I'm in the process of tweeking my new to me Mini and one of the first things I'm trying to do is swap out the Mini Madness lowering springs for the factory CooperS springs. In Missouri our roads are not very condusive to lowered rides and the Mini Madness springs ride something awful.

I'm trying to find a step by step guide to swapping out the springs so I can put the factory ones back on as I'm about to do a brake job anyway. Does anyone have a link for a R50/R53 suspension guide or spring change out how-to?

 

Just a note, the standard shocks are not very good and there's a lot of ride improvement to be found by switching to something else. I don't know much about the Mini Madness springs so those could certainly be contributing more. Worth a shot to see how you like the stock springs.

This is a good write-up on the spring install:
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/foru...read.php?t=425

- Andrew

 

It mentions a BMW # 31 2 210 (Hazet). Is this a special socket I'm going to need to just change out the coils? If so where can I get one. Is there something I can use as a substitute?

 

I didn't have a special tool when I did mine, I think it's just a "BMW" 21mm.

- Andrew

 

Im assuming your referring to the hex tool. Most people use an impact wrench to just zip it off with no need to use the hex. You can otherwise use put a long allen wrench in through the end of a socket, and hold the socket with a wrench or pliers.

 

I ended up moving the bump stop down and using a pair of vice grips to grab the strut shaft and used a 21mm socked on an impact ratchet to pop it right off after taking it to my local mom and pop Autoparts store and having one of their guys show me how.

Well, I got the suspension changed out back to the factory S. WOW what a difference that made. I do NOT need a suspension as stiff as the Mini Mania one was. This is night and day. I LOVE my car!

But... BUT...

Problems. The drivers side strut is wonky. The bottom plate that holds the spring/coil in place is "backwards" and sits closer to the body than it does on the passenger side. I know I've re-installed it correctly as the linkage to the control arm lines up correctly. Now it's rubbing the inside of the wheel well. The strut clearly states left front Delphi strut. That plate that the spring rests on can't be removed and reverse can it? It's part of the strut cylinder right?

Also, the upper shock mount bushing appears to be cracked half way round the bearings themselves. This probably happened when the Mini Mania suspension bottomed out and put a ton of force on it long before I took delivery of the car. I do NOT want to take that back apart but it HAS to be replaced.

 

Sorry to bring this thread back but does that mean it doesnt have to be accurately torqued back to 47lbs

 

I did. I was a major pain but I figure the manufacturer put those torque specs there for a reason. I'm pretty methodical about torque specs.