I'm pretty sure I've seen a thread discussing what I'm about to ask, but my searching skills seem to be failing me as I can't find it for the life of me. Anyways, the R56 MCS seems to sit wayyyyyy too high for my liking, looking sort of like an SUV from some angles. For those of you who have lowered your MCS', how different it the ride quality? Have you had any problems with your stock suspension components? And how much does it help in the handling department? Thanks in advance!

 

Yeah, there are a couple threads in the Mods section... But I'll still answer a couple of yer' questions:

1. Not much when compared to the Sport Suspention (stock will be more of a noticable difference in ride stiffness, I would bet) - the front bottoms easier than stock, but as long as I watch the nasties around town (deep potholes/speedbumps), it's fine. Since the car is lower (duh!) the front air deflector lip under the front bumper is now really-really low. I've only touched it once though (unavoidable debris on the road) and it's flexible, so no major issue. Just take those driveways slow and at about a 45-degree angle.

2. Nope, no problems.

3. Tons - I noticed a bunch of mid-corner bump stear in my car when pushed hard (bumps cause enough camber change during suspension travel, that the car changes it's line a bit). Now that its lowered... no more bump steer. Turns in great and holds the line. Under heavy braking, the tail would feel a little flightey, too. Upon turn in, it was a fine line between grip and oversteer. Controllable (and fun), but now the increased negative camber in the rear has the back end feeling a little more planted when turning in hard after coming off the binders. I did not go for the adjustable control arms ($250-400 more), since after lowering the MINI shows less negative camber than either of my dad's BMWs, so I figure it's fine for the MINI, too (I'll just be sure and watch the inside edge of that rear tire and rotate often).

Oh, and it looks GREAT, too!

 

What kind of springs did you get and if you don't mind, how much with install?

 

H&R's.

Just under $500 installed (but I overpaid a bit for the springs - wanted it done as soon as possible and there was only one place locally who could get them in right away).

 

I saw some M7 springs on their r56, the ride hight was nice

 

If you're talking about the yellow car... that's their full coilover setup. You get about another 1/2-of drop and full adjustability... but the set is $1500 before installation.

 

I also have H&R springs on my R56, with 1.0 dead coils cut in back to compensate for no sunroof or rear seats. The ride suppleness, as Trinity07 can attest to as I gave her a ride this weekend, is barely different from stock. The handling balance is the same as stock, very neutral. Torque steer has been greatly reduced due to the lowered roll center of the front suspension. The only negative is it's 1.5" harder to see your car in a crowded parking lot, LOL.



If you're on the fence, BUY THEM, there will be no regrets, honestly.
Cheers,
Ryan