I have a 2013 R56 w/30,000 miles. I want to lower it to improve its stock stance. Not trying to improve the handling, or stiffen the ride. I like the stock ride. To wit, I purchased a set of Eibach lowering springs which are supposed to lower the car by 1.2" front & rear. I am debating replacing the struts & shocks, when I do the job. In my experience with other vehicles (2012 Grand Cherokee 50,000mi), after installing 1" lowering springs, both struts started leaking oil :/ Not sure why this happened, but I'm pretty certain the springs caused the leaks. I'm wondering if this is somewhat common, or maybe its a Jeep thing. IDK. If necessary I will replace the strut/shocks with new ones. Being of reasonable means, I was considering the Bilstein B4 OE replacements. Appreciate your thoughts. Note this is my first post.
Some struts/shocks can’t be used with lowering springs. They bottom out and that can cause them to leak. I have Eibach springs on my Gen1 S. They are stiffer than stock springs. I don’t know if the Bilsteins can be used with those springs, I am running Koni yellows. If you want it lowered but want the same ride you may want to look at some progressives springs, like these. https://www.detroittuned.com/nm-eng-mini-cooper-drop-springs-r56/ Or perhaps some good coilovers, and I mean good not cheep ones. The cheep ones never last. I have Greene Performance coilovers on my R58.
Welcome to MA. In my experience with other cars when lowering you can shorted the life of the shocks. They will hit the bump stop more often also. That said, I don’t have direct experience on the MINI (when I bought mine it already had coil overs). If you don’t mind working on the car, lower it and see what happens especially if your only looking for a stance compared to handling. Oh yea, on more thing, they usually get a little more “bouncy”. By that I mean, since the shock is already compressed some it will be stiffer and smaller bumps you will feel compared to stock or a shock/spring that is paired. Just my two unprofessional observations.
I hear good things about Colin's Swift springs (greeneperformance.com), they will lower your car about 3/4" and will work with OE or equivalent struts from DT (DetroitTuned.com).
Colin carries Swift Springs for OEM shocks. Are they cheap? No at $314.25. Are they the absolute best: YES https://www.greeneperformance.com/collections/mini-oem-performance-parts/products/swift-spec-r-lowering-springs-mini?variant=906227695 Legendary maker of high performance springs - with a focus on handling and not just not lowering, Swift have incorporated all of their proprietary technologies to make this the most capable, best handling spring on the market but still designed to work with stock dampers.
Thank You! Glad to tap into your knowledge base. Could the stiffer ride be due to the yellow Koni's? I always thought the yellow's were a performance strut. Anyone else had experience with the Eibachs? They state they are progressive, but If they are going to ride stiffer, I much rather go with the NM's or Swift's especially If I can keep the OEM Shocks/struts FEATURES: *High Performance Handling & Aggressive Good Looks *Lower Center of Gravity - lowers vehicle 1.0"-1.5" (lowering amount varies by application) *Stop Quicker, Corner Faster & get Better MPG *Progressive Spring Design for Excellent Ride Quality *Million Mile Warranty *Made In Germany or USA (varies by application)
@JC R56 Yes the Koni yellow are part to blame. I run mine on full soft unless I am going to autocross or take it to the Dragon. Also I have the Eibach Sports. I do not believe mine are progressive. I believe Eibach is used more over in europe. I know of one a very few people that have them, most here use other brands. The Eibach should be fine. You may want to give Chad at Detroit Tuned a call and ask what struts to go with. He knows minis very well and supports the community. He will steer you to the right ones. https://www.detroittuned.com Keep us up on what you find out.
I have had eibach springs on other cars and never really liked them. They always have issues like going from stiff to worn out too quickly, rusting bad. Swift makes the best springs you can get and also make very high end spring for other companies like AST and Ohlins.