Okay, so I'm just about ready to take the plunge and do my first mod to my R56. Hopefully, it's painfully obvious to everyone that it's going to be a suspension mod. I had been researching like a scientist with rabies since before my new R56 even arrived, and I had narrowed the product line down to the following:

1. TSW Springs
2. M7 Coilovers or Outmotoring Coilovers (leaning toward Outmotoring, if I go this route)

So this has been my main dilemma through all of this...

I'm not looking to "slam" my car, really. I just want to get rid of some of the nasty wheel gap without compromising my handling and with minimal compromise to the ride quality. The big issue is that since this is my daily driver, and more than likely never see a race track (at least not any time soon), I've been having a hard time justifying spending $1k+ on a decent set of coilovers. On the flip side I can't really justify doing a mod (i.e., springs) that will damage stock components to the point that will HAVE to be replaced. (Thus spending close to the same money in the long run.)

So after much looking around and talking to lots of folks, I think I've finally settled on the idea of getting some TSW springs. The trouble is that I'm concerned about whether the .75" drop in the rear will yield the cosmetic result I'm looking for.

So with this in mind, I went searching for pictures of R56 MINI's with TSW springs that were fully settled. This has proven to be very hit & miss, and I've only found a handful of images. So if anyone, could possibly help me out by posting some pictures of their R56 with TSW's or sending my links to other images and such I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Jared

 

 

So you have the TSW springs SK8BRD? I have been debating these springs myself. I love the stance of your car. How is the ride compared to stock or Sport?

 

Sweet! Thanks SK8BRD! How is the ride after you've broken them in a bit? Still nice? They look great! Not too much and not too little. Just enough to get rid of the nasty gap.

Edit: Quick question SK8BRD... are you still running them on your OEM struts?

 

Recent update:

After some playing around with some gaffers tape on the wheel wells, I think that the TSW's might be the ticket. Still considering some coilovers, but the TSW's are up there.

Edit - more pictures would be awesome!

 

I

 

SK8BRD is a November 2007 build. OEM sport package struts, TSW springs for the last 5000+ miles. Wheels are 17" BBS (custom chromed) with 215/40 Kumho AST tires. I have 15" Flik Blast wheels for the track.

Ride is much better than stock. There is an article in this edition of Alliance that has more info on my TSW spring experience.

 

Yeah, I read the article. (It was really funny, BTW . The 'starship enterprise' - I'll never get over it!) I assumed that was before you had any significant amount of mileage on it.

 

I have the R56 TSW Springs, excellent ride and the drop I wanted.

If you have not read the TSW thread, follow this link. This drops you in at page 7 when the pictures start.

Don

I will take some updated pictures next week, since it has warmed up for a few day.

Look for them at the orig. TSW thread.

 

Thank you all for the input and advice! After some heavy consideration (and lots of playing with gaffers tape ) I think the TSW's are going to be the way to go here. I think the TSW "cult" following says a lot.