So here are the two spring kits available for R56 MINIs...

Eibach
Prokit pn:5705.140 est price $250
Site does not mention ride height change, though previous kits lowered R53 MINIs 1" in front and 1.2" in the rear. Also, this kit may only work on the Cooper, not the S. Not sure yet.

H&R
Sport Spring for 2007 MINI Cooper S, pn:50452 List price $329.00
These springs lower the MINI Cooper S 1.4" in back and 1.4" in front.

Sport Sprint for 2007 MINI Cooper, pn: 50450 List price $329.00
These springs lower the MINI Cooper 1.4" in front and back

Has anyone tried one of these sets? Anyone? Ferris?

 

I wish I could give good input, but I have the German H&R springs, which are part number 29090-1. They're not noted as being for either Cooper or S, standard or sport suspension, just "R56 MINI". That said, my no-option MCS was lowered 1.5" front and 1.0" rear. The handling balance is virtually idential to stock; no more understeer or oversteer, just lower. Ride quality is very similar, with only large bumps being firmer, otherwise it's tough to tell you're on lowering springs versus stock [other than the altitude perception change, LOL]

I know it doesn't really help, but I thought I'd throw that off-shoot data point in there.
Cheers,
Ryan

 

Can't speak specifically to the mini, but have had both Eibach pro street and H&R's. Personally found the H&Rs to be a little too stiff for Seattle streets. The Eibachs I've had have been just a little softer than stock for the first little bit of travel, then went stiffer than stock quickly. I've had them on a Porsche C4 and BMW 540i. The H&Rs were for an Audi A4.

Overall, much preferred the Eibachs for that little bit softer ride over all the crappy streets downtown, then the stiffness when I was ready to hammer it on onramps or spirited rides in the mountains. Found the H&Rs to be too stiff for town and not any better for fast driving. FWIW, my butt's calibrated to 15 yrs of moderately successful SCCA club racing. I like it stiff at 10/10ths and comfortable when my wife and I are headed to a nice dinner.

YMMV

Best of luck on your choice.

Bt the way, I have absolutely no idea if the above experience holds for the MCS, but I sure hope so. Eibachs for me.

Mark

 

Ryan,

Actually a very good data point. Seems like the H&Rs that you have aren't too stiff for street. Being from the Midwest, I imagine you've got your share of frost-heaved streets. Any idea of the spring rates?

Mark

 

Thanks guys.
Eibach doesn't yet list springs for the R56 MCS. I may go with the H&Rs because I can get them cheaply and installed for almost free... (friends with a tuner shop) The MINI definitely needs an altitude adjustment. I just hope it's not at the expense of ride quality. Currently, on the highway, the R56 is a tiny bit to floaty for me, could definitely be stiffer, and in a hard corner, the body roll is a bit more than I'd like. I think the springs will sort these minor issues out and maybe add some benefits!

 

One more though between the two:

If Eibach's progressive wind allows for a little bit softer initial hit... they may also lend themselved to bottoming out easier on the new MINI.

With the H&R's on, Ryephile indicated the strut was compressing the bump stops. I would guess that the H&R, though a stiffer ride, would keep the shock from bottoming a bit better than a sofer, progressivly wound spring.

Am I thinking about this correctly?

 

With ANY lowering spring set the R56 will be riding on the bumpstops in the front. An aggressive lowering spring will end up riding on the rear bumpstops too, with almost no front suspension travel.

I'm not sure the spring rates of the H&R or the stock [standard suspension] rates; but I can say with the "putting the spring on the ground and putting my body weight into it test" the H&R's feel slightly firmer on the front and rear after the dead coils are compressed. The H&R's didn't feel different enough to warrant a damper change; and the minimal ride quality change reaffirms that.