I had an R53 that I had installed a set of strut tower defenders on as the mushrooming concerns were pretty documented. I live in northern maine and the roads are, lets say, crappy! Have any R56 drivers experienced issues with the strut towers mushrooming like the R53?

 

It seems like the R56 doesn't have the same issues with mushrooming. there are still some out there, if you are concerned.

Mike

 

Oh yes, R56's have the same weakness, though it's a bit less acute.

I mushroomed my driver-side front tower after the OEM shock crapped out under warranty. Got 1 new shock for free under warranty (MINI refused to replace the mated pair that had 40K miles on it - don't get me started), but MINI dealer was refusing to do anything about the tower deformation. Had to DIY repair it (2x4 + sledge hammer).

Then I invested into M7 strut brace that includes their strut tower reinforcement plates:
http://www.m7tuning.com/gen-2-mini-2...er-brace-kits/

There are other similar solutions in the marketplace, but this one has kept my alignment straight over the subsequent 30K miles on crappy NE roads.

a

 

Mike is right. We love to sell parts but not going to try to scare someone into buying them as we just haven't seen it like we do on the R53.

But if you are still worried I find the Craven Strut Tower Defenders to be the best.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/strut-t...5-r56-r57.html

 

I had a set on my R53 and the roads here in Northern Maine are pretty rough. For peace of mind I'll add it to my list for future modifications. Thanks for the feedback.