Or like the title says, how long should shocks last?

Coming up on 100K and pretty much everything is original except for a set or brakes and engine mounts. Noticed that the ride seems a bit harsher lately and was looking for some coil overs to finally drop her a little. Anyone have any recommendations?

 

Shocks are like water pumps, fuel pumps, etc. They last as long as they last. Yeah, not earth shaking news I grant you.

Really though shocks signal when they are tired or bad. Leaks are a sign of shock failure. The leaking one needs to be replaced and I'd at least replace the shock on the other wheel. But with 100K miles just to keep the front and rear end suspension in harmony I'd replace all 4.

If you suspect one or more shocks are weak have someone video your car as you drive it down the road. Check the video for one (or more) wheels/tires that seem to have a bout of bouncy. Really while I have seen cars with this behavior it is rare. Also, if a wheel/tire is manifesting this behavior chances are the tire will show signs of abnormal wear. Cupping.

Porpoising of the car is another sign of bad shocks. I've seen vehicles do this too. But it is not that common.

A few times with my cars as they accumulate big miles -- >100K+ and beyond -- I have done a rebound test. Get on a corner of the car and push down hard then release and repeat until you have the corner going up and down. Stop. Car should stop moving promptly. If it doesn't that's a sign of a weak shock. Do all 4 corners. Had I encountered a bad shock I'd have replaced all 4.

But never had a shock go bad even up to 150K miles or with one car over double that. None of my MINIs have done big miles yet so I can't say for sure what will happen.

If you are just looking for a reason to install coil overs and want a recommendation I have no experience with coil overs for any car.

 

I have the OE DDC (dynamic damper control) shocks on my F60. The car currently has 215,000 km on it and no issues! YMMV (literally!), but these don't seem to be a weak point with these cars.