So I'm going for Mini-Madness Polyurethane bushings for the front, after a few helpful messages from members here about how that will at least help with the front wheel deflection problems the MINI has.

I'm also looking at a rear sway bar. I don't race but am a spirited street driver, so I do not need race car-like handling, just an improvement to the stock Clubman S. Is a 22mm bar overkill for that? Would a 19mm diameter be better for what I'm looking for? Do I even know what I'm talking about?

On the Mini-Madness site it claims that sway bars do not affect ride quality -- is this true? What are your recommendations from personal experience be on this?

 

19mm

 

yes, 19 mm. works great and sway bar does not affect ride quality.

 

Nice BRG
won't affect ride quality but will make it corner more predictably IMO.
19 solid or 22 hollow, made by Hotchkiss ( h-sport)which is what i have.
Contact Way Motor works with more questions
boxcars

 

Excellent -- thanks, guys. I just ordered the Hotchkis 19mm. Do I need to go to a specialized mechanic to have these and the new front bushings installed properly?

 

If you have tools, garage and time then you should try to DIY. It may takes a while but at least you know how to do it in the near future

 

Unfortunately I don't have the first two items in your list, but it's a good suggestion!

 

You can still work on the driveway with a set of jack & jack stand
As for tools, I'm sure you can find a nice set of 100pc tools kit for around $100 at Sears, Lowes and Home Depot

 

Hmmmmm....! I've never done work on my car before. Is this something a beginner would be able to do if I had specific instructions?

 

I've never done work on a car before too, but I did it anyway. I'm not gonna pay someone else's time when I can do it myself. I can email you the instructions if you wanna try DIY.

 

Swaybar is dead easy. Bushes are much more complicated. At least do the swaybar yourself Bushes I'd get someone else to do it

 

How long does it takes for the bushing ?

 

Yeah if you would, that would be great!