First post after reading so much about MINIS. I just picked up my 2024 F55. I’m a soldier stationed in Germany. I’m planning to get me some type of suspensions but here is my problem. At some point I will be shipping my vehicle to the states and I will need to either change the suspension to the factory one or raise the setting of whatever coilovers I get. I see so many pictures of KW v1 and JCW pro kit but I’ve never seen a high setting since I don’t want to give my car lowered to whatever company ship my car. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

Welcome to NAM!

Congrats on the new MINI!

And thanks for your service…

The F55 is the 4 door MINI…. Are you sure either of those suspensions will fit it? I am pretty sure the JCW Pro is designed for the F56, the lighter 2 door hatch.

 

@Eddie07S Thank you!! That was a good question, I have seen other f55s owners with JCW pro suspension so assumed they were available for f55s. I know KW make the v1 for F55 so I can go that route. I just don’t know how high I can raise the coilovers when it’s time to ship the car to the states.

 

It looks like the F55 is about 100 - 150 lbs than the f56 JCW, so fitting the Pro suspension would work, but it may sit a little lower and be a little soft for the extra weigh. Using that may depend on what you what to do with the car.

As for raising the car for shipment. Have you thought about just buying a really cheap set of tires in a larger size range just for the shipment? For example a 215-60x17 (assuming that the car comes with 17” wheels) tire is about 27” in dia, which is about 3” larger in dia. That would raise the car by about 1.5”, more than enough to cover the amount you would be lowering it. The MINI tires could then be transported inside the car. The Tire Rack web site will give you diameters of tire sizes if you have a different wheel dia.

As for lowering a MINI, because of the suspension geometry a MINI should only be lowered about an inch, max, for best handling. More than that the suspension will develop roll center issues that will have a negative impact on handling. If going more for looks, then not so much of a concern.