I bought some kw variant 1 for $450, couldn't pass up a deal like that

 

Yeah I am thinking of getting Variant 2s.

 

Woah, that's pretty expensive for what it is... Best off finding a buddy in the area to give you a hand! I did my RSB in my driveway, took less than 2 hours.

 

Well I hope the 2 of you do get together to help each other out.

Maybe post some pics along the way.

 

Yep, learning to do stuff beats paying someone else to do it for you.

 

There is nothing better then the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself.

 

Damn right! My last car was a civic shell.... I bought it on jack stands and build it in 3 weeks. It had nothing. I learned how to do a lot of it on my own.

Installing a suspension is simple. Take apart, and pay attention when you do, then put it back together in reverse. It's not like you're rebuilding a motor.

 

Flat rate is a guide. It helps shops what don't do a lot of work on a particular brand not get screwed. Most of the time it is VERY generous. (that's in the shops favor) The cost depends on the what the shop charges for shop labor. Dealers are likely in the $150/hr range, and an independent could be half that. The time in the book includes, getting the car in the shop, on the lift, out of the shop. The problems come when you list multiple jobs. (shock and spring R&R, and sway bar...) Each of those jobs assumes that is the only thing being done and doesn't factor common work. Getting the car on a lift, removing the wheels... A shop could know what's going on and say, well, since the wheels and suspension will be off anyway, putting on a rear bar is only an extra 20 mins, instead of 2 hrs... If you get the idea...

Now if you went to a place that does a lot of MINI work, they will usually tell you pretty accurately, what it's going to take.

I've done this a few times and I can R&R a suspension and bar in about 4-5 hrs. That will include plenty of smoke breaks, and doughnuts...lol (which is my garage's labor rate...) ;P


I would definitely get another quote.

 

Richard- My hats off to you because you nailed.

 

Definitely did, I got another quote for half of the first one today as well.

 

I also think the book time for a rear bar includes removing the exhaust, which is completely not necessary. Glad to hear you got another quote, now get another...lol I try never to use the highest or the lowest of any quote, unless I know the shop.

 

So another update, as much as I would love to do this myself I found a shop to do the whole job, including corner balancing and alignment, for $385. Glad to know there are still shops out there not trying to rip you off. Scheduled install for Wednesday. On a side note what size tires do you recommend for a lowered car so they dont rub? Currently I have 225/45/17

 

Great news!