You know what those torn mounts look like? I've seen this several times on Subaru Imprezas when people install the top mounts incorrectly with an inverted OEM conical washer. Basically the washer acts as an interface between the inner bearing face (the part that rotates) and the upper spring perch. It allows the upper spring perch to rotate freely. However, installing it upside down puts the large diameter side against the outer edge of the bearing race, the part that doesn't rotate. So the strut assembly rotates the entire rubber piece, respectively, twists it rather than rotating on the bearing. What you get is torn rubber mounts after a few thousand miles.

is there some kind of washer on the mini that mounts in between the bearing of the top hat and the upper spring perch?

 

My mechanic has been chasing this clunking sound for 2 days and all his shop did was grease or tighten the obvious then they replaced the strut mount bearings that were actually for a bmw like the earlier posts stated but my problem still remains and happens when I take off and brake sometimes. I have IE plates with koni yellows so with my mechanic being totally stumped anyone have any ideas what the problem might be lmk. Oh yeah I had to pay my mechanic over $800 dollars for his crew to perform a process of elimination. REALLY? My mechanic is great when it comes to factory equipment but is not ready for the Mini Cooper aftermarket world. Help please.

 

This happened to me, but I didn't over-torque it. I was using a torque wrench set to 25 ft/lbs and it just popped off the stud.

 

A very old thread, but you are pointing out the less than obvious. This explains all those with clunking and cracked rubber.