Suspension TSW R56 springs - coming soon
#301
02-09-2009 | 12:36 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
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We installed the TSW R56 springs on my wifes R56S last Sat at approximately 8am. Installed at a DIY event in Dallas, Scott from TSW was present and helped with the install. We did four sets that day. After the install my wife and I left the DIY event and drove straight through from Dallas to Michigan 15 hours 1100 miles. Stayed in Michigan for three days and then came back to Dallas. All I can say is that the TSW's rule! 2200 miles in four days! We hit every kind of surface that you can think of smooth as glass, rough, rough and bumpy, the one big bump every 20 feet for a hundred miles, Chicago's craters of asphalt, and Michigan's ice and snow. The springs are amazing, the ride is smooth , and the handling is great. We have the black 18" JCW wheels with Yoko S-Drives 205-40-18. The car now has the stance of a stock R53, virtually no gap in between the wheel wells and the tires. Every one at the DIY event noticed the stance and complemented on how much better the car looked. When we arrived in Michigan I found that the springs had settled and man the car looks mean. We hit every bump you could think of and the tires never rubbed. All I can say is that if you want to lower your R56 go with the TSW's, great product and thanks again to Scott for the help and the great product.
2200 miles and approximately 2 miles from being back at the house we hit something BIG on the road with the drivers front wheel. Pulled it into the garage and found a huge 4" long dent with a 5" tear in the wheel and, the side wall of the tire has a bubble. Lucky we sprung for the road hazard from Mini and, the road hazard from Discount Tire. Contacted both and, both are replacing wheel and tire for no coast.
2200 miles and approximately 2 miles from being back at the house we hit something BIG on the road with the drivers front wheel. Pulled it into the garage and found a huge 4" long dent with a 5" tear in the wheel and, the side wall of the tire has a bubble. Lucky we sprung for the road hazard from Mini and, the road hazard from Discount Tire. Contacted both and, both are replacing wheel and tire for no coast.
#302
02-09-2009 | 02:29 PM
#307
03-18-2009 | 07:41 AM
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 1
Hey Fig, try some squirting some WD-40 up around the perches. That's what I did. I haven't heard a squeak since.
#309
03-29-2009 | 10:21 PM
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
I had Way Motor Works put on TSW springs with H-Sport control arms on our Clubman at AMVIV. So far so good, I am getting creaking on front passenger side. I will put some WD40 on it and see if it goes away. I will try to post some pictures tomorrow. The rears seems to be dropping more in the R55 then the R56. The front so far looks similar to R56, we have about 340 miles so far in driving around Vegas and back to LA.
So far the I really like the ride of the TSW. I am hoping the rears do not drop anymore, and I can get the noise to disappear on the front
So far the I really like the ride of the TSW. I am hoping the rears do not drop anymore, and I can get the noise to disappear on the front
#310
03-30-2009 | 09:20 AM
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 1
I had Way Motor Works put on TSW springs with H-Sport control arms on our Clubman at AMVIV. So far so good, I am getting creaking on front passenger side. I will put some WD40 on it and see if it goes away. I will try to post some pictures tomorrow. The rears seems to be dropping more in the R55 then the R56. The front so far looks similar to R56, we have about 340 miles so far in driving around Vegas and back to LA.
So far the I really like the ride of the TSW. I am hoping the rears do not drop anymore, and I can get the noise to disappear on the front
So far the I really like the ride of the TSW. I am hoping the rears do not drop anymore, and I can get the noise to disappear on the front
#311
03-30-2009 | 10:06 AM
That fix will probably only be temporary (unless the rubbing itself causes enough clearance to eventually fix it).
I used some o-ring sealant because it's thick, sticky, and is designed to be used on rubber (no degradation of the upper seat rubber). To do this properly, you need to disassemble the strut again (yuck). So... as a stop gap measure, just keep spraying your lubricant of choice when it returns. Silicone spray might be a good one.
I used some o-ring sealant because it's thick, sticky, and is designed to be used on rubber (no degradation of the upper seat rubber). To do this properly, you need to disassemble the strut again (yuck). So... as a stop gap measure, just keep spraying your lubricant of choice when it returns. Silicone spray might be a good one.
#312
03-30-2009 | 11:39 AM
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From: Car Nut Since 1987, Owner Since Fall 2005, Vendor Since Fall 2007
I had Way Motor Works put on TSW springs with H-Sport control arms on our Clubman at AMVIV. So far so good, I am getting creaking on front passenger side. I will put some WD40 on it and see if it goes away. I will try to post some pictures tomorrow. The rears seems to be dropping more in the R55 then the R56. The front so far looks similar to R56, we have about 340 miles so far in driving around Vegas and back to LA.
So far the I really like the ride of the TSW. I am hoping the rears do not drop anymore, and I can get the noise to disappear on the front
So far the I really like the ride of the TSW. I am hoping the rears do not drop anymore, and I can get the noise to disappear on the front
The rears always settle within the first 100 miles you should be good to go. The spring rate is still significantly higher than the OEM Clubman springs and TSW beefed up the front spring rate even more than the rear – so it looks like these may work fine on the Clubman. We look forward to seeing pics soon. 
#313
03-30-2009 | 03:47 PM
5th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 603
Likes: 1
From: Aventura, Florida
That fix will probably only be temporary (unless the rubbing itself causes enough clearance to eventually fix it).
I used some o-ring sealant because it's thick, sticky, and is designed to be used on rubber (no degradation of the upper seat rubber). To do this properly, you need to disassemble the strut again (yuck). So... as a stop gap measure, just keep spraying your lubricant of choice when it returns. Silicone spray might be a good one.
I used some o-ring sealant because it's thick, sticky, and is designed to be used on rubber (no degradation of the upper seat rubber). To do this properly, you need to disassemble the strut again (yuck). So... as a stop gap measure, just keep spraying your lubricant of choice when it returns. Silicone spray might be a good one.
#314
03-30-2009 | 08:18 PM
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 1
#315
03-30-2009 | 09:18 PM
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
my squeaks went away after about 300 miles, the ride and handling are absolutely great - that was the main reason I went for these springs and they really exceeded my expectations. For 400+$ installed it's a great bargain (I didn't do the alignment yet, actually Jeff from TSW said it's not really necessary with their springs...)
#316
04-01-2009 | 07:30 AM
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 16
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#317
04-02-2009 | 06:59 PM
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
So I am looking into getting the TSW springs, how many people are using the FSD shocks long term with no issues of failing? I am trying to decide which shock/strut combo to pair with these springs. I use the car as a daily driver and also enjoy spirited driving (plenty of twisty country roads). As long as the car is no more jarring than stock with runflats I'll be happy comfort wise. I thought about Yellows I had them on my GTI a number of years ago I hated the adjustment the rear was a huge pain and getting the setting dialed took a long time due to taking the whole rear end down each time I wanted to test a new setting. Any other reccomendations?
#318
04-02-2009 | 08:15 PM
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 1
So I am looking into getting the TSW springs, how many people are using the FSD shocks long term with no issues of failing? I am trying to decide which shock/strut combo to pair with these springs. I use the car as a daily driver and also enjoy spirited driving (plenty of twisty country roads). As long as the car is no more jarring than stock with runflats I'll be happy comfort wise. I thought about Yellows I had them on my GTI a number of years ago I hated the adjustment the rear was a huge pain and getting the setting dialed took a long time due to taking the whole rear end down each time I wanted to test a new setting. Any other reccomendations?
The ride on the OEM struts is amazing. MUCH better than stock.
#320
04-05-2009 | 01:26 AM
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 640
Likes: 0
From: Nashua, NH
So I am looking into getting the TSW springs, how many people are using the FSD shocks long term with no issues of failing? I am trying to decide which shock/strut combo to pair with these springs. I use the car as a daily driver and also enjoy spirited driving (plenty of twisty country roads). As long as the car is no more jarring than stock with runflats I'll be happy comfort wise. I thought about Yellows I had them on my GTI a number of years ago I hated the adjustment the rear was a huge pain and getting the setting dialed took a long time due to taking the whole rear end down each time I wanted to test a new setting. Any other reccomendations?
#321
04-05-2009 | 06:55 AM
5th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 603
Likes: 1
From: Aventura, Florida
Koni doesn't recommend FSDs with any kind of lowering springs. The whole concept with FSDs is when you are driving on a level road the valving is comfortable, once the car is turned and the struts/shocks are somewhat compressed the strut/shock stiffens. Using the FSDs with the lowering springs and the shock will always be on the stiff setting, defeats the whole purpose of using the FSD. FSDs are for stock ride height springs only.
http://www.replacementshocks.com/sho...ts-news/?cat=9
#323
04-05-2009 | 08:53 AM
5th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 603
Likes: 1
From: Aventura, Florida
#324
04-05-2009 | 06:55 PM
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
FSD's
I did my research pretty thoroughly. The consensus seems to be that 1.5 inches or so is the most drop you want to use with FSD's. I have not heard of issues regarding their use with TSW springs. I would be interested in hearing about the problems.
I do not think the combination has been in existence that long for the R56. For R533's there are a number out there.
I do not think the combination has been in existence that long for the R56. For R533's there are a number out there.
#325
04-05-2009 | 06:59 PM
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 16
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Koni sells FSD with lowering springs
I think they are eibach.
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...et+%26+Springs
Not specifically for the mini. But if the shocks were going to fail or malfunction due to lowering it should be across the board.
And the combination FSD TSW has a very good ride.
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...et+%26+Springs
Not specifically for the mini. But if the shocks were going to fail or malfunction due to lowering it should be across the board.
And the combination FSD TSW has a very good ride.