So what's the lifespan of stock shocks? I've got a '05 MCS with 70k on it (the first owner only put 40k in 5 years). I don't think my shocks are "shot" but i curious if they wear out slowly over time?

I see Koni shocks are on sale and was wondering of I should pick a set up. I'm leaning toward the FSD since I live in upstate NY and the roads are really crap up here. I've got 90 miles of commute a day through twisty back roads and I think they'd fit the bill. I intent to put on a 19mm RSB this spring as well.

Any thoughts?

 

Yes, shocks wear out over time. This wear can cause performance degradation not just with how it handles bumps, curves, etc, but also with tires. There is no specific mileage on wear (to my knowledge), but is based on how much wear the shocks have to take over that 70k miles. If your shocks are original and they take quite a punishment, I'd suggest changing them. Otherwise, you'd have to test them or have them tested. This site:

http://www.checkyourshocks.com/

can provide some information for you if you want to do some basic testing.

 

My shocks are still in very good shape at 64K. I have a 2003 MC which came with
the stiffer shocks before they softened them in May 2003. It had the sport
suspension plus option, so same shocks as the MCS model.

When they do go, I'm uncertain what to replace them with. The current oems shocks
are softer than the ones that originally came with the car, and I don't want that.
Koni Yellows would be nice but not sure if I want to go that way. Don't think I need the
FSDs as I don't mind a firm ride. I'd consider Bilsteins if they made an HD for the R50/53,
but they only make Sports for them. Don't want to lower the car, so coilovers wouldn't be appropriate.

Probably Koni Yellow.

 

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll have them "professionally tested" like the site that Proximo posted suggested. I'm curious what that testing involves beyond what was suggested at the site (bounce test, inspect for leaks, etc).

I thought about the Yellow Konis as well, but was concerned that it would firm the ride up too much. Does anyone know how firm yellows are at their softest setting compared to stock? I like the idea of being able to lower the car in the future, but not at the expense of a really harsh ride. Like I said... our roads really suck up here!

 

I remember that Koni shocks used to be rebuildable, are they still?

I haven't bought any in a long time.

Dave

 

You can always improve on OEM shocks right off the showroom floor, they don't need testing to tell that.

We had FSD's installed keeping the stock springs when the MINI was new and they do as advertised - firm when you need it - good ride all other times. But Koni will tell you the FSD's cannot be used with lowering springs.

Even my 2007 3/4 ton GMC diesel truck's ride and handling was improved by Bilsteins when the truck was new. It would bounce sideways over rough railroad tracks for example. The Bilsteins took all that away.

.

 

It seems lots of people here are running Konis and they do have a lifetime warranty, so I think they're quality. While I've read many threads about the Yellows, I've seen fewer talking about the FSD. I'd love to take a ride with someone who has the yellows and FSD... Gotta find some people in central NY for that... anyone?

I think I'm going to order new tires and have them installed. When the wheels are off I'll have my mechanic look at the struts and see what he thinks.

 

I put koni fsd's on my car when i had 40ish thousand miles...made the car ride better than new...imo the oem delphi shocks/struts on our mini's are just ok life/quality wise (sure not like the oem ones on my wifes 180+khighlander or 200+ honda's i owned over the years)...i hear folks complaining about ride quality in the mini sometimes...but new these cars rode FIRM, not harsh or uncomfortable....when i realized oneday my mini's ride seemed a bit more jaring than it once was, i swapped them out...no leaks, and my mechanic said they still seemed pretty good...good enough to gift to another high mile mini driver who could not afford a pair...they were happy with the improvement....but this proves the mini's shocks struts degrade overtime, and fail (usually) slowly, rather than leaking....
But i am happy with the koni's....they tend to go on sale yearly....so miss the sale, wait a year...

 

Digging my FSDs as well. Hate the wheel gap, but the MINI handles like a dream.

 

Another vote for the FSD's here. I have them installed on both my R50 and my track R53. Along with a rear sway, your car will be totally transformed. You may want to post in www.mpgminis.com or the regional forums on this site to see if someone can get you a test ride in a car with Koni yellows or FSD's.

 

With the Killer sale we have on the FSD's right now I'd go with them, they are great

 

That is a great price, Way!

 

That is a good price - doubt they can be found any lower jump on it!

 

Wow! Thanks for all the feedback. It looks like people like the FSDs! I'm now hoping my mechanic says my stocks struts are bad so I have an excuse to buy them. I have too many project at the house right now to justify buying them if they're not needed.

 

Let me add to this. That is a SUPER price and with Way, if you have any problems you can be sure it will be addressed quickly.

I had two right struts in my box (not Ways fault as they were packaged by Koni). I was having the install done at Mach V and I called way and explained the situation. What I thought was going to happen is that I would have my old struts put back on until it could be resolved. What happened was that Way got on the phone with Koni and Mach V and got them to setup overnight shipping of the proper strut to Mach V leaving me off the rad for an additional day. His customer service is rock solid.