I have been reading threads about the mushrooming issue on Mini Coopers. I bought this used but I do know that it has always had 16 inch run flats. During my initial inspection it doesn't look like there is mushrooming but one bolt is a few millimeters crooked. I would like to ave a second opinion, I plan on buying reinforcements.

Below are the image links
http://www.flickr.com/photos/barchul...7631815184469/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/barchul...7631815184469/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/barchul...7631815184469/

There is the possibility that I am being way to paranoid but I guess one can never be too careful. If necessary I can add more photos with more angles.

Thank you very much!

 

I just did a level test and both strut towers passed so I guess its all good, I will keep a close eye on them though. (I drive gently).

 

If you regularly drive in an area with really bad roads, you should probably invest in some strut tower defenders, sold by most Mini vendors. They can help prevent mushrooming and aren't a bad price. That will definitely be one of my next mods as i live in the land of the pothole.

 

Yeah just invest in the craven speed strut tower defenders or the m7 strut tower bar. It only takes one good hit to the suspension. You may drive carefully but you can't see everything coming (at night) behind someone...etc.

15 minute install and that's it. $130 ish is pretty cheap insurance. I installed mine on day 2 of ownership.

 

+1 Hit a HUGE pothole on the freeway near Flagstaff, AZ. Ouch.

 

I drive carefully & still had some slight mushrooming. As my passenger strut mounts cracked, switched them both w/ OEM, restored the shroomn flat, then put on the Cravens for peace of mind. Plates are totally worth it.

 

Your strut towers look fine but the others are right, you might want to invest in some plates for the tower. I use the M7 Strut bar and love it.

 

Yeah I have decided that I am going to start saving up so I can purchase plates and install them. I too live in a pot hole ridden zone of the city. Until can get the plated installed I will drive very carefully.

Do you recommend the Madness MINI Cooper S Strut Tower Reinforcement Plates or another brand of plates?

 

They are all about the same so the preference is yours.