Mini Cooper 2001-2006: Shock Reviews and How to Install

This article applies to the Mini Cooper/Cooper-S (2001-2006).

Your Mini's suspension is comprised of many, constantly moving components. Many of these components are wear and tear items and need regular maintenance or replacement. One of the most important components are the shocks or "struts." These units are paired up with a loaded spring and installed on all four corners of the vehicle. They are the responsible for the smoothness in the ride when going over bumps and undulations in the road you travel. When shocks or struts are "blown," they will often make sounds or even create a very harsh, or excessively bouncy, ride for you and your passengers. Luckily, there are several options available to you when it comes to replacement or maintenance. You have the option of staying with the factory units and having them swapped out at the dealership. Often, this can be the pricier route. Therefore, many aftermarket companies have created several applications available to different models with some compatibility. It's wise to research the different options available and learn which setup suits your needs and style best.

Table of Contents

• How to Replace Your Struts
• Featured Videos
• Struts Review

How to Replace Your Struts

Step 1 – Lift vehicle

In order to work on the struts, you'll need to loosen the lugs nuts on the wheels (17mm) and raise the car above level ground using a hydraulic jack. You must then also chock the rear wheels and secure the frame with jack stands. Remove the wheels and set aside.

(Related Article: How to Jack Up Your Car - NorthAmericanMotoring.com)

Step 2 – Remove strut assemblies

There are several bolts to consider when removing the front strut assembly. There are retaining clips for the ABS brake lines which need to be removed. Sway bar link, lower ball joint and tie rod end bolts also need to be removed. Lastly, the upper strut mount bolts under the hood will need to be removed. You should also consider discarding the old and worn strut mounts and replacing with new ones before the reinstall. The rear struts will require a long combination of extensions to access the upper strut mount bolts. A single pinch bolt holds the lower strut to the trailing arm.

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Step 3 – Decompress springs

Using the spring compressor tool, compress the spring until the load has appreciably lightened on the top hat. From there, remove the upper strut nut with a 6mm hex key and a 13mm wrench. After the strut top has been removed, separate the spring and strut.

Step 4 – Replace shocks

Reassemble your new struts and compressed springs, and then tighten down the top hat and strut top nut until it bottoms out. Give the assembled strut a little shake to ensure that everything is in place, then slowly decompress the spring.

Step 5 – Reinstall shock/strut assembly

Now that the new unit is assembled with new shocks and/or new springs, guide it up under the fender well. Line up the top of the strut and secure the three strut tower bolts, and then hammer the strut back into the knuckle. Reinstall the sway bar link, tie rod end bolts and lower ball joint bolts. Slide the ABS brake lines into their retaining clips and secure with bolts. Don't forget to install the new strut mounts first!

With everything reassembled, put the wheel back on, drop the car down and head over to your local tire and alignment shop for a fresh alignment.

Featured Videos

• MINI 2002-2006 Coilover Install

• MINI R50/53 Rear Shock Replacement

Struts Reviews

A worn out strut/shock can really hinder the ride comfort and quality of your Mini cooper. Over time, if the failed strut/shock is not addressed, it can affect other components such as the springs, tie rods and/or control arms. Using quality products the first time will yield a better experience and improve the handling as well as comfort of your ride. With all the options available on the market today, it could be difficult to choose the right strut for you. Use this article as a guide to make an informed decision.

	Koni Yellows/Sports	Koni FSD	Bilstein Sports	Stagg	OEM
Price	$630	$688	$635	$200	$160
Adjustable (Y/N)	Y	N	N	N	N
Ride Quality	Smooth Sport	Comfort	Sport	Smooth	Standard
Lowering Spring Friendly (Y/N)	Y	N	Y	N	N
Warranty	Lifetime	Lifetime	Limited Lifetime	Lifetime	Limited

Koni Yellows/Sports

Price – $630

Adjustable (Y/N) – Y

Ride Quality – Smooth Sport

Lowering Spring Friendly (Y/N) – Y

Warranty – Lifetime

These are an entry-level adjustable shock absorber, offering rebound adjustment. They are also commonly paired with aftermarket sport and lowering springs. Because they are designed for firmer springs, they are stiffer than the original Mini struts, but seeing as they are adjustable, it can be tuned for comfort when you don't want to win the autocross, or rip up the canyon roads. These are definitely going to be the best combination of comfort, handling and performance. Recommended for people looking for the sportiest option.

Koni FSD

Price – $688

Adjustable (Y/N) – N

Ride Quality – Comfort

Lowering Spring Friendly (Y/N) – N

Warranty – Lifetime

These struts are being considered the "best street shock." The dampening on these struts is indicated by the name, "FSD," which stands for frequency selective dampening. FSD technology means that the struts are tuned to smooth out ripples and small impacts in the road surface, offering a smooth ride on the interstate, while maintaining a smooth damping curve when the road gets curvy. These are not as stiff as the Yellows, and are not adjustable. Recommended for someone looking for an exceptionally smooth and competent handling Mini.

Bilstein Sports

Price – $635

Adjustable (Y/N) – N

Ride Quality – Sport

Lower Spring Friendly (Y/N) – Y

Warranty – Limited Lifetime

The Bilsteins are directly comparable with the Koni Yellows in terms of ride quality, but the Bilsteins are on the stiffer side of things. Unlike the Koni, they are non-adjustable, so what you get is what you get. Many people praise the Bilsteins for their firm, Germanic feel. These can be paired with a mild lowering spring without consequence. Recommended for someone wanting a firmer ride out of the box, and doesn't want to deal with shock tuning.

Stagg

Price – $200

Adjustable (Y/N) – N

Ride Quality – Smooth

Lowering Spring Friendly (Y/N) – N

Warranty – Lifetime

Stagg was one of the first aftermarket companies to have suspension parts developed for the Mini. These shocks are designed to be slightly firmer than the original Mini units. They can be paired with a mild lowering spring, but are really optimized for the stock Mini springs. Compared to any of the other aftermarket offerings, these are appreciably less expensive. Recommended for those looking for the budget aftermarket shock.

OEM

Price – $160

Adjustable (Y/N) – N

Ride Quality – Standard

Lowering Spring Friendly (Y/N) – N

Warranty – Limited

This option is a no-brainer if you're trying to replace worn out shocks with OEM units for purpose of maintenance. It's exactly what the car came with, so their should be no surprises in the dynamics department. While these are the least expensive shocks in this comparo, dealer prices are all over the place for these, and your best bet may be online. Just a heads-up, if you plan on hitting the dealership, don't be surprised if there is some serious sticker shock. Recommended for people who want a no-frills replacement item.

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