I've been going back and forth between these two springs. I'm looking for a mild drop and don't plan on changing the sport struts immediately. TSW looks like the right choice but NM is just a tad lower and looks better I think. Help me decide!
I'm doing new tires & 17" rims as well so I'm def on a budget. Should I just go for the NM springs? I have to drive in crappy roads A LOT too........

 

NM all the way. Good luck!

 

We are bias toward the TSW springs since we make them. But since they only lower the car 3/4 inch you maintain shock travel to keep a good ride and still have the shock working. Also the TSW's are linear, not progressive so they are more predictable and out perform other springs.
Now I do still like the NM springs as a second choice as it will give you more lowering and still rides well, but thing in real performance and handling the TSW will win out.

I do recommend these over ALL the others available.

 

Another option would be the Swift R56 Spec-R springs. I am running them now, I was running an original set of TSW R56 Springs, I liked them a lot.

Either in my book, I have heard good things about the NM springs too, I might put a set of NMs on the Countryman.

Don

 

I went with NM's on my Coupe and love them. Are they better? Are they the best? I can't say and the truth is none of us probably truly can. I say pick which ones you think you'll like the best and go for it. Ride height was important to me which is why I chose the NM's as I wanted to go as low as I could while still being able to clear all but the most horrid potholes. NM has a good rep as well.

 

I think they are both good. If I was still going to change out my springs, I would go with TSW as it is less lowering. Less daily hassles with the street obstacles. And I like linear springs.

 

Thanks for the input everyone. After further forum searching and looking at tons of pics, I've decided on NM springs. TSW just don't have enough of a drop if I'm going to keep a 205-45 size tire.

 

Good choice Post up pics, thoughts when you're done.


-Steven

 

If you go with TSW's with a moderate drop it would be plug and play except for the alignment, much like the JCW suspension. Nice thing about the 2nd Gen MINI's there is some wiggle room for alignment settings.

To properly run any spring that has a drop more than those, you will also need adjustable camber plates up front, adj rear control arms and end links.....so you can add about 1K to those NM springs. Or, set up an annual tire budget .....

 

+1

 

+1 I have used NM springs on my last two MINI's with great results. The look is right and the ride is close to stock springs. Go NM.

 

You do not need to add front camber plates with any springs out there. Rear control arms would be recommended.

- andrew

 

Ok, last minute change of mind and here it is. I received today Sparo Assetto Gara Silver wheels wrapped in General G-Max 03 215-45-17" tires. Yes I went slightly oversize.....
NM Springs and new Sport shocks getting swapped in for now, (got all four for a steal) and I'll probably go w/ Bilsteins early next year. Also bought rear adjustable arms from the guy on ebay that makes his own; (received it yesterday and the parts look spot on)

 

Good deal man! Pics when you get it all done please? Btw, I really like those Assetto Gara Sparco's. Nice weight and a decent price especially compared to anything OEM!

 

Yes pics in two weeks. Doing the suspension work in my garage next weekend and the alignment shorty after. I got a great deal from Tire Rack on the wheel setup, I can't complain. Wheels + Tires + Sensors for $1250.00 shipped.

 

Cool! Gotta love TireRack. Their prices are usually do good I've almost quit trying to look for better deals online.

 

Finally some pics!

 

Hey Minifan,
Do you have any updated pics of the drop on the NM Springs? Did you swap it out with the Bilstein Shocks? I'm looking at this set up as well TIA!

 

No updated pics. I kept the NM Springs with a set of new OEM Sport Shocks. Handled very well and I had no complaints.

Car is sold and wheel set is in the classifieds in case anyone is interested.

 

Are the nm springs for sale? Ill take them if they are