To be honest, if they are made poorly and they redesigned them, they should atleast offer to "split" the cost of the replacement.
Maybe do it so that the dealer can order the new part FOC, and you only pay for the installation.
I dont know if this is simple to replace or not, but i fear that it is a "bumper off" job.
Even so, if this is something that is done on a regular basis, the mechanic should be able to do it faster, because he will be familiar with the procedure.
I agree, but in this case the price of the replacement flap / door is only about £35.00 which is not that spiteful TBH.
BUT - The labour cost to remove and refit the front bumper cover etc is approx £300.00.
It's is a proven fact, that the actual time taken will drastically cut when the Tech replaces the second or third door maybe.
However, the dealers will use the standard "book time" laid down in the tech manual from MG.
If the actual time allowed is say 3 hours e.g. but the experienced tech can carry out the work in 2 hours, you will still be charged 3 hours labour, regardless !.
That's just how it works unfortunately.
The tech is then free to use that one hour saved, to commence work on the next customers car.
Part of workshop schedulers job is too balance the labour force against the work load of the service department, on a constant daily basis.
I have managed this labour loading task many many years ago now, in a very large dealership that had service workshop that contained 15 lifts and 20 tech's including apprentices.
The dealer does have the ability to submit an applications to the manufacture for a "Sympathetic Claim" where by the manufacture will ask the dealer to take into account the overhaul condition of the car and if the service history is 100% fully in tack.
( Not applicable in the case of a almost brand new car of course ).
Then based on this information, the manufacture will either authorise the dealer to carry out the work FOC or pay for the parts / labour or reject the claim totally !.
I have personally seen claims rejected for as little as £80 and seen claims for £4,000 paid in full !.