Can't Use Koni FSDs. What's Another Good Option?

blacter · #1 10-19-2009, 08:58 PM

My 2002 Mini is approaching 90,000 miles and I feel it's time for some new shocks. I was about to order a set of Koni FSDs, until I saw the note that they are will only work on Minis with a build date after 3/2002. My car was built 1/2002.

So I'm hoping to get some suggestions on an alternative shock with similar characteristics to the Koni FSDs. Thanks for the help.

By the way, does anyone know what Mini changed between January and March in that first year?

**Rally@StanceDesign** · #2 10-19-2009, 09:01 PM

They changed the mounting location/method for the swaybar I believe.

I'm not sure I've seen an FSD equivalent for the early models. I know I've seen something for them like coilovers...I just don't remember which company it was from.

PenelopeG3 · #3 10-19-2009, 09:33 PM

Koni Sport
Bilstein

http://www.waymotorworks.com/home.ph...ction=0&page=3

blacter · #4 10-20-2009, 09:58 AM

Okay, I checked into ordering the Bilsteins and they specify Coopers with build date after 6/2002 (mine was built in January). Running out of options.

PenelopeG3 · #5 10-20-2009, 10:07 AM

http://www.koni-na.com/cat_search.cf...&submit=Search

Can't you just get a pair of the new design end links and use the later struts? At 90k they might need replacement. I know one of mine has a ripped boot already at 50k miles. I'd suggest you call and speak with a knowledgeable vendor. Try call Way Motor Works.

**WayMotorWorks** · #6 10-20-2009, 08:19 PM

Yes Rally is correct. The difference was the mounting of the swaybar endlinks. If you have the old endlinks you can get any of the shocks available, but just have to replace the endlinks and they'll work fine. But alot of those early cars were updated by dealers. Heck I remember replacing several shocks and endlink sets when the MINI first came out.

Also FYI, you don't have to hurry on you choice, FSD's are out of stock in the entire USA, I've got a couple on backorder till Dec.

blacter · #7 10-20-2009, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WayMotorWorks

Yes Rally is correct. The difference was the mounting of the swaybar endlinks. If you have the old endlinks you can get any of the shocks available, but just have to replace the endlinks and they'll work fine. But alot of those early cars were updated by dealers. Heck I remember replacing several shocks and endlink sets when the MINI first came out.

Thanks. Can you tell from this photo whether or not mine have been updated?

Professor · #8 10-25-2009, 08:54 AM

Looks like the newer type to me.

blacter · #9 10-25-2009, 11:53 AM

Thanks, kids.