First things first, yes I searched, but in all honesty I'm working 2 jobs right now and have a baby (job 3) to help care for so advice is much appreciated. Time is just not on my side these days.

I just purchased my first Mini, this 2005 MCSC from a private party. See mods in sig. A couple weeks later after a trip to my Mini mechanic I learn I need new shocks in the rear - not leaking but definitely at the end of their lives. Please spare me the lecture about not getting them thoroughly inspected pre purchase, thanks. I didn't notice any symptoms during the test drives. 85k miles might as well replace all 4.

My question is, knowing that money IS a factor and this is my daily driver not a toy or track car, what setup do I go for?

A) Replace with OEM from a low mileage junkyard vehicle?
B) Replace with Big O/Discount Tire Monroe 'standard issue'?
C) Replace with ________ shocks?
D) Coilovers, probably used to keep cost down?

I hesitate on D) simply because I've never had them and I'm not looking to slam my Mini, though I know they're adjustable. Don't know a ton about them yet. If the stock shocks are out how much life are still left in the springs is the reason I consider D an option given cost is not too high. Looking for an option that will provide a good comfortable yet sporty ride with good shelf life and a reasonable price tag.

Best place to buy and est. price would be greatly appreciated with any recommendations. Thanks in advance!

 

On a separate note, those whom have had their stock struts fail...I'm curious at what mileage they failed?

 

If you can do the labor yourself check Pelican Parts, they have Bilstein touring struts for a reasonable price. These are for a stock like replacement

 

Option A - Would be your cheapest choice, though I'd be hesitant to use old worn shocks from a junked vehicle.
Option B - is an good option if you don't want to do any of the work yourself. I'm not very familiar with Monroe products though. What are they charging you?
Option C - FSD shocks are very popular but don't come with the springs, so you'll need to reuse your old springs.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/koni-fsd-shocks.html
Option D - Way sells some coilover options that aren't bad at all.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/vmaxx-c...s-r50-r53.html
These cost less than $700 and you get enough for all 4 corners. If you are mechanically inclined, the install can be completed in a couple hours, if that.

 

If you're running on stock springs the FSD's are probably your best all around choice, great ride & long lasting, but if money is your only concern then yes just price out any OEM replacement, but be forwarned they prob. will not last as long.
And since you're not the original owner, and don't really know how or where the car was driven, 85k on the originals is not suprising. You really don't have to worry about replacing the springs for at least double your milage or more, if you're talking stricktly maintenance related.

 

A long time ago, I replaced the stock shocks at 90000 miles in our Mazda Protege, with Monroes.
The result was a ride floaty to the point of nausea.
Much better experience with Bilstein, KYB, Koni.

 

Dont know if they're compatible but I've got the full (minus upper perches front/rear) 06 R53 SS with 45k on it sitting in a box.

 

If you are planning to keep the car, I would recommend going with new shocks. Shocks are a wear part and even if you get used ones that aren't leaky, they may be failing internally and you'll end up wasting a bunch of money trying to save it.

If you want to save a couple of bucks, I recommend installing the rear shocks yourself. It's pretty simple with a few proper hand tools and jack stands (remember--safety first).

 

Great feedback all, thanks! At this point after a litte more research I'm considering:

A) To keep cost down, some used 45k-60k OEM struts generously offered by Fly'n Brick and submitaweasel (though submitaweasel and I didn't formally work something out yet) Anyone know if the 06 R53 SS setup is compatible with my 05 R52?

B) Use this as an opportunity to upgrade to Koni FSDs assuming that there is significant ride and handling improvement over stock setup (to justify cost in my mind and to the wife) From what I hear, the upgrade is worth it. I'm fine sticking with stock springs.

C) For essentially the same price as B, go with VMaxx coilovers. Just don't know enough about them yet. How long do they last? Is there a 'stock' ride height setting or do you automatically lower the ride height by installing? Finally, while I'd love the ability to easily lower the car an inch or so when I feel like it, I'm not interested in buying add'l part like camber plates, changing camber settings etc to accommodate for a lowered ride. If that is necessary, option C is out.

Thank

 

bOOsted_05, first off I have to congratulate you on a perfectly asked initial post!

Concerning coilovers, I have had it from many sources, including vendors, that Megans are much better than V-Maxx's and they do include camber plates.

Beautiful car... Welcome to MINI!

 

Thanks much Melangell I've decided to go with the Koni FSDs as I found a smokin deal on a set. Thanks for all the valuable input here it really helped. Happy motoring.

 

I just did this on my '04 and it was well worth the costs.
I plan to keep my MINI for many years so the life time warranty from Koni is also important.

 

Great to hear. Easy install? Any tips before I dive in there? Alignment necessary after install correct?

 

New or used? I've got 70K on my OEMs. Have a set of low mileage OEM, but have heard good things about the FSDs.

 

New FSDs

 

you should like the FSD's..much more family friendly!!
I have them, and I like them. I had them installed, but you might need new front strut mounts...can get them pretty $, but they are MINI specific..prices vary, but they all seem to be from the same OEM....a few other rubber bit were swapped out for like another $5 or so...comparing the old to the new, you could see the change is height from the compression/hardening of the rubber.
my car/tire wear was fine after the install, no alignment, but it IS recommended, especially if you have higher miles.

 

Family friendly is good but the FSDs DO provide better handling, grip and an all around sportier performance, correct? All while soaking up road bumps better than stock. I'll be on the OEM sport springs.

Re: Front strut mounts - Is it obvious when these need to be replaced? Don't want to spend more than I need to but if it's something that needs to be replaced might as well do it while the shocks are out.

 

When the Tire Rack tested the Koni FSD against OEM dampers and Koni Sport (Yellows) on their BMW, the FSD's were virtually tied with the Sports in handling and much better than OEM in both handling and ride.

www.tirerack.com/suspension/tests/koni_fsd_b.jsp

 

Consider the IE fixed camber plates from WayMotorWorks.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/ireland...e-r50-r53.html

Stock is not much cheeper, considering you need 2.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/front-u...d-bearing.html

 

Just inserting these DIY links in case you want to save a little money and install those Koni shocks yourself!

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm

 

^ Thanks, will do!

 

I think i sold something to weasel, far as i know hes a good dude.

 

That's great! Any link for the rear install?

 

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm

 

Whoops. I completely missed everything in this thread since my initial post glad my stockers weren't needed

Thanks for the kind words Colin.