Technical Garage has quoted me £2,500 to replace gearbox

[Jules91]

I booked my Fiat 500L (2011, 1.2L, manual transmission) in at my local garage yesterday after hearing noises coming from my engine - particularly when using 3rd gear.

Road tested it with the mechanic, they have identified the noise coming from the gearbox area and highly suspect diff or input shaft bearings have gone. Their recommendation is that a new gearbox is required (particularly as they don't have the expertise to just replace the bearings - if it is them).

When they checked, there was swarf in the oil. Also to note that they can't tell for certain what the fault is until the gearbox has been removed.

I have been quoted £2.5K in total. £400 for labour, £1,500 for an exchange gearbox, £200 for clutch assembly and the rest is VAT.

Given that my Fiat 500 is probably only worth £2.5K now, I decided not to have a complete replacement of the gearbox but now looking for any suggestions on how I can get it fixed and how much it could cost if I did a fix rather than getting it replaced.

From Surrey/Hampshire area, if you know of any Fiat 500 specialists or transmission specialists - please let me know!

 

[jrkitching]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

The prices you've been quoted suggest to me that the garage is 'trying it on'. Personally I'd walk away.

You've been unlucky; manual gearboxes on the 1.2 generally outlast the car.

The good news is that, in consequence, secondhand gearboxes are readily available and not expensive (assuming the 500L uses the same 'box as the standard 500) - a quick search on ebay and the car breakers sites will likely bring up loads. @typecastboy buys stuff like this all the time, and may have a more specific suggestion, including how to find a mobile mechanic to fit it.

They're also straightforward to fit; any competent garage or even mobile mechanic should be more than capable of performing the task.

The only thing I'd add is to consider also changing the clutch friction plate and release bearing; the parts are not expensive, and it all has to come apart anyway, so no additional labour costs if done at the same time.

If you're looking for an independent Fiat garage in Hampshire, try Small Car Services - they'll likely come up with a cost effective way of fixing this.

 

[John202020]

I have been quoted £2.5K in total. £400 for labour, £1,500 for an exchange gearbox, £200 for clutch assembly and the rest is VAT.


From Surrey/Hampshire area, if you know of any Fiat 500 specialists or transmission specialists - please let me know![/B]

I'm not sure if the 500 gearbox is the same as the 500L even if its not it shouldn't cost the earth for a secondhand replacement, though maybe harder to find.
Another fitting option is "clickmechanic"
Yep new clutch, a Valeo clutch kit complete is only £90 inc Vat and there are cheaper ones too if you really want the budget option.
Lots of helpful advice here, don't over worry.

There are cheaper ones but here's a gearbox £360 assuming its a 500; https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIAT-500...=25438401320931c888c6d05c409d8d1d5b593f85bbb5

Just double checking, is it a 500 or 500L what year and engine, just it seems the 500L came out in 2013?

 

[Jules91]

Just double checked my paperwork and it is Fiat 500L 2011, 1.2L Petrol

 

[Schumi2001]

Look for a local gearbox specialist - if it's just bearings it shouldn't be too expensive to do. It's a long time since I had a box done, but I'd expect the total bill to be way under £500.

The price quoted is crazy - I was looking at swapping my Porsche gearbox for half that money!

 

[varesecrazy]

Some fiat (read GM..) Gearboxes are prone to besring failures.

Many GP owners have had the bearings replaced in a drive there noisy.. drive home quiet day.. @£350 iirc


HOWEVER.. mention of swarf means you probably have other issues.

Your car :
What engine..5speed box?
In the 500 mpv..?(popemobile..)

Charlie

 

[typecastboy]

There are lots of nearly new gearboxes for the 500 on eBay from around £200 Mark. I used to have a spares guy that had an industrial unit wall lined up with them that he could barely give away.

Beyond my knowledge base but my mobile mechanic says it’s relatively easy job although easier up on a ramp rather than axle stands.

I would get yourself a second hand box, new clutch then put out some feelers on local Facebook groups and see if you can find a mobile mechanic. If you buy all the parts there’s no reason why you should pay more than about £2-300 labour. My mobile mechanic charges me £50 an hour.

 

[s130]

Would suggest you contact Dean at Small Car Services.

https://smallcarservices.co.uk/

Dean and Ben are excellent. When I need something done done that I can not do, or choose not to do myself as I'm getting on in age, then they have my full confidence and I'm an experienced Fiat maintainer of our vehicles for 47 years (from straight forward servicing, cam belt/pump changes and full engine rebuilds).

Please do contact Dean I don't think you will be disappointed.

 

[g8rpi]

Assuming it's the 5 speed 'box (please confirm), The 500L uses the Fiat C510 gearbox. This is also used on the 500X and Abarth. It's not used on the "normal" 500. I'd go for a scrapyard unit or one from a rebuilder with a known good reputation.

Robert G8RPI.

 

[Jod1234]

I had a 2010 plate fiat 500 1.2 lounge. In 2021 at a reputable garage who specialises in gearboxes it cost me £700 to have a new gearbox and clutch. (I know this is an old post but it was a recent repair for me so hoping it will help someone not get ripped off)

 

[mammattt888]

I had a 2010 plate fiat 500 1.2 lounge. In 2021 at a reputable garage who specialises in gearboxes it cost me £700 to have a new gearbox and clutch. (I know this is an old post but it was a recent repair for me so hoping it will help someone not get ripped off)

Thank you for new update Jod1234, just what I needed. Can I ask if you bought a reconditioned gear box? and did you buy your own clutch for them to fit?
thank you..