12 replies to this topic

[southstand1882]

Sorry if this is the wrong forum.

Our mini (2004 cooper) failed its MOT on the following:

1) Nearside & Offside suspension wishbone bushes
2) Rear brake pads and discs

The garage has quoted what I think is an astronomical amount to fix ) (brakes £260, suspension £390)

Can anybody recommend a garage or independent?

Is it possible to buy the parts and go DIY?

How much for parts and should I go OEM or not?

[Bungle]

we are more classic based forum and not many members have BMW minis

you might be better off asking on a BMW based mini forum

[southstand1882]

Oops. Sorry!

[Bungle]

don't be we have a few BMW mini members so you might get some help

[MiniLandy]

Just as a side note, this forum is mainly aimed at the classic Mini, not the new MINI, so the information might be limited on here.

However, i'll give what knowledge I have:

1) Can't really recommend a garage as i'm knowhere near you, hopefully someone closer to you will pipe up.

2) I've no doubt you could go DIY, best way to find out is to get a Haynes manual for you car and read the guides on the jobs you want to do. If you think the jobs are way beyond your mechanical skill and tools available (special tools maaay be involved), then stick with a garage.

3) Price of parts will vary wildly, but in my experience the quality of cheaper parts is perfectly good. Car parts need to meet safety criteria, so a decent level of quality is around.

Lastly, those prices are a bloody rip off. Either try another garage, or invest in some tools, a Haynes manual and try it yourself. Over the years, you'll save yourself and your friends/family a fortune!

[Twisty]

A few of the people i work with have a Bimmer mini and the main dealer prices are extortionate, my advice is to get down and dirty with the mini. they are reasonably easy to work on but a haynes manual is a must.

The other solution to your problem is to sell the BMW Mini and get a proper one. (BMW minis are pretty cool so dont take offense but just not as good as the original)

[L400RAS]

Rear brake disc & pad set will be under £50 locally. I should hope any garage could fit both sides in under 2 hrs (usually around £50 per hour), so I would total this job at £150 + VAT
Just looked at the price for front wishbone rear bushes - about £60 a pair for quality ones, again 1 hour each side, so £160 + VAT would be reasonable.

It is only unbolting things etc, so if you have a socket set etc, give it a go and save yourself the labour cost.

Edit: Parts prices = non genuine, but as Minilandy says, you can get good quality non gen parts from any local parts suppliers. I like Unipart stuff for my (classic) mini.

Edited by L400RAS, 13 September 2011 - 06:42 PM.

[MRA]

Sorry if this is the wrong forum.

Our mini (2004 cooper) failed its MOT on the following:

1) Nearside & Offside suspension wishbone bushes
2) Rear brake pads and discs

The garage has quoted what I think is an astronomical amount to fix ) (brakes £260, suspension £390)

Can anybody recommend a garage or independent?

Is it possible to buy the parts and go DIY?

How much for parts and should I go OEM or not?

I have recently been told that BMW will charge you close to £800 fo ra brake disc and pad replace on all 4 wheels, so £260 looks pretty good really....

[Mini 360]

I have recently been told that BMW will charge you close to £800 fo ra brake disc and pad replace on all 4 wheels, so £260 looks pretty good really....

£800 for discs and pads!? If you cant do that yourself you need taken out to pasture.......

[L400RAS]

I have recently been told that BMW will charge you close to £800 fo ra brake disc and pad replace on all 4 wheels, so £260 looks pretty good really....

£800 for discs and pads!? If you cant do that yourself you need taken out to pasture.......

Sytner BMW in Maidenhead will do brake pads for £169...
http://www.sytnermai...onvertible.html

Edited by L400RAS, 13 September 2011 - 07:09 PM.

[MRA]

Is that brake pads or brake pads and discs ???

I did wonder if it was a Cooper S or Works ... though as the discs and pads would be of a much higher spec.

[L400RAS]

Is that brake pads or brake pads and discs ???

£169 for discs and pads,
click the link or read the fine print here: (Does not include Cooper S or Works, but that is ok for the OP)




Both rear brake discs and all four rear brake pads are replaced. Key to vehicle and occupant safety, brake discs must bear massive loads. Genuine MINI long-lasting discs and pads are calibrated exactly to match the engine, chassis and body of your specific MINI as well as its aerodynamics. Asbestos-free materials and a larger friction surface optimise brake performance, even at temperatures of up to 900°C. Fading and deformation in brakes are reduced through precise disc composition and production. The perfect interaction of brake discs and brake pads provide excellent brake efficiency. The unmatched quality of Genuine MINI brake discs is also achieved through technology transfer from motor sport and rigorous testing.

• Rear wheels, brake pads and discs are removed
• Brake pad wear warning light cable is replaced if needed, brake hose and all other parts of the brake are inspected
• All relevant parts are thoroughly cleaned
• Functionality is tested using dedicated equipment before installation of new brake discs
• New brake discs and pads are installed; braking effect is re-inspected and re-tested
• Wheels are re-mounted and braking effect is re-inspected
• Replacement of the rear brake discs is performed by expert technicians at dealername for a precision fit and optimal performance.

*Prices shown are valid for MINI Hatch models (built from 2001-2006) and MINI Convertible (built from 2004 -2008). Diesel and Automatic models will be subject to additional costs due to additional service requirements, please contact us for specific costs. Excludes John Cooper Works models. Prices include VAT, parts & labour.

Edited by L400RAS, 13 September 2011 - 07:22 PM.

[icklemini]

Disks and pads around £150

Front wishbone bushes are a bit of a pig... Its not a 'oh take a wishbone out and pop a new one in' kinda job as there are subframes to shift etc.. and a 'special tool' needed...So a bit of a swine... When i do them I suggest going for the polybush kit....