I tried to do everything all at once-
Struts
Ireland Engineering fixed camber top hats
Power flex LCA's
Power flex f&r sway bar bushings
Inner & outer ball joints
Rear strut top donuts

 

I put a set of FSD's on my mini when it had around 100,000 miles on it. HUGE different in ride quality and handling. The stock springs should be fine....no reason at all to swap them out.

If I had to do it all over again, I would still pick the FSD's. The ride is very firm and controlled, but not harsh like I've heard the KONI Sports can be.

I have around 140,000 miles on my mini now...and the FSD's still ride very nice.

 

Cool, thanks ill keep all of this in mind when I am doing the struts. I got alot of those done last month through.

 

Anytime!

Thank you for your order and if you need anything please let me know.

 

Just got my big check today so I will be placing my order for the B4 this week. Cant wait!

 

Pelican - On those strut mounts I see you offer a few different ones. Do you think its best to go with the OEM MINI ones or pay less for the others? Also what about the stops and pads can I go aftermarket on those or will I notice a difference??

 

Stick with OEM Supplier or Genuine on the mounts (front and rear). The OEM Supplier Lemforder strut/shock mounts are very well priced and are a sufficient replacement. For the bump stops Genuine. For the spring pads I'd just stick with Genuine since the pricing points compared to the aftermarket ones are not that much of a difference.

 

Thanks, I still have a few questions. When you say the rear shock mounts are you referring to the mount or the mount bushing? Are the powerflex bushings better than OEM? And the spring pads .. do I need upper and lower for both front and rear?

 

The rear shock mount bushing kit, but yes you could go with the Powerflex bushing set HERE as a great performance alternative. Not only do Powerflex bushings give you better handling and performance, they're also more cost-effective than OEM bushings. Our full suspension kits include both the upper and lower spring pads for the front and rear suspension. You may not need them and can inspect yours to see the condition that they're in. We include them in the kit because you'll be in there for that job so you might as well replace/refresh all that you can while everything is apart.

 

I would try the Powerflex bushings for the rear shock mounts .Rebuilt my rear suspension last year with new OEM parts all around except for Koni FSD shocks...

The OEM foam bushings failed within three months, bought another set ( both Lemfoerder) and they failed also, within months.I think they need to use a higher durometer foam.I'm going to the Powerflex even though I am sure they will transmit a bit more noise.

They just crush and don't rebound, leading to clunking at the tops of the shocks which is very irritating not to mention tough on the shocks which are not cheap.
And remember to get new bolts for your strut mount plates.Save yourself some trouble and annoyance.

 

Thanks again I really appreciate all of your help as always!

 

Anytime, Steffen. Glad I could help. If you have any other questions just let me know.

 

Will do

 

I'm jumping on the bandwagon here. We have an '04 that is feeling like it could use some ride help. Thanks for the list of parts that are needed.

A slightly off topic question - I have a set of the Bilstien sport shocks I bought used for my 2012 S and the blue corregated dirt/dust shields are damaged on both front shocks. Does anyone know where to get replacements? Thanks for any help with this.

 

We have the OE suspension protection boots HERE, but Bilstein's look to be a bit larger. I called Bilstein and they stated they do not have those boots for sale separately as the strut is assembled in Germany as a whole unit and shipped out.

 

I suppose that is understandable as there is probably almost no call for them. I had thought about trying the stock ones but I think you may be right about the stock ones being smaller. You gave me another thought which is to put a WTB in the market place. In the NE here I have to believe I am better off having them installed than not; the salt kills anything not covered.

Thanks for checking.

 

I decided on the Bilstein B4 after all. I will be placing order this weekend!

 

Pardon my ignorance. The B4 struts are the touring class?

 

Yes, correct.

 

Ok cool thanx

 

Yes, from what Pelican is saying they are a direct OEM replacement from Bilstien called the B4 Touring.

 

But better...

 

True! Are you going this route?

 

I have not yet decided. I had a set of the FSDs on my '07S and really liked them. Now, with 55K on our '04, I had thought to put the FSDs on that car too. But with what people are saying about the B4s and the cost difference I am giving them a hard look. I need to do the exhaust first. Once it warms up and I get that done, then I'll decide.

 

I hear you man. The price is surely something that makes me second guess the FSD purchase.