Hey guys,

I recently became the owner of a 2004 R53. It has 91k and it's time for some suspension updating, I feel every little bump. I have been trying to consume as much info as I can on the forum regarding my options. My mini is strictly Daily Driver, but I do get after it from time to time. I have been looking for affordable options to give a more comfortable ride. Koni FSD's come up a lot in discussion, but the Bilstein B4 there seems to be limited info on. I know I will be needing to replace strut bearings and should reinforce the tower while I am at it and all that adds up in a hurry. So if anyone has some 411 on thethe bilstein's I would greatly appreciate it.

 

I found some used H&R lowering Springs I can get for $75. If I should have posted this thread in the modifications/suspension my apologies.

 

After further research it looks like lowering Springs and B4s aren't the best match. Probably will have to pass on the spring.

 

You can go with those H&Rs with Koni Yellows for a firm but livable ride.

 

Thanks for the reply Helix. I am not dead set on the springs. I seen them and was like, why not. I was drawn to the b4/touring as they are affordable and from a respected manufacturer. I know with all the other suspension related bits that need to be replaced or tended to I won't be able to swing for higher end product like the yellows. I am probably better off passing the lowering.

 

I wouldn't lower if comfort in a daily driver is a priority.
Koni FSD are definitely the most comfortable option that retains
reasonable performance, and they need stock ride height springs.

 

I was actually leaning towards the FSDs initially, but then came across the Bilstein Touring. I see little info on here about mini owners experience with the touring/b4, hence my inquiry. I know the money saved from the Fsd would go along way to getting IE fixed camber plate which would address my strut mount and tower reinforcement need. Maybe I should just go the stop gag route with some Staggs and tackle freshen up the rest of the suspension (bushings/tierods/etc) then when able get a more ideal shock/strut combo. Thanks for the input Cristo.

 

Digging up bones here, but curious if anyone ever found the best spring pairing with the Bilstein B4? Have a pair already that I might end up simply installing on the car if no one takes them on the marketplace.

That said, I may as well change the springs (Currently stock springs at ~115k ) while I'm in there. Bought B4 to attempt to keep it somewhat stock and comfortable(ish), with perhaps a slight increase in performance.

Would stock springs be best for the B4's, or something a bit stiffer/lower?

Thanks all

 

The B4s are effectively stock replacement shocks. I would hesitate to use anything other than stock OEM springs.

 

Roger that, thanks @njaremka !

 

My kid and I put B4s paired with some Hotchkis lowering springs about 10K miles ago. Ride compliance felt mostly like stock since the springs are progressive. The drop was very mild at .75 in front, .5 rear, but I still added adjustable rear lower control arms to keep the camber within factory specs. If you can find some TSW or WMW springs that would be good options too.

Don't forget tires are a big part of the ride quality. When we had some Sumitomo all season tires, the ride was borderline harsh. With Continental DWS06, the ride improved just that little bit more to make the daily drive not a big deal.

Compared to the original 228K mile shocks, springs, etc, the new suspension provided a much much better ride. It also helped quiet down some of the squeaks in the car too.

 

228k on original shocks and springs? Impressive in and of itself! Almost encouraging to push the job off a bit longer at ~118k on stock springs and struts. Not broken or leaking, but I can only imagine they've seen better days

 

The struts were long dead. Springs were fine, but I found a deal on some springs so why not. If not miles, the age of the struts at nearly 20 years, it was time.

 

I installed a set of B4's when I got my 03 with 105k on it. I got them from shocksurplus for $240 for the set. I am running them with stock springs. Check your front strut mounts since they were likely shot like mine. You could see the rips in them. I installed a set of M7 tower reinforcements at the time. Car also has a 20mm Whiteline rear swaybar. So far I have about 20k miles on it and am very happy. Nice ride and not harsh at all. Definetly better than the blown stock struts. I just completed my first track day with the car. Even with basically stock suspension, the driver was definetly the limiting factor. Going forward may do some fixed camber plates.