I have a 2002 R53 with almost 63k miles and have a few suspension questions.

Since this winter, I have been noticing that my car seems to be more susceptible than usual to "wiggle". By "wiggling", I mean the feeling you get inside the car when you are parked on the highway shoulder while cars are passing by at 60 - 70 mph: that bit of side to side shake, know what I mean? I'm finding that mine's a little excessive for a MINI.

Is this another sign that I might need to replace shocks/struts? I was thinking of getting them done anyway, since the car is already 9 years old and has its stock suspension.

My second question is what to buy? Some people will undoubtedly suggest Bilsteins, but it's hard to justify plunking down $1700 for a car that barely worth $10k CDN.

What would be other good viable (and cheaper) options?

Please list shocks / struts / coilovers you recommend. Lowering the car a little is no issue as long as I don't have to start messing around with control arms and such.

Thanks

 

Sounds like it is your shocks that could need replacement. That wiggle is probably some additional bounciness from worn shocks.

I heard and have driven cars with Koni FSDs that seem good on the street. you should run them at stock height.

 

63K is a little soon for struts, but not for lower control arm bushings.