Right, decided to take a few hours out and fit the KW springs on my 2004 MCS today, after trying to read about these on here, plus find out what everyone thinks of them i didn't find much, so i am writing this so hopefully it can be a help for someone who is looking for some springs!

Bought the springs from Lohen, came next day, excellent service....
lohen.co.uk - Track & Fast Road Performance for your New Mini - Online Shop (http://www.lohen.co.uk/shop/proddetail.php?prod=KWSprings)

As for fitting the springs, i thought it was one of the easiest cars i have fitted suspension to. Very simple and anyone with a slightly mechanical mind could fit these. Only basic tools needed.

Onto the pictures as they say a thousand words.....:rolleyes:
and yes.... i know the car was very dirty!!!!!

Getting ready to do fronts.....

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/th_DSC_0576.jpg (http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/DSC_0576.jpg)

Needs a clean!!

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/th_DSC_0577.jpg (http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/DSC_0577.jpg)

Fronts done, can see the height difference in back!

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/th_DSC_0581.jpg (http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/DSC_0581.jpg)

All done and cleaned... I know they are very bad pictures ( was using my dads 1920's camera!)

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/th_DSC_0592.jpg
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/DSC_0592.jpg)

Difference in height ....

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/th_DSC_0579.jpg (http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/DSC_0579.jpg) http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/th_DSC_0597.jpg (http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/DSC_0579.jpg)

As for ride etc,yes it is a harder ride. But its not terrible. Over bumps i can definetly feel it alot more, car is alot quicker on the steering and turn in. Body roll has decreased alot. Even though standard doesn't roll that much. It sits just as i want it, On the tires all round. Very happy with the final result.
If your looking to lower your car but not willing to pay 1k+ for coilovers then i would definetly reccomend the KW Springs. I cannot comment on any other setups as this is the only one i have had on the mini so far.As for track setup i can imagine coilovers are definetly worth it.) On my old Astra i had coilovers and the ride was terrible and handling was terrible ( but it was a Vaxuhall):hmph:

i hope this can come in usefull for someone who is looking to lower their mini

Cheers. Johnno.

updated with some pictures, can see how much it has lowered now!

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/th_DSC_0609.jpg (http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/DSC_0609.jpg) http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/th_DSC_0608.jpg (http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/DSC_0608.jpg) http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/th_DSC_0607.jpg (http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/DSC_0607.jpg)

Ride height difference before and after....

Before ..

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/th_DSC_0558.jpg (http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/DSC_0558.jpg)

After..

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/th_DSC_0606.jpg (http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/saxo_john/DSC_0606.jpg)

Looks excellent, amazing what a difference it makes to the overall look actually.

Let me know how you get on with those pesky speed bumps!

Also, (off topic, sorry), the aero grill - Is that the expensive Lohen one that doesn't require any cutting to the standard bumper? If not was it hard to fit?

not gone near a speed hump yet. Will let you know if i ever do!:eek:

No its not a lohen one. I got it off Chris at woodman Mini. Alot cheaper than the Lohen part. it was quite straight forward to fit. Obv the top one was a direct replacement, The bottom i just removed front bumper and cut a little at a time. Until i got it on there ok. Was very happy with the final result though :)

( Link on what to do http://www.mini2.com/forum/exterior/75109-aero-grill-stock-mini-cooper-s-bumper-diary-links-pics.html )

Hope that was of some help:D

Hi Johnno
Thanks for taking the time and share the lowering experience :) I recently bought some AC Schnitzer Springs and keep conteplating fitting them..just a little worried that it might make make the ride to fierce? I was interested reading your coments. I have my car booked in for service at specialist on Friday- thinking of getting them to fit them.
Did you regret loosing the more pliant drive?

i have always thought the MCS ride wasn't excellent. After fitting these, it was still rough. But i dont regret atall fitting these. I love them to bits, I have only had one problem..... I cant take the dogs down the beach as it doesn't get over the speed hump =[. But all other speed humps it has not been a problem...

All my bad point's go away when i go around a roundabout mind =] Its sooooo much better now!


Hope it was of some help. Let me know how it goes.