My 06 MCS JCW is coming next month, and I'm planning to upgrade the suspension (as I'm getting 18" runflats on it). I was originally thinking of going with the Koni FSDs, as many owners have indicated that these can really make the car liveable (especially with runflats) over bumps/etc., while actually producing less roll during cornering. However, others have been raving about the JCW suspension ("designed for the MINI yada yada"), and supposedly it runs slightly softer(?) than the stock sport suspension. I also like the 1 cm drop it provides, but not sure if that's wise considering I live in Los Angeles and will be running 18" wheels already...

Any comments/experiences are appreciated... Thanks!

 

I live in Long Beach. I've had my '04 MCS for about 33k miles with stock suspension. I just got the Koni FSDs from Tire Rack to go with my Alta 19mm rr sway bar, that i'vbe been waiting to put on at the same time. I am going to Las Vegas, and then getting these goodies put on when I return.

I decided on the FSDs after considering lowering for a long time, and finally deciding I do not want to worry about how I enter driveways, where every pothole is, etc. I scrape enough around here with the car at stock height (see my wheel/tire below)!!!

Anyway, if you can wait until end of April, I'll have had some FSD experience to share (with stock "sport" springs". Meantime, you might check with "Old Rick." He's had FSDs on for some time, now.

 

Hey markldriskill -

It's not an either/or decision, there is a third, best of both worlds alternative:

Buy the JCW springs and mate them with Koni FSDs. You need not buy the whole JCW suspension; the matched springs can be bought separately for about $82 each from Classic and others. Add to this the H-Sport urethane bump stops on the FSDs (about $30) which are shorter than stock, and you will have stock-length travel suspension (that the FSDs like), combined with a better ride and slightly lower stance.

Koni tech support approves of the JCW spring drop with the FSDs (1cm /0.5"), but the guy I spoke to said a 1" drop would be too much. The FSDs work best with stock suspension travel. That's what you end up with when you combine the JCW springs with the shorter bump stops.

On my car, the ride is both more taut, and at the same time less jarring when hitting road imperfections and pot holes.
Control of placement in corners is slightly improved.
(I am still on runflats, though I will switch when they wear out.)

Now, if your goal is simply to improve ride in a MCS, without looking for further improvements in handling, just do the FSDs.

Just my 2 cents.

 

You guys are right, the koni FSD should only be used with the factory springs.

For those of you who want a better ride, and also the lowered look,

I recommend the Koni Sport Suspension Kit, (4 Koni yellow adjustable shocks and 4 koni sport springs).

This set up really works, the car is much better over bumps, handles better and there is no rubbing.

Here is a picture of our Cabrio S with that suspension

 

Gorgeous car!

 

Does the Koni Sport Suspension kit use the same type of shocks (i.e. FSDs)? From what I've seen, they sound like more typical shocks (maybe not that much different than the stock ones) that are adjustable to different viscosities... any clarifications are welcome.

 

I think I may go the JCW springs/Koni FSD route once I get funds for it. Having too much fun with the 17% pulley right now though. The gas gauge has never dropped this fast.

 

>> I have H-sport Springs on my Cooper S and was told by a very well known vender that the FSD's will work fine as long as the drop is no more than 1in.

>> MINIMAX1

 

My MINI is getting close (should ship from NY to me soon...). I'm seriously thinking of going this JCW/FSD route... will the shorter H-Sport urethane bump stops provide less protection from mushrooming shock towers? This is a pretty major concern for me, as my commute goes over some roads with pretty bad potholes (and I'm also surprised at how the open up after only 1-2 days of rain...).

Mini_Crazy, if you could provide more details on the H-Sport bump stops you're referring to (i.e. a model number or something), I'd appreciate it. Is there anything else I'd need to get? Just the FSDs, JCW springs, and bump stops?

Thanks!

 

>> Ofcourse the idea is not to hit Pot Holes, Right?

>> The H-Sport Springs and the FSD's are working just fine on my Cooper S. Have driven over 500 miles on them and no problems. The ride is great and the handling is great.

>> MINIMAX 1

 

Just got the Koni FSD's put on yesterday and the rough roads have gone away.... Very smooth ride now, and tight in the corners.
The mechanics at Mini loved them also.
Cool product.
Used with stock springs and a 22mm alta sway

 

I know it's been a month since I said I'd report on the Koni FSD's but I didn't get them installed until this past weekend. So here goes:

Even though I had an Alta 19mm rr sway bar put on at the same time, I think it is safe to say that the FSD's made a HUGE difference in the ride. Compared to before (all stock sport suspension) it is like riding in a luxury car. Only minimal notice of the little tiny bumps and such that used to plague every trip. The car is also MUCH quieter.

I am not the only one to notice. My wife really likes the ride now (thank God, given what it cost!! ) and she is a "personal luxury" car driver (Caddy Catera and now Infiniti G25 sedan).

I wish I had done this long ago. I haven't had an opportunity to really press the handling, but based on reports of others, I am not expecting any negative effects. The car still feels tight, but it has just lost all those rattley, jouncy and bouncy bits going in a straight line!! If any problems do become evident I'll let it be known.

From the bottom of my heart -- and all the rest of my anatomy -- THANK YOU KONI!!!!

IMO, if MINI don't adopt this as OEM, they are crazy.

 

Any update?

 

Wow, now you've got me wanting these for my MINI. Just out of curiosity, how many miles were on the OE shocks have when you replaced them? I'd sure like to find a way to get a quick demo ride in an FSD-equipped MINI to help me decide if these are for me. Anyone?

 

I'm definitely going with the JCW springs/KONI FSD's/H-Sport stops...after the USS.

 

I had 34700 on the OE shocks at the time they went on.

I'm in Long Beach, CA, so a ride is probably out of the question, unless you are coming out here in the forseeable future?

 

>> UP DATE; THE FSD AND H-SPORT COMBO IS WORKING GREAT!!!

>> 2 thousand mles and still GOING.


>> MINIMAX1