Hey folks,
'So I recently bought an '06 Cooper S, 'looked nearly immaculate at time of purchase, and 'has been a blast to drive. But, I recently realized that perhaps the previous owner DID have some mods done--namely suspension. It appears as though the car may have been slightly lowered; more specifically, from the rear, I think I'm seeing ever-so-slight cambering (is that the word? 'When the wheels appear to be slightly "angled" inwardly?). Is this dangerous? Will this create problems in the short, or long-run? Can I enjoy this, free of worry? Please advise. Thanks!

BTW, as for driving experience, thus far, it has been nothing but fun. !

 

Normal. MINI's are setup like this to help with handling. You should still have an alignment shop check it out.

I have an '06 and it has been that way since I got it brand new.

 

Take it to an alignment shop and have it checked. If they did lower it and didn't put rear adjustable camber links on it will eat through rear tires.

 

Even without lowering the tires on the rear have negative camber even when stock. The OEM alignment spec for the rear is something like -2.0 +/- 0.5 degrees. So you could have anywhere from -1.5 to -2.5 degrees camber in the rear and still be in spec. You can see -1.5 degrees or more of camber. However, the 2006 Cooper S does have slightly adjustable camber in the rear, so if there is a little too much rear camber, it can be adjusted.