Suspension OHLINS installed on the R56 !!
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg, MB + Vancouver, BC
Nekky - For the Ohlins definitely shop around, there is huge variation in pricing. I ordered through coilover-store.com, they don't list applications for the R56 on their website but when I inquired via email they responded quickly with a very attractive price. They direct shipped from Ohlins. Apparently I got the last set in the USA at the time, the next batch doesn't arrive until October.
Vorshlag camber plates are the same pricing everywhere, so pick your favorite vendor to order or go direct to Vorshlag. They get built to order and shipped direct from Vorshlag. I ordered through outmotoring.com, great customer service, 5% NAM discounts, and free shipping to lower 48 for orders over $195.
I also ordered new "hats" for the rear along with Powerflex shock mount bushings from ECS Tuning. That makes the install really easy as you can put together the whole assembly on the workbench and then just swap. No dealing with a spring compressor to re-use the mount and bushing.
Vorshlag camber plates are the same pricing everywhere, so pick your favorite vendor to order or go direct to Vorshlag. They get built to order and shipped direct from Vorshlag. I ordered through outmotoring.com, great customer service, 5% NAM discounts, and free shipping to lower 48 for orders over $195.
I also ordered new "hats" for the rear along with Powerflex shock mount bushings from ECS Tuning. That makes the install really easy as you can put together the whole assembly on the workbench and then just swap. No dealing with a spring compressor to re-use the mount and bushing.
Can you point me to the bushings and hats for the rear? I too would like a swap in setup.
Moderator
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,782
Likes: 341
From: San Francisco Bay Area
Rear Shock Mount Left
- Mfg Part# 33526754123
- ECS Part# ES#58447
- Mfg Part# 33526754124
- ECS Part# ES#58448
Powerflex Rear Shock Top Bushing Set
- Mfg Part# PFR5-115X2
- ECS Part# ES#2651636
For my 2012 R56:
Rear Shock Mount Left
Powerflex Rear Shock Top Bushing Set
Rear Shock Mount Left
- [*]
- [*]
- [*]
- [*]
Powerflex Rear Shock Top Bushing Set
- [*]
- [*]
Yep those are it for all years R56. I added the black linked to the rear polys as a option. Performance is softer then Race ( black series ), which most people prefer unless full out track only car.
Thanks
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 175
Likes: 4
From: Tampa, FL
oh yeah for sure. installing them on saturday, then i have an autox on sunday to set them up. feels like Christmas tomorrow, lol
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 175
Likes: 4
From: Tampa, FL
Had a fun weekend getting used to the Ohlins. Didn't get too much setup done, I didn't realize my race tires had been corded from the last event. Put the corded tires in the rear but I just could not get any grip from them. Rear of the car was all over the place. I can tell that the car is going to be awesome when i dial these things in. So much grip now, and i was surprised how smooth they are on the road when you soften them up. I would recommend these to anyone looking for a street and track compromise.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 175
Likes: 4
From: Tampa, FL
I am going to keep it the way it is for a bit. I am not looking to build another street able race car again, I already had one of those. I am going for a race able street car. I only do about 15 autocrosses per year, and maybe 2 track days when I get the car ready. I am competitive at local autocrosses so I am fine with that for now.
These coil overs seem to be a very good compromise out of the box. Maybe in a little while I will fool around with some different spring rates, but for now I do not want to sacrifice comfort. I think that was the idea behind the "Road & Track" kit. It's not a full out race suspension.
These coil overs seem to be a very good compromise out of the box. Maybe in a little while I will fool around with some different spring rates, but for now I do not want to sacrifice comfort. I think that was the idea behind the "Road & Track" kit. It's not a full out race suspension.
Correct, it is a compromise worth having it was only a note I figure to throw out there since there have been those that complain about how soft they are out of the box compared to other setups for similar pricing that are stiffer. I went with a slightly stiffer setup and it has been a better compromise.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 37
From: Mission Viejo, CA
Correct, it is a compromise worth having it was only a note I figure to throw out there since there have been those that complain about how soft they are out of the box compared to other setups for similar pricing that are stiffer. I went with a slightly stiffer setup and it has been a better compromise.
Thanks ra2fanatic!
Last edited by Systemlord; Nov 6, 2014 at 03:08 PM.
Yes, the springs. How would I rate the stock MCS suspension....?....horrible. Stock Ohlins are what the MINI should have come with. Rebuild...idk, I've put over 30k and feels fine to me still. I might get them rebuilt next year when I have some time, but for now, they don't seem to feel any different from when I put them on.
Feels fine. You can't slam the Ohlins because then you'll hit the internal bumpstop, so my ride height is as low as you can go in the Ohlins.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 37
From: Mission Viejo, CA
A few more questions before I make the final decision, do you guys find your MCS leaning in the direction towards the outside of a turn when performing lightening quick lanes changes to the left or right? I know buy the Ohlins already you'll love them, I just want to have an idea of what to expect from the Ohlins Road & Track coilovers. I already have the Hotchkis 25.5mm RSB.
I'm also trying to find a review of the Ohlins Road & Track review I read in a magazine, it featured a BMW for the testing/review.
Thanks.
I'm also trying to find a review of the Ohlins Road & Track review I read in a magazine, it featured a BMW for the testing/review.
Thanks.
Last edited by Systemlord; Nov 6, 2014 at 09:11 PM.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 37
From: Mission Viejo, CA
Can anyone confirm if there are still noises (posted in previous post) with those that have driven with the Öhlins Road & Track Coil-over System?
I'm also trying to find out how much softer the Öhlins yellow springs are when compared to the stock suspension (Not stock sport suspension) on an 07 MCS?
Are the R&T kit easy to assemble?
Regards,
Systemlord.
I'm also trying to find out how much softer the Öhlins yellow springs are when compared to the stock suspension (Not stock sport suspension) on an 07 MCS?
Are the R&T kit easy to assemble?
Regards,
Systemlord.
Last edited by Systemlord; Jan 31, 2015 at 10:46 PM.
Moderator
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,782
Likes: 341
From: San Francisco Bay Area
I have 4 or 5K on my Ohlins, along with Vorschlag camber plates and Helix rear lower control arms. No suspension noise.
I don't find the Ohlins soft at all, the digressive valving really does its job keeping the ride firm while soaking up the sharp bumps. There's an expansion joint in the middle of a freeway interchange ramp that used to make the front end slam and jump a foot to the right. Now it is just a muffled thump.
When I first put them on, the firmer ride was instantly apparent. I have been experimenting with different settings, I started out at -7, then -10, down to -15 and -18, then back up to -12 which I am happy with. I'm looking forward to getting some track time.
I don't find the Ohlins soft at all, the digressive valving really does its job keeping the ride firm while soaking up the sharp bumps. There's an expansion joint in the middle of a freeway interchange ramp that used to make the front end slam and jump a foot to the right. Now it is just a muffled thump.
When I first put them on, the firmer ride was instantly apparent. I have been experimenting with different settings, I started out at -7, then -10, down to -15 and -18, then back up to -12 which I am happy with. I'm looking forward to getting some track time.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 175
Likes: 4
From: Tampa, FL
they are not soft compared to the stock suspension, they are stiffer but also give you a much smoother ride because of their design. however, for autox and track purposes they are softer then most setups. thats the point everyone is making.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 37
From: Mission Viejo, CA
Oh I purchased my Öhlins Coil-overs today! 
$2120 after shipping and taxes. Consider the fact that they used to go for $3000, I can't wait to get these Öhlins coil-overs to replace my horrible stock suspension.
How many of you have bought new pillow ball mounts excluding those who have aftermarket camber plates? I haven't hit 60,000 miles yet.
$2120 after shipping and taxes. Consider the fact that they used to go for $3000, I can't wait to get these Öhlins coil-overs to replace my horrible stock suspension.
How many of you have bought new pillow ball mounts excluding those who have aftermarket camber plates? I haven't hit 60,000 miles yet.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 37
From: Mission Viejo, CA
When I receive my Ohlins R&T coil-over setup I plan on setting my ride height a 1/2" inch lower than stock, when should I be concerned about needing a re-alignment with regards to ride height with the Ohlins coil-over setup? Also at what point in ride height adjustments do I need lower adjustable control arms?
Thanks
Thanks
Last edited by Systemlord; Feb 7, 2015 at 01:42 AM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
I have mostly installed ohlins on my cars and motorbikes.They are comfy and the roadholding improves a lot.I did it immediately when I bought them because they can do a lot of miles. So I got some money back from the dealer for the original ones because he could sell them as almost new.
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 707
Likes: 5
When I receive my Ohlins R&T coil-over setup I plan on setting my ride height a 1/2" inch lower than stock, when should I be concerned about needing a re-alignment with regards to ride height with the Ohlins coil-over setup? Also at what point in ride height adjustments do I need lower adjustable control arms?
Thanks
Thanks