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2018 Mini Cooper H&R Lower Springs Install

Yesterday we completed an H&R lowering spring install on a 2018 Mini Cooper S Edition 7. This car comes from the factory with a sporty suspension, but not everybody likes the softer feel of it. The H&R lowering springs will change that spring rate to a slightly stiffer one while maintaining a comfortable ride. These lowering springs will lower the car approximately 1.1″ in the front and back.

Lowering springs and alignment.

Before, on the day of purchase.

Since this is such a new platform, there is little information available. However, the F56 platform is the same throughout all 2014-2018 Mini Cooper S models.

After removing the stock suspension and installing the lowering springs, we put the car up on the alignment rack to get everything straighten out. The camber was set a little in at 1.75º, this gives the car a little better handling characteristics in the corners. Tire wear should be minimal with this camber setting.

Note for Springs

We also highly suggest changing the shocks and struts at the same time. The stock shocks and struts are not rated for lowering springs. This will increase the pressure inside the shocks over a shorter period of time. Furthermore, it may blow out over 6 months to a year due to the fact that the spring is shorter than OEM springs. The shocks are designed to dampen at the full length / throw of the shock. We highly suggest installing a Bilstein B6 shock if you would like to do lowering springs only. For around the same price, you can install a dampening adjustable coilover kit, which also has high adjustability. We informed the customer of this, however they opted out of replacing the shocks and struts.

Even without new shocks, over all, these springs give a much better ride quality and improved drivability. They perform much better than OEM springs and make the driving experience very fun.