I am looking to get the JCW suspension installed on my R56 in Maryland. The dealer is asking for $2850 purchased and installed with an alignment which is just too high. Does anyone know of MINI certified/trained techs in Maryland, DC, or Virginia, who could install this suspension kit for me?

 

How much does the kit cost?

That's a lot of money. I know of a few shops but what area are you in?

- andrew

 

$1600. 10 hours including alignment. I agree, it's a bit of robbery. I am outside of Baltimore but work in DC, so I will drive a reasonable distance anywhere. I am contemplating driving an unreasonable distance up to Morristown MINI in NJ, but that would be a huge hassle. Their prices are that good, though.

 

There's a Mini shop called Oxspeed in Glen Burnie, whom I've heard good things about but I don't know firsthand. I don't think they have an alignment rack but I'm not sure.

At Speed Motorsports is a great Porsche race shop with plenty of Mini experience. They're in Hanover. They won't be cheap but it's worth a shot and will probably be cheaper than the dealer. Very professional and great work.

I work part time on the side for a Subaru suspension shop (Racecomp Engineering), and our tech did a good job on my car. I can check to see his availability. We would probably take it to At Speed for the alignment since we don't have a rack yet. We used to share shop space with them.

It's also my opinion that 1600 for the kit is a bit nuts, and you'd be just as happy or happier with Konis + JCW springs and a Whiteline rear swaybar for a lot less money. But I do understand the appeal of true JCW parts and won't try to convince you otherwise.

Anyway, At Speed would be your best bet for a complete, easy, one stop solution in the area that you can trust to do a good job.

- Andrew

 

In 2009 I paid about $1100 for the JCW suspension from Morristown MINI in NJ. They did the install for another $500 which included an alignment. Total time for the install was about 4 or 5 hours.

 

I checked last year with Morristown and it was significantly higher in price that $1100, but still reasonable.

 

Hell, $50 and I'll do it for you. Get an alignment after. Seriously it isn't that hard.

3 hrs once it's on the lift.

 

Yeah that's another idea. It ain't that bad.

I'd be in for an install day...I've got some R56 brakes to put on my car and a few little things.

- Andrew

 

Big garage, lift air tools, done it 3 times, what more do you need?

 

If you are will to drive to Morristown NJ, call Helix in Philly. He'll do a great job, is honest, and reasonable.

 

Hmmm. I do have a supercharger belt to change and that's something I haven't done before. I just bought the tensioner tool.

Do you by chance like beer?

- Andrew

 

I like to drink beer, I just wont work for it...lol Pizza and/or apple fritters from Dunkin Doughnuts are another matter.

 

We've had many customers go to http://www.scandinavianimports.com/

 

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone!

 

You could also try Mach V in Sterling.