Tein Street Advance Z Coilovers Mini R53 RE16 02-07

TEIN Street Advance Z Coilovers for Mini R53 RE16 (2002-2007) – Adjustable Ride Height, 16-Way Damping

TEIN Street Advance Z replaces the original dampers and springs on your Mini R53 RE16 with a height-adjustable coilover kit, so you can set the stance you want and tighten up the handling without making the car uncomfortable. TEIN specifies 6 kgf/mm front and 6 kgf/mm rear spring rates for this application.

Street Advance Z uses a sealed twin-tube damper with a threaded body. Ride height is set by moving the lower spring seat up or down the thread, and a 16-level adjuster on top of the damper lets you fine-tune the ride from comfortable to firmer for spirited driving. Your original top mounts are reused, which keeps the kit affordable and the cabin free from extra noise.

The damper bodies get TEIN's two-layer powder coat, and the height-adjustment threads are protected by TEIN's low-friction ZTP coating, which resists rust and stone chips and helps stop the spring seats seizing. TEIN springs are cold-formed from SAE9254 spring steel and powder coated, and TEIN designs them to resist sagging over time.

Specifications

• Damper type: Twin-tube, gas and oil
• Height adjustment: Threaded spring seat
• Damping adjustment: 16 levels (compression and rebound together)
• Spring rate, front: 6 kgf/mm
• Spring rate, rear: 6 kgf/mm
• Ride height as supplied, front: approx. 20 mm lower than standard
• Ride height as supplied, rear: approx. 20 mm lower than standard
• TEIN recommended height range, front: 13 to 30 mm below standard
• TEIN recommended height range, rear: 10 to 30 mm below standard
• EDFC motor kit: EDK05-12140 (sold separately)
• Top mounts: Reuses your original top mounts
• Part number: GSG74-91SS2

Spring rates and ride heights are TEIN's application data. Heights are measured against the car's standard ride height and are a guide only: the result on your car depends on its condition, wheels and tyres, and load.

Key Features

• Height adjustable via a threaded lower spring seat
• 16-level damping adjuster, changing compression and rebound together (0 = stiffest, 16 = softest)
• Sealed twin-tube dampers tuned for everyday road comfort
• Compatible with TEIN EDFC electronic damping controllers using motor kit EDK05-12140 (sold separately)
• TEIN SAE9254 springs matched to the car, powder coated and designed to resist sagging
• Reuses the original top mounts for a quiet, refined ride
• ZTP-coated threads and TEIN-green powder coat to fight rust and seized spring seats
• An affordable way into adjustable TEIN suspension

What's in the Kit?

• 4 x Street Advance Z dampers
• 4 x TEIN coil springs
• Spring seats and lock rings
• Hook spanners for setting ride height
• Fitting instructions

Please note: image for reference only.

Fitment

• Mini Hatch R53 RE16 (2002 to 2006), Cooper S (from March 2002 only), 1.6L FWD
• Mini Hatch R53 RE16 (May 2002 to Jan 2007), Cooper S, 1.6L FWD

TEIN also lists this kit (GSG74-91SS2) for: Mini Hatch R50 RA16 (2002-2007).

Please check before ordering:

• Not compatible with cars built in March 2002 or earlier. Build date can differ from registration date, so check with the manufacturer.

Not suitable for: the Mini Hatch F56 XS15 (2013 on), which needs TEIN Street Advance Z GSGH2-91AS3; and the Mini Hatch R56 MF16, Hatch R56 MF16S, Hatch R56 ME14 (2007-2014), which needs TEIN Street Advance Z GSV70-91SS2.

Installation

The kit replaces the original dampers and springs. Ride height is set by winding the lower spring seat up or down the threaded body with the supplied spanners and locking it with the second ring. Your original top mounts are reused, so check their condition and replace any that are worn before fitting. Tighten the top nut with a torque wrench while holding the piston rod on its flats; over-tightening can damage the adjuster. Leave suspension arm bolts loose until the car is back on its wheels, then torque them at normal ride height so the bushes aren't preloaded. TEIN advises lowering by no more than 30-40 mm to start with, keeping the front level with or 5-10 mm lower than the rear. Let the springs settle for a few days, recheck the height and lock rings, then have a full four-wheel alignment done. Fitting needs spring compressors (where strut assemblies are rebuilt), a torque wrench and a good understanding of the car's suspension. We recommend professional fitting.

Vehicle-specific notes from TEIN:

• Rear: the EDFC series is recommended, as the damper must be removed to adjust damping force.

Upgrade Further

Lowering changes the anti-roll bar geometry. TEIN's adjustable drop links let you correct it: Tein Front Adjustable Drop Links Mini R53 RE16, Tein Rear Adjustable Drop Links Mini R53 RE16. Add a TEIN EDFC5 controller with motor kit EDK05-12140 to adjust damping from the driver's seat. Contact us for pricing.

Will this kit fit my Mini R53 RE16?

This kit (TEIN part GSG74-91SS2) is listed for the models in the Fitment section above. Check your chassis code, year and trim against that list, along with any notes under it. If you're unsure, send us your registration or VIN before ordering and we'll confirm.

How low will my Mini R53 RE16 go?

As supplied, TEIN's data puts the car approx. 20 mm lower than standard at the front and approx. 20 mm lower than standard at the rear. TEIN recommends staying within 13 to 30 mm below standard at the front and 10 to 30 mm below standard at the rear. Wheels, tyres and the car's condition all affect the final height.

Can I adjust the damping?

Yes. The 16-level adjuster changes compression and rebound together: 0 is the stiffest setting and 16 the softest. Start from TEIN's recommended setting and change it a few clicks at a time. On this car some adjusters are hard to reach once fitted (see the vehicle-specific notes), so TEIN recommends its EDFC controller.

Does it work with TEIN EDFC?

Yes. You'll need TEIN's EDFC5 controller kit plus motor kit EDK05-12140 for this car, both sold separately. EDFC lets you change damping from inside the car.

Do I need my original top mounts?

Yes. This kit reuses your original top mounts, so they aren't included. If they're worn or noisy, replace them at the same time.

Do I need a wheel alignment after fitting?

Yes. Changing ride height alters camber and toe, so have a full four-wheel alignment done once the springs have settled and the height is final.

Are TEIN coilovers road legal in the UK?

Coilovers can be used on UK roads as long as the car stays roadworthy: keep a sensible ride height, enough clearance and correctly aimed headlights. Modifying your suspension should be declared to your insurer.

What's the difference between Street Advance Z and Street Basis Z?

Both use the same twin-tube damper and threaded height adjustment. Street Advance Z adds a 16-level damping adjuster, while Street Basis Z has fixed damping set by TEIN.

What warranty do TEIN coilovers come with?

TEIN UK covers its suspension for 12 months from the date of purchase against defects in materials and workmanship. Keep your invoice, as it's needed for any claim.