I recently bought a 07 MCS for the wife. It had been lowered with HR springs stock shocks and struts. Well it looks great with the JCW body kit and the 18x8 wheels with 215-35-18 tires. Tires are worn and cupped, no surprise and the thing just rides like crap. The thing feels like it slams into the ground every where you go and the tires feel like riding on rocks. So after much research here I know I need struts and shocks maybe shorter bump stops, If I keep the springs. I would like to get some suspension travel back. Thinking of NM or TSW. Maybe a little shorter. Also Im ditching the 35 tires for some 215-40s. If I were to upgrade the struts and shocks and taller tire would you think there wood be a noticable difference in the ride. Or should I get taller springs. I know this is personel preference but I need to get some DD feel back.

 

Koni yellows are good for springs. Since you already have the springs, get the Koni yellows. Of course don't forget to change your tires, and you will have a nice riding MINI!

 

This might be a dumb question, but since you've only had 5 posts here, I'm going to ask it anyway.

Are you sure the majority of the issue you have with the ride isn't due to the tires? Does it have run-flats? If so, then swapping for non-runflat tires (and maybe 16/17 in wheels) might improve the ride more than you might expect.

My '09 Clubman S had runflats and felt awful. Here in Las Vegas, we have the bumpy reflectors instead of painted lines on the road, and changing lanes made it feel like my fillings were going to fall out. Got rid of the runflats and replaced them with standard tires. Let's just say I don't feel like I need as much dental insurance now.

 

Those 18" wheels will cause havoc on your suspension components, you'll be replacing things left and right!

 

Dont question my lack of post. I am new to Mini and learning the hard way. Thanks. Tires arent run flats just not enough tire on the wheel. I have thought of going back to 17s. Going Koni yellows and 17s might be a good plan. Im fighting the bottoming of the struts and shocks with the low hard sidewall tires. The 18x8 wheels look great with the lowered stance, its just not practicle.

 

Thumbs up for a Koni shock replacement but also ditch the 18" wheels! They look ridiculous on what's supposed to be a "small car" and you have an incredibly narrow tire sidewall

If at all possible ride in another car with this kind of setup. Any car that is lowered is going to be somewhat more jarring than a MINI in stock form.

 

Put a ziptie low down on the shock shaft. Then go drive around and check it. If it's slammed up into the bump stops then you know you're riding around on the bumpstops which would explain the harsh ride. Be careful not to scratch the shock shaft when you cut the ziptie off. You can try cutting the bumpstops but moving to Konis is the better option. I would just try one thing at a time until you get to a place you're comfortable. No sense spending extra money when you don't need to.

 

My TSW's were bottoming out with stock shocks and bumpstops. The H&R's are probably 3/4" lower than the TSW's. I trimmed the bump stops and it helped, but when I put Koni Yellows on it made a world of difference. I recommend that you get a set of yellows and see how that helps. Just replacing the wheels and tires will not correct the lack of travel that you are experiencing.

Have fun,
Mike

 

i cant speak for the Koni Yellow's as i have not put them on yet but i can say that when i bought my 07 MCS it had 18 wheels with the low profile tires and i also have the HR springs and my ride sucked. I went down to a 17 in rim and got a bigger tire (215 instead of 205) and my ride improved a lot! it's still a little rough due to the springs i think, but that comes with lowering the car. i have heard good things about the Koni yellows and i plan to switch to those soon myself.

 

Thanks for the replies. I think now I have a plan. I will make one change at a time. All the info has been helpful.

 

this is absolutely false. Mini even sells OEM 18's for the cars as an optional accessory