I've done a lot of research recently and know that there are other better options for coilovers, but my needs are very basic.

• lower the car approximately 1- 1.25 inches
• probably lower the car once and will only adjust it if I get different rims
• come as close to stock-like driving feel
• car will be daily driven and will NEVER see the track
• don't want to spend more than $1K

I ONLY want to spend $1K for my budget and am assuming the H&R coilovers will be more practical/comfortable driving around versus any spring combo I add to my non-sport shocks. Is my assumption correct? Or am I better off just spending around $2xx and buying springs for my car?

 

I'm not sure if Megan has released their CO's yet but if they have I'd go with those over H&R's.

If your car isn't going to go to the track CO's are GOING to be rough, and probably overkill. Cross Coilovers are the only CO's i've seen that weren't bone jarring on a Daily Driver.

I'd get a set of TSW Springs and some FSD's and call it a day if you're not going to see the track.

 

I had KW Variant II's on my m3 and had thought the ride was a lot more comfortable then any shock/spring combo. I didn't realize it would be so different on a Mini Cooper.

 

BC coil-overs might be a good choice. Heard it's fairly comfortable on full soft.

 

i'd take a look at KW too, i heard their ride is good

2nd hand Bilstein PSS9 is suppose to be pretty good in terms of ride comfort

 

FWIW I've been running those H&R Coil Overs 70,000 miles in New England.

Same deal, I had 'em done at Turners and corner weighted and they haven't been touched since. They are inspected every spring, haven't leaked, budged, or acted finicky in any way.

The car is down about that much, the ride is firm, and as long as I'm off the runflats it's damned civilized.

Oh, and it'll pull over a g sideways on good tires.

Works for me.

 

I couldn't find these anywhere for the r56. These look good, but besides finding a place that sells them, I couldn't figure out if they would go into an r56 without modification. I really want to purchase a setup that does not require me to hack it in any way.
Thanks for the input... I'll search for prices on these when I have time...





Thanks for your feedback. Nice to finally find one person who actually has them and likes them. I am going to weigh in your input especially heavily.

 

Helix makes a rear shock bushing that would allow you to fit coilovers for the R53. Opens up your options a bit.

Eibach ProStreet coilovers are worth taking a look at

 

My vote would be for KW Variant 1 coilovers. They can be found for about $1100, use the stock upper hats [quiet and comfortable], and only need a Helix rear trailing arm adapter [$40] to fit perfectly. They will understeer a tiny bit more than stock if you lower the car too much, but for a street car they'll be perfectly comfortable.

Cheers,
Ryan

 

I'd put my vote in for the KW V1's as well. If you're just looking to get coilovers to simply adjust the height to what you need while maintaining a nice comfy ride, the V1's offer all that you need. They are a very comfy ride and their finish is top notch to avoid any rust or wear from daily driving.

 

Another +1 for the V1s. I have them on my car. At the ride height you are planning they will be very comfortable (you will notice little if any difference from stock).

You can probably get them for 200 more than the H&Rs shipped and the quality is incredible.

 

where are people getting the Variant 1 for the R56? I just spoke with KW and am told they only make 'em in Variant II & III versions for the MCS.

KW automotive North America Inc. · Sanger CA 93657 · Call: 1-888-713-5566

 

Drew,
Found this and there is a dealer listing on the home page.
http://www.kw-suspension.com/en/30_P...ilover&zeile=1

 

Got mine from http://group5motorsport.com/

 

thanks, i'm not sure why the guy said no V1 since i had looked at the application list earlier in the week.

 

I'm actually going to wait for the BC Coilovers... after reading about COR BLY's review and similar cost, I think I'm going to give my $$$ to them.

 

Hey Ryan,

Could you please tell me where to get the KW V1's for about $1100? Thanks.

 

The BC BR Series Coilovers will be out in about a month. Quality and construction are top notch and the ride will be on par with the current R50-53 versions. For $1000 you would be hard pressed to find a better value as far as quality and features are concerned.

 

For the r56 versions, will you have to hack the front strut towers like they r53 peeps did? I don't mind the holes in the rear, but I am a little weary about cutting the strut towers.

 

The front strut tower modification is an option for the coilovers. You can still adjust the camber without modification by removing the fronts, adjusting and reinstalling.

A much nicer alternative especially for alignment shops is the ability to adjust the camber plates without removing the coilover assembly from the car. The R53 tower modification can be done very cleanly and coupled with a set of Strut Tower Defenders from Craven speed or M7 the end result is stronger than OEM.

I can only imagine the same will yield for the r56 version as the towers are very similar to the r53's. If you are local you may be interested in our installation services. Our installation includes both front and rear strut tower modifications.

I hope that helped to address your concern,

-Cliff

 

Looks like I'll be waiting for the BC coilovers.