the rear trunk amp connectors to the center console (all under the carpet, seats, etc), i've hardwired a V1 high near the rear-view mirror, and also added a concealed display in the ashtray (which included removing the glove box and routing 10 feet of cable), all with no problems.

The whole firewall thing just seems a little too daunting without proper guidance.

But $750 seemed out of control. I'll keep looking.

[Loiosh]

Even your dealer shouldn't charge that much. My 4-head LI install from the dealer ended up ~ $650, but that included custom housing in my LS.

Of course, I still probably have to change the front mounting position as the sensors are recessed an inch and C55 tells me they should be flush up front.

[thestaton]

not a dollar more than 250.

[hockey005]

my install was $130 - that required 2 hours of labor because the front bumper had to be taken off

[Atlas]

I have an E46 also and installed a Lidatek LE-30 myself. I'll be doing my 9500ci as well, when I get it. It is easy but just take your time. You can mount the sensors on the bumper and run the sensor wires though the mesh then fish them up from the top. Run them along the bottom edge of the bumper to the rear of the passenger headlight then behind the wiper fluid reservoir. Tuck the wires under the factory loom running up the passenger fender to the fire wall. Depending on the year, there is an empty space in the corner or the DSC control module is there. Either way, there are grommets and wires passing into the cabin behind the glove box. Just remove the glove box and trim behind it and you can easily pull the wires through. Now your by the fuse box for power and there is plenty of room to mount the control box. Good luck and let me know if you need more help.
Couple beers and a couple hours and your done. No special tools, just black tape and zip ties. Rear is a bit more complex but doable, more time as well since you have to run through the trunk and factory loom at the hinge.

[Delgar]

I have an E46 also and installed a Lidatek LE-30 myself. I'll be doing my 9500ci as well, when I get it. It is easy but just take your time. You can mount the sensors on the bumper and run the sensor wires though the mesh then fish them up from the top. Run them along the bottom edge of the bumper to the rear of the passenger headlight then behind the wiper fluid reservoir. Tuck the wires under the factory loom running up the passenger fender to the fire wall. Depending on the year, there is an empty space in the corner or the DSC control module is there. Either way, there are grommets and wires passing into the cabin behind the glove box. Just remove the glove box and trim behind it and you can easily pull the wires through. Now your by the fuse box for power and there is plenty of room to mount the control box. Good luck and let me know if you need more help.
Couple beers and a couple hours and your done. No special tools, just black tape and zip ties. Rear is a bit more complex but doable, more time as well since you have to run through the trunk and factory loom at the hinge.

Oh wow, thank you very much!

[Laser-InterceptorUSA]

not a dollar more than 250.

Spendthrift! :)

Cliff - C55

[Laser-InterceptorUSA]

And then when I had them replace the heads they charged me $100


I guess I owe you a $100 dinner! :o

Cliff - C55

[Laser-InterceptorUSA]

I can see the job taking between 4-10 hours for a 2-head or 4-head system.

All day on my wife's ML as well as my C55!

Cliff - C55

[Atlas]

Oh wow, thank you very much!

No problem. There are threads on other forums that show how to remove the glove box. Easy to do, just make sure to take your time. 2 hours or 5 hours, it doesn't matter when it's your car and time. Feels good to get the job done your self. Put the saved cash into gas!! ;)

[PMoth]

Most real audio/video installation facilities charge anywhere from 75 - 100 bucks per hour. Some shops charge more. Knowing that in addition to many luxury vehicles being put together like top secret military facilities, one should be able to understand the higher price quotes that they receive for these vehicles. "Absolutely no more than 250 bucks??" If someone asked me to install a jammer in a newer Lexus, BMW, MB, or Porche for 250, I would almost laugh in their face. You gotta pay to play and I can assure you, you would have absolutely nothing to worry about regarding install and performance once I am done. Most guys have absolutely no idea what a proper electronic product's install in a vehicle consists of.

Now back to the OP's original quote, 750 for a 4-head install in my area would be fair. 750 for a 2 head front install in an e46 M3 is excessive. If this were the OC, then I would say you got a deal.

[focalcivic]

Most real audio/video installation facilities charge anywhere from 75 - 100 bucks per hour. Some shops charge more. Knowing that in addition to many luxury vehicles being put together like top secret military facilities, one should be able to understand the higher price quotes that they receive for these vehicles. "Absolutely no more than 250 bucks??" If someone asked me to install a jammer in a newer Lexus, BMW, MB, or Porche for 250, I would almost laugh in their face. You gotta pay to play and I can assure you, you would have absolutely nothing to worry about regarding install and performance once I am done. Most guys have absolutely no idea what a proper electronic product's install in a vehicle consists of.

Now back to the OP's original quote, 750 for a 4-head install in my area would be fair. 750 for a 2 head front install in an e46 M3 is excessive. If this were the OC, then I would say you got a deal.


What do you do for a living? I am curious is that your line of work?