Hi guys,

Not sure the best way to lower the car a bit. This is my daily driver so I am looking for practiality as well as looks and handling.

Any input is appreciated.

 

I went with TSW Springs for mine. Only a slight (1in) drop, rides like the stock springs.

 

Interesting, how are those compared to the JCW set up. What else is needed? How to get installed? Does it void warranty?

 

I put in adjustable lower rear camber links with the springs, they were needed to get the car back in alignment correctly/easily. As for the install, my dad is a mechanic so him and my boyfriend and I did the job together ourselves.

It only voids warranty if they can say the springs somehow caused the warranty issue, so shouldn't be any kind of problem unless you have suspension issues.

 

how out was the rear camber? I didn't think it would be that bad since its not that much of a drop.

 

Everything was pretty off. I'd get the camber links.

 

Is there a good shop in the West Chicago Burbs you can suggest to take a look at doing this?

 

Sorry, can't help you with that one. Never been to Chicago.

 

I put TSWs on mine a week ago, but haven't been to the alignment shop yet. Letting them settle a bit before going, but...

I've hardly a difference in the camber to be honest. Rears, maybe a touch more camber, but it really isn't noticeable when looking at it from the rear. Sure, there's camber, but it doesn't look like it has a whole lot more than before I started the springs install. Fronts seem to be bang on, I see no concern there. There's probably more camber there than what there was, but it's not like it's looking like a hoopty, barely a change in my eye...and I've seen some lowered BMWs with a lot more rear camber than I have.

I'll still align it in about another week, more concerned about the toe more than anything. But as she sits, she drives like a dream without any noticeable effects except for a better ride.

 

Do you have before and after pictures?

 

thanks 10Zero. i don't want to have to get springs then lower arms. I only ask because with my r53 i lowered it alot and the neg camber at the rear was terrible.

 

You can judge yourself too, I JUST took these, so the quality isn't 100% due to lighting in the garage and dark outside.

TSW springs on OEM struts, unaltered by an alignment (yet). Picture to the far right was taken a couple of days after I was done.

I've read many times on here there's a little adjustment on the stock setup, guess I'll find out when I go in for my alignment. But I'm not overly concerned, it's not that bad really.

 

that looks just like stock. thats great thanks.

 

I would do a ST Suspensions coilover kit. Gives you more control over the height of your mini. Rides smoother than most shock/spring combo as well.