My 2005 JCW convertible has 120k miles on it and the struts need replaced. I am going with the Koni red active shocks. Because this is a convertible and a daily driver, I don’t want to make it any stiffer and it already handles good enough. I am putting the plates underneath strut towers and installing the M7 upper plates with cross brace.

My question is what should I also replace while I have the suspension apart? What typically wears out on the Mini after it gets over 100k miles? Things like bushing, ball joints, and tie rod ends. I don’t mind spending extra money, but I only want to pay for one alignment!



My '05 JCW Cabrio at the Twin Arrows Outpost in Arizona

 

Does any know if the MEVOTECH CMK100003 rear control arms come in a set or sold individually? $91.79 seems really cheap for two control arms! Rock Auto says "sold in pairs" and I don't know what that means

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...30887&jsn=2415

 

You should replace whatever parts are worn. Put it up in the air and check.

Your lower front control arm bushings and all the upper strut mount bushings probably wore out a while ago.

A pair means two. Why are you looking at adjustable arms?

 

Adjustable rear control arms are only necessary if you intend to change the camber on the rear wheels. You would only need one per side to do that, hence the "pair." There is no need for a camber adjustment on a daily driver. On the front suspension you can change the tie rod ends and outer ball joints without too much trouble. However, the front inner ball joints and control arm bushings take quite a bit more effort and disassembly.

 

Because the price difference between the adjustable and non-adjustable is only $88.42. Two pair of adjustable arms cost $183.58 ($91.79 x 2) and four non-adjustable are $95.16 ($23.79 x 4). The only drawback to the adjustable arms is it may be harder to align and they don't flex which may be beneficial to a convertible? I would replace both the top and bottom with the adjustable arms. The reason I am replacing the rear trailing arms is because they are probably worn out and I am upgrading to the aluminum trailing arms while rebuilding the suspension. I got the whole kit for $35 and a local pull & pay. I am replacing all of the strut mounts and shock boots.

The Mevotech CMK100003 look like they are just as good as any other adjustable control arm on the market. Plus they have rubber bushing instead of poly urethane which would be better for my application.

So I guess my new question is how much of a waste of money is the extra $88.42 to get the better arms or would I be better served with the non-adjustable arms?

Thanks for the replies!

 

I can't think of any benefit to running adjustable arms on a stock height daily. You should already have enough camber adjustment on the rear with the eccentric bolt.

I'm actually not sure what the normal lifespan of those bushings is. I still have stock upper arms, but I only have 76k miles on mine. They're still fine.

Edit: Another thought. If it were me, I wouldn't go replacing anything that isn't worn. I know you said it already handles well, but I would put that money towards camber plates. Minis really benefit from some extra front camber, both for handling and tire wear. They're really set up for understeer. I also always burned the outsides of my front tires off before I added more camber. If all you do is cruise around, and it tracks straight, then I wouldn't bother though.