I've actually had my car for a couple of months now, but I didn't feel worthy of an introduction until I modified my car a bit! Here's my 2009 Cooper S- it's on Air Lift Performance struts that I modified to fit the R56 platform: I just added the Rota RBs last week, which replaced a set of white 16" stock wheels- I'm really happy with the result! So far I've got about 500 miles on the air suspension, and I'm really impressed with the ride quality and feel. If you guys have any questions about my setup just send me a message!
Welcome aboard. While not my thing, nor will it ever be, you did a nice job with your air ride. And always loved the look of those wheels.
Did you have to trim any of the metal under the fender trim to have room? Be nice to see a High, Low, and Driving Height shot just to compare. Do you drive it how it is sitting in these pics? Guess you can't turn very sharp?
I'll take some more pics tonight after work. The pictured height is all the way down- no driving at that height! I didn't have to do any cutting or trimming for clearance- there are a total of five extra holes drilled in the entire car for air line routing that could be sealed up easily enough to return the car to stock. I ride with the fenders just barely above the tire- about 2" up from here. At that height I have full range of steering without any rubbing, and the front lower lip (the vertical plastic that's below the bumper cover) is the only thing that hits the ground on large bumps or dips. Fully lifted is just about back to stock height- great for getting into a monster driveway or getting a floor jack under the stock jacking points, but you wouldn't want to drive fully lifted as there's no droop travel.
Well done. It looks good--especially at the drive height. Love the wheels. I was waiting for the hate, but it seems the more outspoken critics on MA have been silenced, which is nice for new member inclusion, but takes away from some of the spiciness of the site.
I'm used to hate- I've been dealing air suspension parts for the past 15 years, so I've heard it all! Granted some of it was probably warranted- cutting up a classic car to put it flat on the ground makes some people queasy! With this kit I was hoping for a smoother ride (I found the stock S suspension to be a bit harsh), with a lowered stance, without compromising its daily-driver status. Other than the reduction in trunk space, I'd say it's a win!
I saw it and preferred not to comment, more important things to worry about. I do like the wheels though.