Suspension Springs, struts, coilovers, sway-bars, camber plates, and all other modifications to suspension components for Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.

Suspension Bilstein or H&R?

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Old Jan 14, 2012 | 12:02 PM
  #1  
R53Owner's Avatar
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From: East Stroudsburg, PA
Bilstein or H&R?

Alright so I need to swap out some suspension components on my '03 MCS, so I figure it would be a good time (and excuse :D) to do some performance work. My friend told me about the Bilstein PSS9 or PSS10, I forget :/. Anyways, they looked like a solid coilover. I asked my mechanic, who has been working on MINIs for a while, and he told me to go with the H&R coilovers. I'm kind of torn here, as I don't have enough knowledge about either. I guess when it comes down to it, I'm looking for which one is going to give me a nice drop (preferably adjustable) and have the most adjustable components. Also whichever one is more reliable, more trusted, etc. Feel free to compare the two- I like comparisons :D. I don't want a crazy firm ride, but hey, go big or go home right? Everything is stock other than engine/exhaust work and I don't have run-flat tires. Thanks for any advice!
 
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Old Jan 14, 2012 | 01:03 PM
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cmt52663
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I've heard good things about the Bilsteins. My H&R setup has beeen perfect for about 168k miles, so I would recommend them also.

Cheers,

Charlie
 
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Old Jan 15, 2012 | 11:27 AM
  #3  
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UKSUV
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From: Marsala, Sicily
I have had my PSS9s for about 70k miles. I have blown the fronts out but my car is not like the others...lol. They are an amazing coilover if treated right. Mine were slammed all the way down with zero travel. Your case is not like this. H&R and Bilstein's are both great on our platform. I have had both. I would go with PSS9's as I have not heard reviews on the PSS10's if it were ME. Good luck.
 
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Old Jan 17, 2012 | 12:25 PM
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From: Baltimore, MD
H&R use Bilstein internals. They are quality parts that are rebuildable and revalvable. I personally would run custom spring rates (and maybe custom valve them) but that's because I do not like to run a car too low and they max out lower than I like. Plus I like linear springs.

Bilstein PSS9's will be a better performance option and the valving is adjustable if you need that.

- Andrew
 
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 03:51 PM
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TheSuspensionSource
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From: Fresno, California
Here are some commonly asked questions about ST coilovers

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...coilovers.html
 
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