Ditched the H&R Coilovers, installed the Bilstein PSS9's, what a difference!
 

In reference to my original H&R coilover install:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=42815

All I can say is You get what you pay for, spend the extra $400!
Being budget minded, and not listening to my wife, I originally installed the H&R's to save a buck. SO not worth it, nothing but problems and headaches. I had to de-install and re-install the H&R coilovers 4 times, just to satisfy H&R that there was a problem with them. They did nothing but knock on the rear end like someone was banging the floorpan with a crowbar. They bouced very bad and had a very subpar ride.

Well I finally gave in, and am now listening to the "I told you so's" from my wife. I knew in the beginning that my past experience with coilovers, prove that quality comes with a price. I have had 3 sets of Bilstein PSS's on 3 VW's and a set of B&G coilovers on another VW. All were quality and came with every component necessary to do the job right.

Not the H&R's. With the H&R's you reused the OEM bumpstops, caps and all components. Wasnt the ideal setup, as the OEM components didnt seem to match their springs very well. It may be an issue with the 05's as many people have had success, or I could have just had a defective set.

At any rate the PSS9's come with just about everything from Bilstein, minus the mount in the rear, and the front mount. The workmanship on the set far surpasses the H&R's, as well as the ride is 100x's better and smoother! Not to mention the blue springs and silver finish seems to match my MINI colors better! I am now very happy with the setup, and do have to shout props to ALEX@ tirerack for helping me troubleshoot the H&R's, and hopefully getting my return and refund expedited quickly.

I will have photos and such later this evening.

...... I like your wife ..... :wink:

Can I ask what you paid for the install? Did they do a corner balance or any other work? I have a local guy that did my Porsche for $800 and dialed it in right the first time. I supplied the kit.

So what are these "mounts" in the rear/front that are not provided? Are you provided by the OEM?

By the way, where did you end up getting the PSS9s?

Thanks

///Gilbert

The PSS9's were bought on sale at Shox.com. Great customer service, information, and speedy shipping!

The H&R's rely on the stock upper mount on the rear, as well as, all the washers bumpstops and such. The Bilsteins on the rear have a machined hat on the rear which allowed the springs to seat using their components and based upon their specs. The H&R's relied on the stock components and only gave a new upper bolt, spring and shock, and lower adjusting perches. The Bilsteins gave springs, shocks lower adjusting perches, bumpstops, shaft covers, all necessary washers minus 1 or 2 and such. The end result was a more solid, uniform construction of the overall components. Tire rack is attributing the clunking from the H$R's due to the fact that MINI may have widened the diameter of the Rear upper mounts a few mm's, similar to the early vs. late 02 build cars.

The front was the same story, they provided everything but the uppermounts, as you have to reuse those. Overall I have to say for a $400 difference it is well worth it, and the fact that as it sits now on the car, I know it is right and solid.

Install was $150 originally, and alignment was $89 for a 4 wheel. Cornerbalancing will be next week and is $150-$175.

I'm a tad confused, or perhaps I read too quickly, sorry - the H&R springs are their adjustable coilovers? Just want to know what I'm comparing your PSS9 thought with.

Thanks


Michael

Note the title of the thread:


Ditched the H&R coilovers...

We are comparing coilover to coilover...