I have 86,000 miles on my MCS and around 40,000 miles, the suspension started driving me nuts. It seemed excessively harsh, so I changed from stock runflats to BF goodrich g-force tires (on stock 17" wheels). Decidedly better. After around 10,000 miles, it was getting to me again, so got to putting on I put on Koni FSD's with original springs at 75,000 miles. Much better, more composed but still not quite right and over next 5K developed rattle in rear end apparent over even minimal bumps on both sides.
Keep in mind eveything still original here (bushings, etc.)
So the car was looked over by my mechanic again- who does lots of BMW's, occasional Mini's. He cannot find anything that would be causing the rattle (nothing loose) without pulling things apart, but he thinks one of the spring seats my be the problem, but to get the front suspension feeling more appropriate, and in general given the mileage and to prevent further issues is pretty much recommending a suspension overhaul- bushings, spring seats, ball joints, springs. Obviously this will not be cheap, but if it gets me another 75K and the car will be how I remember and love it, perhaps it is a decent investment.
1)what are your thoughts on this approach
2) replace springs? oem/aftermarket? Daily driver, spirited driving, but need car to be compfortable in MINI sort of way
3) strut tower defenders?
4) do the minimum to get rid of rattle and get new car to avoid the next few years of repairs? car has been reliable otherwise to this point
5) Mechanics in Baltimore area for the work/second opinion
Thanks for your input.

 

Check out the front control arm bushings, and if you need them get the powerflex bushings. Also check the swaybar bushings to see if they are loose, they cause a terrible rattle when they are bad.

 

Check all your exhaust hangars while car is on a lift. & make sure the plate under the battery box isn't rubbing on the exhaust tips. Some time that thin shield can be become bent and as the exhaust moves about, can make a rattling type noise.

And if bushings are in order, I replaced practically all of mine with Powerflex brand. Good stuff.