Mini Cooper ride is super harsh and noisy – any idea what's worn out?
I love my 2014 Mini Cooper S but lately the ride has become unbearably stiff, and I hear a low clunking from the front every time I go over a small bump or expansion joint on the roads here in Abu Dhabi. I've checked the tire pressures and they're fine, so I'm guessing the shocks or strut mounts are shot, but I don't want to just start replacing parts without a proper diagnosis. A friend mentioned fixing mini cooper stiff ride and suspension noise usually involves more than just swapping shocks, like checking the lower control arm bushings and the top mounts. I found Suspension Repair Dubai's Mini Cooper page online, but I'm hoping to find a local shop in the capital that really understands these cars. Has anyone here dealt with a rough-riding Mini and actually solved it? What was the culprit in your case? I'd love to get this sorted before summer really hits.