Sports Stripes (Bonnet Only) - $85 base for both bonnet and boot (I only want bonnet), $220 (for just the bonnet stripes) installed?

Stainless Steel Pedals and Footrest - $164.70 base, $303 installed?

iPod Adapter - was $511 installed now $556 (to do it in the secret compartment with the smaller box)?

Is my dealer trying to rip me off or are these installed prices reasonable?

 

Do you think you could install any of this stuff yourself?

Heres the way to look at it depending on where you live the dealer will charge you anywhere from 150-250 an hour for labor. So ripping you off yes, are they charging you anymore than any other dealer would charge no.

 

Do the stripes yourself. They cost about $40-50 depending on what you want from somewhere like www.cooperflags.com

 

My dealer charges $150 per hour. I just installed the JCW Strut Brace in the engine compartment and saved $120. Next are mud flaps, as soon as I get my drill back.

 

Imho, any dealer-installed accessory is a rip-off. You can definitely install the pedals and footrest yourself in a quick minute and, with a bit of patience, you can do the same for the stripes and save some serious money. The iPod install is a but tougher so depending on how mechanically inclined and risk-tolerant you are, maybe better let the dealer work on it and save yourself the headache.

 

Do the pedals yourself, here's how:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-i...ions-pics.html

 

The MINI iPod adaptor isn't tough to install... but you have to reprogram the car's computer to accept it and work properly. I highly doubt anyone is capable of doing it in their home garage.

There are cheaper options out there if you're not concerned with displaying ID3 tags. Mine plugs into the docking port, is powered/grounded through the front 12V socket and routed up the the AUX port sounds great and cost me $40 and an hours worth of my time.

 

do the work yourself save the money

 

yeah, it's a rip off. tell him to throw it into the sale for free or do it yourself. when i bought my car i asked how much to install the mp3 adapter, they wanted $150. I did it myelf in literally 15 min. it was very easy and a clean install as well.

 

Definitely agree on the stripes and pedals. I don't do my own electrical/audio stuff so I can't speak to it, but my guess is that you could find an audio guy to do the install for less than $100.

I did my own stripes in less than an hour, and I got custom stripes for $80 from Mike at Aesthetic Creations (aestheticreations.net). Very easy.

Everything I've had that's OEM I've installed myself (except Sirius, I had my audio guy do that - dealership wanted $300 plus parts, my guy did it in 45 minutes for $75). Plus, you can get the parts at a discount if you order from one of the vendors here, like Classic in OH.

 

While not difficult to install, it certainly helps to have some experience and patience. My suggestion would to hook up with your local MINI club (I hope you have one) and ask for help from local club members. I'm willing to bet that at least few people have done these items before and would be more than happy to do this for/with you.
--Dan

 

IPod install requires significant reprogramming that only your dealer can do. My install was $520

 

Yeah, my dealer is charging me $240 to install those $85 dollar stripes on the bonnet. I'm wondering if I can change my mind and do it myself, if they haven't done it already. The pricing is a little ridiculous.

 

The Voice of Reason from Dan - and really, really good advice.

 

DEY. Do Everything Yourself.