Not really looking for a performance upgrade, in fact I want something as close to stock ride as possible to save wear on the factory shocks (anything that won't give the dealer reason tovoid a warranty). All I really want to do is get rid of the dreaded wheel gap. It bothers me alot. I like the drop of the H&R sport springs but I'm sure 1.4" will change the ride quality in some way. What else is there? Suggestions and pics are welcome.

 

The kids 07 MCS has the H&R's on it. It sits pretty low. So much so in fact, on my 09 Clubman S I went with Eibach's. Closed up the gap perfectly for my Clubbie.

I'm sure you'll get lots more opinions. Good luck!

 

You should really check out the TSW springs or the NM springs. They both ride great and will lower the car a bit. The NM's will lower it a little more than the TSW's. I recommend both them over the H&R's.

 

you wanna get rid of the wheel gap but dont want to change the ride quality? Is that possible?

 

Easy, NM's. I have no relationship with Way Motor Works, but their Kung Fu is strong.

 

Does anyone have pics of a Mini with the TSW springs, preferrably w/ 17' rims?

 

Wheel gap does settle some with time too, even OEMs springs. Still on my OEMs, 15 months, and they've dropped more than enough in my opinion...but it took time. It's no where near the 4x4 look it was when I took delivery of it. Sitting on 215/50-16s, I have 2" in front and 2 1/4" in the rear...on OEMs. My age and automotive life experience tells me I don't need much more (or less).
FWIW...

 

I'm looking for photos of this too. I'm slightly torn between the NM and TSW springs. I think the TSW would be better for me, but i'd like to see an R56 sporting them. Bonus points if it's a justa without an aero kit.

 

^ go to the NM website they have a picture of the R56 on their spring.

 

Ive heard NM as well.

I did H&Rs for 30K miles or so and it was ok... good height at least... im sure the stock absorbers were shot pretty quickly, so it was a little harsh

 

Why do u recommend them over the H&R?

I was planning to install the H&Rs

 

Anyone tried Swift or Hyperco (Hypercoil)? Just started to read up and talk to track fanatics about these manufacturers.

 

I know springs are cheaper, but remember that you will kill your struts very quickly and the ride is gonna become really bumpy. Also, even if you can live with bumpy, your chassis can't and it will start cracking after some time.

I honestly recommend spending a little more and getting coilover set-up. KW V1 or Koni would be great. Sooner or later, you're gonna have to replace the shocks, so why not just replace the major suspension components altogether!

But if you really have to stick with the springs, pick H&R for low look or Eibachs for good ride quality!

 

I used to use Swifts on my R53 w/ AST coilovers. They were incredible springs. I will be buying Swifts soon to replace the stock springs on my PSS10s.

 

The performance of the H&R isn't as good as the TSW or NM's. The main reason is the since the H&R's lower the car more, you loose too much shock travel. That doesn't allow the shocks to do enough work when the suspension compresses. Also we've had customers get the H&R's and have vibrations from them after install.

 

I decided to go with hyperco based on a few recommendations including Voshlag.

Thanks for the information.

Did anyone go either hyperco or swift on stock dampers?

 

I'd imagine that the hypercoils are just as good as the swifts for the same reasons. Good choice!

 

Before


After


The difference between the TSW springs and stock is just around an inch. Just enough to close up the wheel gap.

 

they don't make OEM fitment springs for the Mini, only coilover springs.

A 1.4 inch drop on the mini is crazy (the H&Rs). Nowhere near enough shock travel for that.

- andrew

 

looks great! Thanks for the photos. these are the springs i've decided to get.