Hey folks,

So I am looking to replace the suspension on my 03 R53 and I came across
Solo-Werks S1 coilovers....and was surprised how cheap they are, less than $500 for the full set!

Just wanted to see if anyone hear has heard of them/installed them on their MINIs?

Id like to get some feedback before buying these blind. With that said, I have read some reviews from people with BMWs and the reviews seem pretty positive, but not a single MINI review? Looks like they are pretty new to the market...I believe they were released in June of this year.

thank you!

 

From the website, there doesn't seem to be any damper settings. Height and spring compression but that seems to be about it. So there is that...

 

What are you trying to accomplish, lowering or handling? The MINI with a stiffer rear sway bar is a very good handling car and from what I read it does not appear the Solo-Werks are going to improve that unless you consider lowering a big benefit.

 

They are fixed rate and very popular on the VW/audi/BMW side as a lower cost option. At this time they are on sale 10% off and with also 50$ mail in rebate. Also have a 3 year warranty. Install guide is also under install pdfs. Match it with an upgraded rear sway bar and adjustable rear arms and you will have even better handling MINI.


https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/S1MN001/


Holiday rebate form.

http://bd8ba3c866c8cbc330ab-7b26c6f3...e_2018v1.0.pdf

 

Thanks for all the replies. My R53 is currently my daily driver but currently has the oem suspension from 2003...Its about time I addressed that. Im not too worried about damper settings but would like to have the car lowered a bit.

I actually purchased these the other day from ECSTuning and hopefully Ill be installing them this weekend. Ill share my thoughts on them after getting some time on the road!

 

Yes, please provide us a review.

Did you buy adjustable front camber plates as well?

 

What do you think?

I replaced my Megan EZ Streets with these about two months ago now and have just about 1000 miles on since the swap. I'm happy. Definitely softer than the Megans but comfortably firm. I was worried about the inability to adjust damper but these seem to be very well balanced.

I still have some suspension work to do. Bigger rear bar and adjustable end links before I can say I'm done with suspension mods but I think they'll fit my overall application better than the Megans. A sportier feeling daily drive. Everyone that has gotten in the car since has also noticed enough difference to say something specific to the ride.

 

Thanks for the update and honest review.

 

??? What review? Retrench by OP may be.

 

I was wondering the same....Looks as if he confused me with OP.

 

Sorry my bad guys, was reading two posts at once and thought you were reviewing these as the OP. Reading too many posts on the forums at the same time.

 

Well...

Let's REVIVE this thread shall we? There are 2 MINI owners I know of that went the Solo Werks coilover route... I'm really quite curious to see how the suspension is doing today!

Not a ton of Solo Werks info relating to MINIs out there, just saying...

 

Hi Andrew,

I’ve since gotten rid of the r50 and now have them on a r53 and am very pleased. Installed with a bunch of other suspension bits for just about 2 years now. While I was unable to get the car on the track again this year, the only complaint I have is that even on the highest setting, its still too low to get into a car wash tunnel near me. I’m not sure if this is due to a design change over the past few years as my understanding is they’re the same part for both models, or the weight difference between the r50 & r53.

 

Curious if anyone else has started using these? The price seems to good to be true but I'm also just looking to tighten the handling of a daily driver comfortably, not gain a few tenths an extra grand might bring on the track. Based on reviews I think I'll make the purchsae.

There are higher end coilovers I drool over (set of Bilsteins on the marketplace now) but I can't justify $1500+ for a car I paid two grand for.

 

I've been running these for about 500 miles. Got em on in December of 2023.
Compared to my old blown Godspeed Maxx coilovers, and old stock suspension before that -- they ride much better and are definitely more comfortable. However, as mentioned they lack dampening or camber adjustment which is a bummer since I'd prefer them just a little less bouncy. Don't forget to get some adjustable sway bar end links.

They handle well, and I think are a great upgrade especially from stock, double-especially if you're on a budget. You could absolutely slam on these if you want, so if you want a *near-ish* stock height, go as high as possible!

But yea, I'd much rather have the billies too haha!