Has anyone tried Zenn springs? They have them in ebay under $200.

How hard is to change the spring DIY?

 

You'd be better off going through MOSS MINI or one of the vendors here. There are springs that cost under $200 for us "budget minded" individuals. Personally, I know nothing about Zenn. You have to watch EBAY, as there is a rash of counterfeit springs running rampant. The most notorious ones are Teins. Just becareful, and goodluck, oh and changing the springs is easy for most people. There are several "how tos" here on this forum. Just read the directions and determine if you feel capable of doing this job.

 

I understand and appreciate the advise, BTW I got today the new Mini Moss catalog and they are offering the H&R and Apex - for $100 less; which way to go? Are the Apex OK for an 03MCS?

 

Here is the springs install how to.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...spring+install

 

Just know that trying to save money now, will end up costing you a bunch later, especially with springs. Just budget yourself for new struts in a year or so, depending on how much and where you drive, as lowering springs will eventually destroy them.

 

 

I had the APEX springs on my 2003 Cooper and loved them that now I have them on my 2005 Cooper S. Seriously though, like everyone else stated, start saving up for decent shocks. Mine are now starting to feel the effects of being lowered. As far as springs are concerned, you can get the H&Rs, as I've heard good things about them. Me on the other hand, I go the opposite way for some reason. If everyone is getting chocolate milkshakes, I'm getting vanilla. That's why I originally opted for the APEX springs. There's nothing wrong with the APEX springs, it's just a matter of choice.

 

Great feedback. Thank you all. I'm ready for the "move" with Apex's.

Why do the strust get trashed when lowering the car an inch or so?

Any other consequences (i.e. bumper steering...vibration/CV deterioration... rubbing...)?

 

Im interested as to what shot struts feel like? I'm only 23 and have never had a car long enough to worry about it. With my M7 springs I'm pretty sure I'll mess mine up soon!

Thanks...good thread..

 

When you enter in a turn, the car feels like it's uncontrollable. Plus, it will feel a little more bouncy.

 

I haven't had any CV problems as of yet. Nor any vibrations. The reason the shocks get trashed is because they are made to damper at a certain height. When you lower the car, they are prone to more pressure due to the lowering. Aftermarket shocks take this in consideration. MINI never intended for their OEM shocks to sit on aftermarket lowering springs.

 

Wow, decisions, decisions. I just got the Atlantic British catalog and they are offering the Alta lowering spring set for $169. Always heard that Alta is good.

Wich way to go: H&R, Apex or Alta????? It appears that they all low the car a different amount, between .71" to 1.4"

HELP. Will order tomorrow.

 

I finally ordered the Alta's. Should arrive Monday, I'll let you know how it turns out. I'm concern about rubbing with the 225x45x17's, but will see; it is part of the fun...

 

Yea, you will rub most likely. It might be more then just trimming the plastic inner wells with 225s. You might have to cut and bang a bit.

 

Done deal. Five hours of pleasant work in the garage. See my gallery for pictures. The Alta spings worked great and the car looks awesome.

ALSO, I gained 1 degree of neg. camber on the rear. Is that normal? Need to get use to. I believe I need to stifen the rear sway bar an inch or so... to make it neutral again.

No rubbing, so far, during the first spirited driving with the 225x45x17.

I'm happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Stiffening the rear sway won't help -- it only makes a difference (i.e. increases stiffness) when one wheel is compressed and the other isn't (i.e. when cornering or going over uneven bumps in the road).

As for the negative camber in the rear, that's apparently common for any significant drop (>1"). The 05-06 MCS's have minor adjustability in the rear control arms, but for large drops you'll probably need to buy adjustable rear arms (Alta, etc. make 'em) to dial out some of the negative camber. My MCS has 06 JCW springs (only 0.5" drop), but I still have about -1.7 deg. camber in the rear, so a larger drop is going to create even more negative camber...

 

Since the drop (20mm all around) the car feels more "tail light". I have an adjustable Ireland Eng. 22mm rear sway bar and it is set at medium range (2"from the end). Before the drop the car was pretty neutral in spirited turns, now feels a little light on the rear... May be soften the rear sway bar will do the trick??