How Much Is a Starter for a 2008 BMW 328i?

A replacement starter for a 2008 BMW 328i typically costs about $150–$400 for the part alone, while total installed cost at a shop usually ranges from roughly $450 to $900 depending on brand, labor rates, and where you get the work done.

Understanding the Cost Range

The starter in a 2008 BMW 328i is a critical component that engages the engine when you turn the key or press the start button. When it fails, the car may crank slowly, click without cranking, or not respond at all. Because BMW parts and labor tend to be more expensive than many mainstream brands, owners often see a wide range of quotes when they start shopping for a replacement.

Typical Parts Pricing

Prices for the starter itself vary based on whether it is new, remanufactured, OEM (original equipment manufacturer), or aftermarket. Online auto parts retailers, local parts stores, and BMW dealers each price the part differently.

The list below outlines common price ranges you can expect for different types of starter units for a 2008 BMW 328i in the U.S. market as of late 2025.

• Aftermarket remanufactured starter: About $150–$250
• Aftermarket new starter: About $200–$350
• OEM-equivalent (Bosch, Valeo, etc.): About $250–$400
• Genuine BMW dealer starter: About $350–$550+

These ranges reflect typical online and retail pricing before tax and any core charge refund; your exact cost will depend on the supplier and whether you select genuine BMW or quality aftermarket brands.

Labor Costs and Installation Time

Labor is often the bigger variable in the final bill. The 2008 BMW 328i (E90/E92 generation with the N52 inline-6 engine) generally requires more labor than a basic economy car due to tighter packaging and the need to remove other components for access.

The following points summarize standard labor expectations for replacing a starter on a 2008 BMW 328i.

• Book labor time: Typically around 2.5–4.0 hours, depending on the shop and model configuration (sedan vs. coupe, xDrive vs. rear-wheel drive)
• Independent BMW specialist: About $120–$180 per labor hour in many urban and suburban areas
• General independent repair shop: About $100–$160 per labor hour, with varying BMW expertise
• BMW dealership: About $170–$250+ per labor hour, often at the top of the market
• Typical labor total: Roughly $300–$700 depending on shop type and local rates

When combined with parts, most owners end up paying a total of roughly $450–$900 for a starter replacement, with dealership work typically falling toward the upper end of that spectrum.

Dealer vs. Independent Shop vs. DIY

Where you choose to get the starter replaced has a major impact on the overall cost and on the type of warranty and service you receive. BMW owners often weigh the perceived security of dealer work against the lower prices at reputable independent shops, or consider doing the job themselves if they have the skills.

BMW Dealership Pricing

Dealerships almost always use genuine BMW-branded starters and charge higher labor rates. In return, they offer BMW-specific expertise and access to official diagnostic tools and software.

This list outlines what you can generally expect if you use a BMW dealer for the job.

• Parts cost (genuine BMW starter): Commonly $350–$550 or more
• Labor cost: Often $400–$700 depending on hours billed and local rates
• Total bill estimate: Approximately $750–$1,200+ in many U.S. markets
• Warranty: Frequently 2 years, parts and labor, on dealer-installed OEM parts (varies by region and policy)
• Pros: OEM parts, factory-trained techs, comprehensive diagnostic systems
• Cons: Highest pricing, less flexibility on part selection

For a 2008 model that’s long out of factory warranty, many owners find dealer pricing hard to justify unless they prioritize full OEM support or have no trusted independent alternative.

Independent Specialist or General Shop

Independent shops—especially those specializing in European or BMW-specific work—often provide comparable technical quality with lower hourly rates and more flexibility on parts. General repair shops may be cheaper still but might lack BMW-specific experience.

The points below highlight typical outcomes when you choose an independent repair facility.

• Parts options: Aftermarket, OEM-equivalent, or sometimes genuine BMW by request
• Typical parts cost: About $150–$400 depending on brand and warranty
• Labor cost: About $250–$500 based on time spent and hourly rate
• Total bill estimate: Typically $450–$900
• Warranty: Commonly 12 months/12,000 miles, but many shops offer 24+ months on certain part brands
• Pros: Lower cost than dealer, flexible part sourcing, often strong BMW experience at specialty shops
• Cons: Quality varies by shop; warranty and coverage less standardized than at dealerships

For most 2008 BMW 328i owners, a reputable European-specialist independent shop offers the best balance of cost, competence, and warranty coverage for a starter replacement.

DIY Replacement Costs

Experienced DIYers with a well-equipped garage can significantly reduce the total expense, but the job involves working in tight spaces and safely raising the vehicle. Mistakes can be costly if wiring or mounting is mishandled.

The following items summarize what a typical do-it-yourself replacement might involve financially.

• Starter part cost: About $150–$350 from online retailers for a quality unit
• Additional supplies: Possibly $10–$40 for new bolts, dielectric grease, and basic consumables
• Tools required: Metric socket set, extensions, Torx bits, jack stands or lift, torque wrench (if not already owned)
• Time investment: About 3–6 hours for an experienced DIYer; longer if unfamiliar with BMW layouts
• Total out-of-pocket: Often $170–$390 if you already own the necessary tools
• Key risk: Incorrect installation can lead to no-start conditions or electrical faults

DIY replacement can dramatically reduce costs, but it is best suited to people comfortable working on European vehicles and following workshop procedures.

Factors That Change the Price

Even within the same model year and engine family, several real-world factors influence what you end up paying. Quotes can differ sharply from one city to another and from one shop to the next, especially for older German cars like the 2008 BMW 328i.

Vehicle Configuration and Condition

The 2008 328i came in several body styles and driveline configurations, which can affect access and labor times. The condition of surrounding components matters as well; extra corrosion or seized bolts can add hours.

The key vehicle-related factors below can alter the final cost of a starter replacement.

• Drivetrain: xDrive (all-wheel drive) vs. rear-wheel drive may slightly change labor time
• Body style: Sedan (E90), coupe (E92), convertible (E93), and wagon (E91) share the N52 engine but sometimes differ in underbody access
• Corrosion and age: Rusted fasteners, worn wiring, or brittle plastic connectors can add labor
• Previous repairs: Non-standard wiring or aftermarket alarms/remote start systems can complicate diagnosis

Discussing your specific trim (e.g., rear-wheel-drive E90 sedan vs. E92 xDrive coupe) with a shop allows for a more precise estimate tailored to your car’s layout and condition.

Location and Market Rates

Regional labor rates and parts availability significantly shape the final number on your invoice. Major metro areas with high overhead costs often see both dealer and independent rates at the top end of national averages.

The following location-related factors commonly influence starter replacement pricing.

• Urban vs. rural: Cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles generally have higher labor rates than small towns
• Local competition: Areas with many European specialty shops may offer more competitive pricing
• Parts availability: In some regions, shipping costs or limited supply can push parts prices higher
• Taxes and fees: State and local taxes, shop fees, and environmental charges add to the bottom line

Because of these geographic differences, it’s wise to get at least two or three quotes locally rather than relying on a single online average.

Brand and Quality of the Starter

Choosing between genuine BMW, OEM-equivalent, and budget aftermarket options is a trade-off between cost, longevity, and warranty coverage. Starters are high-load electrical components, so quality matters.

The list below describes common starter options and how they affect what you pay.

• Genuine BMW: Highest cost; often identical to OEM supplier parts but in BMW packaging; strong warranty
• OEM-equivalent (e.g., Bosch, Valeo): Usually the same manufacturer that supplies BMW; strong reliability and slightly lower cost
• Premium aftermarket brands: Mid-range cost with decent warranties; quality varies by brand
• Budget/remanufactured units: Lowest upfront price; higher risk of early failure or noise issues
• Warranty impact: Higher-tier parts generally carry longer warranties, which can justify their price

For a 2008 BMW 328i, many owners choose OEM-equivalent parts to balance long-term reliability with a more reasonable price than dealer-packaged components.

How to Get a Reliable Estimate

While national averages provide a ballpark figure, the most accurate way to know what a starter replacement will cost for your 2008 BMW 328i is to get quotes based on your VIN, location, and current vehicle condition. Providing detailed information helps shops give realistic numbers rather than broad ranges.

Information to Give a Shop

When you call or visit a repair facility, a few specific details will help the service writer or technician quickly pull accurate parts and labor estimates from their systems.

Below is a checklist of details to share to receive a more precise quote for your starter replacement.

• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): Ensures the correct starter and labor guide are used
• Exact model and trim: For example, “2008 BMW 328i sedan, rear-wheel drive, automatic”
• Mileage: Helps them anticipate any age-related issues
• Symptoms: No crank, single click, intermittent starting, slow cranking, etc.
• Battery status: Whether the battery and charging system have been tested recently
• Previous repairs: Any recent electrical, ignition, or starting system work

By supplying this information up front, you reduce the chance of surprise add-ons or part mismatches once the car is already in the bay.

Questions to Ask Before Approving the Job

Even if the quoted price seems reasonable, a few targeted questions can reveal whether you’re getting quality parts, fair labor, and adequate warranty coverage.

The following questions help clarify exactly what you’re paying for and how you’ll be covered.

• “Are you using genuine BMW, OEM-equivalent, or aftermarket parts for the starter?”
• “What is the parts and labor warranty, and is it nationwide or only at your shop?”
• “Is the diagnostic fee included in the repair if it turns out to be the starter?”
• “Does your estimate include all shop fees, taxes, and any core charges?”
• “If you find additional issues once you’re in there, will you call before doing extra work?”

Clear answers to these questions should give you confidence in both the quoted price and the quality of the work you’re authorizing.

Summary

For a 2008 BMW 328i, the starter itself generally costs about $150–$400, depending on whether you choose aftermarket, OEM-equivalent, or genuine BMW. Once labor is added, most professional starter replacements land in the $450–$900 range at independent shops, with dealerships often charging $750–$1,200 or more. Location, shop type, vehicle configuration, and part brand all push the price up or down. Owners who are comfortable with DIY can reduce the expense to roughly $170–$390 in parts and supplies, but the work requires solid mechanical skills. To get a precise figure for your situation, obtain itemized quotes from local shops using your VIN and clearly describe your symptoms and expectations.