Hi NAM forum. Just hit 50k miles on my 2017 f55 and looking to get more into suspension mods now that warranty is over. I was looking to do coilover, rear sway bar and end links. I was looking at Forges coilovers but was reading about different spring rates for the f56 vs f55? Do I need to find something that is specific for the f55? Do I need to change out control arms as well? I plan on getting more into autocross why I want to do all the suspension work/body stiffening.

 

If you are considering coil overs, I would for sure plan on rear adjustable control arms. Makes the alignment process much easier to get the numbers where you want them.

I think end links are overkill. Should be just fine riding on OEM links.

As for the actual coil overs, if you can find an F55 specific set, it at least shows that the manufacturer put some level of effort into them. While they may be built off the same platform, the F55 is heavier in the rear than the F56.

 

Thanks for the reply. I feel a lot of people say to upgrade to nm end links since the stock are plastic.

Would the rear springs want to be heavier or lighter on the f55? Trying to wrap my head around it still.

 

I know it's been a few months since you've asked this question so I don't know if you've pulled the trigger on anything. I would highly recommend finding something specific to the F55. I thought I would be smart and try to cheat the system before and installed a set of gently used F56 sport suspension on my F55 and it gave my car severe droop in the rear while sending the front skyward. I've since switched to the JCW Pro Coilovers designed by KW specifically for the F55 and have not had a single complaint. The ride can be a tad harsh at times but it's not as bad as I thought it would be and can probably be improved by raising the car slightly. I can't speak for other companies and the quality of their coilovers but I've been extremely happy with the JCW Pro Coilovers. I also installed the NM Sport 22MM rear sway bar along with the NM adjustable rear sway bar end links. I was concerned when I found out that Mini used plastic end links so I decided to switch them out for metal ones when I switched the sway bar. I plan on replacing the front end links as well here in the near distance future seeing as how the car is lowered. I haven't switched out the control arms and haven't had any issues in the years I've had the coilovers on my car *Knock on Wood*. Hopefully this helps some

 

I did end up buying a set and installing last year. Thread was from early 2020. Had bought off a member of the forum and have two different sets of rear springs (one for F55 and F56 that came with it). Went with rear sway bar, end links, an adjustable control arms as well.

 

Very nice! What brands did you end up going with for all of your parts?

 

I bought ST XTA coilovers from a forum member, NM rear sway bar and end links. Godspeed adjustable lower rear control arms.

 

Nice! How's the ride quality with that setup? Sounds like it is a solid setup

 

It's a little harsher than running the stock suspension with runflats. More noticeable going over railroad tracks. I'm sure I can adjust the stiffness, just left them how the prior owner had them.