It looks like I need to replace my struts and mounts in my '03 Cooper S. I've done a lot of reading on this website and others but haven't found much conclusive evidence. What do you guys suggest for brands? I've seen a lot of positive feedback about Koni's but not sure I want to spend that much. I also looked at Monroe but read some poor reviews. How about Bilstein? Does anyone have experience with them? I don't need anything super high performance, just reliable. What do you guys suggest? What about mounts? Is there much of a difference? I can see the rubber bushings are cracked when I look down from under the hood.

 

These are the strut mounts we use in our shop when we do repairs
http://www.waymotorworks.com/oem-fro...rut-mount.html

For struts we like the koni FSDs for that the best as they ride great, are reliable, and have lifetime warranty.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/koni-fsd-shocks.html

Had a few use these Bilsteins with good luck
http://www.waymotorworks.com/bilstei...0-r52-r53.html

 

+1 on Way's FSD struts. That's a good price below suggested retail. Also recommend going with OEM bushings (which Way can also provide). There's a recent thread reporting that the bargain basement bushings were not holding up well.
Just a quick question: When was the last time you replaced the serpentine belt?

 

I haven't owned the car for very long, so I've never changed it. I was hoping to not have to drop the money for the Koni shocks. For normal every day driving, will I really notice a difference between the Koni's and Bilsteins?

 

Lots of good reviews about the Bilstein Touring Class shocks & struts for MINI. A few members describe them to feel about the same or a little bit stiffer than OEM. They're well priced as well (linked above). Definitely change out those mounts here while you have everything apart.

 

One more question, is it customary to change the rear upper bushings when replacing the struts? I won't be able to actually look at them until I have the car apart and I need to have all of the parts ahead of time. Thanks for all the great advice.

 

Yes, I would do it while everything is out and if they haven't been replaced yet.

 

Here is the front mounts and info. Things also to look for.

31306778833

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ing-issue.html







Yes, you can get them here. They can sag and when going over bumps you can get noises from the rear.

Here are some options : 33526754123 or 33526754124

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ts-of-toe.html






Thanks

 

I went with KONI FSD's, and IE fixed camber strut mounts. They are beefier than the oem units, and weren't much more expensive.