Called a local independent Mini shop and they quoted me $1200 to install lowering springs and a rear sway bar on my 2016 Mini. Said it was going to be 5+hrs.

That seems really...... Ok, Frigging really expensive.

Anybody want to come to Minneapolis and install some stuff for me .......... not paying you $1200 though

 

You can shop around for a better quote, although I doubt it will be significantly cheaper.

Can't you just go to a tuning shop? MINI mechanics are very expensive.

 

This was a tuning shop, not a mini dealer but rather an independent garage that works on minis, bmws, vw etc...

 

Changing springs isn't really that bad, basic hand tools you can get it done in a day. Rent some spring compressors from your local parts store. Make sure you get the strut style compressors not the internal compressors.

I can't imagine a rear sway bar being any harder on a 2016 than an older car either.

 

I just did coilovers at 5 hrs. Sway bar would have been more. Time is about right.

 

I can't imagine that a $75/hr indy mechanic isn't around to do that job. If I was a lot younger I'd be under the car to save $1200.

 

Time is right but jeez, shop down the road quoted me 300 bucks to change the clutch and rear main in my 94 Mustang GT when I was feeling to lazy to do it myself. I can't see anyone telling me that's less work.

 

Inde shops use a program to determine mod costs going by recommended replacement cost of the part using "book hours" for estimates. And since the car is more BMW than ever, that could be a factor in higher costs. Did that include an alignment too ? Did they mention if removal of rear sub-frame is necessary for bar install, as with the R56.
Trying to picture the underside of rear suspension, but not sure.

 

Im not sure what they were using. I gave them my info and they called me back in about 45mins with that price. Im going to call around to see if I can find a better price. If not then I'll just buy bigger wheels to reduce the wheel gap, ha

 

My local Mini tuning shop charged me $250 to install springs and took less than an hour. I cant speak to the sway bar install since i dont have one (yet).

 

My indi tech changed the suspension including swapping springs and sway bar in a little over 2 hours on my R56. He quoted me $100 per corner to change springs and is gonna include RSB install on my F56.
Keep shopping around. Even figuring 5 hours labor, those bandits are charging over $200 an hour! Now, if they were supplying the parts and alignment that would make more sense.

 

Yes, we used AllData at the dealership and the indy shop I worked at for getting times on doing repairs, but if/when we knew it could take way less we wouldn't quote times from AllData. For coil overs we charged $450, where another indy shop in our area charged upwards of $1200 for coils alone. For Gen2 MINI's it should take about 1.5 hours for a rear sway bar install for the average DIY'er, so I'd assume it'll be close to that. I think you should shop around and get quotes from other shops. Otherwise, if you think you can tackle the job yourself I'm sure plenty of Gen3 MINI owners would appreciate a DIY.

 

installed mine with a buddy. Took about 4 hours and a trip to the alignment rack. $1200 is ridiculous.

 

Cravenspeed springs @$250. NM RSB @$299. NM end links @$119 for a total of $668 for parts. That leaves $532 for labor.

Bottom line = shop around. Those guys are looking to take you for a ride for $1200.

 

Way Motorworks in 2008: Rear sway bar $200, labor $100=$300. Took 'em like 45 minutes.

 

i changed the sway bar myself on my 2015 and it took about an 1-1.5 hours. i used a lift at the toyota dealer my friend works at and that made it a lot easier. but you have to take out rear springs anyway to do rear sway so 2.5-3 hours max...

 

My indie charged $300 labor to replace all 4 struts and $150 for labor on rear sway bar, $300 labor on front sway bar. $1200 is way high unless it includes parts.

 

I have lowered all my own cars including my new JCW CM. My averse time for springs is 1.5 hours and once I got it down to 30minutes. Coilovers take longer, maybe 3 hours and and 30 minutes for a rear sway.
Average spring only install should be $275 and $50 for the sway. BTW on all the Mini's I have done, I never needed a spring compressor, there isn't that much tension

mQubed Motorsport, Manic Tuning Dealer

 

When I had my miata lowered I looked for certified mechanic on Craigslist and called them. I found a very capable and experienced mechanic and he traveled to my driveway with his own tools and did the installation for $200 cash.

 

Check your local page on Craigslist. There are post by mechanics that work by themselves. At least we have that option here in Denver...