The H&R 07-14 MINI Cooper R56 Sport Spring (MPN 50450) is a progressive-rate lowering set for the R56 Cooper. The manufacturer rates it at 1.4 front and 1.4 rear, which closes the fender gap while keeping the stock ride close to its original feel. Compared with a stiffer drop spring, the progressive rate is the reason to choose this kit for a daily-driven car. A buyer who wants the handling gains of a lower center of gravity without a harsh ride should look at this set first. The manufacturer's suggested retail price is 389.00.
Fitment matters here. The manufacturer's table assigns this part number to the R56 Cooper, and lists the R56 Cooper S and John Cooper Works Hardtop under 50452, so confirm your body style before ordering. Details on convertible fitment vary across sources, so check with the manufacturer first. For installation, owners on user forums report that the job only took about half a day, with a rented spring compressor as the one special tool. Plan on an alignment afterward, and let the springs settle first, since rear camber can shift once the car is lowered.
The manufacturer lists the Cooper S and John Cooper Works Hardtop under a different part number, 50452, so this 50450 set is specified for the non-S R56 Cooper.
Owners on user forums report that alignment is needed after installation. One owner who ran H&R sport springs measured about -2.4 degrees of rear negative camber before having it adjusted at an alignment shop.
Owners on user forums describe this as a manageable driveway job that takes roughly half a day, with a spring compressor as the main special tool. Forum members also point out that the rear lower control arms use eccentric bolts, which gives you some room to adjust camber once the car is aligned. One common gotcha is a rattle caused by a washer on top of the spring that is not seated correctly, so check that seating during reassembly. Let the springs settle before the alignment, since settling changes the numbers.
