Suspension R56 lowering springs: options and specs
#51
Could the installer have put the fronts on the rear and vice versa? I've got H&Rs on my '07 R56 and my rear of the car doesn't look that high.
#54
Maybe the springs just hadn't settled in completely? How long have they been on the car (in miles)?
#55
Also, who makes the NAM springs?
#57
I have had them on for a few months now and although they dont seem to lower the MINI quite as much as what the H and Rs do, from what I can tell the ride quality is a bit better (based on reading/my interpretation). I havent really noticed the difference to stock sports suspension - the people who have been passengers that I did tell thought that they noticed the difference... the people who I didnt tell didnt seem to think the ride quality was different after I asked them... Then again they probably were moreso holding on as I was throwing them around corners
#58
I have had them on for a few months now and although they dont seem to lower the MINI quite as much as what the H and Rs do, from what I can tell the ride quality is a bit better (based on reading/my interpretation). I havent really noticed the difference to stock sports suspension - the people who have been passengers that I did tell thought that they noticed the difference... the people who I didnt tell didnt seem to think the ride quality was different after I asked them... Then again they probably were moreso holding on as I was throwing them around corners
#59
Its a bit strange. The initial hit with the TSWs feels very similar to the H&Rs, but thats where it ends. On large bumps the TSWs really soak up the impact while the H&Rs would either bottom out of just get REALLY harsh. I like the springs a lot, I just wish they were a little lower. I'm sure they'll get there as I drive. Should put another hundred miles on them today.
#60
I would agree... I just swapped the H&Rs for the TSWs on Saturday and I'm VERY impressed with the ride of the TSWs. I'm hoping they settle in nicely and then I'll be a 100% happy camper. There's no denying that these things will do well on the track however! I'll be looking forward to their first AutoX.
#61
#62
Ok, I have read through this whole thread and I haven't gained any clarity on which springs I should buy. I want to lower the car for better performance and aesthetic reasons as well. So, with this said, which springs should I choose. I think the H&Rs are out of the question because I think they lower the car too much. How much room is left before the bump stops hit? And has anyone had any problems with this?
#63
Ok, I have read through this whole thread and I haven't gained any clarity on which springs I should buy. I want to lower the car for better performance and aesthetic reasons as well. So, with this said, which springs should I choose. I think the H&Rs are out of the question because I think they lower the car too much. How much room is left before the bump stops hit? And has anyone had any problems with this?
#64
The biggest problem with the lowering springs is the stupid runflats. I put the H&Rs on my MINI about 10,000 miles ago and am very happy with them. With the stock runflats they were very harsh as the runflats give no absorbtion. Sunday I put new tires on my car that are not runflats and the difference is amazing. I'm not hitting the bump stops all the time and not cringing with each little dip and hole in the road. The H&Rs do lower the MINI quite a bit and there are some issues with sagging a few years down the road, but for me $100 in springs was much better than $1200 coil overs. One day I will get coilovers, but now is not that day unfortunately. When I got new tires I went with 205/50/16 so it actually put a little more room in my wheel wells and looks very good, and if they do start to sag in the future I still won't be rubbing my tires because of the extra half inch or whatever the shorter sidewall offers me. So just remember that runflats are really rough in themselves and will affect the way the car rides with your springs on.
#65
If you like the look of H&Rs but want a better ride, save your coin for coilovers. If you don't, your shocks/struts will likely need to be replaced in 10k miles anyway - between the cost of dampers and springs, you'll be close to the cost of coilovers and still not be as happy as you could have been.
#66
If you are serious about getting the springs try to find a club member near you who has the tools, knowledge and willingness to help you. Thats how I got mine because I wasn't going to pay $600 for 2 hours of work at some shop. For me thats the way to go and it may only cost you a 6 pack and some elbow grease
#67
Ok, is there anyone that lives in the south florida area willing to help me do this? $250 is a bargain and at least by the time my suspension needs to be replaced I'll have
A)the money saved
B)the justification to spend the money to change them
Any guy that is married and has a wife that just doesn't understand modding your car understands what I mean
A)the money saved
B)the justification to spend the money to change them
Any guy that is married and has a wife that just doesn't understand modding your car understands what I mean
#68
The biggest problem with the lowering springs is the stupid runflats. I put the H&Rs on my MINI about 10,000 miles ago and am very happy with them. With the stock runflats they were very harsh as the runflats give no absorbtion. Sunday I put new tires on my car that are not runflats and the difference is amazing. I'm not hitting the bump stops all the time and not cringing with each little dip and hole in the road. The H&Rs do lower the MINI quite a bit and there are some issues with sagging a few years down the road, but for me $100 in springs was much better than $1200 coil overs. One day I will get coilovers, but now is not that day unfortunately. When I got new tires I went with 205/50/16 so it actually put a little more room in my wheel wells and looks very good, and if they do start to sag in the future I still won't be rubbing my tires because of the extra half inch or whatever the shorter sidewall offers me. So just remember that runflats are really rough in themselves and will affect the way the car rides with your springs on.
#69
Also, is there any proof out there yet that says lowering springs shorten the life of the shocks? to me it just seems like a myth.
#70
from the research i've done the springs do not really degrade that much. obviously the newer the better, but i wouldn't be too put off by a set of springs with 10-15k on them.
as for the shocks, i think that's the honest truth. shorter springs make them work and compress more, and more frequent cycles means quicker lifespans. but i'm planing on having lowering springs only for a season or so until i can properly research (and afford) a decent set of coilovers.
as for the shocks, i think that's the honest truth. shorter springs make them work and compress more, and more frequent cycles means quicker lifespans. but i'm planing on having lowering springs only for a season or so until i can properly research (and afford) a decent set of coilovers.
#72
If you're doing springs for the first time, just be safe and rent one for free from AutoZone.
#74
#75
Just purchased and put on the NM Engineering Sport Springs. 1.18inch drop, progressive spring rate, and absolutely the best lowering spring I have ever used. Much better ride over stock, so much smoother and comfortable. No harshness, even under heavy load and over rough, potholed CT roads, these springs are truly amazing. I have about 500 miles on them from Saturday to today. I took 2 very long trips on them, both totaling over 5 hours of driving, and they never made me feel as though I made a bad decision buying them, they just made my confidence in the NM Engineering brand that much higher.
NM Eng is a product of Neuspeed, a reliable and well respected VW vendor as most of you know. I'm truly impressed with these springs and how they performed at the track yesterday.
Picture of me at Limerock Park, CT.
NM Eng is a product of Neuspeed, a reliable and well respected VW vendor as most of you know. I'm truly impressed with these springs and how they performed at the track yesterday.
Picture of me at Limerock Park, CT.