I have no idea, all I know is once the strut was out, I lifted the control arm and lowered it and it was stopping against something, I have no idea what it was but it was knocking steel against steel and it wouldn't go any lower and it was a bit scary to put the new one in because I was worried I might damage the adjusting dial while compressing the shock in order to go over the edge of the mounting bracket, the spring was ok with the spring compressor.

 

I read this whole thread again and I have to say the best posts on this thread are minihune post #67 and 117, they basically sum every questions possible and answer all my questions.

Very informative and more than I could ask for.
Thank you.

I see he's in Hawaii, I'll be there from Dec 22nd to Jan 1st.

 

but I didn't get to read it. It's in the issue before this one (I picked the current one up in an airport). The review has an excellent methodology, even though it's for an M3. Talks about damping vs velocity, for the PSS( (last issue), Tien, KW Variant 3, and something else, and stock. Measures harshness with an accelerometer, track times with the different set ups etc. Really good read.

Matt

 

I saw a set being put on a red S at Steve's Auto clinic earlier this week. I don't know if he goes direct or had them in stock.

 

$1499, It was in stock when I called Sept 7th and they shipped the next day.

 

I saw this post while I was looking for info on the PSS9 spring rates. I ran into the same problem that zrwon did with my early 2004 MINI. The problem is that the lower control on the passenger side contacts the front subframe near the front pivot point. The drivers side doesn't have this clearance problem and allows much more downward travel on the control arm. Check out the attached photo that shows the difference between the drop of the two sides.

I had to remove the rear bolt on the front pivot and loosen the front bolt in order to allow the pivot to move outward and the control arm to move down. After that, it was easy to get the strut out. Otherwise, no amount of compression would have given me enough room.

BTW, I haven't been able to find the front and rear spring rates for the Bilstein PSS9s. Does anyone know what they are?

Thanks,
John

 

They progressive...I believe the upper rates front and rear are between 32- and 340. I also seem to remember that they are the same front and rear.

 

Search Bilstein PSS9 - FYI

I began that thread.

 

If I'm not mistaken, they're 330 lbs/in front (progressive) and 350 lbs/in rear (linear). The rear also has a helper spring to keep the spring from shifting in the perch at full extension. Unlike a tender spring, it has no effect on ride rate when the car is on the ground.

 

I'm upping this old thread because I'm considering these for a future buy, I swear this topic sold me on these coilovers I'm wondering, though, if the noise issue was only a breaking in thing or if some measure should be taken on the install to prevent it from happening. Also, I've read the all thread but I couldn't find for sure how much negative camber could be reached on the front, some said 1 degree, some much more, around 3 degrees...does this difference depend from the different camber plates? Does anyone have these with IE adj camber plates?

 

front camber depends on your adjustable camber plates unless you're trying to go past -2.25
IE's are good. great bargain, some faulty pieces here and there but theyre quick to replace and have good customer service from friends' experiences. I personally run the Hotchkis (HSport) adjustable camber plates with my Pss9's.

i never had the sounds that are described in this thread from the moment they were installed and still dont after 20k miles

 

I went waay past 3-3.5. How do you think I went through a set of tires in the front from just the drive from Phx to LA... MAD CAMBER SON!

 

but you have linear springs and hammered the wheel liner area right? and you're crazy :P

i dont think MINIdriver85 is going to go as extreme with the camber as you did

 

Thanks for the feedback guys, I already have the IE plates so I'm relieved I'll be able to reach -2 degrees with them, that's the max camber I plan to achieve. I'll check if my plates are shot though, I don't think so but to install the coilovers I'll have to take them down anyway so in case they need replacement, which brand do you suggest? I've heard great things about the Helix and TSW ones, and reading this topic I found out there is a kind that can adjust caster too, is that right? Theya re from P&D if I'm not mistaken...

Guess I'll have to do some reading on those too

 

I was wndering if anyone with the PSS9 changed the front springs to linear ones, for example from Swift, and if you have, did you change only the front ones with a rate to match the rears, or did you get a complete set with different rates?

 

Let us know when you're ready and we'll get you taken care of with a heck of a deal. We currently have the PSS9s for 2002-2006 (R52 and R53) applications for $1674.95 with free shipping. We stock a lot of Bilstein struts, shocks, and coilover systems and have free shipping and great deals on the entire Billy line. As a vendor that just recently got set-up with NAM, we'd love the opportunity to earn your business and show you how incredible our deals and service is. We're indeed new to this forum, but certainly not to Bilstein suspension and European cars. Feel free to IM me if we can help.

Oh, and if you're in the San Antonio or Austin areas, feel free to come into our place and pick up your suspension to save a few bucks on shipping!

 

Thanks for the offer, but considering I live in Italy I guess the very good price will fly out of the window when shipping and custom fees are added to it, I guess I'll have to find a good deal here in Europe, but thanks all the same!

 

That's a good deal.

 

Yeah, you're right, you very well may find a better deal on the other side of the pond after shipping. Keep in mind, though, we *DO* ship overseas with USPS (not UPS), which helps aid in duty. We ship overseas on a daily basis because of the fact that we offer this service.