well I'm kinda torn here, just wanted some opinions....

TSW Springs
1" drop in front
3/4" drop in rear
Linear spring rate

Eibach Springs
1.2" drop all around
Progressive spring rate


I like the drop of the Eibachs, filling up the wheel wells would be real nice.

I like the linear spring rate of the TSW's, the predictability of the linear rate is great.

Seattle roads are pretty rough, so the progressive rate might be nice for daily driving, but I think it'd "destroy" spirited driving response, and make the car feel even weirder then the soft bushings already do in fast maneuvers.


Bottom line:
I am willing to give up some ride comfort for better handling. I don't want to drop more than 1.5 inches, and coilovers are out of my price range right now.


Any personal experience, advice, etc. would be appreciated.

 

Ive run H&Rs on my Audi TT with Bilstein Sports, and now the TSWs with sport factory shocks/struts, and the TSWs are the winners. Just did 500 miles on Sat from DC to NC and back, and I'm still impressed with the ride and handling combo on the MINI, even with runflats. Koni FSDs may be the next change, after I wear these out. I had them on my Z-51 suspension Vette, and they were superb in soaking up small bumps.
Fig

 

Another TSW fan here! Great springs. It's a completely different car. I've even had friends in the passenger's seat comment on how much tighter everything feels. And the ride has improved dramatically over stock. It's especially noticeable on the highways and interstates. The drop is subtle, but very nice. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

PS - Dustin at AutoXCooper.com is the man.

 

Yet another TSW fan. Mine took around 1000 miles to stop making noises. Now they're quiet and great. I have the IE fixed camber plates, with the tsw springs (oem sport shocks). The car is AMAZING. Everyone who is in the car comments on how well it rides and handles. My car breaks traction so predictably and is absolutely neutral. The IE plates with the TSW springs are THE SETUP for handling. The ride is much better than the H&Rs I had previously- don't think of the linear springs as a bad thing, they are a little rough on the initial hit of an object, on par with the H&Rs I replaced. The response on large bumps is great, this is the way the car should have been from the factory. Dustin @ Autoxcooper.com has been AMAZING in customer service. If he got paid by the hour, by the length of phone calls, I'm sure he'd be losing money on me, but what a great seller. In my mind, I don't even miss the H&R drop (this is saying a lot- the car looked amazing). Its a little higher right now but the car is ON RAILS. Sorry for the rant, but after running the stock springs, H&Rs, and now the TSWs, I won't go back. Even when they were creaking and making noise I had trouble with the idea of taking them out because of how well the car drives. Absolutely great

And again, the after sale support from Dustin has been amazing. He always makes time for me no matter what time it is, no matter how minor the issue. Thumbs up to TSW, IE, and especially Dustin.

 

does everyone order from autox vs tsw?


I guess I'm leaning back towards the tsw's, seems like the only drawback is the mild drop, which after looking at some other pics, is still half decent.

 

I emailed Dustin @ Autoxcooper last night at 11, I got a response within 2 minutes. Now THATS customer service!
I know you want the drop, I had it, loved it, but I gave it up for a car that feels the way it should have been. This car is so neutral.

 

i know it's not an issue for you, but for me, it'll be easier to put the chains on w/ that extra quarter inch. Plus i have a mildly steep driveway at home and at work.

 

living in seattle, yes, that is in an issue. they're occasionally required in the mountain passes on non awd cars.... I usually blow pass the pull off spots because i've got snows and i actually know how to drive in the snow, since I'm from back east.

I have some really low profile cables though, shouldn't be too much of an issue.

 

^^Honestly, the drop is awesome. I don't even think mine have settled all the way.

And, yes, Dustin gives spectacular customer service! He could have talked me into Megan CO's ($900), but instead he talked me into the TSW's ($250).

Also, as I've posted elsewhere, if you get "the creak" (I did), it's easily gotten rid of with a good shot of WD-40 up around the perches.

 

Thanks for all the love guys I'd not be here if not for the great products that TSW devo's, makes and brings to market. Bottom line, when you order TSW products from AXC, WMW, DT, Grassroots or TSW you will be getting a great product and service from all of us. The MINI Market is too small not to give 110% to our customers.

Enjoy the Springs

 

When is the V3 for R53 coming?

 

WE have them NOW and ready to SHIP!

 

anyone know anything about the NAMotorsports springs?

 

Dustin,

Any word on TSW springs for the Clubman?

 

The TSW R56 springs will be tested on a 09 Clubman S on the 24th. I will have pictures and results in a new post.

 

I've only heard of a few people installing them. They said they were happy with them.

 

^i'm trying to figure out if they're progressive or linear... if they're linear, I want to find out the spring rate...

i'm betting they're progressive though...

 

Off topic, but at what point does someone from the east coast start refering to it as "Back East"? How long since you lived there?

 

Moxie and a96,
what shocks are you using with the TSW springs? OEM?
Billie

 

I'm on OEM. I think A96 is on the sport suspension.

 

I'm pretty sure they're progressive. I think TSW is the only linear spring on the market, except for the springs on coilovers.

 

thank you, Moxie.
Billie

 

ehh, about 9 months.

 

Yep, oem sport option with about 30k on them.

 

First I was wanting the H&R's, then I heard about ride quality, then wanted the mach v's / eibachs for their less agressive drop, but now that i've got my summers back on (18's) I am reminded that my wheel gap really isnt THAT big when compared to the 16's I had on for the winter.

Anyhow, for those with the TSW- the drop seems mild enough that we may be able to get away with oem (sport) rear control arms? I know they have a little play in them to get the camber back close to 0, if not maybe -.5

Also, any needs for cutting bump stops or anything? I've heard some discussions on that from the more aggressive drops...

edit: ah, and yes, I am thinking about/leaning towards TSW's now. in addition, with a less of a drop, there is more stock shock travel, so longer/slower wear =p