There are some MINI owners that want to reduce the wheel gap but want a comfortable ride for daily commuting.

So appearance would be not startling but drop about 1/2 to 3/4".

Ride quality still good.

Handling better than stock.

What has worked for you and what do you suggest without having to change shocks.

We have seen posts about using Koni FSD or Bilstein SP shocks with stock springs for good ride quality and improved handling but then ride height is left at stock.

Your suggestions are welcome.

 

I went with the TSW and FSD and love the ride. Just a bit of drop all the way around.

 

I believe the solution for the above are the JCW springs. All of the others have a larger drop than what you specified above and most have higher spring rates requiring shocks that can better dampen stiffer springs.

I just bought a set of JCW springs and will be installing over the stock shocks in the coming months. If you are patient, I'll be your guinea pig.

 

JCW suspension...

 

Here mine with the JCW, I had the JCW put on before I bought the car so I have nothing to compare it to, but I love it.

 

I just had M7 springs installed, orginally with 215/45/17, and they would occasionally rub . Just yesterday I replaced the 45's with 40's, looks perfect . I have alittle wheel gap now with no rubbing. The ride is a tad more stiff than stock, but with much better control. If you are interested I can post some pics.

 

Got my TSW springs on with OEM shocks and I love it! Rides better than stock and the performance difference is night and day.

 

from the readings, probably JCW and TSW's originals are a sound choice.

 

+1

 

ok regarding JCW is there a JCW Suspension kit for the Mini Cooper non-s

or is it the same like most other suspension parts and the dealers just list it for the S

also is there a difference for an 03 august build

 

As Tuls said, JCW suspension.

 

could you put up pics of the M7 springs, thinking about this also.

 

This could be wrong, but I think the JCW suspension is valved to your VIN and the weight of your car. I know I read that somewhere but have no clue if it's the truth.

mb

 

It is, I called the dealer last week and verified. I too have been looking at the JCW springs and FSD's and adding am h-sport 19mm rear sway bar and going with Goodyear F1 All Seasons when the runflats wear out.

Point out if I am wrong, but my understanding is this setup will have a little better ride (comfort) than stock but be far better at handling than stock.

 

No problem, sorry minihune for getting off track.
Click to view

 

Yes there is: http://motoringfile.com/files/jcw_suspension.PDF

The suspension kit for the non-S actually costs more than for the S because it includes sway bars:
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=3751
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=3751

 

okay, i am def, going to do the springs how is handling? better than stock?

 

Oh yea, more controlled and a lower center of gravity = more fun . Front air dam is kinda low though, but looks so much better.

 

front air dam? the plastic lip under the bumper? and is it useful? possibly remove?

 

JCW only...

 

What are the disadvantages to getting a lowered setup with 215/40/17s instead of 215/45/17s? I have forged aluminum rims, so I'm kind of worried that with less ride height my rims are going to get dents more often (I've already gotten 2! Crappy california roads!) and that's WITH my 215/45/17s. However I currently have stock springs, and not much rubbing.

I eventually want to lower the car potentially with H&R springs, but i'm worried my 45s are going to be rubbing all over the place and that if I got 40s my rims would get dented more :(

 

I am running 215/40's with no issues.

 

I've got TSW springs on JCW struts. Moderate lowering, stock-like handling, firmer but better than stock ride. It rides better than when I had the JCW springs and struts in the car together.

 

Yep thats it. I don't think it does much, and since I have only 3 or so inches of clearance, it wont be there for long .

Well with the M7 springs you get a lower drop than with the H&R's, so the 45's might be ok, if you go with them. So are you saying that the tire is deflecting and you are hitting the rim that way, or are you hitting the side? I'm running BFG KDW2's, even though they are 40 series, they seem to be alittle taller than other 40's that iv'e seen.

 

getting a little excited! umm one question? springs vs. anti-sway bar? any quick thoughts?