This is really a double meaning question, but let me start by saying I'm interested in getting rid of about an inch of wheel gap in my 06 MCS. I've never lowered a car before, so everything in this area is new to me. What kind of cost ($$$) would I be looking at? I know that's a LOADED question, but bear with me here. Coilovers are cheaper but have a lower quality ride if I recall correctly. I only assume that a good spring set would pretty much be the opposite.

Second, and maybe more important part of the question, is what kind of cost to my vehicle am I going to be paying? By this I mean stuff like, lowering messes with the camber which messes with tire wear..yada yada yada. I obviously don't know all the specifics here, but I just want to make sure that I dont roll through tires/anything suspension related every single year.

Just looking for advice, not really looking to pull the trigger on anything quite yet. Thank you for any help that I get.

 

This is not my field of knowledge, however I can leave you with one bit of advice...

Particularly when carrying heavy loads in your MINI, watch for speed bumps...drive over them at an angle.

 

Good coilovers will actually give you a VERY nice ride. The adjustability comes into play here. A nice spring set coupled with a good strut could do the same, but is harder to come by. The Koni FSD is supposed to have a fantastic ride quality, better than stock, but they say not to use lowering springs with them, although many do. It is hard to lower and keep the stock ride quality, is what I have gathered in many hours of reading forums here. I am still on the hunt for a good setup myself, I bet I have a few thousand miles left on my shocks before I need something new. Really, what you want to do with the car will make a big impact on what suspension choice will suit you. AutoX? Track? Daily driver? Mind it being a little harsh? Want it pillow soft?

Also, do be aware that when you lower, you will need to invest in adjustable rear lower control arms, to correct the camber applied to your rear wheels.

 

http://www.waymotorworks.com/h-sport...ber-links.html

 

When I eventually do this, I think I would go with the h-sport rear camber links, H-sport lowering springs, and the KONI Shocks.

 

I've been told by my local Mini guy that the H-sports don't hold up too well over time. The TSW is, however, a fantastic spring. KONI yellows are a little harsher than stock but are a good shock. I did buy IE fixed plates and a H&R rear bar, as well as the H-Sport lower LCA's (camber links, if you will) that you linked to. Struts/springs or coilovers are the last piece in my puzzle. What I'd actually really like to do is JCW struts and TSW springs, or do some KW v2 coils.

 

i recall that there was a post that had his a/c line messed up due to being too low.

 

If you want to drop about an inch you will at a minimum need springs, rear lower control arms, and a 4-wheel alignment.
To maintain a similar to stock ride you might want to go with progressive springs such as H&R or M7. You can use the stock shocks but it might be a good time to replace the shocks if already have many miles on the OEM shocks.
Springs: $230 - $270
Rear Lower Control Arms: $240
4-Wheel Alignment: $100

On my 2003 MCS I had H&R Springs, OEM Shocks, and H-Sport Lower Control Arms that all worked fine together.

 

Progressive springs will eventually sag, but do offer a slightly better ride quality.

If you are just looking to close up the wheel gap slightly, then wait until Waymotorworks releases the new TSW V4 springs. Buy a set of those to match to your stock shocks (many people do this) and get a set of HSport rear control arms. Way recommends them due to the regreasable zerk fittings.

That's the lowest cost option.

If you have a little extra cash, I'd venture to try ST Coilovers, thesuspensionsource swears by them and stands behind them very strongly or go for FSD's with the TSW's if you want the most ride comfort.

Just my opinion, I'm still messing around with my options looking for what is best. Got a lot of money hung up waiting to figure out what works best for me!

 

This is the set-up I have with Koni yellow adjustables and I love it. The ride quality and handling is far better than stock. I would also plan on replacing the front upper strut mounts while everything is out as thy will eventually wear out. Good luck!

Edit: Cost was around $1000 for all the parts, but that was several years ago. Everything is probably more expensive now.