Last month, Prestige MINI indicated during a routine service visit that I need both front lower control arm bushings replaced on my 2005 MINI. Total cost: $1,042.

Looking through these message boards, so many have recommended the Powerflex bushings as a replacement as it's considered much better and longer lasting than what MINI uses. Only problem, of course, is that I can't just bring these parts with me and have Prestige MINI install them for me.

So my question: does anyone know where I can get my MINI serviced in northern New Jersey who actually know what they're doing? Where I can ask for these parts to be used. A cheaper estimate would be a bonus. Thank you.

 

I am as of this morning in the same boat as you. Prestige told me the same thing. SO if there is room in the boat move over so we can find a 2 for one on the control arm bushings. My 04 has 24k and needs them

 

I had my control arm bushings installed at Helix in PA - The link has the labor price for the control arms installations and they may have in stock. Call Eric and he will be glad to assist.

http://store.helix13.com/headquarters/

 

Looks like the boat is heading to Helix! Thanks!

 

If you click on the independent shop list on the site below there are numerous shops listed in NJ. If one listed is close to you, I'm sure they will try to answer your questions. Good luck.

 

Not sure where in north NJ you're looking but I'm sure EuroTire on 46 east in Fairfield can help you. I've had a lot of suspension work done there on my Audi's, never had any problems with them. They are not cheap, but their work is impeccable. I'm bringing my clubman there soon to install a rear sway bar and endlinks.

 

Please let us know how your service was. Good luck!

 

I actually got my tires replaced there last year -- never thought of them to do suspension work. I'll give them a call and see what they can do. And I agree that their work is impeccable.

 

I took my own Oil, Filter, and MiniMania Air Filter to MINI of Portland on Molly's last visit, no reason to think I couldn't take anything I wanted/needed to have installed to them.

 

To follow up, I took my car to EuroTire today. Among other things, I asked the owner to check the control arm bushings. To my mild surprise, he said they were absolutely fine -- no need to get them replaced.

I don't think Prestige MINI was ripping me off or anything, but rather just recommending I get the bushings replaced based on the mileage I had put on the car. So maybe that's why you had the same diagnosis as we have similar model years and mileage numbers.

 

Let me know what euro tire charges for the rear sway bar install. I'd like to have it done to.

 

Check out Redline Speed Worx in Green Brook. They hosted Manic Motorsports east coast tuning sessions over OBD II. Great work, good guys and a clean shop!

 

Sounds good. I'm in Essex county and looking for someone somewhat local.

 

I don't know about you, but recommended $1+K in service that is not necessary is the very definition of rip-off!

I had Prestige as the "lesser of local dealer evils", given that they were the only shop that could properly diagnose and perform timing chain replacement under warranty. Neither MINI of Morristown nor Princeton MINI could find anything wrong. Sadly, Prestige is hereby added to the "@#$% list". I'm fresh out of being able to recommend any of the local dealers.

Lucky for me, my car is out of warranty and I am free to take my business to the independents.

a

 

Fair enough and a good point. In fact, they've been saying for two years that I also need my oil pan gasket changed as it's leaking oil. But, in light of this incident with the control arm bushings, until I actually see any oil spots on my driveway, I'm going to put off the $875 estimate that they offered to get that fixed.

When I bought my MINI ten years ago, I enjoyed interacting with the people at Prestige -- it felt kind of homey, if that makes any sense. Now, since they moved into their new building and have a much larger clientele, everything feels more sterile, more impersonal. I think they'll be my stop for oil changes and that's probably about it.