Two types of strut top mount?

[warch]

I own one of the first Minis, its on a 51 plate. One of my top mount bearings seized so I let my local garage at it and thought no more about it. They've rung me back telling me the part they ordered in to replace it won't fit, nor would a part listed for this age of vehicle they got in from another supplier. The part they've got seems to require a longer threaded section on the top of the shock.

Whats going on? I've looked on the net and can only find one type of top mount too. Has my car got some weird mutant suspension that was discontinued years ago. Has anyone got any advice on this?

[DanGT]

I would talk to your local BMW dealer, thay should be able to give you the correct part number for your car (From the number plate) and tell you if there was an updated set of parts fitted to latter cars. (You can always get the parts from some were else or get the part form them and fitted by some else). The only other posibilty is some one moded your car?

[warch]

The car doesn't appear to have been modified in any way, I've had the part ordered through BMW as suggested (at a very reasonable cost compared to non genuine), they've used my VIN to identify it. I suspect very early MINI's had some kind of issue with the front struts which lead to a change of design and my car predates this. Fingers crossed they can get the earlier part, its getting too cold to ride a motorbike every day...

[helix402]

The top mounts were changed for modified ones to prevent steering pull. When the early type fails you should have the late type fitted.

[warch]

helix402 said:

The top mounts were changed for modified ones to prevent steering pull. When the early type fails you should have the late type fitted.

Thanks for that, I've had a like for like replacement fitted, apparently the modification requires different struts (with longer threaded bits on the top) but I'll bear that in mind if it needs doing again.