The front end of my Cooper S is sitting lower than I would like. There is about an inch and a half between the lower valance and the road. I am thinking that it is time to perhaps replace the front struts. My question is 'What is the difference between the struts for a regular car and the one with the Sport button?' I suspect the car has the original struts with 91K miles on them.

 

This car?
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4648587

Based on the appearance, it is possible that car was fitted with different springs from previous owner? Although, looking at the front wheel wells, looks like the ride is stock height. If you have the black struts all around, they are likely OEM and worn down. There is a slight damping difference between the regular suspension and the OEM "Sport" suspension. However, neither is effected by the "Sport" button on the console.

I would take the opportunity to upgrade to Bilstein B6 or B8 shocks for more sporty damping profiles. They will work just fine with the OPEM springs. If you want a more OEM+ feel, others have installed the Koni Special Active shocks. (I'm not a fan of Koni, however)

 

Yes, that is the car in the picture. I find the car has no give in the front end at all....almost like driving a go cart but I don't have anything to compare it to as this is the first Mini I have ever driven or driven in. There doesn't seem to be much spring or shock action at all. So Nik, you are saying that it doesn't matter which assemblies I buy, regardless if it says non-sport, they will still work?

 

Yeah, they are pretty stiff in the front. Take a look underneath, if the springs are any color besides black, they are aftermarket and will be even stiffer than stock.

 

I just replaced my stock front shocks with NON SPORT Bilstein B4's. I actually do not know if I have sport suspension or not but i went with non-sport replacements.

Ride is IMMENSELY improved. My 2013 Mini Cooper S has 84k miles. The stock shocks were pretty much dead. I could push them down with 1 finger and they barely rebounded.

 

Did you replace the springs as well?

 

No sir, i replaced the shocks, the upper strut mount, washers, pinch bolt, and upper strut mount bolts. Oh and the bump stops and boots. So just about everything except springs it seems.