Yep, with H-sport arms.

 

Just curious what did the springs arms alignment and install run you total

 

Does anyone have there sport suspension still? I'll trade you either HR or NM springs!

 

Finally some (iPhone) pics of the new stance.

 

Updated Post 2 with some details of the install.

 

Really like! thanks

 

Now that it has been a couple months since your post....how is your ride & are you still happy with the springs? any updates / feedback is appreciated thanx!

 

The ride is firmer but about as smooth as the stock non-sport suspension. I think with these springs, the stock shocks are fine to use, so long as they're low mileage (mine were 4k miles). I am happy with the ride and reduced body roll. The vehicle will still benifit greatly from a stiffer rear sway bar, but this can be done later.

The car is not bouncy, nor does it rebound absurdly over bumps. Coming from a 2008 GTI with H&R SuperSport Springs and Bilstein Sport shocks, this car rides similar, but a little less harsh. *Very* large dips at speed will throw you a bit whether you're in the front or rear, but it's par for the course for a lowered car.

After the drop, I think the biggest difference is the alignment I had done. It was a semi-spec alignment meant to balance comfort and spirited driving. No more does the car jerk over large bumps/potholes and it's less dart-y and a more relaxed drive, but still aggressive enough to have fun.

I am completely satisfied with the run-flat tires despite other reviews. I think the harder sidewall makes the car feel less mushy, but does harsh up the bumps, which I think bothers some people.

My assessment, H&R Sport Springs for the Mini Countryman deliver. They're a moderate drop (I would actually prefer a 2" drop to stance the car properly) and a firmer spring without compromising, but instead, improving, every-day drivability.

Note: Adjustable rear lower control arms will be required to get the alignment into spec.

 

Now this is what forums are all about! It is soo refreshing to have someone state there opinion along with giving insite as to how a product works so that others can make an informed choice on whether or not to use a product. Thank you very much for this thread and your responses to my questions. Im sure I can speak for all here on NAM when I say it is appreciated!

 

The alignment was the only labor I paid. I think that ended up being $90.

Without doing the spring and arm install myself, the install charge would be (from different quotes I got) around $500-$550 with a stock alignment (not including the arms, since when I called, I didn't do arms yet).

The install can be done at home with hand tools, especially the arms. They were simple bolt off, bolt on. The springs required some special tools, and knowhow, to get everything off, but there are several tutorials, including my partial tutorial to help you. I do however, understand that the springs might be more than some people could tackle or have time for.

Since I did the install of all my parts at home, my total labor was around $90 and a six pack of beer for my friend who assisted.

 

Well, I do appreciate that myself. You have to take reviews like mine with a grain of salt. Some people might prefer a different ride, stance, look, or handling.

That said, I hope it helps people as they begin to "you-ify" their Mini Countryman.

 

Agreed!

 

I am about 2 hours into trying to get the front right strut out we took a break for the night. The DAMN strut wont come out after all bolts are off. I don't have a strut spreader and wedge with hammer kept slipping and aren't working.

Any ideas?

 

Be sure the strut bolt is all the way out.

Try a socket wrench 1/4" to 3/8" adapter in the slot. Turn it 45 degrees to act as a strut spreader. Without the strut spreader you may not be able to get the strut out.

I used a brass drift and a #3 mini sledge to get mine to budge after inserting the strut spreader.

If you have a wedge try inserting it different ways. Look at the strut from the back (make sure the car is supported). The shape of that tab might not permit you to insert a big wedge. You might try a punch in a thick diameter also, inserted from the bottom going up.

Call autozone/pepboys/advance to see if they have a strut spreader. Long shot but maybe tgey will.

 

The socket adapter worked and also used a pick wedged in. The socket adapter was brilliant though. Thanks.

Springs, Rear Sway Bar, Lower Control Arms, and Front Strut Bar took total of about 6 hours. But saved me about $600 in labor by doing it myself.

 

Glad it helped. It was an old trick.

I did the install myself for the same reason. 600 bucks of labor.

 

I am noticing slight knocking sound from mostly rear but all four at slow speed and turning back and forth. I verified everything is tight. Ideas?

 

Xenor, do you have a link for the Alta PDF instructions that you referenced in this post? I'm going to tackle this mod myself as well. Anything else i should know before the attempt? Thanks in advance.

 

Awesome write up, im gonna do this myself in the coming weeks will post my thoughts also.

Kevin

 

Xenor,

for the strut spreader bit you got, was it sufficient and easy to spread the knuckles? I am wondering if I should go with the beefier spreader tool that looks like a "M-shaped" tool.

Kevin

 

So I understand that the ride is firmer with the new springs but is it less harsh. I installed NM springs and koni sports on my 09 MCS and it firmed up the ride some but made it ride SO MUCH BETTER because the harshness at bumps and bridge seams was gone. Made the care feel more substantial. Is that the case with the H&Rs? I don't want a firmer ride that is still just as rough and harsh on the beat up roads around here.

 

Thats exactly how i feel with my Megan Coilovers on R60, u described it spot on. Why is it the stock non sport suspension so harsh when going over bumps and holes? Is it insufficient shocks?

 

"So I understand that the ride is firmer with the new springs but is it less harsh. I installed NM springs and koni sports on my 09 MCS and it firmed up the ride some but made it ride SO MUCH BETTER because the harshness at bumps and bridge seams was gone. Made the care feel more substantial. Is that the case with the H&Rs? I don't want a firmer ride that is still just as rough and harsh on the beat up roads around here."


Anyone have a comment on this?

 

Reviving this old thread.

Still want to hear more feedback from those who have H&R springs installed. Having a hard time deciding between H&R and NM Eng springs and my main concern is ride comfort. Hope to hear from more of you with personal experience.

 

Ride comfort go with NM.. just make sure you get control arms