So as promised, I have ordered the Bilstein HDs. I will be installing in a week and a half. I will post the results but I expect nothing but the best from these since I ran with them on my 2005 Golf TDI.

Also www.allshocks.com has changed the listing to Bilstein HDs.

 

Can you please compare the dimensions of these to stock? Shaft length and overall body length?

Thanks and i'm looking forward to your review!

- drew

 

did you call them first ? I'm wondering if they had any input on using them w/ lowering springs.

 

I did call them first to inform them that their website incorrectly listed the Bilstein HDs as Bilstein Sport shock.

Here is was I can tell you about the differences between Bilstein HDs and Bilstein Sports based on my research. With the exception of the length of the shaft, Bilstein HDs and Bilstein Sports they are identical in mechanics and engineering.

The length of travel is shorter on the Bilstein Sports which is designed to be used with lowering springs. Bilstein will not warranty the Bilstein HDs if you put them on a lowered suspension.

 

i'm tempted to use em with my stock justacooper springs. nyc area roads are crazy.

 

Absolutely correct.. this is the way it has always been.

I wish they'd come out with Sports for the R56. I'd probably swap them in for the Konis that came with my H&R Touring Cup Kit. I'm not 100% thrilled with the Konis, and I've had Bilsteins on many past cars and been extremely happy with them.

 

Can't you just put R53 bilstein sports on your car with the rear adapter things?

What don't you like about the Konis?

- Andrew

 

The new Bilsteins have arrived!!!! The install will go down on Friday.

 

sweet! take pics and please compare them to the stock struts. shaft length and total length of the body.

- andrew

 

Not aware of adapters, but don't like the idea offhand. I wish they'd just make a proper fitment for the R56.

The Konis seem.. wimpy somehow. The ride is softer than I expected.

 

I think he means these http://www.fastmini.net/r56resuadbu.html

I am curious about this as well because a nice billstein shock with a decent drop would be a good setup in my eyes.

 

WOW, I have those laying in my tool box for some unknown reason......

 

The project begins.....................

 

interesting...i wonder if that rear shock piece on these HDs could easily be removed so R53 driver's could use them if they want something a little less aggresive than the Sports.

- drew

 

Sports and HDs have identical valving - the only difference length of the shafts. Sports are for shorter lowering springs, HDs for stock-height springs. Other than that, neither is more or less aggressive than the other.

 

Lots of conflicting info on that....however I'm fairly sure the Sports do indeed have firmer valving.

- Andrew

 

Trust me, they're the same. Good friend of mine has been a Bilstein distributor for over 10 years. He confirmed this to me long ago, and I've seen it corroborated many times since.

 

hmmm...maybe you're right.

there is still conflicting info out there....my googling is telling me both things. eshocks.com says Sports are 30% stiffer...that's what i was remembering from before. that could just be a 30% stiffer from the seat of the pants, not actual valving differences (aka due to the reduced travel).

I'm actually a bilstein distributor but have never needed this info until now. next time i have them on phone i'll ask.

not doubting you! just need to hear it for myself.

 

All the work is complete and the job went outstanding!!! As for the results, add a set of Bilstein HDs to your MINI and they will give you a reason to fall in love with your MINI all over again.

As for drivability, here is what we immediately noticed:

No more front end lift on launching or heavy acceleration.

No more nose dive during heavy braking.

A much smoother ride compared to the OEM equipment

Much better ride over pot holes and rough roads.

The MINI does not lean or dip Going hard into a corner

DSC activation while traversing a rough spot under acceleration is gone. The wheels remain planted to the road.

On a side note, they just look good!

Over all dimensions are far as fitment is concerned are the same and the fit is perfect.

The diameter of the rear strut piston shaft is about 1/16“ larger on the Bilstein HD. (Check the pictures when the link is added)

The Diameter of the front strut piston shaft is about 5/8” larger on the Bilstein HD. (Check the pictures when the link is added)

Thank you Hotel 2-5 for your help and photgraphy expertise today!

I am uploading pictures now. Here is the link to the link to view them:

http://s98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...0HD%20Project/

 

great to hear! thanks for the feedback and pictures.

these sound like a more sporty option than Koni FSDs that still retain or even improve ride comfort AND handling.

price is damn good on these....hmmm....wondering if i can have the lower mounts machined to fit R53...

 

this is what we've come to expect of Bilstein. Great company

 

those look great, standard bilsteins, I wasn't sure if the oversized shaft was just something they did on BMW & Porsche's or for all their units.
Would still like to see a shorter height or get some confirmation on their fitment with lowering springs.

 

Glad that turned out so well, but I'm not at all surprised. The stock suspension, particularly the shocks, are one of the weakest points in the entire car, IMHO. BMW was CLEARLY not very involved (if at all) in the suspension tuning of these cars. If you own a BMW, you know what I mean. BMW gets it, Mini clearly does not. Upgrading to aftermarket components WILL result in huge improvements in ride quality and handling. Going for the "good stuff" like Bilstein or Koni will produce stunning results. This along with ditching the runflats transforms mortal Minis into far more enjoyable cars.

 

The oversized shaft is standard. It's due to the mono-tube design.

Took the MINI up for an alignment this morning. The mechanics and MSA loved the new Bilsteins and how it has changed the ride. It will be interesting to see the difference once I put the summer wheels and tires back on and dial the sway bar back up the the firm setting.

 

So after running with the Bilstein HDs and the summer wheels and tires back on, I have to say that I am completely satisfied with the new setup.

If you are looking for a better ride and better handling without lowering your R56 MINI, the Bilstein HDs are for you. You will not be disappointed!