I want to replace myself or get a local shop to refurbish my clapped out suspension componentes on my 2010 R55, nothing fancy just a refresh, so I’ve been looking at Bilstein B4’s and then wondering how I’ll know what other components might need to be replaced and it seems like a complete assembly would be the way to go especially since I could more easily tackle a job like that myself, no springs to compress etc.

Of course immediately it jumps out that any complete assemblies for Mini’s are not exactly OEM quality. Why? Are the any good manufacturers who make complete strut/shock assemblies?

 

You posted this in the 1st gen MINI section, should have posted it in the 2nd gen MINI section.

Do you want to replace entire suspension system or just parts of it?

I'm sure there are many good manufacturers that can match and/or exceed the OEM, after all BMW/MINI doesn't manufactuter their own suspension parts (I think).

How much do you want to spend as they can range from a few hundred $s to a few thousand $s?

 

sorry, yeah second gen

was hoping to stay under $800, with $250 for install.
I can do that with the Bilstein B4’s and the cup kit from ECS. But my new to me local Mini Mechanic of course won’t install stuff I order, and his markup is about $200 more than ECS. He says of course he can’t guarantee the work without ordering himself, but hell he’s getting the same damn part number...

I’m thinking of asking my local Tire Shop Can if they can do it. I just don’t see me doing anything than maybe installing a complete assembly, it’s a shame you can’t order an a la carte assembly from ECS.

 

Yeah, many garages don't accept customer supplied parts in case something goes wrong and blames them for it.

A few will accept customer supplied parts but you'll probably need to ask around.

 

The install isn’t really that bad, if you’re good with wrenching. Especially if you buy the ECS cup install kit and use aftermarket springs.

 

. We would like Koni Special Actives for Countryman All4.
https://www.koni-na.com/en-US/NorthA...434&mk=30&mt=1

 

wont using aftermarket springs lower the car quite a bit? I already scrape a lot on dips and stuff

 

I've put together kits for customers before, but it gets really expensive with each and every little part you need to make an assembled strut on a new strut. It is far more cost effective to just take the old stuff apart and reuse the mounts, washers, cups, seats, and so on.
But if you want all the parts we do offer them
https://www.waymotorworks.com/front-...7-r58-r59.html
https://www.waymotorworks.com/rear-s...7-r58-r59.html

I would also suggest spending the extra for the Koni shocks as they ride and fit better and are a higher quality product than the B4s. I consider the B4 just to be a cheap replacement and don't really like to use them in my shop. If going through that work I'd rather get the upgrade for the slight cost difference.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/koni-s...7-r58-r59.html