Don't know how many of you are also Bimmer-files and also BMW Car Club of America members (like me ). Anyway, I just received my Nov '05 issue today, and there's a 4-page article on the Koni FSDs. Rather than an info-mercial, it's actually a test between OEM, Koni adjustables (set to softest), and the FSDs. The level playing field platform are 3 identically prepared BMW E46 coupes (same wheels/tires), and the test is run at TireRack's autocross course, a slalom, and skidpad. Well, the FSDs kicked butt on the slalom, set the best group average and average Gs on the skid pad, and set the best lap time on the autocross course. They loved them, and stated the ride quality is equal to a Buick Electra while cornering was "autocross" level. They were quite amazed and praised them to death. I'm convinced (for street use) that there's not a better suspension upgrade than FSDs-only (no springs) for those seeking better ride quality and still not give up a thing on cornering. If fact, these will enhance cornering, and still leave you with other cornering improvement options (bushings, bars, etc.) that won't adversely affect shock bump control. It's a very interesting article. Not available on news stands--sorry. Wish they used the MINI S instead of that chick car.

 

Thanks for posting this information. I have been reading about the Koni FSD package and it is a mod that I am considering. Is there any on-line link to the article. or do I have to hunt down a "member" to borrow the article?

Cheers,

Paul

 

Unfortunately, BMW CCA didn't give you that one via the web...they do give you a few articles in the current mag every month though. Here's the link for this month:

http://www.bmwcca.org/members/AM/Tem...r_2005_Roundel

And the teaser:

A Shocking Development - Koni's FSD shocks do the impossible: They firm up for the twisty bits, but go all soft when you head for the potholes. How do they know?

 

someone is selling a barely used set of FSD's in the marketplace.

 

ive got a set for sale-still available

 

Why are you selling them?

 

can some one scan & post the article?

thank you!

 

I'll try today.

 

thank you!

 

See here:

http://www.stromracing.com/NAM/Roundel - Koni FSD.pdf

 

Our write up of the same test day was in the 11/05 issue of GRM. Our thoughts were much the same; we wound up putting them on our MC.

Http://www.grassrootsmotorsports.com

Per

 

sounds like the digressive rate that bilstein uses on many of their shocks, such as the sp's. just a little softer.

 

Thanks! Excellent info, I'm sold on the FSD! Going to get them when I have money, hehe.

 

How come these dont work with aftermarket springs? I wonder if they'll work with the JCW springs.

 

Who said they don't work with aftermarket springs?

 

I'm pretty sure I've read in lots of places that the Koni FSD are specially designed for OEM spring lenght/rate.

Makes sense really, all dampers are supposed to be matched to a specific spring rate to work at its best.

 

THank you!

 

Strom -- thank you very much for scanning and posting -- I, for one, greatly appreciate it!

cheers,

Paul

 

Roundel has some great articles - especially if you're a BMW fan. You guys should check into getting a BMWCCA membership. Roundel comes with it for free!

 

Digressive valving that Bilstein uses is velocity sensitive just like used in the KONI yellow sport without the benefit of rebound adjustability. FSD is like no other mechanical shock on the market in that for a given velocity the forces will change with different frequencies. If you a Bilstein shock and run it at differing frequencies at the same velocity the forces will be the same. All dampers are velocity sensitive meaning the faster you push it in or pull it apart the forces will increase. The KONI FSD at the same velocity and a lower frequency for example roll frequencies which are near 1Hz will make a larger amount of force then the same velocity at a 10Hz frequency. Theses forces can be several times more force than a standard KONI or other shocks while not reducing the ride quality. This allows the FSD shock to improve both the ride quality and handling by a significant amount.

 

Can the Koni FSDs be used with aftermarket springs like the Bilstein SPs can?

 

OE springs is what FSD is designed to work with. The critical part is that the ride height must be such that the car stays off of the bumprubbers. Certain aftermarket springs may work but until it can be tested the safest bet is to use the OE, or OE sport suspension springs.

 

I can chime in on Koni Sports vs Bilstein HDs with stock springs and or with H&Rs experience. Although not on a MINI, these were on various Audi quattros and a Porsche. These ranged from a 1983 & 1984 Audi ur-quattros, '93 Audi S4, 1985 Porsche 944 and on up to my current 1995 S6.

Bilsteins
Bilstein HDs are good with stock springs. A little harsh on initial compression, but for the most part give you a *more* taught feeling overall. Good for autocrossing and smoother style roads. This setup overall was good. Although, not really optimal for the roads that are littered with frost heaves, pavement cracks, level changes and loads of loose gravel, ice and snow. Hey, I know those conditions!:impatient I think the 195/65 profile softer Hakki 1s helped out here a bit.

Bilstein Sports with lowered springs are a bit rougher, and not very forgiving at all. Better off with adjustable perch setup and corner balancing, if that is the route you choose to go.

Konis
Koni Sports are wonderful (adjustable for the S6) and work very well with lowered H&R springs. With stock OE springs they are magic, shocks set soft up front and stiff in the rear. I recently rebuilt my S6 suspension and found a set of original slightly used low mileage Canadian '97 S6 springs and combined these with new Koni Sports. Best of both worlds. My ride height returned to slightly lower than normal but the handling (for a big **** 3600lb car) is great now.

So, I can only wait for now get my MINI to know what you guys are feeling (should be arriving March sometime). When it comes to experiencing real handling, the MINI is tops. Even the test drive was enough to prove to me that yes, once upon a time my Porsche 944 was raved as the "best steering sports car" and handles nice, but NOTHING like the MINI Cooper S I drove, holy cr^p. and my Porsche is set up with Bilstein HDs, lowered and swaybars. I can' t imagine what an improved suspension would be like on MINI Cooper S - geesh.

No doubt the roads up here in Northern New England will help accelerate the wear on my MINI's OE suspension components over time, requiring early replacement with some Koni FSDs

Thanks for the thread Stevie! Now I've got more than one thing to look forward to.

 

well, i will have to call Alex tomorrow on a set of Koni yellow sports

 

I can echo the comments by Thompson above about the Koni yellows. They worked like magic with stock springs on a *gasp* volvo 850. Amazingly the ride is both smoother and a lot more controlled, plus you can play with the rebound setting a little to fine tune the car's balance a little.

However the FSD sounds even better, hehe