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Cooper S Coilovers Install Guide
Your Cooper S
Pick your year to see what fits.
This page covers the US Cooper S hardtop.
Lower and flatter
Hard$1,550–$2,8854–5 hrs
Why do it
Adjustable height and much less body roll.
Tools you'll need
- Jack and 4 jack stands
- Socket set
- Torque wrench
- Penetrating oil
- Coilover wrenches (usually included)
- Jack and 4 jack stands
- Socket set
- Torque wrench
- Penetrating oil
- Coilover wrenches (usually included)
- Spring compressor
Starting out? See our budget tool list.
Parts to buy
- KW V3 coilovers 35220042 Listed for the 2002-2006 R53 Cooper S.Fits 2002–2006
- KW V1 coilovers R56 Lists the 2007-2013 R56 Cooper S.Fits 2007–2013
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Before you start
- Book an alignment before you start. You need one right after.
- Soak all the bolts in penetrating oil first.
- Book an alignment before you start. You need one right after.
- Soak all the bolts in penetrating oil first.
Steps
Remove the rear struts
- Disconnect and unbolt the rear struts.
Remove the front struts
- Unbolt the end link and pull the fronts.
Build the new struts
- Move the top parts over in the right order.
Fit the fronts
- Bolt in the fronts and refit the end links.
Set the height
- Roll the car, measure, and adjust each corner.
Remove the rear shock
- Take off the wheel and unbolt the shock.
Swap the top parts
- Compress the spring and move the top mount.
Refit the rear
- Line it up and bolt it in.
Do the fronts
- Same job on the front struts.
Fit the front coilover
- Set the strut in place and snug it.
How to know it worked
- Car sits level at your height.
- No clunks or rubbing.
- Steering is straight after the alignment.
- Car sits level at your height.
- No clunks or rubbing.
- Steering is straight after the alignment.
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Safety first
- Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
- Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
- Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
- Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
- Wear safety glasses.
- If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.
Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.
Coilover install guides for other cars