So, I think my struts are going or have been for some time so, the thought of switching to coilovers popped into my head. Keep in mind my R56 is my daily driver so, it's why I'm asking the questions I am.

I was looking at Megan Racing Euro Street coilovers. I heard the ride, even on the softest setting, is a bit rough. How would you guys rate the ride if you have them? If it's not great for a daily driver, what would you guys recommend I get instead? If not coilovers, is there a setup that would be the recommended route?

 

I'm currently running BC Coilovers, they are good so far.

I would recommend getting a Coilover that have damper adjustment capabilities, especially because its your daily driver. that way you are not stuck with just one setting.

 

Well, the Megan's are adjustable from what I know, but I heard are pretty stiff for an every day ride even on the softest setting. I've never had coilovers before so, I don't know what they feel like in comparison to stock.

 

would stick with spring/strut unless you really need adjustment

 

Any suggestions on what to buy? It's the next thing on my list to do so, yeah. I wouldn't mind a softer ride anyway. :p

 

well for the most part, you do compensate some ride quality for performance with coilovers. assuming that one of your main reason is because you want your car to be lower.

if your car is lower, a stiffer suspension setup would be better because it would prevent your car from rubbing. the lower you go, the stiffer you want your car to prevent such incident. however, the quality of the ride will be stiffer than stock and you will get an increase in handling.
it also depends on how low you want your car to be.

I've used lowered springs before but I personally prefer coilovers, I sacrifice some ride quality for handling. for the most part coilovers ride alot different than stock.

but you might want to take a ride in a car that has coilovers installed, because that would suck if you buy and install them and it turns out that you don't like coilovers overall

 

FSDs if you want a smoother ride

 

it also depends on the spring rate.
are you suggesting stock struts or aftermarket?

 

That's good advice. A friend of mine has them on his R53. Maybe I can take a ride and see for myself. They're not cheap so, it is a bit of a commitment.

 

I just got my Megan Euro 2's in. Planning on installing them this weekend and will post a complete install and review when I am done.

One thing some people don't think about when installing a coilover is preload. If you have not set the preload properly, the coilovers will be stiffer and have a shorter travel. I have seen people complain that the ride is too rough, a fair amount of time it's the preload they put on the springs or didn't check it before installing. If you think the manufacturer set it for you...wrong! If you think they torqued the top nut...wrong! Check these before installing. Depending on the coilover, you have to get this right. Megan's are to be set at 0 preload, meaning NO compression of the spring when it is OFF the car. If you have it pre loaded(compressed), it will be firmer. Also many people who don't understand the principle behind a coilover will compress the spring to lower the car...wrong move! This information is for normal street use, race setups will be different.

Do your homework!
If you will lower the car, you will need rear adjustable control arms and adjustable front end links...an additional 400.00 or so

If you don't want to lower the car but want a better ride at stock height better than stock, Koni FSD's would be a good choice.

If you want to go lower...2 options

Lowering springs (HR, NM, Eibach) with Koni Yellows (need spring compressor)

Coilovers (get what's in your budget...$800-3500). Some coilover are bolt on and NO need for spring compressor.

Both of these options will require rear adjustable control arms. Coilovers need new adjustable end links.

I hope this helps and gives you some options.

 

I have that setup and if you live somewhere where the roads are smooth no pot holes its worth it... I live in the Maryland DC area and I have to pick and choose where to drive because its rough... Now on smooth roads it feels like a Cadillac really smooth and cornering is really tight.. I have mine set to number 3 and its smoother... I might be putting my setup for sale PM me if your interested.

 

I live in NJ and the roads are mostly terrible. Right now my ride isn't incredibly smooth either, but I don't know what the difference is. If I hit even a small pothole right now, I just get a thud, which I'm guessing my struts are pretty much done.

 

FSD if daily and comfort, on sale right now and in stock. 21004099


https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2007-Cooper-R56-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_N14B16A/Suspension/Shocks/






Coilovers if you want to go lower and adjust the comfort. Some options here, I plan on doing the Forge Coilovers very soon.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2007-Cooper-R56-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_N14B16A/Suspension/Coilovers/








We carry the Megan and a couple other options. I like the adjustable camber with the coilovers. So places have such bad roads no matter what you get it may be a bit rough with the MINI. Removing the runflats and going to 16" wheels helps a bit also.

 

So the FSD do not come with springs or not needed? I'm going to guess you just throw your stock springs on them. Do springs typically go bad along with the shocks and struts, or no? If I do need springs, what do you recommend if not stock?

All I kind of wanted to do with the coilovers was get rid of the stance on the R56, but it's really not a big deal. I don't really need incredible cornering, I don't track the car, I use it as my daily driver so, I'm thinking comfort might be the better option for me over coilovers.

Also, thank you everyone for your opinions and options you've given on the thread. It's helping me choose what I'd like to get.

 

Just a general comment about Coilovers--especially the less expensive ones (>$2k). They offer excellent adjustability, but the hydraulics tend not to be very durable. Once they leak or fail internally, fixing or replacing them is an expensive headache.

Also, ones that have adjustable camber/caster tops are modeled on race suspensions, which utilize a spherical bearing. For race cars, that's great: they have good adjustability and the fact that they tend to clatter is of no matter. For street cars that are exposed to the elements (such as rain, dirt and salt), they are not so good: the bearings are exposed and will get destroyed in no time.

 

Very good to know, thanks!

I actually ended up ordering the Koni FSD's from ECS. I shopped around and really couldn't beat that price, anywhere. If anyone is interested, I'll update the thread once I've got them on and let you know what I think

Either way, thanks for all the suggestions guys. You've been awesome.

 

Thanks for the order. Welcome.

 

Got my KONI FSD's in two days after order, so that was awesome and just installed them yesterday. After 2 days of having them on, all I have to say is, holy crap. I was NOT expecting them to feel as great as they do. Not only does the car feel much smoother than it did before but, it seems to feel much more grounded than it did before. Definitely the right choice I think, so thanks everyone for the recommendation.

 

Welcome


Awesome, very excited for you.

 

Just got some more KONIs in stock.

 

Will the FSDs work with the springs for the factory Sport Suspension on an R55 S?

 

Yes, but Koni does not recommend the lowering springs, so like JCW and aftermarket lowering.

 

I believe FSDs are made to run stock springs. That's not to say you can't use after market on them, though.

 

FSD's are perfect for stock, OEM sport or JCW springs. Aftermarket lowering springs not so much.

 

So are the Koni FSDs any easier to install than say the Bilstein B12s? Doesn't look like they would be. Seems like FSDs are more for ride and the B12s are more for performance though both easily outperform in both handling and ride the stock Sport Suspension....tough decisions.