I kinda like the look myself. To each his own I guess.

 

Although the lower control arms on the R56 are a different design. Better? Who knows? Different, yes.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=111174

 

you mean cast and machined.

 

R56 arms (at least the lower ones) appear to be much stronger than Gen I. Anyone reported a failure of an R56 arm yet?

 

hahahah i certainly hope not....they've only been out for like a year.

 

no, I don't mean that.. we're talking about the lateral links shown in the pics in post # 1, not the cast aluminum piece.

 

Those are R50/53s.... the 07s have much improved control arms.

I like the look of the back of the R56, but would totally take the JCW kit, if it weren't so damn expensive.

 

Here's a good example. AndreaR56's MINI on coilovers.....you might be able to see the bottom bolt maybe, but it looks like it does a good job hiding the stuff

 

again, we aren't talking about the cast rear units, lateral links people!! see post # 1

edit for pic inserts:

 

Insignificant effect on the looks...don't sweat the small stuff!

 

hahah what? Good looks are in the details.

It's not even about the links as much as it is about how much space is under there....even on cars lowered with springs. Usually on a lowered car, the bumper is close to the ground... That's a pretty significant factor in a car's looks IMHO.

Luckily, i do think it's a solvable issue....as i posted above.

 

R53 lowered with H-Sport rear links (not even visible)



R56:



This is a SIGNIFICANT difference. The look is straight off a Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, etc.

 

That was one of the complaints about the Jaguar XKE too. Certainly one of the sexiest cars ever produced!

 

The only thing I get from those pics is:

1) Lower the green car, which is pretty easy (and I LIKE the pipe on that one. Looks nicely tucked up there. WTF?)

-and/or-

2) Shoot those arms flat black, which is REALLY easy. Whatever's visible will blend in like the hardware on the R53.

 

I think its just hard for the R53 guys because they are constantly looking at the back of our cars....

 

hahaha your fronts are pretty high off the ground too...even when lowered

Sorry....had to....just kidding around though

 

Come on now, stop this civil war guys, and lets find a good solution to this problem!

 

.

 

LOL. True, that.

The best solution is probably the most obvious - lower the car. You will still see some of the links, but not much.

 

Interesting.. I can't help but wonder why so many guys who drive R53s are so quick to find fault in the R56.

They're both Minis, right?.. or am I missing something here?

 

I have no issues w/ the looks, but if you want to create a different look go for it!! FWIW, Coopers may fare differently because trim doesn't dip up to accomodate MCS exhaust. The rear fog is there instead.

 

For me....it's not an attempt to put anyone down. I'm currently looking to trade in my 02 for an 08.....but this is a concern for me because of my personal taste. Ride height and bumper clearance is a big issue for me.....so it's something I've been paying close attention to. I know if/when i get an r56 i will attempt to lower it within the first and i want to know what kind of coilovers and wheels i will need to achieve the look i want (and happen to have on my r50 currently).

Not everything r53 owners say is meant to be an insult.....sometimes it's simply an observation.

 

You can also spray them with flat black rubberized undercarriage coating. Sold at any auto parts store.

 

An interesting multi-quote phenomenon perhaps, but I did not say the quote cited above in #45.