You DO NOT want the OEM struts. They are junk.
225's are starting to be a careful fitment issue. Talk to folks who have put them on to get exact wheel backspace. I would recommend you go over to the First gen section and talk to other R53 owners. Note the R53 has much softer springs than the R56.

 

I want to extend a big THANK YOU to everyone (orangecrush, futuremini, etc) who has recommended the NM springs. I installed them yesterday (finally). The car handles better AND the suspension feels better. Overall it is the car rides softer than the stock springs. I was skeptical in the beginning, but I'm 110% satisfied.

NM: You have another satisfied customer.

 

Awesome rotadent! Glad you like them.

 

I just ordered a set of the NM Engineering springs from ProMini. We shall see how they feel. I put new wheels on not too long ago and the fender gap has been bugging the crap out of me. Problem solved.

 

I paired my nm springs with the koni yellows shocks and this car handles amazing!!

 

Sorry to jump in this thread but for what I read and the tips that some have posted, I'm just hoping to get some orientation. Just getting into the mini experience and so far the drive is fun, but not very fond of the OEM non-sport suspension; it´s too high (aesthetic), is not soft, not firm, it just does not feel right. I'm used to drive some firm but comfortable suspensions on previous cars, and since I live in Mexico, and we have pretty crapy roads, so the need is to have a balanced comfy suspension.

Have a Mini Laurel Edition with non-sport suspension, and looking to lower about 1.2" and probably change shocks/struts at the same time. For what I've read the best options would be Eibach Pro Kit Springs or the highly recommended NM Engineering Springs.

On the shock side I am considering the KONI FSD's or the Bilsteins HD's.

Has anyone used NM Springs with OEM non-sport shocks/struts? How is the drive quality?

I also got tips to consider the H&R Street Coilover kit and the H&R Touring Cup kit. The reviews on the Coilover as some of you have mentioned are that they are too firm, and specially for Mty streets, I'll be jumping all over the place. The looks with H&R are a bit lower than the eibachs and NM's, although many consider that the touring cup kit is very comfortable with the dampening adjustment. I do prefer to stay a bit higher with NM's or eibachs though.

Thats pretty much it. Hope I can get some advice and tips on the options.

ROTODENT, did you do the NM + Bilsteins HD's? Or just the springs?

 

I paired the NM springs with Bilstein HDs. It's a fantastic combination and I could not be more pleased with the results.

 

1+

 

MiniCuse, just to get a better idea, can you give a bit more detail as of which results the NM's+Bils HD has given; more comfort, better handling, etc. I won't be doing any track days, so, my main focus is comfort for daily driving. I do have in mind that it is a sports car, not a bubbly town car. Have any pics?

 

I just have the NM springs. But I am planning on getting the Bilsteins later. Hope that helps.

 

I'm getting the NM springs at lpiracing.com

www.lpiracing.com/Mini-NM-Engineering-c12841.htm