Hello there! I have been thinking of either getting coil overs or lowering springs and couldn't decide. At this point I think I am going to go with springs, since I know I will never have $1500 to spend on them. I have looked into H&R but haven't been able to find much information about them? I am going for the low look, but don't want to lose the great handling I have. Has anyone heard anything about them, or have them and have an opinion? I really don't have much money to spend and trying to get good springs, without emptying my wallet. Still haven't been able to find out how to work the signature, but I have a 2007 cooper S with 87k, Thanks!
We have dealt both H&R as well as NM, both will provide you with the lower look as well as improved handling. Personally I liked the response/feedback of the NM springs a bit more than the H&R springs. If you truly want improved handling to accompany the lower ride height I would recommend a set of Koni yellows. It's a great setup, whether you're looking for that lower look or performance. You don't necessarily have to replace the shocks, but if you're doing it once, it's recommended to do it right and be done, but if money is an issue there are many running lowering coils on stock shocks. H&R Sport Springs NM Sport Springs Koni Yellow Shocks
^ ^ ^ Agree I ultimately went with Koni yellows and Swift Type R springs but it was a 2 part journey. Like you cash was tight and needed springs (right rear was sagging bumping the top of the wheel well at times). I put the swift springs on stock struts which was ok but the struts either died or the lowered springs were too much and killed the rear struts (had 80k so probably done). Swapped out for koni yellows and not looking back. Its a great ride -- its not harsh but not cadillac smooth either. I like to feel what the car is doing so the set up is perfect for me. My set up is 1x 1/2 turn off full "soft" on all 4 struts.
Forget those go with the best : SWIFT Springs Swift Spec-R Lowering Springs – Greene Performance
Not to be a wise a$$ but yes, any spring on coil-overs will give you the 2 inch drop. With that much of a drop on just springs and shocks you will be buying a lot of replacement shocks because you will be killing them with such limited travel. If low is what you want and you don't want to be replacing parts all the time do it right the 1st time with a good "quality" coil over setup /swift springs and adjustable camber plates to dial every thing in perfectly. With that in mind anything $1600.00 and below will not do the job. Here is a great custom set up that checks all the boxes above for a MINI. BC Racing Coilovers with Swift Springs and Custom Revalve – Greene Performance
I have a '08 with H&Rs and stock shocks. It is my first Mini and was purchased used with them already installed. That being said I kinda of like the ride although it can be harsh at times. I installed non run flats and that helped a lot. Bought it with 20k and now have almost 60k miles on it. When the time comes I'll go with the Koni yellows. Joel