I finally decided to go ahead with lowering my 04' R53 MC S. For overall aesthetics, and the way I drive it sits way too high especially in the rear. I am looking forward to having a lowered look, a better center of gravity for higher speeds and tight cornering.

Speaking to two of my friends I have gathered this much information...
First my one friend recommended 1/2 inch in the rear in front to avoid rubbing. My other friend mentioned the R53 MC S stock alignment will be totally out of wack with lowering springs, and I will need to buy camber plates, since it is not going to be adequately adjustable with the factory set up.

I would appreciate more input on what to do, and what not to do based on your experiences. Recommendations on parts would be greatly appreciated as well.

Thanks

 

This will prob. Get moved into the suspension thread but before it does...

I have H-Sports and Koni yellows on my '05 MCSC which is prob. the more popular way to go simply because it's one of the least expensive. (you will loose some ride comfort but because the yellow's are adjustable with some time and effort you can get it pretty good) and there is nothing else to do to the front but allignment. (It may end up off ever so slightly but if I remember correctly it's off to the + and camber plates would add to the problem.) You will have to change to an adjustable control arm in the rear.

Also as far as the alignment goes no matter which setup you choose if you put the adjustable control arms in the rear make sure you find an alignment shop that knows what they're doing and will be willing to work with you. Because there is no spec. for the rear since the factory piece is non-adjustable some of the cookie cutter/chain stores won't allow their employees to do it.

 

Although lowering the car on stock struts lowers the center of gravity, it also reduces the amount of suspension travel you have, which can negatively impact cornering and ride quality. The Mini is already pretty much on the bumpstops stock, before you hit a bump or during body roll. You don't have much room for compliance as it is. Lowering the car works fine on smoother roads but handling and ride quality really take a hit on even semi-bumpy roads.

You will not "need" camber plates, but I would get them as they will make more of a difference in handling than the springs to be honest. It will also prevent mushrooming. For your uses, it sounds like the Ireland Engineering fixed camber plates would work well as they are still rubber and beefy but give you a nice bump in camber (not too much though). They will actually slightly improve ride quality while most adjustable metal ones will make it slightly worse. If you don't get camber plates, get something to stop the mushrooming since you're lowering the car and reducing travel.

Adjustable rear control arms are nice to have to get the alignment "perfect" which I'm a stickler for. H-sport and TSW arms are probably the most popular and seem very good. I'm trying the IE arms soon and we'll see how they do but the other 2 are very safe bets. Totally agree with the above post that you need to find a good alignment shop to work with.

I would get the spring with the least amount of drop personally. TSW springs from WayMotorWorks are a popular handling upgrade. Way has all the other stuff too.

- Andrew

 

Did someone say lowering a MINI

 

There are many options so you first need to think about an overall plan for modifications, budget, and driving. Try to develop an overall plan, even if it will take years to implement, so that you end up with parts that work well together.

If you just want to lower your Mini, mainly for looks, I would suggest around a 1" drop. That is the first mod I made to my first Mini (03 MCS). I had the springs before I had the new car and installed them the first weekend I had the car. I used the H&R springs with the stock shocks. The stock shocks will wear out faster with shorter springs. My stock shocks lasted but 40,000 miles with the H&R springs. I thought the ride was fine, at least for California roads. I think my 06 MCS with JCW springs/shocks rides stiffer than the 03 MCS with H&R springs. The 1" drop looked really nice and the car still had enough wheel travel to not be a problem. H&R or H-Sport (Hotchkis) are good options in the 1" range. They are about $230.

If you decide to drop around 1/2" to 3/4" there are various good options. The JCW spring/shock setup is great if you can find it for a good price. The TSW springs ($230) available through Way Motor Works are another great option.

Since you have an 04 your shocks are probably due to be replaced. Many people go with the adjustable Koni Yellows ($500) or the Koni FSD ($700) shocks.

With lowering you do not need front camber plates but you will probably want adjustable rear lower control arms to adjust the rear camber because it will have too much negative camber after lowering which will wear out the tires a little faster. I would suggest H-Sport or TSW both about $230 for the lower pair of arms.

Front camber plates are not necessary when lowering but due improve the handling. As suggested the fixed camber plates ($180) would probably be good for your application.

Another great suspension modification is a larger rear sway bar ($220). The size of the bar depends on whether you add front camber plates or not. A 19mm with front camber plates or a 25.5 hollow (tubular) without front camber plates. The 25.5 tubular is about the same as a 23mm solid bar. H-Sport or TSW are great choices.

Another route to go is a package that has springs, control arms, and rear bar. To that you can add shocks. You can also decide if you want to add front camber plates.

Checkout Way Motor Works for various options. Give them a call and they will help you decide what is best.