My cabrio has 132k km (85k miles) on it. I did the struts and tops last year and it was better, but still got clunks on large bumps and if felt a little loose. When I bought the car used I bought an aftermarket warranty which turned out to be a smart move because I more than got my money back.

So 4 days before this warranty expired I took the car in for service and asked them to inspect the LCA rear bushings because I had seen small cracks and there was the clunk. They agreed and got the warranty company to spring for new control arms with inner and outer ball joints and new bushings. I picked it up last night after an alignment. It drives like a new car! I should have got this done a while ago for sure. The steering is tight and precise, small bumps feel better and large bumps are much much better. The car has gone from scary harsh over railroad tracks to pretty solid.

By way of comparison I borrowed a 2011 BMW 328ix sedan with sport package while they were doing my car. The BMW had about 100k km on it. The MINI is much tighter and responsive to steering inputs. The MINI brake feel is also much better. The BMW still has a big advantage on comfort and noise isolation over rough surfaces, but much of that is explained by cabrio vs. sedan. The Beemer also has a way better autobox.

So I am going to keep the MINI for a while longer and maybe trade for a 3er next year or the year after. Looking to do the TSW Xbrace and am getting new summer tires this afternoon. Good times are here again.

Conclusion: If you have say 75k miles or more on your LCA bushings it's time for new ones. You won't regret it. Motor on.

 

yep, they need changed , here is a good hit list of things to check while doing the LCAB

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ll-joints.html