I just had my 2014 Mini Base in for service and without asking me they did a 4-wheel alignment because of tire wear. I had planned to replace all 4 shocks with KONI Special Active Shocks/struts non-adjustable. I would have preferred to do the alignment after doing the shocks. MUST I do alignment again after R&R shocks??? Thanks to all.

 

So do you have to pay for it since they didn't ask?

As long as the only thing you're changing is the shocks and not the springs I would think you don't since you're not changing the geometry.

 

It is always recommended to get an alignment after any suspension work. The bigger question is whether they asked or just performed the alignment. If they just did something without you consenting you simply have to say, "Thanks for the free alignment!"

Either way, you should do another alignment after your R&R with the Konis.

 

Thanks CB. I did pay for the alignment. It's a long story but I got a lot of other work for NO CHARGE, so I was OK with the end results. But I don't want to pay for another alignment a month later...

 

Most reputable alignment shops should do it for cheap especially if you arent rocking some crazy new suspension like full coilover, camber, and control arms. From shopping around my state, CA, most good shops wanted 100-200 the average being 132.45. I too possess koni actives just waiting to install. If you go dealer or a "mini factory trained" place they will charge you double. Ask your dealer for the paperwork indicating all the specs for your alignment and bring it with you to any alignment shop, should do you right.

 

imo tolerances are so tight on modern car parts that the difference will be negligible/unobservable for oe replacement dampers

 

Drive it for a bit before having a re-alignment, let everything settle. Try not to worry about the "unasked" alignment, when you complete your set up explain it to the dealer and see if they throw you a discount/coupon.
You doing the install? The rear shock are easy to replace, the front struts required some "muscle/finagling" oh and some special tools.