How much is the labor on installing the factory aero kit? And what does it entail?

 

>>How much is the labor on installing the factory aero kit? And what does it entail?

I haven't done it on my MINIs, but as far as I know.....


1) Aerokit parts come primed and ready to be painted (Color matched) to your car's factory finish.

2) Labor involves painting the parts and installing them.


The Aerokit runs for $1,300 (Parts only) so add another $1K for labor. Just to give you an idea, you are looking at $2,300 to have the kit painted and installed.



Prices may vary, but this is just a ballpark figure.

 

If you are considering the Aerokit, factor into the price the installation of a Clear Bra kit as well (Around $500). Since the Aerokit front bumper lip runs lower to the ground than stock, it will collect millions of stone chips. Also the kit has aftermarket paint that may or may not hold up as well, so adding the Clearbra is a good idea to protect your investment.

 

I'm in Texas, I paid $1550 for the labor. and that was before taxes so really it was the parts plus the $1550 plus tax... CHA-CHING ! ! !


Oh, but he is beautiful!

 

oh and those paint chips are REAL!

The primed parts come white. Then they paint on the body color - for me red. Then they paint on the black. as I drive the freeways and hear the gravel or bugs hitting me, later I can see tiny white spots all over the red parts showing me the primer and I see red spots on the black parts where the black paint has chipped. The top layer of paint is very soft! and I mean VERY SOFT ! ! ! !

I tried the touch up paint the dealer sold me. It was like a nightmare, huge brush and liquid paint that runs down the brush so you have no control. It made the spots look worse than having the white chips. Now I plan to wait 2-3 years and then have the whole car painted by a top of the line body shop. Then I'll buy me a 2nd MINI to run around town in and I'll keep Mr Bridger in the garage and only bring him out for British car day or showing off on weekends.


but did I mention that he is beautiful ?????
oh, ok thought so.....

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Besides the aero kit that's primed, MINI dealers now sell aero kit that's painted, which IMO might be better. The factory paint will resist those dreaded rock chip relatively better than the body-shop paint. In any case, clear bra will provide a good protection against chips. However, keep in mind, the paint needs time to cure before installing the clear bra.

Installation of the aero kit isn't overly difficult, a few hours of labor will do. Unfortunately, many dealerships are charging a pretty penny to install the body kit. Unless you want to paint the wheel arches, I recommend the OEM painted aero kit.

I paid $960 for the aero kit, purchased from Classic. Another $400 to get it painted, along with the wheel arches, 2 front grille rims, 5 pcs dash, and 2 door panel trims. I did the installation myself. If you decide to paint the arches, make sure to sand down the texture to obtain the smooth finish like the rest of the body kit. I had to redo the arches on mine because of the texture. :smile:



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davecsumini, how much do you charge to install my aero kit?

 

>>davecsumini, how much do you charge to install my aero kit?

 

davecsumini is a smart man. I cant believe the installation proper (all painted parts being a given) should take more than a couple of hours. It is areally nifty installation system from what I can tell.

 

>>davecsumini is a smart man.

I'm just too cheap to pay someone else to do it. :smile:

GreyStreet, the installation is fairly straight forward. You can probably install the aero kit yourself by following the instruction that came with the kit. If you run into trouble, feel free to PM me or post a thread on NAM. That's what I usually do before attempting a project. NAM members are absolutely wonderful when it comes to helping fellow MINI owners.


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Anyone know what the price is for the aero kit from dealers installed? Is it a standard price, or is it up to the dealer to determine installation (labor) cost?

 

I have a post on the Interior and Exterior Mods page about installing the aero skirts. I can't figure out how the mounting brackets and skirts go together. Dave, since you've done this perhaps you can shed some light?

 

>>Anyone know what the price is for the aero kit from dealers installed? Is it a standard price, or is it up to the dealer to determine installation (labor) cost?

Retail is $1200 plus $1100 in labor. I was quoted $875 plus $1100 in labor. I think the labor cost is on a per hour basis, that's why it's over $1K.

 

Definately get the clear bra for your aerokit. I had mine replaced becuase in the 3 months I had it it looked like it went through a whole season of rally racing.

I am going to get the bra but wanted to wait befor putting it on for the paint.

At RDR II I looked around at aerokits because of the chipping on mine. I saw one with the clear bra and it was fine except for one spot where there was no bra and it was chipped exactly like mine.

This new one is prepainted so will see how it holds up till I get the bra.


Paul

 

I 3rd that comment about getting the clearbra. It is a must have item on
non-factory painted front bumper. My car came with the aero kit
(floor display/demo).

I'd get the pre-painted ones for sure if was to buy it now....and install it
on your own. Mini parts comes with instructions...Its like a 1:1 scale
plastic model. hehe.

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03MCS IB/B: 123, Aero, R90, SSR Comps, Milltek, Pilo Intake, UNIChip, H-Sport, Alta Swaybar...