I have a 2006 r53 with 126k on it as my DD. As I got together my list of suspension parts, bushings, and a few extras I wanted to install/fix at the same time I called the MINI dealer here in Kansas and was quoted a whopping $2000+tax just to install the parts that I SUPPLY! The parts I was going to supply and have installed were Koni FSDs a keep the stock springs. Ireland Engineering camber plates, all new bushing all around, upper and lower front ball joints, swat bar bushings, and rear sway bar. I am shocked and at a loss for words as to what to do. I am fine with doing some work in the garage but dont have the tools, experience, or space to drop subframe and install all this on my own. Someone help and advise me as to if this is a proper price for the job?

 

Today was a bad day for me I called the MINI dealer to get a price quote on my suspension install and I was quoted at 2000+tax. Looks like I am going to have to do ALOT of saving...

 

Find an indy shop. Dealers often won't do aftermarket parts, especially customer supplied as they bring a set of potential issues. They don't make a mark up on them and if for example they install your Konis and then they don't work right they have to cover that and they haven't made enough money to cover it.

 

Dealers usually charge $200+ an hour, Indy shops closer to $90.....
And the dealer likely added $$ to cover the lost $$ since you brought the parts....
Bringing a 10 year old car to a dealer is knda like going into a prison shower without soap on a rope...or so I have heard!!

 

ouch my dealer charges $95 an hour, Indus are about $75

 

One more tip...
Most dealers have the LEAST experienced mechanics...they have been trained on one make, usually just out of school....
Guys who have moved on to Indy shops tend to have a broader knowledge base....and sometimes know how to fix something, rather than just replace it....

 

Lucky...
Yeah...dealer in the Boston area are $$$$...but high cost of living area...$175 might be a more correct estimate, but they add a % for "disposal" and shop supplies... And since they charge full book...it is a double whammy...
My "local" Indy mini guy is about $88, and has lower markups on oem parts DELIVERED by the same dealer....

 

If you are near Wichita, call Maurice at http://www.bavarianautomotive.com/. I have been taking our R53 there since the service program expired. His honesty and pricing is the best. I trust no one else to service our MINI. Good luck.

 

Well, premium coilovers can cost $2K just for the parts, but I thought you were
looking at FSDs and a rear bar. How much of this is labour? I bet you can do
a lot better by looking at an independent shop. The rear is quite possible to do
yourself, I just did it at curbside. The front is a bit more of a pain (I had a shop
do it), but is also doable.

 

That was just labor cost, I was supplying all of the parts at my cost. Fsds, rear sway, camber plates, all bushings, and upper and lower ball joints. Would it be possible to install the rear stuff and then drive 2 hours to a shop? And have them do the front?

 

I am in the Manhattan area but this is a possibility as I will be driving 2+ hours to the mini dealer or Kansas City area. I will contact him tmrw, have you had anything big done there?

 

Absolutely, you can install the rear stuff and then drive. You aren't really changing the alignment in the rear. But damn, that a lot of labor hours... I can do the shocks and rear bar in about 2.5 hrs. And that taking my time.

Isn't there a closer Indy mechanic? I mean, there isn't anything special going on with a mini.

 

Oh well that's a big possibility then. And yeah I thought so too he quoted me at 16 hours. It doesn't take that long

 

After that quote I wouldn't give them any business.

 

Yeah it honestly pissed me off. It's the only mini dealer in the whole state of Kansas that's the problem I think.

 

I really think it's damn mercenary the way dealers stack on the hours for fairly
straightforward jobs - and the hourly rates themselves are steep.

Here's a few how tos to give you a feel for what's involved: rear shocks, rear bar, front struts
It also lets you scope out what sockets you may need to have on hand that you might
not already have. If you have the Koni FSD shocks already, you can check out what
size tools you need to put together to tighten the top nut while holding the shaft still.


http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm

http://www.newminiclub.dk/e107_files...ut_install.pdf

Look over the links - even if you don't do any of the work yourself, it's always a good idea to know what's involved
when someone else is doing it - otherwise you can fall victim to all sorts of bullcrap.

 

Oh that is offensive... I have it down to 45-50min for the front corner rubber mounts. And they have the shop, tools and education.

Borderline robbery.

With anything, do enough research to see what you are getting into. Learn it inside and out... Then when you tackle it, you have a good handle on what you are doing and there are no surprises.

It really is not that bad...
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...blk-r53-2.html
Start with Post #39...

 

I'm not that surprised at the repair quote - I think many people were paying about $800-$1,000 for the LCAs alone. Which of course requires lowering the subframe. The rest of the stuff you want isn't that complex - the tools needed are pretty limited...and you can borrow the spring compressor from an autozone. Don't expect that you are going toget all that work for $450 - even helix lists the LCAs at $350 I think on their website. Good luck.

 

All my service there has been routine. But if any serious work had to be done, I would only take it to Maurice. One R53 owner told me he had to have a top end overhaul on his engine and was pleased with the quality of repair and price. Many of the MINI owners I know in our club use Bavarian Auto exclusively. It would be worth the inquiry.

 

Thanks a bunch! What is your clubs name?

 

Yeah it makes sense somewhat from the shops point of view. It just is crazy cause the car was bought from the in 2006, serviced there always, and we have been loyal but with this price they are making it hard.

I agree with ECS that interior is pretty damn clean!

 

There are two: Twisted MINIs of Kansas and Wichita Area MINI Owners (WAMO). Both are on FB.

 

Thanks requested them both just now. Thank you again!

 

You're welcome. Good luck.

 

The MINI Clubs are a great place to find shops or people who can help you with installs and mods.