I have a 2002 MCS with about 65,000 miles that still has the original suspension. I find the ride quality has degraded since last year and I think it's time to replace the struts and springs.

The MINI is in storage for the winter and I would like to have the suspensioin revamped in the spring.

I am a complete suspension noob and need some advice as to what I should be buying as replacement parts.

Here is some more info:

1) I would like to increase ride quality over what the original OEM suspension offers

2) I wouldn't mind lowering the ride a little, but it's not absolutely critical

3) My budget is kind of limited. I don't want to shell out serious $$$ for expensive coilver sets

So... what do you guys suggest?

Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated

 

I run Koni 1150 coilovers. I'm not sure what your limits are as far as $$$ but I'm very happy with them, the adjustability they offer, and the ride makes the money spent worth it. I usually run mine on the firmer side so passengers aren't so happy, but that all a matter of driver preference.

 

ride quality instantly increases with new shocks.. as the old ones wear down slowly over time and you dont really notice how bad it was.

If you lower the impact\number of times everything gets really compressed goes up.. it's sooooo worth it for the handling

phil.

 

The springs themselves probably aren't bad, and Koni FSD shocks are a nice improvement over the factory ride, especially on a 2002. With 65k miles, you almost certainly need new lower control arm bushings in the front - the factory ones are prone to wear and can give you kind of a "disconnected" feeling in the suspension. It would also be a good time to check/replace the front sway bar bushings, ball joints, and upper & lower engine mounts.

 

I think...

Non-runflats, the FSDs, and a rear sway bar will make you very happy. If the front end needs something it is probably LCA bushings.

Obviously if something else is worn you need that too, but as a ride quality upgrade, shocks, and regular tires will be astonishing to you.

 

if you have run flats; get rid of them!! that will be the biggest change

 

Never had run flats. Bought the car used in 2007 and have used non run-flats since in summer and winter.

I'm more interested in obtaining info on what brand strut / spring / coilover to buy to get better ride than OEM suspension that is still on the car.

Keep the suggestions coming. Thanks