January 02 production code 2002 Mini Cooper Struts

[Joe Mac]

Hi all. I have an early production year 2002 Mini cooper. Im replacing the front struts while I have the transmission out to do the clutch. apparently my struts are a little different from those produced after march of 2002. the sway bar end link mounts to the base of the strut spring plate, but post 03/02 the end link attaches to the strut tube. does anyone know if I can use post 03/02 struts on my car and simply change the sway bar end link with the appropriate sway bar link? I prefer to use an aftermarket strut assembly.

[Luccia at Pelican Parts]

Do you have the sport suspension? From this diagram: https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=RC33-USA-01-2002-R50-Mini-Cooper&diagId=31_0594

These might be the ones if you don't have sport suspension:

Front left: https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/31306759245BOE.htm?pn=31-30-6-759-245-BOE&bt=Y&fs=0&SVSVSI=6313

Front right: https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/31306759246BOE.htm?pn=31-30-6-759-246-BOE&bt=Y&fs=0&SVSVSI=6313

Sport suspension will be:

Front Left: https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/31306759247BOE.htm?pn=31-30-6-759-247-BOE&bt=Y&fs=0&SVSVSI=6313

Front right: https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/31306759248BOE.htm?pn=31-30-6-759-248-BOE&bt=Y&fs=0&SVSVSI=6313

You can always give us a call and we can search for you by vin.