I need to replace front and rear pads+rotors+wear sensor on my Mini Cooper S 2009 R56. My zip code is 60657. All repair shops around me quoted for at least $300 labor when the parts just cost less than $200. Can anyone recommend a decent repair shop with normal labor cost? I'm willing to drive 1-2 hours if needed. It doesn't sound logical to pay $300 for the labor.

 

What is the hourly rate? $300 labor for all 4 brakes: pads & rotors & sensors; frankly doesn't seem all that bad. Yes, it is $300 but car servicing/repair costs have shot up. Also, I'm surprised parts cost less than $200.

Not to add to your misery but after new brake hardware installed request a brake hydraulic system flush/bleed.

 

Yes - labor rates would be between $75 - $150/hr depending on shop and their reputation/overhead. This does not seem to bad .... and yes, do a brake flush, bleed etc ! Plus, ask how they bed the brakes - if they give you a good answer, that is a plus !

 

There is probably a book time or labor guide they are referencing, then they multiply by their hourly rate and maybe tack on an FU premium. These guides assume the mechanic only has a screw driver and pair of pliers. If they have more or specialized tools and can get it done faster then they make more money. Oh, and they mark up the parts x2. So it gets expensive to take your car somewhere to get fixed. I'm joking, kind of.

Brakes and oil changes are about the easiest services you can do on your car. And there are plenty of how-to videos on YouTube. I highly recommend you learn to do your own.

 

This is often why they don't allow you to bring in your own parts ( although I see more of a 15-20% mark up LOL ) ! However, the good thing about them is if they screw up - they usually will fix it for free. If you bring in parts - they tend to void that

 

One of the last times I took a car in to get serviced and they needed to change out some front suspension parts. They listed the NAPA part number. When I noticed this on the receipt after I got home I checked NAPA's price and they had doubled it.

That's another problem with getting your car serviced at a independent shop. They are likely just getting parts from AutoZone, Orielly's, etc. Whoever can get them parts quickest. They could be buying the cheapest parts. By doing your own work you pick the parts you want to put on.

Sorry, don't mean to hijack the thread...

 

$300 + parts seems about right to me.
In the past I've always done my own rotor, brakes & flush on my older cars. Before I mustered the nerve to work on my first modern car/MinI; I was quoted $800 for all four corners. I did pay it. Only to later (after moving)realize that the indie garage performed the brake job improperly. They didn't dial back the caliper to release the Ebrake. Therefore I later discovered I had no Ebrake after moving to a mountainous region.
Since 2012 I've learned and been performing 95% of the work on my Mini myself. Following good DIY procedure methods - brake job on a Mini is not much different.

 

It takes a while to find one you can trust - but once I do, I develop a good relationship with them. I tend to like the 1 - 2 person shops. If they have a guy at the desk who just takes orders, I shy away. Recommendations are very important and even with that, one can be fooled ( often the recommenders don't know what they are talking about ).

Believe it or not - half the time I wrench with an independent - both learning and inspection LOL ). They guy I use for my truck uses Napa, but now he lets me bring in my stuff. He charges list - but might have a discount from that. He just told me he has been burned to many times from guys bringing in parts that are not correct and ends up doing double the work.

 

I user in this forum recommended me this kit which is $150-$180. Do you have an opinion?

 

If you are planning one getting rid of the car then buy whatever you can afford or is in your budget. You can pick up a brake compression set for like 25 bucks on amazon, , i have this exact same one. should take you no more than 2 hours and that includes jacking the car up.

 

They seem to have acceptable reviews on the web - just make sure they fit your car ( plug it into the search area )

 

It might take months until I sell my car. But, I'm more concern about safety. I don't want the brakes pads to fall off or worse stop working during driving. That's why I was also asking on a different thread if buying inexpensive kit is safe. I was recommended this kit.

 

I dont think you will have a problem with that kit or the TRQ one. If you arent tracking or weekend warrioring it, then you should be fine.

 

I'm getting the impression that you might be considering doing the brakes yourself.
I applaud you for that.
As Jason mentioned above; "it might take you 2 or so hours" - That being said; If you are new to wrenching - take your time. Do it right. There are some really good video tutorials online to help guide you through it.
The first time I R&R'd the brakes on my Mini ' took me 6hrs. But I am kind of a clean freak when it comes to working on cars (or anything). So much of that time was spent cleaning due to my OCD.
Working on a car that's kept clean makes the task more gratifying and less of a drudgery.
Best of luck

 

If you going to do it yourself, have you ever jacked up a car before and used jack stands? If not, have a friend withvyou. Just want you to be safe.

 

I'm not going to do it myself. I don't have the tools first of all. I just want not expesnive but safe brakes. It seems that people here and in other places recommend the cheap kits $150-$180 but then they write something like "...but this time I bought Zimmermann...". It makes me thinking that kits like TRQ or DFC are not reliable and maybe even not safe. Even brands like Ate with rotors for $27 doesn't makes sense to be so cheap!
It seems that I have to buy Zimmermann for $400 (including wear sensors) just to be safe

 

You are really overthinking this. Get the TRQ or something similar in price and you will be fine. But I would make sure the shop you use will allow you to use your own parts. Some won’t and will only use parts that they supply/mark up.

 

^^^WHAT HE SAID^^^
But most importantly make absolutely sure the KNOW HOW TO WORK ON A MINI.
Some claim they do and it becomes painfully obvious that they don't when you get your car back just to find out later -> the hard way.
Ask me how I know.

 

I called at least 10 repairs shops around me (zip code 60657) and they all charge almost $300 per axle and allow to use my parts. I thought maybe they charge so much because I'm in the city. So, I called a few in the radius of 2 hours from me and they indeed charge $150 per axel but don't allow to use my parts :( Will have to continue calling until I find someone decent, unless someone can recommend one

 

How can I make sure of that? They all say "we know".

 

Where are you located? NYC? I’m sure someone here could recommend a shop for you. It may not be the least expensive, but it might be a competent Mini shop.

$300 labor for brakes doesn’t seem out of line to me for shop rates these days. That would be equivalent to about two hours on the lift, which would be about the going book rate for front or rear brake job. Can I do it quicker? Sure. Could a competent shop do it quicker? I would hope so. If you’re definitely not going to do the work yourself, just need to bite the bullet and get it done somewhere.

 

Ask them if you have worked on (insert model, year ) mini coopers before. If this is a brake shop - and they respond yes, ask them what brand parts do they use. Just see what they say. If they say Zimmerman - that is a good sign. Then ask them if they have installed the brand you are going with.

If it is general mechanic - ask them what, for your awareness, what other work have they done specific to a mini. If they mention timing chain or fuel pump - that is a good sign. If they say they have replaced plugs - ask them what brand.

Just dialog with them

The good news is that you don't need to be a mini expert to do brakes - just a good brake mechanic.

If the shop says they work on European or BMWs, that is also a good sign.

Good luck !

 

I'm located in Chicago zip code 60657. The $300 I mentioned is per axle. I'm willing to drive even 2 hours from Chicago if needed for brakes change

 

Yelp is your friend

 

If you want to drive to Cincinnati I’ll do it $250, just bring me one of the kits. We can swap your fluid out as well.