Is there anyone with regrets of buying the M7 Springs? I just want to be sure that they are right for me.

Also, what should I tell my parents the reason for buying these is? My dad would probably know somewhat, but my mom! I just want them to know the reason for shelling out the $200+, for them. My father already okayed the Ultimate Grill, I just think they will be hesitant on me buying new springs for a car that is less than 8 months old.

(shhh... my parents lurk on this site! I have gotten grounded for my antics in other threads, ie: "Help I am a MINI Abuser!")

Finally, what is involved in installing these babies?

Mikey

BTW my friend has this car from Eurobahn/Rotora and he has 19s and -1.5 inch eibachs on them, my car won't look this squaty right??
Here's his car.(attachment)

 

Save your money and get the H-sport springs. Peter is a great guy, but his springs only work with certain wheels.

I got the H-sport and am running 17s with 42 off set and 215-45s and there are no rubbins issues.

Installing them is no different than any other car with struts. It can be a DIY job, but I chose to pay instead. It should not be more than fifty bucks as side.

 

Hey Maurice, which wheels did you get?

Unfortunately, my Hamanns are super wide and have an insufficient offset so they will rub with the Hamanns. But that is a function of the wheel more than the springs. The M7 springs improve the ride 100% - smooth as silk but pretty low.

 

I have r90 17s, I don't think the wheels will be an issue.

I wish I could get more responses, the crickets are just as loud in this thread as they are in my back yard!

-Mikey

 

The springs might only be $200 but if your getting someone else to install them then its gonna run the price up alot.

 

what involved in installing them??

-Mikey

 

Now while i have not installed a set yet....

the process involves compressing the current springs as well as the new ones properly to get them on. I am sure there is someone else that can chime in with better experience but I have heard some people saying they used ratcheting tow straps vs. getting the proper spring compression tool.

My advice would be, if you have never done this type of work before, to get a professional to do it or to help at the very least.

The proper tools for these types of jobs are key!

Otherwise go for the m7. The biggest thing to understand about replacing the springs is that the sock springs offer an even compression rate of about 160lbs. vs. the m7 or H-sports which are variable. what this means for you is that for every day driving the ride will be smoother yet during hard driving and cornering the car will handle better.

For your aprents benefit the springs will be good, riding better normally and giving you the ability to handle corners much safer.

Good luck!

Chris

 

mikey- check out www.webbmotorsports.com they have a how-to
on pretty much everything. I think www.outmotoring.com has info
on installs too. go check them out. :smile:

 

I took off the M7s and installed a set of Alta springs by myself this weekend (to temporarily raise the car). It wasn't hard at all - five hours including a power steering fan cover install and oil change. Go to Lowe's and get some of the heavy duty (150lb) zip ties to help with removing the driver's side strut. You will also need some basic hand tools - a few different size allen wrenches (buy the metric kit for $15 at Lowe's), a spark plug socket (the larger one, not the smaller lawnmower size), a larger size socket set (also at Lowe's - I believe 28mm is the largest I used), a long extension (12'), a floor jack, at least two jackstands, a breaker bar, a few open end wrenches (I believe 16mm is the largest), a strut-spring compressor ($10 at Harbor Freight), and get some Mechanix Gloves - they will save your knuckles!

By the way, after riding on the M7s for several months, the Alta springs make the car feel like crap! The Altas suck in comparison.

 

Is it too soft?

 

I have had the M7 springs on my car for 5-6K miles and I still enjoy them. They did smooth out the ride a bit. I am thinking of going with coilovers, only to get lower. PETER (HINT HINT) I wish M7 made a lower set- maybe 2 inches or so, but all in all the springs have been great. Good luck with your decision.

 

No, I would say they are too stiff compared to the M7s - very close to the harsh stock S sports package feel. I think I am going to go back to the M7s.

 

I am thinking about changing my exhaust to one ball exhaust with stock.

Hey Rick, your M7 spring was the first generation spring which is way to low for your 17” wheels right. I have an Alta spring running with 18” wheels and no rubbing. Love my Alta spring and for the price you can’t bet it. At $149 at JSC speed.


http://www.jscspeed.com/mini/suspens...ta_springs.htm

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Hey guys. I've been riding on M7 springs for over a year now and have no complaints regarding ride comfort, bottoming out or rubbing. Sometimes I think I wish they were a little stiffer, not sure though??? I'm thinking of installing Konis next just to stiffen it up a bit, we'll see.

I just put on 215/45/17 tires and no rubbing yet with a full load in the car.

james

 

yeh, I think the next step up would be to get the Koni's to
tighten everything down. :smile:

I'd like to try those when my stockers die.

 

would you have rubbing issues on the m7 springs with 215/35/18. also with these springs would you need control arms to correct the camber?

 

I am gettin Hsports. Install in September with my stage 2/3 upgrade at PEAK. I can't wait to have a really fast Mini

 

rubbing... not necessarily, what is the offset of those wheels you are
using?

camber... I think it's up to you. M7's lower the car a tad more than H-Sports
from what I read, so you might want to consider the rods but can probably
get away with it unless you race your car and need to dial-in more
turnability. what year's your car?

 

the wheels i'm thinking of getting have an offset of 45. the car is an '02. mcs if that makes any difference.

 

That's a good offset. You shouldn't rub. If you were talking #'s less
than 42, it'll start raising some flags. Even so, Alex had some simple
dremeling tips on how to trim off a tad bit of the inside rear fender.

 

Alright Thanks . I shouldn't have any problems with the stock shocks on the m7 springs right? How long do you think it would take for them to bottom out or need to be replaced?

 

That's a tough question to answer cause it depends on how you drive
and road conditions, etc.

For instance, Ive been running H-Sports on my 03 stock dampers the
last 13k+ miles and the car is still well planted. some have complained
that their dampers blew only after a couple thousands miles.... it may
be the 04+ models though when MINI started introducing softer damp
rates.

Unless you want to do the Koni's now, Id probably just try out the
M7's on your stockers and see how it feels. I recommend rear swaybars
too if you haven't installed one. :smile:

btw, if the M7's don't come with bumpstops I recommend you trim
about one inch off the stock bumpstops so you don't ride on them
over bumpy roads. The H-Sport bumpstops are very small vs
stock so I think trimming one inch off stock bumpstops will be fine.

 

Alright thanks. I'm just going to try out the m7 springs with the stockers, I think i should be fine. No one sells smaller bumpstops? I'm going to hold off on the rear sway bar for now as i'm working on a limited budget and the main reason for getting the springs is to lower the wheel gap with the wheels/tires I plan on buying. BTW any clue as to how much it would cost to have springs installed? (I don't trust myself doing it )

 

Koni should have those progressive rate bump stops if you want to
get them, but you should be fine just cutting your factory ones.
(save your $65 or so).

The install should take no more than 2-2.5hours...they may charge you
for 3 hours x $___ rate they have. usually $65 to $85 per hour. If
you can find some MINI buddies locally, I recommend you just install
it amongst yourselves. It's not difficult to do.:smile: