Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum. I wanted to lower my car just for looks so with all the positive things I've heard about H&R Sport springs, I bought and installed it. I test drove the car after intalling and I was hearing noises(like knocking) when I hit bumps . I went back home and remembered not tightening the 3 nuts on the strut tower. So I thought since I heard people tell me to torque....I used my torque wrench........"tok"....damn!! I overtorqued and broke the bolts of the strut top hat called MINI and they told me it was $155 + tax. How stupid can I be! He asked me if cut the bumpstops, I said no. He said it could be the cause of the noise. I guess my question is should I cut the bumpstops? all four? how short? should I use a torque wrench for tightening all my nuts and bolts? I'm so depressed right now and I would really appreciate any of your opinions. Thank you so much

 

We installed NM Springs on my car and they too said to cut the bumps stops but we didn't. No noise here.

Also, you should always use your torque wrench to ensure the bolts are tightened to the correct torque setting. For those nuts on top of the strut tower it should be 25 ft-lbs.

 

I never cut any when I had H&Rs on... double check everything

 

Sounds like you broke the camber plate. For that much money, go ahead and spend for the aftermarket ones that adjust ($250+) from promini or ebay. Just don't get the IE ones.

 

Thanks for all your input.

Iwashmycar, so even with passengers you never bottomed out? I'm just concerned because I have a daughter and a wife and we sometimes use the car to travel about 100 miles back and forth. Since i'm replacing the front strut top hat, i wanted to do necessary changes now while i'm at it, than find out later that i have to cut it and everything all over againn

Does anyone experience bottoming out with H&R sport on their r56?

 

i never did... my tires would hit the wheel wells before it bottomed out, though i have different aftermarket higher offset wheels.

i think passengers were fine too IIRC. im now on much lower coilovers and Im pretty sure it bottoms out now

 

Thanks Adam. Will it affect the car if I cut it though? How's the ride on your vmaxx coilover compared to H&R sport?

 

ride is very similar. BUT im also comparing stock struts to VMaxx, which means VMaxx's really arent that impressive lol. Theyre pretty noisy too...lots of creaks and clunks

Im not sure cutting the bumpstops will really affect anything... Im pretty sure you shouldnt have to though... if it hits them it would really be a big bump, and them you may want them.

 

Okay thanks for the advice. I really like your set up especially your old one when you were on H&R; your wheels really match your car. For a second there i thought it was a JCW. Mine also has the aero kit but in pepper white, black roof and mirrors. But i have a 17" gloss black crown spoke which i'm starting to dislike after seeing your rims lol! I'll post some pix after i fix her up.

 

Jeff Pics pls.

 

Don't understand the IE comment The IE fixed camber plates are extreamly popular and are a great upgrade for the 2nd gen mini. They are made with a heaver bearing than the stock plus give about -1.6 camber which the car really works well with. Also, they are not as harsh riding as the adjustables....what's not to like...and yes I have a set.

 

Still waiting for pics