I’ve had my R56S for about two years now. It was my daily driver for about 9 months but now have a take home work vehicle. First thing I did when I got the mini was to replace the suspension with Bilstein B6 with stock springs, at that time I was not interested in lowering because I live at the beach and roads flood periodically. Now that the mini is my weekend fun car I want it lower. I was leaning heavy towards the B12 kit, but rock auto sent me a 5% coupon code and I can get the B14 kit for about $1000 with taxes and shipping included…about the same as the B12. So I’m pondering to go with the B12 or the B14 or just put the eibach pro springs on the B6s that are on there now. Another note to add, my wife has an R56 base that needs new shocks/struts and could put the B6s on her car….which would essentially save money. Is there a better option out there i haven’t seen? Btw…my car is not tracked but gets a lot of “very spirited” driving. Just looking for any thoughts, opinions, or advice from the wealth of knowledge on here. Thanks in advance.

 

I have the B14s on my R55 Clubman, and I love them. Pair them up with poly front control arm bushings, and a rear sway bar, and you’ll have smiles for miles.

 

My R57 has a pretty firm ride already [especially compared to my other 3 cars, 20 Explorer, 18 Expedition & 75 Midget]
How do these compare to the [I'm assuming] stock ride?

I've only put about 70 miles on it so far, so maybe it's just a big adjustment from high riding SUVs

 

Had a bit over 100K on a set of KONIs replaced with Bilsteins recently. What a difference. The twisties don't stand a chance.

 

Happy with the B12s. I always want the fancier option of something, so 'settling' for these was hard, but I'm happy with the results over the past two years of street use and the occasional autox.

Still have good ground clearance, but tires fit basically flush in the arch now. A little stiffer/lower than stock, but the dampers really keep it in check. No more skipping/slamming over potholes or expansion joints.

The B14 are definitely 'better' for the height adjustment, and they'll be stiffer but not back-breaking.

 

I'm definitely still adjusting to FWD & the tiny hop the steering wheel does over road irregularities, especially when accelerating.

 

Anyone here with B12 can show pics after installation?
Very curious to see if it covers the wheel gap on 17-inch wheels

 

B12 use Eibach Pro-kit springs. So if you can find pictures of those installed, will be the same. I think they are only about 1” drop, so not too much.