Im new to the Mini world, in terms of owning one, so I want to make sure that I have all bases covered before ordering the springs and going ahead with the installation.

I have some springs in mind (CravenSpeed) https://www.cravenspeed.com/performa...ings-for-mini/

For those that have done lowering springs on your F56/F55, is the installation pretty straight-forward? Other than the springs, will I need any other parts? I've done springs on other cars in the past but, this could be totally different.

Also, if someone knows of lowering springs that will give me an even lower drop than the CravenSpeed ones, please do share!

 

I have B14 coilovers and love them. The process was pretty straightforward though, springs or coils.

If you want lower, then coils are the way to go.

Just saying, with all the removing you are going to have to do it might be a good time to install a new sway bar

 

A sway bar was something I was thinking about, too. I like coilovers, however, the springs will give me the drop Im looking for, as I will be adding spacers. I have coilovers on my Viper. Its slammed and rides quite well, so I definitely know the advantages to coilovers.

 

The main difference (as far as installation) between springs and coil overs is with the springs you have to dis-assemble the front struts and re-assemble with the new springs. Coil overs is an easer job, but the more expensive option. If it's within your budget I would recommend the coil overs before springs. That being said, I have the NM springs installed with my OEM Sport struts and shocks. In combination with my other suspension mods I am very happy with the setup. Once the bank account allows I'll be going with coil overs.
The NM spring dropped it ~1.5" all around.

 

Thats slightly lower than the CravenSpeed's, which lower the car 1.25".

Which sway bar would you guys recommend?

 

I have the NM 22mm solid bar with NM end links. Several choices out there, but I'm happy with mine. All my suspension upgrades are NM.
Oops. Except for the CravenSpeed Big Pair.

 

 

Just ordered the NM springs, NM sway bar 22mm, NM strut brace and NM end links.

 

There you go! Get it all done at once

 

Good choice. I had the same setup on my car for over a year, and liked it pretty well. Though I did have the Sport suspension option- which supposedly includes firmer OEM dampers. I upgraded to ST coil overs recently. I need to write up a full review... but briefly... I do like them, but they're very stiff. Car is flat and handles great. But I really hesitate to take it for a drive over an hour. If OEM was a 5, NM was a 6, and this is a 8.

There are a few tricks to installation. I'm sure very common stuff for BMW / MINI people. Was new to me. I posted here with a few of the hiccups I found. I guess there is a special tool to remove the strut top hat, so I'd probably have both that AND a pass-thru ratchet on hand.

Enjoy.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4358533

 

Thank you for this. I have a lot of tools, but just in case (and you can never have too many!), I bought the ones you linked to in that thread.

 

Took the day to install all of these today. Car handles amazingly and looks really good. Still havent found the right wheels, so Im probably going to add some spacers for the time being.

Having alignment done tomorrow and muffler delete Friday. Next week the top is being wrapped.

 

Now you are talking!!

Looks great!

 

Thanks, buddy!

 

Looking good. I would recommend you drive it for a week to let the springs settle in before getting the alignment though. After I put about 300 miles on it we put it on the machine and the alignment was still within spec.

 

Thanks for info. Will do this.

 

Looks great!!!

 

Thank you.

 

Looks good! I'm digging those wheels actually. Not a bad plan to go with spacers. At least until you find your one true love wheel.

 

Im actually surprised you didnt need spacers. When I got my coils on, it was pretty apparent the wheels would be rubbing without at least 5mm of space added

 

The springs are still settling, for sure. Especially in the front. Havent had any issues with rubbing at all. I worry more about that once I find the wheel I want, and I think Im pretty close to pulling the trigger on a set.

 

Nice, the issue for me was the back wheels

I think the cylinder for my coils were bigger causing the need for spacers.

 

It'll all come down to the offset. And the profile if you have the BBK. I have et40 wheels and don't have a problem.
NM RSe05 17X7.5 et40

 

Here are the wheels im looking at. I've seen these on one or two other F56's. I know they will fit.

http://www.urotuning.com/fifteen52-R...mac.112.17.htm

 

Very cool! They look like the ones the US Mini Cooper race team uses