It seems mushrooming is a well-known problem on the 1st generation MINI. It may be too early to tell if it is still a problem on the R56. However, I don't want to be part of the "test" population. So, a couple of questions:

1. Does anyone with technical knowledge know if the strut towers on the R56 have been improved to fix the problem or not?

2. What solution (brand/model) would you recommend for the R56 to help prevent mushrooming and why?


Thanks!!!!

 

I am working from memory here, so keep that in mind.

I understand this issue was addressed in the redesign for the R56.

 

Thanks. But I'm not sure I can trust the memroy of someone who thinks lintballs are dinner.

 

The R56's strut towers are more integrated with the unibody than with the R53, where they were more of an afterthought. The R56's strut tower has structural ribbing in two axes very close to the mounting points, whereas the R53 only had one structural rib, and it was further away, so it was less effective. I'd imagine that the R56 won't have any significant mushrooming problems like the R53 based on the changes.

 

Thanks for the info, Rye. BTW, I find your posts in general very informative.

 

Well, can't say I did not warn ya.

 

You're welcome , and thank you!

 

 

You bought the ticket, so enjoy the ride. A little late in the game to be wanting out of the "test" population, I'd say. You're looking for a solution to a problem that (so far) doesn't exist. However, you could try selling the car or not driving it if a non existent problem is worrying you.

 

I am sure he asked those questions so you could come along with a non-responsive post and take a shot at him. After all, isn't that what you do?

 

Thank you, skuzzy. My thoughts exactly. And, as for you, surfblue, quite obviously, I was asking about a preventive measure. Obviously, if you bothered to think, rather than just run your keys, it wouldn't help to add strength after-the-fact. Also, I am not worrying, I was seeking informed advice as to whether or not it would likely be a problem. I turst you would not be happy to receive a post such as yours, should you have a question/concern.

 

Thanks for this info. I have compared my wifes 2002 with my 2007 R56 and I do see a difference for sure. I guess only time will tell. I did put the JCW cross brace on the front as soon as I bought the car.

 

Well, I have little patience/tolerance for those who simply do not add anything constructive to threads. And he is pretty consistent about it.

People should be able to ask questions without people like him taking cheap shots. It is one thing to try and be humorous, it is another to simply be insulting.

And Ryephile, thank you for the information and affirming my mind still works to some degree, despite the lint.

 

In full agreement with you there Skuzzy. Being relatively new to this forum, I was hesitant to even come on here due to past experiences in forums where most people would respond like that. This should be a place to ask questions and tell stories without getting BS from someone. So far most of the people on this forum are pretty good about it though.

Just something else to whine about.

 

Whine??? You call that a whine?? I think Skuzzy needs to get you an enrollment form for the Skuzzy University of Whinology --- pronto!!!

 

Quite right. That was not a whine at all. A mere trifle. A slight burble, as it were. A pimple on the face of the moon. A grain of salt in the Pacific Ocean. Really small. Tiny. We are talking on A MOLECULAR LEVEL! YOUR BRAIN,..THE GALAXY!! DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I AM SAYING!!!! ARRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!

 

I have no idea if it's still an issue, but if I were buying an R56, I'd get the JCW stb. The R56 one looks a lot sturdier around the strut mount area than the one for the R50/53, and looks like it would help prevent mushrooming.

 

A flea's turd on the lawns of the universe......

 

That's what I am talkin about!

 

Ok, I'm ignorant. What is mushrooming? I've only heard of eating them or in some instances using them as drugs. I've always viewed a car as a means to go from point A to point B so this car lingo is new to me.

 

The strut and spring in the front suspension mount at the top to what looks like an upside-down cup. The top surface is supposed to be flat. R50/R53 wasn't strong enough so it's fairly common to deform. So instead of looking flat, it takes on a convex appearance-kinda like the top of a mushroom.

 

As I understand it, it is caused by the front struts straining the upper mounting point in the horizontal direction resulting in the top mounting point bowing the entire top of the strut tower upward toward the bonnet.

I do not know if it was a chronic issue with previous generations of Mini's or mostly an issue with the race crowd.

 

You can get it hitting a pothole or curb. Non-racers see it. Most people probably aren't even aware their car has mushroomed.

 

LynnEl, I'm adding you to my list of favorite bloggers... You join good company with Skuzzy and those others, yet to be named, that give us honest trolls a bad name. (I have a short list since I'm still a noob here).
I know I'm more a lurker, but I do like to start fun every now and then!
Again, thanks for you two putting a smile on my face after work today!

 

Well, thank you, I think.