All, I have H-Sport Springs and Competition rear sway. This lowered my MCS about 3/4 of an inch. Any thoughts on driving tis in the snow? I live in Michigan and we ususally get a fair amount of snow for the winter.

I've thought about going back to the stock suspension just for a bit more clearance. Is this necessary.

Also, I was running 17" wheels, but for winter I went to 15" with snow tires.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

In stock configuration you are looking at about a 4 inch clearance at the front bumper. From what I remember (been about 21 years), Michigan doesn't measure snow in inches, but in feet. Will 3/4 of an inch make that much difference?

 

I wasn't so much worried about the height at the bumper. I am more concerned about snow buildup in the wheel wells. 3/4" can make a big difference there.

 

If I had to drive my MCS in the snow, would purposefully get a narrow and taller (larger than stock circumference) all season/snow tires.

Not only will you get extra clearance from snow, your rear left strut bottom
will not scrape the auto car wash rail. :smile:

 

--->Radman; I ran last winter with H-Sports....this winter MM2 is even lower Just keep the snow tires on there and push the throttle!

 

I have the same setup than yours (lowered with H&R but it still is 3/4 inch) and 15" steelies for Winter and it's a great car!

I drove it last Winter and I didn't have any problem! Remember that Quebec has scary snowstorms and icestorms! I had a Subaru Impreza for 5 years and except from the standing starts, my MCS is safer to drive because of the DSC and the wheels stance!

Don't worry about being too low, as many other have said, the MINI is already very low...

 

BTW, as I am writing this, we are getting a lot of snow (6-10 inches)! It is our first snowstorm this year and it looks great outside!

 

Uhm, yup, snow tires. But not Q rated; get speed rated snow tires that are as stated above, taller and thinner than stock. 3/4" won't make much difference in snow. If the snow is really deep, evey vehicle will be affected. You might just begin to snow plow a bit sooner than others.

Just remember that stiffer springs and roll bars leave you with less slipping margin in slippery conditions.

 

All, Thanks for the feedback. I will stick with the H-Sports for the winter.

Ryephile, I'll call you when I need to get out of my neighborhood. You can help me clear a path to 8 mile!

I have a very steep driveway, so I have a large snow blower. It can handle about 10 inches of snow farily easily and cuts a 26" wide path. Last year, after one of the big snows, I got stuck turning onto my street. So, I jsut got the blower cleared my driveway and then cleared a path about as wide as the Mini all the way down the street to the corner. That's about 200 yards. Only took me about an hour

 

Why dont you just hook up a plow to the front of the mini for the winter? ..with it being so low, you would have a good angle to push from :P.... Just get the "Boss Kit" :P