In final, I am getting H&R coils. They don't come with top hats and I will be replacing them with tops from a JCW sport suspension.
There is a tool BMW # 31 2 210 (Hazet) that I apparently need to do this. Is there any other substitute for this? Do I buy it from a BMW dealer?

 

You would need a spring compression tool. This will help you remove the springs that is under compression. I got mine at harbor freight not sure if that is the tool you have listed.

 

By top hats do you mean the upper shock mounts for the front, AKA camber plates? To get those off, you just need a spring compressor (I borrowed one from Autozone), metric allen wrench, and metric combination wrench. Removal was not bad at all. Some guys will say that you won't need a compressor, but that is your choice.

Mike

 

+1 on Autozone rental

Upper suspension mount or top hat are synonymous terms. They are only referred to as camber plates when they are adjustable. The OP's JCW top hats are not adjustable. Just so everything is clear.

 

Yeah thanks guys!

I found out how to undo the front struts.
13/16th spark plug socket and an Allen key through the top. That's at least what I got out of it all.
Here's a pic.

 

Good idea. Now comes the fun part, releasing the tension in the spring and putting it back. Please be real careful releasing spring tension.

 

Make sure you check the clearance of the AC line and your axle to make sure they do not rub. Otherwise, overtime, it will leak freon and you lose AC.

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True, Where is that all located so that I can keep an eye on that. I am not slamming the car either. I am done with dumped cars.
BTW Monday the set-up is going on. Pics are coming!

 

It will be the aluminum hose that is very close to the axle on the front right wheel well.

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Okay! Thanks for the heads up!

 

Hey guys,

So I lowered the Mini today. I am 1 finger away from the AC line... Is that safe?
Sorry for the crappy pic I don't feel like going back to the garage.

 

Here are some pics! I might be putting it back to stock. I am really pissed at the vibrations in the driveshaft.

 

Damn that sucks, sounds like you went too low.

 

How much was your drop after lowering? About 1 1/2"?

 

Car looks really nice...Sorry to hear about the vibration.

There is a thread that I was following about a year ago that discusses this problem in detail. While the gist of it is that it has to do with the drive shafts being too straight, it is also somewhat random. Is there room in the springs to raise the front to see if it goes away? You can also put spacers between the camber plates and the strut tower to raise the front. If that works, the back will need to be done too.