Hello all,
New 2015 f56 MCS owner here. Sorry for the newbie question. I'm looking at lowering my car with NM progressive springs and would like to know what shocks/struts are a good option for a smooth ride that will handle well for the occasional urban race around town. I've looked at the Koni FSD and the Active suspension ones but have read they cannot be used with lowering springs. I don't want it slammed as I plan to upgrade the tires and rims at some point but nice 1" or so drop would be nice. I currently have all stock setup w 16" run flats. Thanks!

 

Oh! I forgot to mention that it is a base model S, non DDS (or whatever it's called). It only has one setting.

 

Right- supposedly the FSD can't be run lowered. I don't know why that would be... maybe just Koni protecting themselves?

I am running the only setup I found that could be called smooth- KW Street Comfort. I've also run the NM springs with OEM Sport Suspension shocks, and also tried the ST coilovers (same thing as KW v1). The v1 were too stiff for me. I'd call it a linear ride. Amazing sharp response though. The OEM shocks did ok I think. Maybe even more comfortable than the Street Comfort. But less control, and they would bottom out over big freeway joints and bumps. And your shocks would be even more cushy than my Sport Suspension.

At some point soon I'm going to try dialing down my Street Comfort real low and cushy, to get a sense for the full range of possibilities. But yeah I'm thinking this is probably what you're looking for. They are great at reducing small, sharp bumps. As I read about some other suspension system, it's like they cut the tops off of bumps. I think for this reason, they do lean a little around curves, but it's worth the trade off to me. They're adjustable, and the firmer end is plenty firm for me. So yeah I'll play with the softer settings and report back.

 

If your wanting lowering springs I'd recommend the Craven
https://www.waymotorworks.com/craven...rings-f56.html

then use the Koni Yellows
https://www.waymotorworks.com/koni-y...s-f55-f56.html

But that gets up there in price so you may consider coilovers at that point. The JCW is pretty cost effective
https://www.waymotorworks.com/john-c...-cooper-s.html

Either way make sure you add a rear sway bar as that is the biggest bang for the buck in handling
https://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-25...5-f56-f57.html

 

Are the Cravens progressive springs? Basically looking to smooth put the bone jarring roads and still have good handling in the twisties. Maybe I'm asking too much but there should be a good compromise that won't break the bank. The Koni Yellows are definitely in my price range though! Thanks Way!

 

How much drop does the OEM JCW pro suspension give you?

 

There are a lot of threads on this, here's maybe the best:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...light=unboxing

 

Cool, thanks! I'll check it out.