[Peterg]

I am tempted to lower my Cooper S, as I think it sits far too high. A 30 mm drop should help fill the arches.

So has anyone lowered there F56 yet, how difficult a job is it? Have done it on previous cars, years ago, so I presume the method is similar.

Lohen are selling a full set of springs for around £220, so not a huge price to pay to improve the look of the car.

 

[polarisboy385]

I am tempted to lower my Cooper S, as I think it sits far too high. A 30 mm drop should help fill the arches.

So has anyone lowered there F56 yet, how difficult a job is it? Have done it on previous cars, years ago, so I presume the method is similar.

Lohen are selling a full set of springs for around £220, so not a huge price to pay to improve the look of the car.

Honestly in my opinion, which is limited as I have never done this sort of thing before, I would check with the dealer to see if this could in anyway void your warranty. If they say it's alright I would have them do the install.

But that's just me.
Sorry I couldn't give you the answer you were looking for.

 

[johnan]

i think the car looks just fine the way it is, certainly the Cooper does, but that of course is just my opinion!

 

[Southey]

Having just moved out of a GP 2 into a brand new Cooper S F56 and I am also thinking along the same lines as you.
I am awaiting confirmation from my Mini dealer regarding the costing to supply and fit the new JCW coil over set up (although I think this is going to be silly money).
I have done some research on my 2nd option which is to use lowering springs. Having researched through various forums and web sites H & R seem to be the best choice and offer a set of springs quoting a 30mm drop for mid £200 price.
Generally warranty issues seem to be at the discretion of individual dealerships - if non Mini alterations have clearly had an effect on causing a fault then the likely hood is they wont cover it under the warranty (ie if you have lowered the car but are making a warranty claim regarding the paintwork there will be no problem - if you are making a claim as a result of something obviously caused by your non Mini mod then no chance of claiming).

 

[uke]

I'm considering this too, but the problem is I live on a dirt road and would likely bottom out if I went too low. So I'm considering the JCW coilovers, with a modest lowering.

Please keep us posted.

 

[Peterg]

JCW coil overs are not really an option for me, as I suspect the price will be way beyond what I want to pay.
Using lowering springs is the way forward for me, although not ideal as far as handling and matching the shocks is concerned, but unless I am taking it on a track, I doubt I will notice..

 

[jeremybingham]

Check out r99's thread his is very low. Not my idea of fun though, like mine with some movement especially on ourvhorrid roads.

 

[Peterg]

Jerembingham
Yes, I have seen R99,s thread. But that's just a bit tooooo low for me.. I want to fill the arches a little, but without sacrificing ground clearance too much!
A 30mm drop I think will get what I am after.

 

[jeremybingham]

I see where you're coming from. Out of interest I had a triumph Daytona superbike 955i. Used to go out with mates who rode bmw gs's . We always rode a roads or smaller I struggled to keep up as my vision blurred and my teeth rattled over every lump and a hump back bridge nearly threw me off once. Swapped it to, on paper a slower by a bit ktm 990 smt, and I'm so much quicker. It just smooths the bumps and makes life so much easier. Low and hard isn't necessarily the way to go for a road car. Fine for track days but do you want your teeth shattered on the way to Morrison's?

 

[uke]

Low and hard isn't necessarily the way to go for a road car. Fine for track days but do you want your teeth shattered on the way to Morrison's?

Excellent point. But I think it's lost on a lot of people (primarily the Boy Racer types) who value appearance over function.

There's a driver nearby that is modifying his truck and turning it into a Low Rider. At least I hope he's turning it into something, because it's lowered to an absurd degree, to the point where if he tries to drive over a cateye he'll high-center the thing for sure. I'll try to snag a picture.

I think MINI's are a tad too high, but I understand that BMW doesn't want to surprise owners with a car that scrapes all the time. I'm guessing the standard is to make the front at least just high enough to clear a standard kerb, which is where most people risk damage. (Those of us with air dams have a highly developed spidey-sense for front kerbs, no?)

I just wish the S could come with an option to lower it by,say, 3 -5 CM. Or that the JCW suspension would have a range of options from Taut Commuter to Rally Rager. That way those of us who are used to lowered cars would have choices while others who don't care don't need to think about it.

Having said that, I understand that yes, there are aftermarket ways to lower the car and firm up the suspension. But it would be nice if it were a factory option as well.

 

[tandberg]

I see where you're coming from. Out of interest I had a triumph Daytona superbike 955i. Used to go out with mates who rode bmw gs's . We always rode a roads or smaller I struggled to keep up as my vision blurred and my teeth rattled over every lump and a hump back bridge nearly threw me off once. Swapped it to, on paper a slower by a bit ktm 990 smt, and I'm so much quicker. It just smooths the bumps and makes life so much easier. Low and hard isn't necessarily the way to go for a road car. Fine for track days but do you want your teeth shattered on the way to Morrison's?

Daytona is a different machine compared to bmw gs and the like Jeremy. But i rode sports bikes and now i just chill on the arm chair comfort of upright riding with my triumph tiger. Getting older makes that change easier lol

 

[Stingray82]

Lowering springs are not the way to go. They screw up the suspension geometry and you wind up with a car that has less capability than stock. If you want to go lower, change out the suspension components for something engineered for the task. At the very least go with drop spindles as this allows you to keep the stock springs and keeps the suspension at equilibrium while driving on smooth roads.

 

[Peterg]

I see where you're coming from. Out of interest I had a triumph Daytona superbike 955i. Used to go out with mates who rode bmw gs's . We always rode a roads or smaller I struggled to keep up as my vision blurred and my teeth rattled over every lump and a hump back bridge nearly threw me off once. Swapped it to, on paper a slower by a bit ktm 990 smt, and I'm so much quicker. It just smooths the bumps and makes life so much easier. Low and hard isn't necessarily the way to go for a road car. Fine for track days but do you want your teeth shattered on the way to Morrison's?

Lowering the car doesn't always mean a firmer ride, in fact I don't want a firmer ride I just want the car to look right..
I just think it sits a little too high.. R99,s car is too low for me, a 30 mm drop I think would make the car look right.
I know it's not the ideal way forward, but I don't plan on taking it on a track.
I have had more sports bikes and off road bikes than I can count, and over the past few years, especially of late, the first thing I would do is get the suspension sorted for my weight.. Change springs, set the static sag etc..
It's a little different here I reckon. I want to change the springs to make the car look right, not for a gain in handling.

 

[johnan]

Any changes to car specifications away from standard these days are a minefield as far as increased insurance premiums, or voided insurance if the company is not told, invalid warranty, messed up handling, grounding over speed bumps and accelerated tyre wear if castor and tracking are not adjusted to suit.
And you can end up with a car that looks no better. I think the stance of the new Minis is just about right, certainly low enough and mean enough looking for me.