Hello all!

I'm new to the forum, and the mini scene. I recently purchased my 2012 black MC non-s last November. Since then I've added a DDM intake and Now I'm looking to add suspension. I'm not looking for the best of the best since I never have and don't plan on doing any auto cross. I'm more of a regular street home work school driver. Maybeeee the occasional spirited drive, but rarely.

I've had my eye on AP coilovers. I've heard many great reviews from mini owners and other car owners, but recently came across CX racing coilovers which I've also read some great reviews and others saying they're garbage. Yes $100 isn't much of a difference but still makes me curious as to see if any other Mini owners run the CX setup and what their thoughts are.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

I would recommend getting a simple set of lowering springs vs. a cheapy set of coilovers: they'll last a lot longer and you won't be buying replacements within a year.

 

The cheapest I'd go for coilovers would be the VMaxx, knowing that they'll only last a couple years and also are comfort biased, however they do have the same suspension stroke as stock, just positioned at a lower ride height. They're a reasonable solution for not much money. I can't argue that they're a couple times the price of lowering springs; it just comes down to if you're willing to spend the money for the compression travel or not.

The least expensive "real" coilovers are the KW V1, which are over double the price.

 

What about Weitec ST, I don't know how true but ice heard they're made by KW?

 

Oh yea I forgot about ST. The ST coilovers are a cost-reduced version of the KW V1's. The VMaxx are an even further cost reduced copy of the KW V1. If you can afford more than lowering springs, get one of these three listed that you can afford.

 

Oh ok, so VMAXX is basically a lesser version of the ST? I heard It went like this KW > ST > AP. I didn't know VMAXX was part of that.

 

ST coil over is what I'd stick to, personally, as I have seen how they perform even on pretty big performance builds. Not to mention they're manufactured by KW.

 

Hmm ok great! Thanks for the input everyone.. I think I will save just a little more for the ST. $150 more than the AP but better reviews is worth the wait.

 

Sounds like you are mainly looking at coilovers for the ride height, in which case I agree that lowering springs can get you 90% of the way there for much less $.

 

Definitely more for the ride rather than the performance aspect, which is also still great to have. My only concern with the springs are really being able to adjust the height during winter weather or local construction. Virginia Roads have been getting updates everywhere which really isn't great for all the cars that ride superrrrrr low.

 

Okay then, that is a good point for coilovers. The STs are great, and honestly those seem like a killer deal to me around $850. Those can be rebuilt, they will hold their value, etc, a good long term purchase IMO.