I've been on the fence as to what suspension to get for my 2024 F57, for almost 2 years now. I want to lower it, but not too much. I'd also like to lower it more in the rear than in the front, as I prefer a car to be level rather than slightly pointed downward. Of course I also want it to handle well. (Street use only.)

That second issue makes me want to choose coilovers, of course, since they are adjustable. With springs, you get what you get. (Plus there's an additional issue with the F57 rear bracing, which evidently limits how much you can lower it.) So OK, the KW street comfort & the AGT look really good. EXCEPT, I'd have to lose the dynamic damping, and dynamic damping seems to work really well. I can't find any before/after reports of someone doing this, for street use only. For all I know, the ride could end up worse.

And one more interesting thing: I was recently looking at the Ohlin "Road & Track" coilovers. I don't actually need these, but their ad says it uses a front UPSIDE-DOWN Macpherson strut. Now I'm pretty confused, but it makes me think MacPhersons can't be all that bad. (I still don't understand how they differ from coilovers, FWIW)
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SO HERE'S WHAT I'M THINKING:

As per the thread title, Does it make any sense to switch to coilovers in the rear, so I can fine-tune the height, but use lowering springs in front, so I can keep the MacPherson struts and dynamic damping?

This would be expensive, but I'm just looking for the best overall solution.

 

Get adjustable coilovers and you can tune the height and make sure you get ones also that have dampening. I would not run a mix set up.

The dynamic dampening is good but the adjustable coilovers and then the adjustable dampening allow you to fine tune the suspension. They beat any dampeing system unless you have an integrated air system/dynamic like a range rovers. None of the BMW or MINIs have a system like this as they would be well into the 100K+ range options. I have coilovers on both my MINIs and would not have it any other way.

Set the coilovers and dampen them all the way out say 30 clicks, then drive. Dampen the fronts more (tighter) then the rears at a rate to your liking. So like 10 clicks in on the front and 5 on the rear. Set the ride height near stock. Most coilovers will go near or close to stock ride. But most people set them to a 1-2" drop as this fill in the huge wheel gap most F56+ MINIs have. This will not make the car ride like cut springs on a 1990 honda civic. Its the dampeing rate that controls this.

2024 F57 i believe this is when they changed the dampeing system and they dont have the wires but do have the dynamics damping. Check you front struts and look for a wire.

Hope that helps.

 

Thanks for your thoughts !

First, AFAIK, yes the 2024 has mechanical DD, not electronic.

Second - There is very little info (virtually zero) comparing coilovers to McPhersons with DD, especially for street-only use. Your comment above might literally be the only one.
I assume I'd want to get a set that has adjustment for both damping and return, yes? (But I think that rules out the KW Street Comfort, which has been my first choice up until now.

What I don't need is a race / street set, which costs more, but if that gives more adjustment options even for the street I'd go for it.
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3: Here's another thing I don't understand: On some Youtube video, a guy was raving about AGT coilovers (for street use) because, according to him, their height can be adjusted without changing the throw of the strut. Is that true? Is it the same with ANY coilover, vs springs where obviously you'd want new struts if lowering a lot.


Is there a particular brand & model you'd suggest?

 

Welcome.

Nope, will not find anything on that.

Dampening is what you need. Kw V1 or V2 or similar. ECS coilovers are great but not as refined as say an Ohlins or KW V2+ on dampening and rebound. They are like an ST+. Its up to you and your price range.

AGT - dont know about them (dont carry them), KW, AST. Moton, Ohlins are the higher end coilovers. I believe AST/Moton are inverted. On coilovers if the body has additional adjustment then that means you can have more adjustment.

See how the body of the bottom strut on ours has tones of threads.



VS

JCW pro that has a body with just threads on the top and body does not move.



OR





Also the rears are separated on Gen 3 MINI like the VW/audi set up and on the rear of the ECS coilovers the body also is threaded. Some other ones are not. Their is you extra adjustment. Plus you have adjustment on the separated spring hat on the rear. Its not just an AGT thing.

 

"On coilovers if the body has additional adjustment then that means you can have more adjustment."

Can you elaborate? I don't really understand that at all.

As for the KW sets, I read somewhere that the street comforts have progressive springs, whereas the street performance (V1, V2, V3) do not. That's what supposedly make the SC best for street-use only. It sure would be nice to have both compression & rebound adjustment, with progressive springs. I THINK that's what the BC DS series is, but not sure. this is all pretty confusing.

 

When upgrading your suspension, you have to decide what’s most important to you, then decide what you’re willing to compromise on, and pick a system that fits your list. If you’re going for looks and street performance, a set of springs and “maybe” a replacement set of shocks are all you need. Rarely does anyone “NEED” separate compression and rebound adjustments, unless they are building a full track suspension. Threaded body coilovers systems, like those ECS kits above, give you the ability to adjust ride height separately from spring preload. This allows the damper to keep full travel regardless of ride height. The kits that rely on spring preload for ride height adjustment will sacrifice some damper travel.

Everything is a compromise. Decide what’s most important to you and your budget, and go from there.

 

Here's an odd wrinkle:

I queried KW directly about their specific kits, and their tech Ron replied that according to his app guide, KW doesn't make ANY coilover kits for the F57.

This seems strange since the ECS selector says they do fit, as does an actual KW advertisement, (showing the F57) as does an independent review showing an F57 with the V3 Street Performance kit installed.

Ughhh......

 

Physically, if it fits an F56, it will fit the F57. The F57 has a heavier rear due to the convertible mechanisms so the rear springs “May” be a little too soft, but they will physically fit.

 

Not necessarily, njaremka. Some lowering springs have a lesser max drop amount on the F57, vs the F56. (As stated by the manufacturers.) Evidently this is because of the extra bracing the F57 has.

So, it's possible that the last few years might not be compatible. Maybe the ECS selector and those ads / reviews are a few years out of date.
I have to call them on Monday to find out.

 

FWIW, KW also makes a lowering spring kit that's really trick, called the H.A.S. system.
This kit allows for full travel of your OEM struts, (and DDC / EDC if you have it) AND has adjustable height. Sounds great !

Sadly, not made for the Mini Cooper.

 

Some manufacturers make specific kits for the F57, which is why some might have different drop rates. Underneath, there is nothing majorly different between the models that would prevent you from installing a kit made for the F56 into an F57.

 

You say there's no difference, yet I've read in many thread that the F57 has more rear bracing than the F56. Mini supposedly did this to keep the convertible chassis from flexing too much. (And they did a great job.) It's also the main reason the F57 is so much heavier. (along with the roof motor.)
I don't know this from actually looking under the car, so maybe you're right, but......

But maybe that isn't what causes the spring limitation. It's been a while since I first looked into springs, and I MAY be partly confusing F57 issues with JCW issues, as I have a JCW F57.
- And there are DEFINITELY lowering issues with the JCW, evidently due to the stiffer rear springs. For example, Cravenspeed says that their lowering springs will drop an "S" 1.25" in the rear. but the JCW is limited to 0.50". Maybe that's because the JCW is already low? But it sure doesn't LOOK lower than an "S", to me.

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Well, whatever, I still want to do coilovers, if I can find something that fits.

 

+1 they physically fit. Lots of people whom make coilovers dont test on every platform/chassis, so they just catalog to select models they have tested. People who know the Make will go beyond that.

Yep its heaver in the back and with the top down you get a little more weight in the back.

What people do is set the ride height level with the coilovers to their liking. With coilovers you can dial that in. Thats the beauty of them.


The F57 has the metal skid plate in the front and some extra bracing. It also has rear braces that go from the center rear subframe and out to the corners under the side rear windows, but down at the bottom of the body. They are add ons to the F56 design for more rigidity.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ine-cover.html





JCWs will also be i bit lower on averg with ~10mm drop. If you have the JCW upgrades suspension PRO tuning kit you will also be lower then that. Most people dont get the upgraded suspension when they get the car, its a dealer installed accessory and has red springs. Some of these add ons jack the price for a JCW Vert close to 60K. So most people dont do that at time of delivery.

All the JCW add on options. AKA fill the blank space and add another sticker...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...th-prices.html

Attachment 147627

That link above has all the add ons someone could do in the aftersales at the MINI dealer or add them later down the road.

 

Thanks, ECS, that's some great info.

KW eventually got back to me. There's something wrong in their database that keeps showing the F57 JCW as non-compatible, but as you guys say it IS. They have now confirmed their part #180200AU
- Super confusing because they also have a "Street Comfort V2" which is a DIFFERENT part number, and there is no Street Comfort V1 or V3. (And of course there's the Street Performance series, 1-2, which have stiffer springs.) Also, ECS has a different part number showing for a 2024 JCW F57, and I think KW got it wrong. Again.
KW really needs to get their data & their advertising together. It's ridiculous.

Sadly, I still don't know how low the Street Comfort can go in the rear, specifically on a JCW F57. They actually couldn't tell me ! I may have to just take a chance.

One good thing I found out today: The street comfort is said to be a PITA to adjust in the rear, as you have to drop the control arms to do it. However, I was just told that you can drill 2 holes in your trunk, then buy their KW extension kit and adjust from the trunk, I think this is an acceptable solution, as long as it can be made waterproof.

 

Glad to help. It happens across the industry. I think companies have great products, they just dont know MINI models and the data sets they use are all conflicting on what MINIs are. Submodel and fitment. I take that data and fix it all the time or cross over what i know fits beyond based on part knowledge.

I know the F57 is slightly heavier in the back as all MINI convertible models are. But its not that huge of a difference.

 

Thanks again, ECS. So to be clear:

The listing ECS shows as correct, for my 2024 JCW F57, is part #180200AH, and this is definitely correct, yes? (KW was wrong in telling me to get the AU ?)

Also a few more questions, if you have the answers:
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1 - Has anyone reported how low this kit can go on an F57 JCW? I know there are limitations, yet KW themselves don't have the data. All they can tell me is the recommended safe limits of the coilovers themselves. (not car-specific) - And I can't find any user data online for this.

2: I'll need an extension kit for rear adjustment, but KW makes around 20 different sizes, including two different wrench diameters. Do you know which one I'd need? And do you know how to make the required trunk holes waterproof?

3 - Are there any other components that you recommend changing at the same time, to increase tweakability? I don't do my own work, so it's less expensive to have the shop do everything at once, Plus that might aid in his dialing it in. (Yes, with me doing the driving.) I'll be adding a thick rear sway bar, since many folks say that helps even with street driving. But I'm here wondering about things like adjustable drop links, adjustable rear-bottom control arm, or maybe even camber plates.
- But again, this is only for "spirited" street driving. Note also that I have slightly wider wheels and tires, making my scrub radius about 14mm less negative than stock.

4 - In general, are people happy with the ride, when replacing a modern F56 / 57 that has DDC, with this kit? (I'm mainly concerned with lowering and leveling the car, but I don't want the ride to get significantly more bumpy.) Again, I have yet to find a single user comment on this specific swap, anywhere.

THANKS !

 

Glad to help.

Ok i see what they did they used the F55 which is heavier in the back as the F57 fitment. Seen this with other brands, not just KW. When we built the catalog they did not have F55 at the time. Only F56 and no other options and we know F56 stuff fits F57. Its just a convertible that is slightly heavier in the back. Coilovers can be ride height adjusted to compensate that.

They also dont even have anything listed for the F57 on the USA site and the last file I have has no F57. Just F56 and F55.

I can update our listings to reflect this change.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-kw-suspe...rs/180200aukt/ is not EDC/DDC which is correct as EDC and DDC on end year MINIs changed and its not plug wires and its mechanical. Pin size on struts should be NON EDC: https://www.motoringfile.com/2025/04...e-comfortable/