Ok, so basically this thread will be a list of notes on the little tricks for installing the M7 coilovers. These will be pretty much stuff left out from the installation guide and also other things I picked up while installing.

Write up for rear installation(I'll write about the fronts tomorrow);

Pretty much follow the instructions from M7's site. Couple things to note though.

1.You do NOT need spring compressors. I just placed the assembly with the retaining nut up and placed a towel on top. The nut and a few pieces will pop off but it's not very forceful. The towel will stop it very easily. Just don't be directly in line with the nut.

2. You do NOT need an impact wrench. I went through alot of trouble trying to rent one and found out that a little elbow grease will work the same. Obviously the impact wrench makes things easier.

3. I installed H-sport rear lower control arms for camber adjustments and taking the stock as well as reinstalling this piece is a PITA. The small space to work around for the inside bolt was just very tight. Got it done regardless.

4. Remember to maximize the height of the coilovers during installation. It's easier to drop it after it's installed versus trying to increase the height. This is mainly for the initial install. Springs that are not yet settled are a pain to try and compress after installation.

5. The spanner wrenches for height adjustment is included in the box(it was taped in one of the coilover boxes). I went to different stores trying to find one but M7 included it afterall -.-

6. You do NOT need to uninstall the front bumper to install the carbon fiber splitter. It was alot easier to just leave it installed on the vehicle. Just have someone help you.

Overall review

Coilovers: I understand that the Mini is a joy around curves as a stock vehicle. However, it's nowhere close to the way it drives now with the coilovers. I'm usually a non-believer when someone raves about a product and was a little skeptical that coilovers can change the handling of a vehicle this drastically, but it does. Period. Turning seems intensely effortless. I was very pleasantly surprised during turns. I have the 19mm Alta RSW at its stiffest setting but still had some body roll. This pretty much eliminated body rolls during 90 degree street turns at speeds below 22 mph. I still feel some roll above that speed but I'm currently at the softest setting. The softest setting was very comfortable. Not a huge difference over stock(non-sport). This was my biggest worry. There's more road feedback but it was not harsh.

Carbon fiber splitter: At highway speeds, there's definitely a difference. The Mini is not as twitchy. Felt more grounded. Obviously this was most noticed at "high" speeds. I'm not stating at what speeds b/c of forum guidelines. :P

Overall very pleased. I was questioning the purchase of this costly upgrade but it is definitely worth more than its price. Oh and last note; I had trouble with installation on Sunday. Peter from M7 answered my questions from home while cooking dinner. Talk about customer service! Sorry again about the interruption Peter but huge props to you as vendor.

 

Buy some camber plates. It will be night and day.

 

I don't really want to add anymore negative camber on the front. Since I have a 2nd gen, there's already some negative camber adjustability with the mounting bolts. I drive on the freeway quite often so anymore negative camber would eat away at the insides of my tires. :P

 

Do u have any idea who makes m7s coilovers?? H&r, tein, kw, koni??? Just because I'm debating m7 coilovers vs a koni shock and spring, camber plate setup....

 

M7 makes them. Website is www.m7tuning.com

You can purchase their coilovers through Alta and use their 14% off coupon right now. Or you can also call M7 directly and let them know of Alta's sale. They might be able to match it.

 

Part deux: Front installation

There's no hidden parts on the fronts. The installation guide by M7 is accurate. Notes;

1. Undoing the arm from the OEM strut can be done easily with the right sized wrench(5mm) on one side(to hold onto the nut) and a 16mm(IIRC) socket wrench on the other. If you don't have the right sized wrench, don't fret. Just use pliers to clamp onto the nut. It's not too tight.

2. Remember to push the struts inwards while bolting down the strut bolts. This will give you some negative camber.

3. You NEED spring compressors. Unlike the rears, the front M7 springs(and the stock ones) are huge and very uncompressed(or very compressed while installed for the stock ones). There's no way in hell you can do this without compression springs. Autozone or any auto store will rent them out for free.

4. Use the spring compressors for removal(and obviously for installation). The force is easily 3-4 times more than the rears. I have a bruise on my stomach from it.

5. There is a flat washer that you reuse from the OEM unit. I lost mine for the right side. The only difference however, without the washer, the strut plate does not swivel as freely. I called M7 to confirm, and they said this isn't an issue. As long as you're able to align it during installation and there's some movement, it's totally fine.

6. Last but not least. Check, double check and triple check all lug nuts after you're done. I drove around after complete installation and for 22 miles had a constant thumping feeling/sound. It felt kinda like a flat. However, it is only obvious during coasting. Got home, jacked Einstein up thinking the wheels were rubbing while the coilovers settled but it's because the front rear lug nuts weren't tightened down all the way(that could have been very bad). The issue went away afterwards.

6. Depending on how often you drive it, give it 24-48 hours to truly settle. These coilovers settle ALOT. Initially I had a 2 inch wheel gap, 48 hours and 80 miles later, I have zero gap. Remember to set the stiffness setting to zero during the first 200 miles or so. Just to make sure everything settles right.

7. After the initial 48 hours or 200 miles(whichever come first), I would remove all wheels and double check that all nuts/bolts are in place right and nothing shifted.

 

I must be misunderstanding something. Are you saying the shocks settled 2" in 48 hrs? That can't be right.

 

That was a tad of an exaggeration :P Was probably closer to an inch.

Adding on to another update: I started feeling road vibrations at a constant rate while driving the interstate after the springs/shocks settled today. I started listening closer and it seemed to get more pronounced at higher speeds. First instinct was tires, it turned out to be true. Passenger side front tire has a cupping groove and causing the vibrations. I guess the stiffer suspension made it more obvious over the stock suspension.

The darn tire only has shy of 4k miles too. Contacting General Tire and Tire Rack to see what options I have.

 

Wow. Even an inch is huge. Was this just the springs?

 

It's the whole set up, so springs plus struts(coilovers). I'm very sure it was close to an inch, if not more. I was very surprised. Had to readjust it after.

 

I have a set on order. I'll post something if I have similar settling.