Hi,
Not sure if this belongs here but thought I'd try. . .
wondering if anyone lives on dirt roads, or has advice on what I can do to my mini to help it on dirt roads. Assuming I get it (see damaged at port thread), I would like to know if there are any aftermarket etc. things I can do. I am going to add mud flaps but I'm more concerned about the structural things. I have only ever driven diesel trucks so this will be quite a change for me Bought the mini because I will be driving into DC about 4 days a week, and it'll be so much easier than parking the truck not to mention the fuel saved! Problem is I live on a farm- about 2 miles of dirt roads to get there and I'm worried for my mini. Should I lift it a little? ha ha I've only seen posts about people wanting to lower Can you get tougher shocks, or a protective underbody plate?
thanks

 

The mud flaps will help with dust and debris, I have them. Not only are they functional, but they look really good on the car as well. The best thing you can do in your situation is keep your drive maintained well. You must have a tractor if you live on a farm... another thing I can't live without! I use a box scrapper to keep our drive level as possible and run a harrow drag behing the atv over it once in a while as well. A California Duster is a good item to have in your boot too. Good luck!

 

no need to double post this.

 

I have an R56 Cooper with Sports Suspension and it's fine on dirt. Ground clearance is much the same as most cars, so I just take it slowly and pick my line carefully through any really deep potholes (6 inches deep or more).

The main thing I worry about is the wheels. I have 17-inch with 45-series tyres (not run-flats) and I gather it's possible to damage the rim if you hit a rock pretty hard because of the low profile tyres. So I dodge the rocks, or slow up if there are lots around.

The handling is pretty nice on dirt too!

pw4

 

I drive a mile each way everyday on dirt to get to the pavement. No problems with ride height. If it's a familiar road you know where the rocks are. You're less likely to bend a 16 inch wheel than a 17. And I know you know this already, just take it slow in the dirt and wick it up on the pavement. Oh yeah, there's nothing you can to about the backside gettiing dirty. I've got mudflaps on my pepper white and I hose it off a couple times a week.