I have a 05 Cooper S w/JCW suspension package on it , however these shocks and springs have been on since 05 when the car was purchased by the previous owner. 1 Yr has passed since I have purchased this vehicle and am considering swapping out the shocks. Some have reffered me to Koni FSD's but i heard that they are only compatible with the stock shocks.

 

FSDs are outstanding struts. Go to the KONI web site where they are fully described. Also, while you have it on the lift or jack stands, replace the rear sway bar with an adjustable 19 or 22 MM. You won't believe the difference in handling all that makes. Best bang for the motoring buck you can get, hands down.

 

Question for the FSD's . Would I have to replace my springs with the oem springs? IF i were to go with Koni yellows for example what kind of springs could i eventually swap the jcw ones with to make the ride softer? Regards to the swaybar what size would optimize the softer ride I am looking to achieve?

 

Question 1: No
Question 2: Yellows are used in place of FSDs by guys who want to lower the frame.
Question 3: The sway bar has nothing to do with ride 'softness'. Its purpose is to control body roll and make allowance for under/over steer.
None of these items have anything to do with a softer ride.
I'm betting you are being pounded by run flats. Ditching them and going to a good seasonal or performance tire will do more to soften your ride than anything else.
Still, if you are interested in the fun of driving a street legal go cart, the heavier RSB is the way to go.

 

At 228K miles, I've replaced the JCW Springs once so far and struts three times already. JCW struts don't last as long as the stock S struts, maybe 50K miles or so.

For my last purchase though, we installed a set of Bilstein Sport Struts as they are designed to be used with lowering springs such as with those in the JCW Suspension.

Found them here from Turner Motor Sports, "owned" by ECS Tuning I believe.

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...er-s-set-of-4/

$634.00 + shipping.



After 12K miles, IMO the Bilsteins are just a bit softer ride than the JCW struts ( I have a full urethane suspension so slightest difference is very noticeable.)

I've never used FSDs since I am told / have heard from others who have that they don't last long when coupled with lowering springs, even the JCWs. But have heard they work great with the Stock S springs and Stock Sport Suspension Springs.

 

Thanks for the link, and the info! These Bilsteins were recommended by my indie shop for when it comes time to replace my struts. Saved the link for a future purchase.

 

The FSD's are a great compromise of performance and comfort for stock ride height only.
The Koni Yellows are more performance oriented than the FSD's and can be used
with lowered springs OR stock ride height and rebound is adjustable.
The Bilstein HD or Sports are a little harsher than the Koni Yellows.
HD for stock ride height and Sport for lowered. I forget which of these are
currently available for the R53.

 

Told and heard correctly. FSDs are NOT to be used with lowering springs. That is what the KONI Yellows are for. As stated, Bilstein's are highly regarded by the MINI community though I've had no experience with them.