I'm in the process of putting in a new Valeo clutch right now. Not really all that difficult, just lots of stuff and parts to take off of the car in order to get to the transmission. I just hope I remember where everything goes when it comes time to put it all back together

The clutch kits, trans fluid, main seal cost me a little over $400 when it was all said and done. I'm guessing it's going to take me about 12-16 hours of labor when it's all said and done. Luckily I have another vehicle to drive when I'm wrenching on my mini.

 

MINI of Chicago just quoted me $2300, with no flywheel.

 

At first I thought that prices I were hearing that people were paying for a clutch was crazy expensive.....but being in the middle of my clutch swap, and knowing how much of a royal pain it it....I can see why they charge so much. I'm right at 7 hours of labor just to get the transmission out. Haven't even started putting the new clutch in yet. I'm guessing it's going to be 5-6 more hours to swap the clutch and get it all back together right.

 

Resurrecting an old thread here, found it on a google search..


So I'm at 150k miles on my original clutch. It's takes a while to get grip in first, and slipping in second and third, but is still manageable to drive. I do miss being quick off the line though like it was at 50k. My valeo kit and rear main seal came in yesterday, and I won't have all the room in my garage nor the time to work on it myself. So a few questions:

For those in IL, what's a good place to get the job done? My favorite shop closed a few years back (Hubbard Woods), and I've been having a hard time finding a MINI specialist in the near north suburbs of Chicago. A friend suggested Mobile 1 in glenview (http://www.mobileoneinc.com/Mobile_One_Inc/Home.html).. I just want to be sure that the mechanic doesn't cut any corners and does mostly everything to spec, as well has some spare MINI/BMW parts on hand if necessary.

What's the labor cost? How many hours is a trans replacement usually? Hubbard Woods used to charge $110/hr, Patrick Mini charges $125.. But I've seen some places say $880-$1500.

Thanks!

 

I just got a quote for $2300 for labor and parts. That was through a shop that specializes in German cars. The dealer was around $4000 and laughed on the phone.

 

Quoted $1440 for labor, I supplied parts ~$350 (valeo clutch & flywheel + rear main seal) http://mobileoneinc.com/. Brought my car there today.

 

Phaedrus bmw/mini repair in San Francisco quoted me 4300 for a replacement clutch

 

Quoted $1,200 for labor. This is my local euro specialist. He works on my Porsche and my MINI - and he will install my parts and I get a little discount.

At my age, and with a new hip installed Tuesday, I am just not interested in crawling around under a car to install a clutch anymore...