Narrowed down my suspension upgrade to either the Koni Active (formerly FSD) along with stock springs or the ST XTA suspension. Does anyone have experience with both and can help me reach a final decision? Even if you have one or the other I would love to hear some updated reviews. I know both are very popular.

My 2010 MCS bone stock is now a weekend warrior that I use to drive down to the local coffee shop or when I’m having a bad day and want an instant smile on my face. I live in SoCal where the roads can be really rough in some spots and decent in others. I can see myself driving up and down the PCH or around the Angeles mountains.

Also, I’ve recently purchased a set of 17x7.5 et35 wheels from another member on the board who currently runs a slightly lowered mini on ST XTAs.

What I’ve learned:

Koni Active: Along with RSB upgrade has very positive reviews on the forum. Improvement in cornering from the sway bar and much more composure and comfort from the Konis. Need to run stock spring height. No lowering adjustment to get rid of wheel gap.

ST XTA: Best bang for buck coilover kit due to camber plates, build quality etc. Not seeing snow so the galvanized body should be ok. More adjustability with dampening, height and camber. Firm but not harsh. Not track spec.

Questions:

1. Can I make camber adjustments with the Konis if I use camber plates? Worth it?
2. Would the Koni with RSB give me the more comfortable of the rides? Would this setup rival the ST XTA lowered 12mm with stock RSB? If yes, what benefit, besides lowering and looks do I get from ST XTA.
3. Do Konis still need rear adjustable control arms or not necessary since car is stock height?
4. Can anyone comment on fitment at stock ride height with 17x7.5 et35 most likely on 215/45/17?
5. If I had the budget, would I regret not getting the ST XTA? The delta is large given the Koni discount running now.
6. On a scale of 1 - 10, can anyone place the firmness/harshness of the stock s, Koni,i and ST XTA with 1 being Cadillac and 10 being Track spec?

 

Koni REDS = Comfort and great for daily. No rear camber or front camber if stock height. Best ride for the money if you want to be stock ride height.

ST XTA = tighter and adjustable. More for daily to track, if you like the lowered life. Better handling. ST XTA = would be on the tight but they do have adjustable damping so you can make a smooth ride. It depends on how many clicks out you do. On MINIs the more you click out the back to make is softer = the more its rides like a sedan, well maybe a small 3 series bmw

 

Thank you! for the ST XTA on the softest setting; how would you say it compares to the Koni FSD?

I just put new wheels on my stock MCS and was pleasantly surprised with the fitment and lack of wheel gaps at stock height. Convinced me the Koni height was perfect. HOWEVER, just realized my rear shock mount bushing is completely pancaked, and I'm sure that's why my suspension is riding lower than it should be.

 

I’m not so sure you can really compare the two different suspension configurations. XTA are stiffer springs and firmer shocks with pillow ball mounts. FSD will be using soft stock springs with OEM-like shocks and mounts. The real question is what do you want? OEM ride height with improved dynamics, or firm and responsive with lowered appearance.

 

I think where I’m struggling is how can the ST XTA be firmer and smoother than oem stock. I believe those descriptors are describing different dynamics but I’m not clear on the specifics. If I got the ST I would set the dial on the softest setting for sure.

Also for the Konis. How different are they from the stock suspension?

is there a different system that strikes a better balance between the two?

 

They're a big improvement in ride while still making the car feel sporty.

 

ST XTA should be softer then KONI when all the way out on rear and front a little soft.

 

Did not expect to read that today. Aside from price, are there any downsides to the ST XTA vs the Koni?

If you can set the STs at stock height, adjust softer than koni to firmer than koni, and adjust front camber, wonder why I wouldn't just buy those if price wasn't a factor. With the Koni's, I need new front strut mounts (mine are cracked), new rear upper mount shock mounts, new upper and lower spring pads and bump stops (why not), so the price difference isn't that big.