Hey guys, I'm about three years into MINI ownership and have loved every second! I'll preface this all by saying I am super green to any work on the MINI but have fully committed myself to doing the majority of the work myself if possible and I welcome all suggestions, both aimed toward frugality and performance. I also apologize in advance if I'm suggesting something really silly as I'm still very new to MINI stuff.

Recent started to have a little harsher ride and when I went in for yearly inspection, they told me I'd need new strut mounts on all 4 wheels.

I figured since I would have it all opened up anyways, I may as well replace the shocks/struts. My thought process also takes into effect that I don't have spring compressors so the process of installing an entire assembly is almost easier than just the mounts. It also should save me from having to replace them anyways down the road.

Just a quick search on youtube showed me some quick videos on replacing mount/struts but not a lot on whole assembly. This is the video watched, which I'd obviously not have to do the spring compressions and would just put the whole new assembly in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCWm...=autodoc.co.uk

My question is this: Is the replacement of the entire assembly as simple as it seems to be? Where should I be looking for assemblies also? Is something like this sufficient?


I've also hears great things about the B4s but would need to know what else to buy on top of these:

Bilstein B4 Front Struts & Shock Absorbers Kit For Mini R50 R52 R53 Cooper https://a.co/d/32Jprqy

Any an all help is welcome, and I appreciate you all ahead of time. Very much looking forward to being able to go over bumps again.

 

Yes, replacing the entire assembly is the easy way of doing things. Its pretty straight forward, just a handful of hardware per corner to remove and slide the new strut in.

As for what to get, its entirely up to you. I would not cheap out on suspension as its ultimately the comfort of your ride. A premium parts seem like ok quality, i only use them in a pinch and usually replace with a more reputable brand when i can. Bilstein however is one of the largest suspension manufacturers in the world, i would not hesitate to drop them in your car. You can try Rockauto for parts, usually their cheapest.

Compressing the springs and removing them from the strut itself is not all that hard, if you go the Bilstein route. Simple compressors can be bought for 20-30$
Best of luck, if you need anything post back!

 

IMHO, most spring compressors are bulky and just get in the way, making the job more difficult. I've done a bunch of them using nothing more than a pair of small ratchet straps. The big question you want to ask yourself is "How am I going to use the MINI and what do I want to get out of new struts and shocks? Performance? Better handling? Or just a good, stock ride again? Do I really need new springs? Are they "tired"?...or is getting a complete set-up ready to install worth eliminating the hassle factor of keeping the springs I have?

 

My only caution when replacing with the preassembled struts is to compare the new assembly with the old BEFORE installing. Why do I say this? Visually, the Countryman assemblies look the same as the hatchback versions, and will physically install as replacements, but will add about 2" to your ride height. Some of those assembly companies mark the part for the wrong application, and will send them out unsuspectingly.

 

I just replaced my front struts and rear shocks this past weekend with the B-4’s and new mounts and boots . I bought the struts and shocks from Rock Auto and everything else including a spring compressor from ECS. If I had it to do over again I would have bought everything from ECS. I paid 2 shipping charges and the parts came at 2 different times. It’s not that bad of a job if you take your time. I would worry about the generic springs on a complete after market strut not being exactly right for every application. The B-4’s feel pretty good for normal street driving.

 

My buddy and I replaced front struts and rear shocks on his 2006 Factory JCW Checkmate a few weeks ago with Koni Special Actives ("reds"), sourced from Aaron at @OutMotoring (another longtime forum sponsor). Despite just 9k miles from new, the LF strut had blown its seal and was purging hydraulic fluid. We used my spring compressor once again and carefully clocked the OEM springs into respective seats to ensure proper ride height. Upon disassembly, we found the RF gaiter boot torn, so had to rush order a pair of those from Aaron before completing the total job. All done done now and rides nice...

 

Although expensive - Personally, I will/would never go back to shocks & springs - Adjustable coilovers for me. Love my Bilstein B14 coilovers!
They pretty much come pre-assembled. Easy to install. I've never needed a spring compressor for a Mini. Coilovers also offer adjustability - a matter of dialing up or down your desired ride height and comfort.

Just my preference.

 

My issue with installing the B4s is that I am a complete novice. I like the preassembled stuff because it has everything I need to do a complete replace (mount, bumpers, etc) If i was trying to do a complete with the B4s, what springs would I also buy, plus all the extra hardware, etc?

 

I have considered the B14s as well. I need to replace all my mounts as well however. Seems that the B14s need to be compressed so I can remove all the mounts? Is this not the case?

Thanks!

 

IIRC; My B14's arrived somewhat assembled . OR at least were very easy to assemble without the need for a spring compressor. No special tools required other than the height adjustment tool they provide with the coilovers. I reused my original rear top hats with new (better urethane) bushings and new front top mounts when replacing the front (B14) struts.
I've adjusted them/ride height fairly low. The car feels very "grounded", firm handling and fairly comfortable for a lowered car.

 

With any adjustable coil over, adjust the collar all the way down, assemble, then thread it back up. Easy peasy.

 

^^^ +1