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Sounds like you had a force variation issue - meaning the rolling resistance varies as the tire rolls. Only solution is to toss the tire. I had a set of AVS Intermediates on an E30 eons ago that were like that. Have not bought Yokohama tires since!
Worth noting - some combos of car and tires just seem to not work no matter what you do.
I ran a couple of sets of the DWSs on the E30, never had a whiff of a problem with them.
I've read a lot of people like the DWS06. Just didn't work for me at the time.
Worth noting - some combos of car and tires just seem to not work no matter what you do.
Truth, I had a B3 Passat VR6 years ago that would only tolerate one model of Dunlop tires, Every other brand/model of tire would develop a vibration within 5K miles, even after balancing out perfectly. Wheels were checked for true, it seemed to be 100% the tires.
I ditched my run-flat tires when I had to get my R52 inspected, and it made a huge improvement in ride harshness. I finally pulled the trigger on the Koni special actives and will be installing them sometime in the next week, so I'll be able to throw my 2¢ in as well. I'm going to check the front strut mount bearings and see if they need to be replaced, so if they're toast I may wait until the parts arrive and do it all in one shot. Fingers crossed....
Its not a difficult task. Biggest difference between R53 and R56/55 front struts is the R53 uses a threaded knuckle for the lower pinch bolt. The R56/55 uses a through bolt with nut for the pinch bolt. Even if you break the bolt, you can just cut the nut off and pound the bolt out.
Originally Posted by leftfield6
If I had not moved back in December, I would have tackled the job myself. But my new garage is not set up yet, and has a little bit less space. I had a shop do it. I did use a shop that specialized in BMWs and MINIs, so I paid a bit more than a corner garage would have charged, but I wanted the confidence of knowing this wasn't the first time they did this job. All good so far!
Thanks leftfield! Njaremka, you're correct, no threaded pinch bolt (Thank God lol) and was overall an easy job. Didn't go crazy on the strut brand, as the seller actually included Unity front strut assemblies that were uninstalled. With some cursory research they don't appear to be anything fancy, but considering how bad the struts were (one was completely blown) I wasn't in a position to turn down free assemblies, and not have to worry about compressing the springs! Couple hundred miles in, and very happy with them so far.
Going to pick up a set for the rear - anyone know if it's an issue to switch brands ? With the new springs it's riding higher in the front at the moment, but not finding Unity rear strut assemblies to match.
My wife just bought a 2010 Clubman S with 75k mileage. It's just her daily driver; and, she's not looking for any extra performance. I replaced the Pirelli 195/55R16 run flats with Michelin 205/55R16 tires which helped smooth out her new ride quite a bit. I'm thinking new struts/shocks may help a little too!? Can anyone recommend an OEM complete strut assembly (4) set replacement for her 2010 Clubman S?
My wife just bought a 2010 Clubman S with 75k mileage. It's just her daily driver; and, she's not looking for any extra performance. I replaced the Pirelli 195/55R16 run flats with Michelin 205/55R16 tires which helped smooth out her new ride quite a bit. I'm thinking new struts/shocks may help a little too!? Can anyone recommend an OEM complete strut assembly (4) set replacement for her 2010 Clubman S?
I appreciate those links. Unfortunately, I'm not a mechanic so, I'd prefer not to mess around with compressing the coil springs?
I was hoping to buy a set of FCS struts or something comparable but, I'm having problems determining if this Mini has the electronic "sport" suspension? Most of the parts sources online show that as an exception??
I appreciate those links. Unfortunately, I'm not a mechanic so, I'd prefer not to mess around with compressing the coil springs?
I was hoping to buy a set of FCS struts or something comparable but, I'm having problems determining if this Mini has the electronic "sport" suspension? Most of the parts sources online show that as an exception??
Thanks for the help cool Forum!
There never was an electronic sport suspension in the 2nd gen cars.
That’s a solid recommendation from njaremka. Buy those and have a shop install them for you. I haven’t seen a really good quality set of the preassembled struts for our vehicles And struts are not a place you want to cheap out. You’ll never regret spending more to get quality, but you will regret it if you don’t.
