So for the last 14 years I've driven and owned many VW's. It was time to get something different and picked up a 2006 S. I still have a built Gti in the garage as a toy but Dailey driving the r53 and so far have loved every minute driving the car! Had it about two weeks now and put 1500 miles on it. Car has 80k on it, all service records and some maintenance work done by Detroit tuned along with a alta cai and 15% pulley. I dislike the ssr wheels but for now they will stay in until I figure out exactly what I want. I'm sure I will have some questions but just wanted to introduce myself and my ride as I got it.

 

Looking good. Have fun out there.

 

Not a huge fan of those wheels either but I think they would look better with a small drop.

 

This is my dilemma, I have KW V2's on my GTI, I had racelands on my daily and they were ok for 6 months or so. I see raceland is coming out with them for the mini for $350, I mean it's that or buy H&R's or KW's and wait on wheels. I'm not gonna drop $700 on Vmaxx or Megan's when I could just go the cheaper route with racelands, none of which are the most ideal, but gives me a drop and let's me get wheels still. I'm not gonna track the car, that's what my GTI is for but may throw it through an autoX or two. Also is there any issues with slamming the r53's? I would go through axles all day with me MKIV Jetta but that was dumped to the ground and that would only be once or twice a year for a couple shows up here in Michigan that i would be a hand full of mini's the rest VW's, Audi's, Merc's, BMW, and Porsche's.

 

Motor on!

 

I actually like those wheels!, nice ride! I too am a former VW guy

 

Seems like your other car has a bit more of an aggressive suspension so I'd probably recommend something more conservative if you use the mini as a daily driver. I have h&r sports and koni yellows and really like it -- I wouldnt want it any stiffer. Really any decent spring with a nice shock would do.

Minis dont really like to be slammed. You'll encounter the same axle issues with these cars as well. Heck, I'm only dropped 1" and I still get alot of axle vibration.

 

Nice looking r53, stay away from the racelands for sure.

 

Looks very clean on the outside, congrats on the new R53 for you.

 

Experience with cheap coil overs, is they're cheap. They ride horrible, they leak within 6 months, and usually customer service is lacking.

I would say stick with what you know, and look into either the KW V2's or V3's if you're looking for coil overs and want MOAR LOW. Aside from the typical ride quality changes of removing suspension travel, you'll also have to deal with our awesomely ever changing way of weather. I run a set of H-sport coils on Koni yellows, and it is by no means slammed, but it handles & rides great as well as it has no issues with our Michigan climate.

Welcome to the MINI world, I'm actually a VW person who made the mistake of selling it . Let us know if we can help you out in any way.

Nick
Detroit Tuned

 

Haha awesome! Nick you work at Detroit tuned? Previous owner had some head work done there and installed the pulley there

 

Nice ride. Please black out the grille! Cant stand body colour grills. Ultimately some black wheels would look good. Currents will do, will look better if lowered. If you have the money consider aero kit side skirts. Nice touch.

 

Ya the grill will be done shortly as well as some other things and will be lowered with new wheels when I get the cash. Here's what I'm kinda goin for

 

lucky to find a clean 53 with all the paperwork, and on top of that done at detroit tuned. Enjoy the mini experience. Fully obsessed yet?

 

Welcome man! I'm from the Volkswagen world too. Had a bagged mkv gti on ccws, all euro errrrthing and full tan Jetta interior, also had a built b5 s4....but I do love my mini. :hearteyes: