I have a 2004 Chili Red MC and only recently learned of the strut tower mushrooming problem and the M7 reinforcement plate/bar remedy. When I picked up my Clubman yesterday at the dealers I asked the MA about the strut tower problem, and he said they changed the design in the 2nd gen Minis introduced in 2007 so the tower surface was reinforced, and mushrooming is no longer a problem. Can anyone confirm for me that this is no longer a problem with the Clubman/2nd gen Minis, and the reinforcement plate/bar is not necessary?

Thanks in advance.

--Kathy, proud mom to Hermione the Hot Chocolate Clubman

 

For what I have read in the R56 threads, one of the improvements of the second gen chassis is the virtual elimination of the upper strut mushrooming.

Then again, I have owned 1 R50 and 2 R53s (The 2005 R53 S is my daily driver) and with 16" runflats/rims I have never ever experienced this problem.

I think lower profile 17"-18" tires and rims tend to make this more of a problem and put more stress on the suspension.

My Clubman was ordered with 16" runflats and Bridgespoke wheels.

 

Thanks for the info, ClubmanS. I wonder if I'm overly concerned about needing to get the reinforcement plates for my 2004 MC? I've not experienced any of the pulling that is supposed to be a sign of the mushrooming problems. I may just test my luck and let it ride without the plates, but it's good to know the 2nd gen's don't need to worry about this.

 

Did your '04 MC have the standard sport suspension or the optional sport suspension plus? What size wheels you had?

 

From what I've heard the strut brace on the R56/R55 is cosmetic, it doesn't really do anything.

(correct me if I'm wrong)

 

I would expect that if MINI did something to eliminate mushrooming that we wouldn't really know for sure. As I understand it, the problem doesn't appear until after quite a few miles. I didn't see it on my 02 MC until aroun 40k.

Also, I'd be curious to see what suspension has exhibited mushrooming (ie sports, jcw, stock or aftermarket) and what the particular owner's habits are (ie are they tracking the car? or do they drive particularly hard?)

 

Mine were totally mushroomed by the time the car had 25k on it..

but then again.. It had probably seen 15 full track days....

low profile tires on big wheels..

pot holes..

lowered springs.. stiffer components everywhere.. going up a short driveway at the wrong angle will cause a rear wheel to get a couple of inches off the ground..


that's what I deal with on a daily basis....



wouldn't give it up for the world



the new clubman appears more civilized and better put together in that area...

 

but then again lots of bmw's have mushroomed for a long time and nothing was really done about it and bmw mechanics would say "it's *normal* or *common* or *ok*"

 

The R56 has been in production for over a year and a half, with over 200,000 sold. Has anyone seen a single case of mushrooming reported yet?

 

If the strut brace/defender MAY just eliminate a problem, I for one think it's a cheap ins policy.

 

I agree. Cheap insurance.
I've placed a pair of STD's (Strut Tower Defenders) purchased from Waylen of Way Motor Works at AMVIV on my wife's R56 Coupe; and intend to do the same thing for my Clubman in the future.
http://www.cravenspeed.com/index.php?productID=104

I liked the way the Cravenspeed units used an adapter bolt to lock in the plate to the strut's 3 bolts, utilizing all of the threads.

 

Hey guys and gals,
I realize this thread is quite old but I just picked up my brand new 2013 Clubman S......yay!
I have already purchased the JCW front cross brace and was wondering if this essentially will do the same thing or help with the mushrooming problem that the strut tower defenders help eliviate?
Also, is one better than the other? Brace or defenders?
And, could both be used? The brace mounted on top of the defenders?
Thank so much

Sent from my iPad using NAMotoring

 

If you already purchased the cross brace, install it. The newer MINIs from 07 on are not prone to mushrooming.
And I don't think you can use both a top plate and a Strut Brace...although M-7 or Cravenspeed may make a combination brace which attaches to their top plates
And boy, you did resurrect an OLD thread

 

Thanks Chief Charlie for the quick response to such a dead thread!
Needless to say I am quite excited about my new car and just want to do him right. I'll install the brace and call it good.
Thanks again, I really didn't think I'd get a response at all

 

I looked into strut tower defenders early in the life of my 2011 R56 and found multiple experts saying that they aren't necessary for the Gen2 cars. Even on the Gen 1s, if you read the long threads of discussion, mushrooming tended to happen (as above posters said) with a combination of very stiff suspension, big wheels, skinny tires, and probably driving habits.

Whew!!

 

Thanks JoanieB,
I have read the threads and it's very comforting to get the confirmation from all of you. Good to know the "problem" has been fixed in the Gen.2 Minis

 

I'm waaaaay over 100k on a 2009 Clubman with the diesel engine up front (which is heavier than the petrol engine). This car lives on a farm and has to navigate bad roads and tight corners on a daily basis.

If it helps to alleviate your concerns, I have had no mushrooming of the strut towers and am still on the original suspension.

 

Jeff,
Just sent you a PM

Congratulations on your new Clubman
Charlie