GP coilover suspension install
#1
GP coilover suspension install
I bought the 2013 GP suspension from one of the members. It arrives tomorrow. I have a 2009 factory JCW with the factory Sport suspension.
I got a quote from my dealer, who does extremely good work - of about $675 for the install, and another $159 for the alignment. I had a bad alignment 6 years ago with my last MINI, so I normally lean towards letting the dealer handle that type of work.
Does anyone know how difficult install this type of thing is for a complete novice? Our local MINI club does DIY days four times a year at the dealer where I would have access to a lift, tools, and technician expertise, but I don't want to be a lift hog and take up time that others could use for there minor jobs.
I'm not in a rush, so I can hold out until our next DIY day if this is something that can be tackled. We just had the last DIY day this previous Saturday.
Thanks,
I got a quote from my dealer, who does extremely good work - of about $675 for the install, and another $159 for the alignment. I had a bad alignment 6 years ago with my last MINI, so I normally lean towards letting the dealer handle that type of work.
Does anyone know how difficult install this type of thing is for a complete novice? Our local MINI club does DIY days four times a year at the dealer where I would have access to a lift, tools, and technician expertise, but I don't want to be a lift hog and take up time that others could use for there minor jobs.
I'm not in a rush, so I can hold out until our next DIY day if this is something that can be tackled. We just had the last DIY day this previous Saturday.
Thanks,
#2
Are you sure they will fit a standard R56? I ask as the GP" strutbrace doesn't fit earlier models than 11/2012 as the holes on the brace don't align up with the strut towers top mount bolt locations.
Whether they still use the same top mounts is what concerns me, or whether they changed the positioning of the top mount bolt holes on the GP2 is the question?? - I guess you could take your top mounts off the stock suspension if you have issues?
Whether they still use the same top mounts is what concerns me, or whether they changed the positioning of the top mount bolt holes on the GP2 is the question?? - I guess you could take your top mounts off the stock suspension if you have issues?
#3
Are you sure they will fit a standard R56? I ask as the GP" strutbrace doesn't fit earlier models than 11/2012 as the holes on the brace don't align up with the strut towers top mount bolt locations.
Whether they still use the same top mounts is what concerns me, or whether they changed the positioning of the top mount bolt holes on the GP2 is the question?? - I guess you could take your top mounts off the stock suspension if you have issues?
Whether they still use the same top mounts is what concerns me, or whether they changed the positioning of the top mount bolt holes on the GP2 is the question?? - I guess you could take your top mounts off the stock suspension if you have issues?
#4
I've been to a number of the MoD DIY days and I helped a guy install his coil overs and to my surprise it's actually not difficult at all. I spent a lot of money having mine installed and I wish I'd done it myself now.
There's a lot of guys at the DiY days that will be willing to give you a hand. I'd say wait and do it yourself to save some money then just pay for the alignment.
That is unless you can't wait for the next DIY which won't be until the fall I'm guessing...
There's a lot of guys at the DiY days that will be willing to give you a hand. I'd say wait and do it yourself to save some money then just pay for the alignment.
That is unless you can't wait for the next DIY which won't be until the fall I'm guessing...
#6
I've been to a number of the MoD DIY days and I helped a guy install his coil overs and to my surprise it's actually not difficult at all. I spent a lot of money having mine installed and I wish I'd done it myself now.
There's a lot of guys at the DiY days that will be willing to give you a hand. I'd say wait and do it yourself to save some money then just pay for the alignment.
That is unless you can't wait for the next DIY which won't be until the fall I'm guessing...
There's a lot of guys at the DiY days that will be willing to give you a hand. I'd say wait and do it yourself to save some money then just pay for the alignment.
That is unless you can't wait for the next DIY which won't be until the fall I'm guessing...
#7
I installed the JCW suspension which involves removing and disassembling the struts/springs. Then reusing certain parts and re-assembling the JCW strut and springs. It was pretty straight forward and if these are coilovers with the top mounts then it will be even easier. The most difficult part was struggling getting the front struts out of the steering knuckle. Its a simple pinch bolt but it was a tight space to raise the struts out of the knuckle.
Post pictures of the parts when you get them!
Post pictures of the parts when you get them!
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#12
I spent a grand - maybe a little more than I should have, but I don't know anything about suspensions and thought it would be neat to put the GP suspension on my 2009 factory JCW. At least I found a shop that will install for $300 + $140 for an alignment. My dealer wanted $675 for installation alone.
#15
http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...24&hg=31&fg=10
Rear part numbers are here
http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...04&hg=33&fg=45
Don't think you can order them though.
The struts look like bilstein PSS with custom HR springs. However, the shocks are likely to have custom valving to match the spring rates. If you want to replicate it it will not just be a case of buying PSS / B14 and putting the same spring rates on. The valving will be different on the struts.
Also it looks like the adjustment perches are a different type to the normal PSS, and use a slightly different spanner setup.
I'm particularily interested because on my R56 JCW rally car I currently have bilstein PSS9 with custom spring rates and valving. I will be interested to see how close it is to this setup.
Robbo
Last edited by robbo mcs; 04-28-2013 at 03:38 AM.
#17
I spent a grand - maybe a little more than I should have, but I don't know anything about suspensions and thought it would be neat to put the GP suspension on my 2009 factory JCW. At least I found a shop that will install for $300 + $140 for an alignment. My dealer wanted $675 for installation alone.
#18
Got it installed today - very straight forward install by the guys at Texas Track Works. They had the old ones removed, broken down, and the new ones put together and back on in an hour. The alignment took about 45 minutes, and then I was off.
Handling difference and ride is definitely noticeable. I'm extremely pleased with the results.
Now I just need to get the GP rear spoiler on, and the transformation is complete.
Last picture is the before shot.
Handling difference and ride is definitely noticeable. I'm extremely pleased with the results.
Now I just need to get the GP rear spoiler on, and the transformation is complete.
Last picture is the before shot.
Last edited by kfmuller; 05-06-2013 at 11:48 AM.
#19
Just got in from some spirited driving, and I must say, I can really feel the difference this suspension provides. There's a couple of curves on the way into work that I always feel a bit apprehensive at higher speeds, where the car felt completely under control today. Pretty excited about the GP suspension, and the ride itself isn't at all harsh.
#20
Got it installed today - very straight forward install by the guys at Texas Track Works. They had the old ones removed, broken down, and the new ones put together and back on in an hour. The alignment took about 45 minutes, and then I was off.
Handling difference and ride is definitely noticeable. I'm extremely pleased with the results.
Now I just need to get the GP rear spoiler on, and the transformation is complete.
Last picture is the before shot.
Handling difference and ride is definitely noticeable. I'm extremely pleased with the results.
Now I just need to get the GP rear spoiler on, and the transformation is complete.
Last picture is the before shot.
Nice! Looks so much better now that the wheel gap is gone. Looking forward to pics when you get your GP2 spoiler installed.
#24
Not sure on any of this - I had the guys at Texas Track Works do the setup and whatever they did is great.
No weird tire wear, no pulling - just a great ride.