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So a mechanic quoted me $500-$600 for installation of a new timing chain and whatever stuff comes with the kit. He told me he hates finding parts for a mini so he wants me to get my own parts (which I don't mind). I found them at about $200 on ECS. So a total would come to $700-$800 including parts.
Is this a good price? Am I getting ripped off?
I don't need a timing chain, but my car has 84.5k miles on it and am worried it will go out. I did get the timing chain tensioner bolt changed and noticed it was the same one it already had (the new larger version) so the dealer must have already replaced it on the previous owner. I had no issue installing the belt tensioner on there (no pressure needed) so that made me worry a bit as it might mean the belt is lose.
Finally I do notice a death rattle slightly on cold starts, but very minor, not like the others Ive seen online.
So a mechanic quoted me $500-$600 for installation of a new timing chain and whatever stuff comes with the kit. He told me he hates finding parts for a mini so he wants me to get my own parts (which I don't mind). I found them at about $200 on ECS. So a total would come to $700-$800 including parts.
Is this a good price? Am I getting ripped off?
I don't need a timing chain, but my car has 84.5k miles on it and am worried it will go out. I did get the timing chain tensioner bolt changed and noticed it was the same one it already had (the new larger version) so the dealer must have already replaced it on the previous owner. I had no issue installing the belt tensioner on there (no pressure needed) so that made me worry a bit as it might mean the belt is lose.
Finally I do notice a death rattle slightly on cold starts, but very minor, not like the others Ive seen online.
I dont believe your mechanic's claim about Mini parts are difficult to find, that shows he's lazy and I wouldn't want someone who hates finding parts working on my Mini! That's the lamest thing I ever heard because ESC Tuning sells Mini parts for far less than the dealer and can be easily shipped to his shop. If you supply the parts there's no warranty if anything goes wrong and I'm guessing your mechanic doesn't have the proper cam/crank locking tools to perform the job, he probably doesn't work on Mini's much since he hates finding parts for them.
No written warranty equals a bad deal, might be cheap but I dont think he knows what he's getting himself into.
09-30-2015, 01:58 PM
