So I put my MCS in Service Mode a few weeks ago and changed the supercharger oil (nice and honey colored, even after 132k).

I had everything except the fancy belt tensioner tool, so no go on the change...

How much did it cost you to have your pulley done? I have a pulley, but need to know how much to expect this to hurt. Mini dealership wants 3 hours... ridiculous pain.

 

if you did a sc oil change with BOTH oil compartments (REQUIRES REMOVING the SC to get at the troublesome water pump PTO), doing a pulley should be an EASY DIY.
Seen pullies done on a lift in about 30 minutes by a real pro that has done tons....but I think most shops will charge you 2 hours....
Some places that sell pullies offer loaner pulley pullers, a 99% requirement, unless you want to CUT the pulley off with a grinder....tuff in a tight space. A generic pulley puller will not work.

 

^^+1 for two hours worth of labor - $200-$300. Check out the indy Mini shops in your area; the dealer should be a last resort. Or you can try it yourself (we used the MINI Madness pulley puller tool for this job): http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...ey_Install.htm (this article refers to the supercharger pulley upgrade, but the removal process is identical).

 

Pulley supplied I am seeing many charge about $175 for the install.

 

I was quoted 450 with pulley purchase, or 300 I supply pulley and belt. Did it myself for for the price of the pulley, belt, and pulley puller. Took about 2.5 hours bc i took my time. I still have the puller if u need it. Be will to sell it or let borrow with insurance I would get it back.

 

Jeez, seems like I lucked out.

I found a Mini specialist near me that will do it for $160, with me supplying the part.

I figure that, even considering the cost of the tool, this is a steal.

I'll have to remember to write them up after I go in tomorrow.

Thank you for posting everyone, I cannot believe how little info there was when I was searching this initially.

 

Probably because when the R53 was being made there weren't many mechs really doing it. Most of us had pulley parties to do the swaps. I have installed about 20 or so pulleys myself while over in Germany. The only charge was a good time and some beer.

 

Glad to hear you're getting this resolved at a reasonable cost

 

Turns out this was too good to be true.

The shop was full of monkeys, who were telling me that the only way they could do the job was to get the Crave Speed pulley removal tool (even though they had a 3 prong puller) and that they would need to put the car in service mode, meaning they now wanted $550 for labor (oh, and of course, they say I need a smaller belt for the car too, on a 15% reduction).

Had to have them pack it up and let it go home with me.

Guess I need to get the tools and do it myself... argh...

Also, I do not recommend Euro Specialists in Longwood, FL. They were nice enough, but where the rubber met the road, I was not impressed.

 

First, they are correct about the removal tool. DO NOT USE A THREE PRONG PULLER. It will only bend the pulley causing you to have to cut it off, I have done enough of these to know and had to cut off one that was attempted with a three prong. You will also need a smaller belt, so they were right there. As for service mode, no, you do not need to do this and there are instructions show how to actually do it on the web.

 

+1
DO NOT USE A STANDARD 3 PRONG PULLER!!!
the oem pulley is heat set, and a 3 prong puller will destroy the oem pulley, leaving it in place, rendering the car undrivable.
You MUST use the mini sc pulley puller, or cut it off with a grinder.......
no need to put car in service mode...

 

You made such a good choice to walk. I can't tell you how many times the story has gone that they let them try then $1500 later it was still messed up.
We have the pullers, belt, plugs, pulleys and anything else you need to get it done. Also we will be coming to Orlando for the Mickey and MINI event and can do it there. Or I have a guy new Melbourne that can do it. Just shoot us and email and we'll help you out.
WAY
info@waymotorworks.com

 

How did you change the SC fluid without removing the SC?

FWIW, you don't need the MINI tensioner tool (though it makes it easier) - a long pry bar and a 9/16s socket on the upper bolt as a lever point will get the job done. Also easier if you put a 1" x 1/4" bolt in the lower hole to give a good place to push on.

 

Yup -- agreed on the points above. You definitely need a smaller belt and the puller tool. Please don't cheap out on a $60 dollar tool and try to use a large flathead screw driver for the belt tensioner; its just not worth it.

$160-200 sounds just about right.

 

somebody familiar with anyone who works on minis around chicago area.
i want to upgrade the pulley but have no idea where to go
dealers quoted me $400 for labor only

 

OP:
Try Maitland Imports in Orlando, Ian can get you sorted out.