I am looking to have some work done on my suspension (install shocks) and also probably install a 15% pulley. Although I can probably do the pulley work myself, I don't have the right tools for the suspension work so I'm thinking about having someone else do it all. Can anyone recommend a good MINI mechanic in the Los Altos/Mountain View area or thereabouts? Thanks!

 

If you cannot find someone locally,recommend you consider Bay Bridge Motors in Oakland.I have not had any work done there,only know of them by reputation.Q

 

I have an appointment with A&E Performance to install an ALTA 15% pulley on the 6th of Jan. They are located in Campbell. MINI of Mountainview recommended them as an option for perfomance mods. I'll let you know afterwards if I was happy wth their service.

 

Oakland is a bit out of the way from the Peninsula, but I'll put in a good word for Bay Bridge Motors. They did my repair work after I was rear-ended, and while the car was in the shop I also had them install Koni FSD shocks and a rear sway bar. It is reassuring to have your car worked on by people who are MINI specialists and enthusiasts (they have hosted Randy Webb pulley parties). Their rates ($80/hr) are competitive for the Bay Area. They are about a half mile from BART and will shuttle you there (this arrangement works well for me in San Francisco).

 

Great! I look forward to hearing your review.

 

I, too, have heard good things about Bay Bridge Motors but the Oakland location would basically mean that I have to take the day off.

 

The worst day off, beats the best day at work. besides it's a Mini thing day off.

 

True enough

 

Well my 15% Pulley has been installed. It has a nice boost in the low end and more of a whine, which sounds cool. I was quoted $400 but out the door it was $502-unsure why. It was a good experience and thanks to the owner, who took me out for a spin in his heavily modified MINI while I waited. What a ride. I'm going back next month for more work-possibly springs or front/rear sway bars.

 

Well I can't recomend someone out there. But if a few of you guys want to get together I can come out and do an install party. I'll do it all, suspension, pullies, intakes, etc. whatever you may want. You don't have to have 10 people either. And most importantly I promise you the prices will be a whole lot better than $502 for a pulley, that is CRAZY.

 

Going back? Even though he charged you more than quoted and didn't explain why? I guess you really did like the experience!

 

So where did you end up going? I must have missed it

 

I went to AE Performance in campbell, ca. I may have paid more according to some outside of CA, but I only drove an hour versus Baybridge or elsewhere. Baybridge has a great reputation-maybe I'll try there if I have the time for the trip.

 

Maybe crazy, but I factored in travel and ease-thus making it worth the trip. I left feeling better than the dealer where I got my car and i spent more there.

 

they also work with Dinan on stuff...

Check to see if they put on a new belt and plugs. When I had a pully done there, that added some $, but was fine with me....

Matt

ps, when I blew a spark plug, I trashed a wire. Called em up and they gave me a set of wire for free, that had come off a car for an upgrade. Make freinds there, and they'll always go the extra mile...