Any recommendations on getting new shocks/struts to make my car ride smoother? I'm not looking to lower, don't track my car and just want to get a better ride quality from the crappy roads here in RVA. I'm also getting ready to get Non Run-flats here soon. Any suggestions? I have 25k on my car.

 

I'm no expert, but I think Koni FSD might be what you want:

http://www.waymotorworks.com/koni-fsd-shocks.html

 

Do the non runflat tires first, that will help especially if they are all seasons (they're softer) Then if it's still to stiff change the chocks but do it one step at the time, you don't want to end up with a Cadillac.

 

I would wait to do anything until after you get rid of the run flats. It may be enough for you. It makes a pretty significant difference. No sense is spending money if you don't have to.

 

My recommendation is to change the tires first and then revisit the need, if any, to change the shocks.

 

Or what David and PatM said.

 

Thanks, That is what was really going to happen anyway. I'm right at the wear bars and I want some traction in case we get any snow or freezing rain. So, I planned on getting new tires in Nov or Dec.

 

Koni FSD's are probably the best stock replacement shocks for the R56.

Definitely agree with the advice to dump the runflats first. How many miles on the stock suspension? The stock shocks are horrendously cheap Delphi crap and are probably toast by 20k miles.

 

Just a couple of things.

I changed the shocks to Koni yellows, and kept the runflats. The ride was dramatically better. So I know the stock shocks are crap. (Car had 16K miles when I changed them)

While the FSD's are nice shocks, you can't use them with a lowered car.

The car also benefited from the TSW springs.

With this combo, the car is more controlled and yet more compliant. Leads me to believe that the stock shocks had too much compression damping.

 

Koni Sport Yellows really transformed my ride as well, but I will change my springs, and the OP says no lowering. If the OP has a plain Cooper, the Koni FSDs will be a great shock. If he has a Cooper S, the FSDs, Bilstein HDs or Koni Sport yellows on softest setting would be the ones to chose from depending on how controlled a ride you want.

 

I recently went from the OEM run flats to Bridgestone RE-01s and wow the difference is amazing.. they are much softer and smoother.

 

Yeah, I have an 09 MCS. Im looking at maybe getting the Conti Extreme Contact DWS' from tirerack.com. And I'm not looking for shocks/struts for performance as much as a better ride.

 

If you have 16" Conti runflats, keep them until they are worn down. I changed from these to Yoko 195-55-16 ENvigors based on numerous posts here, but noticed very little difference, certainly not enough to justify virtually giving away the new tires that came with the car. When it's time for new tires, definitely go with non runflats for lower cost, better ride and longer life.

I understand that runflats other than Contis are much more harsh.


Bilstein HDs work great with up to 1" lower ride height and are a great value.

DOC

 

I have the FSDs and regular tires, the wife is stock with runflats. Every time I am in her car I cringe over bumps. The difference it huge.

 

Those Contis are my next tire too. For what you want, the Koni FSDs and those tires would be the best combo. Shop around on the web for your shocks. I did and saved a nice piece of change. Don't forget to ask for free shipping.

 

Another vote for the FSD's, and any non-runflat tire. You will feel a huge difference!

 

Shocks alone will not lower a vehicle... You have a choice of any shock you want that is made for the r56 :-)

 

Actually, if you go with the FSD's, they do lower the car by a few millimeters. Not really enough to notice, but just so you aren't surprised...

 

Thats most likely from disassembling the units and putting them back in(top hats etc.)


Shocks do no support weight, springs do.

 

I have Koni Yellows with NM springs and I am currently running the stock RFs for a short time until they are burned up and I will tell you though the RFs are quieter then my KDWs that are way more rough. I hit a bump and I think the whole car is going to fall apart. Tires are cheaper. Try those first and if it isn't what you want then go to suspension work.

 

Huh? Makes ZERO sense w/o a spring change. If anything, gas pressure shocks will sometimes RAISE a car on the same springs.

 

My mistake...I checked with my mechanic, and he reminded me that camber plates were installed at the same time the shocks were installed. He agrees that the camber plates were responsible for any small change in the ride height.