4 replies to this topic

[DEPS]

Hi,

 

Looking to replace the old Speedex beam axle on my road going mini with a traditional subframe.

 

The car is only an occasional driver and is in extremely good condition and we have no intention of selling it!

 

The question is therefore; what is the best subframe to buy both in terms of fit, durability and overall quality?

 

Initially I was just thinking of going to Mini Spares/Mini Sport and buying a "genuine" subframe (which I assume is a BMH one, please correct me if I am wrong?).

 

However, whilst looking at M-Machine's on line catalogue I see they also do a rear subframe which at £234 inc vat is much cheaper than the genuine at £442 from Mini Spares. I have read on several occasions that M-Machine panels are extremely good. So, does anyone have any experience of using their subframes and how do they compare with others?

 

I want to fit the best, but as I need to add Hi-Lo's and donuts to the shopping list £234 sounds better than  £442!

[robminibcy]

Best is heratige. I've personally not used anything else but if other parts are anything to go by the fit will be a challenge. It's often hard enough to get the genuine ones to fit!

[leyland73]

Heritage, expensive, but for a long term ownership should be the only choice, treat it well with por15 and cavity wax and it will last a lifetime.

[Midas Mk1]

Used a sportspack M machine one a few years back, spot on! Paint it and itll be as good as a heritage one..

Edited by Midas Mk1, 20 June 2018 - 07:01 AM.

[Boycie]

I fitted a heritage frame to a Clubman a few years back.  It wasn't finished as nicely as I'd hoped.  Lots of rough welds, sharp corners and patchy paint.  I know it's a only a lump of metal that sits underneath the car, but I was expecting better for the vast price.  I also know that the fit is the main concern and this particular 'heritage' part needed plenty of shoving and levering to get things to line up.

I've used plenty of aftermarket 'frames in the past and only ever had one major issue- that was positive camber on one side, remedied by altering the arm bracket until I was happy.

Best option?  An original Unipart item of course!  I've just fitted an original (80s I think..) rear subframe to my City.  I bought it as a solid, scruffy frame, had it blasted then painted it in Dacrylate QD3, a tough general use paint.  It went straight on to the car with only a little bit of screwdriver levering at the front, literally one corner was a mm or so out.

 

20180616_202814 by David James, on Flickr

 

20180616_202826 by David James, on Flickr

 

Shiny frame on a scruffy car