I decided to replace the whole bracket and not only the bushing, after I read a press is recommended to install it. I was wrong when I thought installing the whole bracket would be a lot easier, I didn't know is a tight fit between the bushing and the arm. After trying the pushing method and the hammer method, I improvised a method thinking it wouldn't work, but it did! less than a minute per side working by myself. Just position the bracket, run the tie down and start ratcheting with one hand, as you control the bracket with the other hand.
It worked for me and I hope it works for other members.

 

Great job. I'm surprised the tie down had enough leverage to push the bushing out. Do you think it would have been possible to have use your method, but not removing the entire front? If you have more pictures, that would be great.
Thanks for posting
Mario

Sent from my iPhone Office

 

I use the tie down to 'Push In' the bracket, to mounted to the control arm. I had a big fight before taking the old one out and unfortunately none of the tricks I tried worked. At the end, I used a ball joint fork to remove it, but even with that, it was hard. I tried to cut it with a knife...and didn't work either. This is the only picture I took.

 

I always struggled getting the CABs on the control arms on my E46 BMW. Soapy water helped but it still took some effort. I had to replace them every 20K miles and I wish I knew/thought of this.
Oh well, the car is gone now and I have lifetime warranty Powerflex bushings on the Mini.