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R56 Coilovers on a budget.

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Old Mar 15, 2016 | 05:51 AM
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Coilovers on a budget.

Hello all,

I have a question in regards to coilovers. I'm looking for a good set that doesn't break the bank. I would want to spend around 1,000 but could go a little higher if it's really worth it. What are some brands that you recommend. I'm not worried about it being too stuff because race car but I do daily drive it. Thanks in advance for the help.
 
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Old Mar 15, 2016 | 06:20 AM
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The weak link in cheap coil overs is the dampeners. Cheapy shocks tend to fail and leak prematurely. In our experience, the H&R kits have been the most durable 'inexpensive' coil over systems. They use Bilstein-valved and sealed dameners. They have less adjustability than some of the Asian-sourced kits, but they're more durable.


 
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Old Mar 15, 2016 | 06:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Helix13mini
The weak link in cheap coil overs is the dampeners. Cheapy shocks tend to fail and leak prematurely. In our experience, the H&R kits have been the most durable 'inexpensive' coil over systems. They use Bilstein-valved and sealed dameners. They have less adjustability than some of the Asian-sourced kits, but they're more durable.


Thanks for the input! What is the price point on something like that and how long would you say they last? Also would I be better off spending 1,500 and if so how much better is the quality? I would like to do it right the first time just not trying to spend several thousand on this.
 
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Old Mar 15, 2016 | 06:30 AM
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$1099. I don't think $1500 will buy you better durability. Maybe $2k. The H&R durability is good--maybe not quite as good as OEM shocks, but much better than other $1k CO systems.

The other thing you could consider is a set of Koni Yellows and lowering springs.
 
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Old Mar 15, 2016 | 09:12 AM
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ST all the way. Best bang for your buck coil over, in my personal opinion/experience. I have had these installed on everything from daily drivers to big HP builds. You have 2 options from ST. ST X with fixed dampening, height adjustable http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/...pg2.htm#item13 or ST XTA with adjustable dampening/height and camber plates http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...pn=ST-18220850. Let me know if you have any questions about them.
 
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Old Mar 16, 2016 | 08:01 PM
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Megan Racing offers 2 kits under $1000 that have been reliable
With camber plates
http://www.waymotorworks.com/megan-r...5-r56-r57.html

and without
http://www.waymotorworks.com/megan-r...5-r56-r57.html
 
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Old Mar 16, 2016 | 08:26 PM
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Originally Posted by WayMotorWorks
Megan Racing offers 2 kits under $1000 that have been reliable
With camber plates
http://www.waymotorworks.com/megan-r...5-r56-r57.html

and without
http://www.waymotorworks.com/megan-r...5-r56-r57.html
Thanks for the input. The only thing is I don't want some that are just okay or they won't break lol. I want something that will improve handling. So let me rephrase this. What are the best most affordable coilovers. Ignore my previously set budget.
 
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Old Mar 16, 2016 | 08:27 PM
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Originally Posted by PelicanParts.com
ST all the way. Best bang for your buck coil over, in my personal opinion/experience. I have had these installed on everything from daily drivers to big HP builds. You have 2 options from ST. ST X with fixed dampening, height adjustable http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/...pg2.htm#item13 or ST XTA with adjustable dampening/height and camber plates http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...pn=ST-18220850. Let me know if you have any questions about them.
How long can I expect them to last. I will take a look at these.
 
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Old Mar 17, 2016 | 08:18 AM
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Originally Posted by AFN704
How long can I expect them to last. I will take a look at these.
You can expect a good range of life out of them. The nice thing about ST's is that they're manufactured by KW, so you know they're quality. They come with a 5 year limited warranty as well. KW also offers the option to rebuild them when it's time.
 
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Old Mar 17, 2016 | 11:13 AM
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What about BC Racing BR coilovers? They adjust from both the top and bottom and are 30 way adjustable (dampening)
 
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Old Mar 17, 2016 | 11:20 AM
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Originally Posted by oeklm
What about BC Racing BR coilovers? They adjust from both the top and bottom and are 30 way adjustable (dampening)
I'll have to look into those although I am really liking the ST XTA coilovers. They check all the boxes and are affordable. Do you personally run the coils you suggested? If so how do you feel about them and what is the price point?
 
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Old Mar 17, 2016 | 11:24 AM
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Had them on my 350z and E46M3 but not my R56. Even though I set my specs and never touch it again, i do like the aspect that they adjust for the bottom so I have full shock travel. Never had any issues in terms of durability.
 
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Old Mar 17, 2016 | 11:24 AM
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If you have anymore questions about the XTA's please don't hesitate to shoot me a PM. More than a few members on here run them.
 
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Old Mar 17, 2016 | 12:12 PM
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Originally Posted by AFN704
I'll have to look into those although I am really liking the ST XTA coilovers. They check all the boxes and are affordable. Do you personally run the coils you suggested? If so how do you feel about them and what is the price point?
I'm running the XTA's and love them. I've never run any other coils, but I feel they're harsh and handle a lot better than my stock SS+ suspension did. My original suspension only had 37K on it, so I think they were still in good shape at replacement. The only issue with ST's is you'll probably have to run a 5-8mm spacer on the front or your tire might rub on the spring perch.

If the regular ST's are the same, but with less adjustments, that might be a good way to save some $$.
 
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Old Mar 18, 2016 | 03:17 AM
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Anyone running on Tein Street Basic coilover? Any feedback? How about Bilstein B14?
 
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Old Mar 18, 2016 | 03:50 AM
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I just installed a used set of Bilstein B14 and they are fantastic. Well damped, very confidence-inspiring, and the car has a really nice stance. It's another coilover set you can't go wrong with.

Eric
 
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Old Mar 18, 2016 | 07:24 AM
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No ones said anything about Vogtland Coilovers seem to be under 1000
 
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Old Mar 18, 2016 | 07:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Club77
Anyone running on Tein Street Basic coilover? Any feedback? How about Bilstein B14?
I run Tein Super Streets on a different vehicle. I've had them on for about 4 years and track with them. They've held up well. Only issue I've had with them so far was after a track day at PPIR, which is a NASCAR track with an infield. The bolt on the top of the coil loosened and was causing a clunk noise. I just took it out and tightened it back down and been good ever since. For the price and just a basic street coil, I'm very impressed with them.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2016 | 01:46 PM
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Hi guys. I'm new here but have had my mini for about a year. I'm still a little new when it comes to mini performance parts. I've just started doing some mods to my car and noticed I have adjustable ksport coil overs. Anybody know how good of a brand these are?
 
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Old Mar 24, 2016 | 08:22 AM
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Some people like them : https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...questions.html

More info here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ed-mini-2.html
 
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Old Apr 3, 2016 | 10:04 PM
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This was helpful when I was first looking for suspension. From Alan@Modbargains.com

"If you're looking to upgrade, KW is definitely the way to go. KW's have the best material construction quality of any coilover kit that I've seen. KW not only designs and manufactures the coilovers, but they test them as well, to TUV certification levels. They also do this for each individual name plate which means they do it for Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Chevrolet and more. They also design and valve all the suspension dampers to each individual MODEL within that brand, so you're getting something truly unique.

KW's are designed with street driving in mind, that's what they're designed for unless you talk about the clubsport models. All of KW's essential parts are built in-house, they are not outsourced like a lot of other companies. Though to some, this isn't a big issue, but when you consider that gives them a very big advantage on the quality control of a system, other companies just cannot compete with that.

TUV Certification, as I've touched on before, is the highest quality of certification that a company can receive in Europe. Getting TUV certification requires such a large amount of time to seek this endorsement, it's unbelievable. Each individual part such as the coils, the shocks, and the strut cartridges are individually tested, and then re-tested to insure that it meets or exceeds TUV's very strict requirements.
Here's the kicker! Not only did the KW coilovers pass the TUV's rigorous requirements, but it did so on EVERY ride height setting, including the lowest possible setting available. I highly doubt most other coilover companies have the time or the energy, let alone the money to even do such a thing.

The strut housing/shock bodies are T-304 stainless and they are completely impervious to rust, corrosion, acid rain, salt on the roads and of course any other things you might see such as that. All their brackets are 10.9 rated T-6 Aluminum alloy that are all anodized to prevent corrosion.

The second kicker here, is that KW is also an OE supplier to Eibach ironically, because some of the springs they manufacture actually go onto other coilover kits! Lastly, KW is the OE supplier to all the Mercedes-Benz AMG cars, which is an astonishing fact on itself, a real achievement to any company."

I personally have KW V1 and LOVE them.
They are height adjustable with preset dampening, ride is stiff, similar to OEM but quality of the ride is improved. Car is more responsive, handles better, and is more planted especially during turns. If you have the extra cash I would go with KW
 
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