Our '08 MCS is pulling very slightly to the right...just enough that you need constant gentle pressure on the wheel to stop it pulling maybe a 1/8th radius turn at freeway speeds.

My wife has it at the service center at the moment. They're doing the diagnosis under warranty but telling her to expect $340 if they need to align the steering.

Everything I can find online seems to imply steering alignment should cost under $100.

Is there something I'm missing? Are people talking about some simpler alignment? Do Mini's use specially imported angel tears in their steering alignment that no one else can offer that explains the cost? Is it just the dealership charging what they think they can get people who don't know any better to pay?

Also, we're still under warranty. Is steering alignment something that isn't covered by maintenance warranties?

 

$69 for a 4-wheel alignment here in Indy at Performance Driven LLC. They do a lot of Mini's and do great work. NOt sure what our local Mini dealer charges.

 

I have the same problem, mines pulling a little left. Called the dealer and I think I remember them saying $290.

Most dealers are just really overpriced. Most places my family and I have gotten our cars aligned charged between $70 and $85.

 

The front alignment is basic but the rear toe is a pain. Some alignment shops will not do the rear toe. My local tire shop did all 4 wheels for $70 and it took them a couple hours and much frustration to do the rear. However, your rear toe is probably in spec and does not need any adjustment. You should be able to get a 4-wheel alignment for less than $100 at a local shop. It is probably your front alignment that is out and it is easy for any alignment shop to adjust.

 

Shop around because we all know Mini is overpriced (tire rotations $132, ha ha ha ha........).

 

When I had my tires rotated/balanced at Mini of North Scottsdale ($60) they offered to align the front end for $80 (maybe $100 no more). I said no.

 

I had Sears do my alignment because they were the only ones who would do it to my specs (this was for my track MINI) and not the standard settings. They charged me $99. It took a while to get things exactly where I wanted them and I felt this price was worth the time it took.

 

Non-expert here. Should I get alignment done at the dealer? Brought my '08 MCS in for a tailpipe replacement at the dealer - South Bay Mini. Had the car for about a year. They said I should be getting a wheel alignment and rotation once per year. The alignment costs $299 and includes a free rotation ($100 value). They said it's more expensive there than a tire place because of the run-flats and because they use special equipment that also adjusts the suspension.

I can go to a Big O in the Los Angeles area and get alignment, rotation, and balancing for $120. Is going to the dealer worth it? What exactly are they doing that makes it so expensive? Any help is appreciated, have gotten some great tips from this site!

 

Go to Big O. I don't think they adjust the suspension (huh?) with an alignment and imo alignment is the same runflats or not. Toe-in and camber. My dealer "suggested" an alignment when I paid them $60 to rotate my tires and I passed on that. I think he quoted around $100. Sounds like South Bay Mini is a little slow these days.

 

I would not recommend going to the 'stealership' for this. Way too expensive. The only special equipment related to run-flats is when you need to remove the tire from the wheel.

 

To be honest, I'm not sure what they mean by suspension. When I questioned the price and turned it down, the dealer said that they have special equipment for the alignment and it also adjusts something(?) with the suspension which was why it was so expensive.

I have the tire road hazard warranty and the dealer said it would be N/A if the wheels were shown to have "unusual wear and tear" that would be prevented by a yearly alignment and rotation.

I was thinking of just going to a Big O every year, as long as I make sure they've worked on MINIs before.

 

I know Mini Dealers in the North east cost around 160-180, An aftermarket shop is certinatly able to perform the 4 wheel alignment, Just make sure they don't strip out the rear toe bolts, Imho, If your not going to do a full 4 wheel alignment then dont waste your time

 

IMO the dealer is sort of threatening you like your tire warranty won't apply unless you fork over $300. But you can "legally" have anyone do the alignment just like you can have anyone change your oil to keep your warranty good. The tire warranty's mainly for blowouts and bad damage to the wheel/tire anyway, not for unusual wear patterns.

 

Mine started doing this a few months ago. My local dealer wanted $198 to align it. The car doesn't really pull, but when driving straight the wheel is slightly turned towards the left.

Alignment and clutches are about the only things not covered under warranty.

 

$299 for a wheel alignment! Thats just ludicrous.....who do these people think we are..a bunch of idiots? I just love the "we will throw in a $100 worth of rotation for you". I suggest you go to a national chain, Big O for example and get it at a realistic price. I am not sure about the LA area but most of these chains also offer a lifetime rotate and balance plan for an extremely reasonable price.