Hey all,

I got two quotes today from bay bridge and brracing (two shops recommended by nam users) and labor alone is $300-400! (I was quoted ~3hours)

I've done some searching here and labor def ranges but seems to average out around half that... what am I missing?

Anyone have better luck elsewhere or knowledgable enough to help me do this on my own?

Anyone interested in a pulley party? Thanks!

-Matt

I was quoted two hours by a non mini tuning shop. Ended up doing it myself, 3-4 hours is a bit long. Guess it depends on what they charge an hour, I wouldn't pay more than $200 in labor.

I've got a guy in San Diego if that would help you.

Matt, Matt, Matt... You pay more than double for your rent or mortgage than almost anyone on this forum because of where you live - the Golden Cage. Same goes for auto repair.

If you are close to Bay Bridge, you might try Bavarian Professionals. They're by Pyramid Brewery / REI in Berkeley. I doubt they'll be cheaper, but I've used both and prefer Bav Pros over past 15 years. There is also Edge Motor Works in Dublin. They should be a little cheaper and just as good, but it's a drive if you don't hang on that side of the BART map - no loaners either so it's BART, cash, gas, grass or a$$ to get you out of there while they work on the car.

Only other alternative is to suck it up and wrench it yourself.

How much would he charge u think? Maybe I'll take a trip down the coast...

You'd spend $120-150 on gas plus overnight lodging to save on a $3-400 labor quote? Sorry, but not computing unless you have another reason to get down to San Diego. Check Edge Motor Works, their labor charge is a little less than others you went to.


http://www.edgemotorworks.com/

All fair points! I'd love to do it myself but don't have the proper tools or knowhow.. Any Bay Area weekend warrior mechanic mini enthusiasts wanna help a dude out??!

I can loan garage space for a day and basic (I mean basic) tools. More familiar with BMWs than mini cuz I have done nothing but oil change and brakes on the R53 in over eight years of ownership. You'd have to be lead on the wrenching part. I'm in Oakland hills.

Is miniwerks in San Carlos still around? They did all the prep work on my R53 to get me ready for a cross country road trip. LCA bushings which is about $800 alone, craven speed 15% pulley, fan guard, brakes on all corners, a few other odds and ends. It was about 2k including all the parts.