I searched the forum and found one other user asking about strut reinforcement for the R56s. I have a 2012 and live in houston, we have a lot of pot holes and bumps. My old 2002 Mini had issues with mushrooming but have been told the R56 improved on this issue.

Any input would be helpful.

 

The first gen MINI's are the ones that seem to have the issue vs. the 2nd gen R56. I haven't seen much of a complaint for it on the forums for the 2nd gen, but if it's still a concern of yours, we do have R56 strut tower reinforcement plates HERE. There is some info about the R56 and mushrooming in this thread HERE, where 2 individuals with R56's reported mushrooming on theirs.

 

What about R53 - should I go with a plate or a bar?

 

The tower plates are designed for the mushrooming issue on the R53, so you can go with those. There are 2 design options. Our R53 uses the Madness Motorworks design HERE, which mount below the strut tower and cover 100% of the usable strut tower surface area for maximum strength vs. the ones that mount on the top (more evenly distributed). You can read more about the design at that link. Some advise for the other ones that mount above (also at that link) so that they don't add positive camber and easier install. Not an issue with ours as it's lowered. Madness ones are 10% off right now until May 1st as well.

 

By 'other', you mean the M7 ones? For stock height Minis, which would be better? That in mind, I may like to lower an inch or 2 at some point in the future.

 

The M7 Strut reinforcement plates at the link above.

 

Thank you - will order soon.

 

I just got a set of the M7 ones with a strut bar last week. Visually, it's really quality stuff. I was buying a strut bar and liked that they were included.

To be clear, I didn't have a mushrooming issue with my R56, but I am wanting to autocross. They came with the strut bar and certainly could add extra protection.