This is how the repair broke down on my invoice:

Remember this is for a 24 valve M104 engine.

Parts: valve seals $67, head gasket $105, valve cover gasket $50, coolant $13, spark plugs $27, temp switch $33, hose $6.

Machine shop sublet $450, labor $910.

I can't imagine any repair at a dealer that is not done for less at your everyday indie. Shop time appears to be the same, but where the indie is charging labor at $65-$70/hour, the dealer is approaching $100/hour.

glenmore
1991 300CE