Summary: I was wondering if somebody knows the size of the front swaybar on a 2004 MCS with sport plus suspension (I think that's what it's called?)

The long version:

Hi all, I think this is my first post, but I've been lurking on here for ages.

I'm about to replace my from LCA bushings. I figured while I had it all off I might as well replace the front swaybar bushings too.

Problem is, I don't know what the stock swaybar size is. There seems to be 2 sizes out there: 22.5mm and 24mm.

I've got the Sport Plus suspension - so I'm guessing 24mm?

I know I can always go and measure it - but it's cold out and I'm lazy...And the less time I spend on my back on the freezing floor the better...Sitting in front of the pc having some cheese and wine while somebody else does my thinking for me sounds like a much better proposition at the moment.

Yeah, you guessed it, I'm not really looking forward the the LCA bushing thing either - have been putting it off for months...But the bushings seem to be bleeding, so I'd better get them replaced soon.

 

All of the R53's (Cooper S) including the GP have the 24mm sway bar. The 22.5mm sway bar is used on the R50 (Cooper)

 

Thanks!

 

... although if your R50 has the Sport Suspension Plus option, it has a 24 mm
front sway bar just like the R53 (also 17 mm rear bar, same shocks and
struts as the S, and same springs as an S of a similar curb weight)

 

I'd say just stick with OEM bushings, they don't require grease and aren't common to fail. We do sell the Powerflex, but they are not necessary.

 

I'm looking at my mini cooper ('03 Indi Blue R50) standard features and it says I have a sport suspension w/front and rear anti-roll (stabilizer) bars. Does that entail I have a 24mm front bar? or 22.5 front bar? is the JCW suspension kit (Part number: 31 30 0 308 861) from sway bar thicker?

 

The question is answered, 22.5 MM for the R50, but here is a website resource that will have what you need whenever you have another question along that line.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...93&hg=31&fg=10

Click on the link then on the header bar of you browser copy and paste the domain name into you favorites folder.

 

i think i know the answer to this question but being new to mini coopers, i will ask anyways.

how often do people switch to a hiem joint sway bar linkage and stay with the stock sway bar?

i ask because the 05 we recently purchased has hiems on the front instead of normal looking linkages with rubber bushings.

 

The Heim Joint drop links are used for adjustability, especially necessary when lowering springs are installed. When adjusted correctly, the sway bar arms should be horizontal on both sides with no pre-load.

 

double post

 

i understand that but how often do people go to a hiem set up with no other suspension modification? i as because this looks stock to me, other then the linkage

every where else i have ever been, you swap to that when you do other mods, like you are saying so i have a feeling that suspension has had some work but i wanted ot make sure its not a common deal in the mini world to swap to this and still keep stock suspension.

the springs look stock to me, they are black with white stripes on them. i am not sure on the size of the sway bar because i haven't mic'd it.

 

 

For others who come across this in a search, the information provided is not correct regarding front ASB size.

My R59S for example came with a 22.5mm not a 24. So best bet is to simply measure your bar.

 

The previous info is correct because you're in the first gen forums.

 

Haha , well that's embarrassing. Thanks for clarifying that.