You don’t need to drop the subframe or cut the bushings out, you just need the BMW R-Mini LCA kit. It sells for $40 on eBay.








I had had both sides out and back in in 30 minutes.


Also, you can use a spark plug socket and a hex key to remove and replace strut top nuts as long as the top of the socket takes a wrench.

 

I made a tool something similar to this to do the job (I am a die maker with access to all kinds of machinery). I have always been a little wary of using the sawzall method to cut them out, in case you cut too far thru and into the bushing housing. Did you have any problems getting the inner ball joint free from the LCA? My drivers side was a real PITA.

 

One came off with a bit of prying, the other I had to cut off with a dremel. I still have an outer ball joint attached to my LCA, I have to find someone with a press...it’s fused.