I got a crazy quote from my dealer when I picked up my new to me 24k mile 2004 MC40. Control arm bushings and cooling fan replacement for $1900 Well I took the trip down to Helix Motorsports in Philly and saved a huge chunk of change. For the same money the dealer wanted I did the following today at Helix... Powerflex control arm bushings,cooling fan repaired,17% pulley installed,short shifter installed, new Milltek exhaust installed.

Before you fork over your cash to the dealer check with your independent repair shops. Let the stealership do the warranty work. The high prices that dealers charge are sure to keep many out of the hobby and out of the market for 1st and 2nd gen MINIs.

 

Definitely agree. Even the dealers vary wildly in their quotes - to replace a windshield recently, the local stealer wanted a shade under $1000, but one of the other ones in Houston wanted around $560. Difference is HUGE.

 

Just remember....
These are CARS....dealers may be needed for some specific items (ecu,bcm, etc) but a shop that knows something about mini's can fix almost ANYTHING....
While dealers are a good resource, they tend to sell a premium product with premium pricing.... Heck 75% of their customers NEVER SEE A BILL cause it is warrenty work....I suspect the prices are inflated just like hospitals and doctors offices where a 3rd party pays at a large discount...inflating the walkup self pay amount.....
Case in point... A non dealer, using dealer purchased OEM parts can still complete most jobs at lower cost.....even though they are paying a higher price for the parts!! When we hear stories of folks getting $5000 repair estimates for a list of items at a dealer for a 100,000 mile car that is 8+ years old.....I kinda groan...cause who brings a out of warrenty car to the shop with the highest prices...and then complains about high prices? Somebody who did not know better!!
End rant!!