1st Gen R53 Cooper S Upgrading Suspension

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by jeffster06, Aug 26, 2011.

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  1. jeffster06

    jeffster06 Active Member

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    #1 jeffster06, Aug 26, 2011
    So I've decided I want to change out my struts and springs (probably time anyways seeing the stockers are at 92k) I have been eyeballing the megan coilovers mainly because I had a set on a different car and had a good experience with them.

    my question is for around the same price range are there better options? I don't really plan on autocrossing although the thought of it sounds fun so I wouldn't rule it out. My goals height wise are to just close up the wheel gap I don't really care to tuck my wheels into the fender. I have thought about maybe doing koni yellows with some TSW springs but I haven't been able to find any good photos of a car sitting on TSW's to know if its gonna lower my car as much as I want.

    Also before I get responses about the rear control arms I already have some H=sports installed so the rear camber won't be an issue.
     
  2. quikmni

    quikmni Moderator

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    #2 quikmni, Aug 26, 2011
    Sounds like springs and shocks would be adequate for your planned use rather than coil-overs.
    I would go with Koni Yellows and an aftermarket spring with the drop you want. There are a few aftermarket springs that drop more than the TSW.
    One great deal right now is Bavarian Autosports springs that are on sale for $100: BMW Parts and BMW Accessories | Bavarian Autosport
    I had H&R springs that were a nice looking 1" drop.
     
  3. KC Jr 54

    KC Jr 54 New Member

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    #3 KC Jr 54, Aug 26, 2011
    Koni Yellows + a good spring > Megan.
     
  4. TT_Zop

    TT_Zop Club Coordinator

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    #4 TT_Zop, Aug 26, 2011
    Swift now has lowering springs for Mini's.
     
  5. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    #5 ScottinBend, Aug 27, 2011
    Check out my gallery/garage for a look at the TSW drop.
     
  6. jeffster06

    jeffster06 Active Member

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    #6 jeffster06, Aug 27, 2011
    Checked out your pictures after seeing your drop TSW's don't seem like the way for me to go. I want more of a drop not much more maybe half an inch or so.

    I looked some swift springs they seem pretty decent and claim they will drop the car 1.2"
     
  7. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    #7 ScottinBend, Aug 27, 2011
    I was running 215/40 tires so the stock size would be a touch taller.

    I am now running 215/45 and it fills the wheel well very nicely.
     
  8. chilicon

    chilicon New Member

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    #8 chilicon, Aug 27, 2011
    I just called Swift yesterday about this. They told me the springs should be available at the end of September, and that the drop is about 3/4 inch.

    Here is a link to a picture they posted on their Facebook page...

    Swift Springs's Photos - Wall Photos | Facebook

    I'm currently on Koni yellows with stock springs but thinking of making a change to the Swifts.
     
  9. jeffster06

    jeffster06 Active Member

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    #9 jeffster06, Aug 27, 2011
    hmm now you have me back on TSW's any shots with the 215 45's? I am currently in the process of switching from 215 40's The rears are next to be changed.
     
  10. TT_Zop

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    #10 TT_Zop, Aug 27, 2011
    Think you will be pleased with the Swifts. I use Swift on my coilovers. Swift make most any coilovers better imo.
     
  11. CHKMINI

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    #11 CHKMINI, Aug 27, 2011
    I have NM springs and Koni yellows. Check my garage.
     
  12. KC Jr 54

    KC Jr 54 New Member

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    #12 KC Jr 54, Aug 27, 2011
    Being a r56 though, the look of the drop is completely different for several reasons.

    I 2nd the Swift springs. Swift in general makes the best springs you can buy.
     
  13. jeffster06

    jeffster06 Active Member

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    #13 jeffster06, Aug 27, 2011
    So far swift springs have been the number one suggestion. Friends I have that don't even own a MINI have suggested them. looks like I may have to be patient and wait for them to come out. I noticed swift has lowering springs on their site for sale but the little note on the site says the item was added in 07 older springs they may have sold?
     
  14. quikmni

    quikmni Moderator

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    #14 quikmni, Aug 27, 2011
    The Swift spring should have about the same drop as the TSW spring. If you want a little more drop than 3/4", such as about 1" to 1-1/4" than the H&R, H-Sport, or M7 would be good choices. On my 03 MCS I ran 215/40-17 with H&R springs. I really liked the amount of drop and the look.
     
  15. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    #15 ScottinBend, Aug 28, 2011
    No pics yet....maybe later today.

    One other thing to consider is that I have the first version of the springs and didn't they get a slight change in drop on the later versions? I don't remember for sure.
     

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