I heard that Bilstein was working on a PSS9 set for the MINI. Anyone have any further information on this?

 

I talked with Bilstein USA about a month ago on this topic. They said that it is being considered for development, but that the process is a long one, and they didn't expect product until at the earliest Fall.

Randy

 

I remember somone either in this forum or the mini2 posted a pic of the Bilstenin PSS9's, they are already selling in europe and for some strange reason its not here in the states yet. I also remember them saying that it was a JCW part.

 

Here's the link with a picture:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...light=bilstein

 

I hope it is not going to only be available thru JCW. My expericence so far with trying to get information from them has been very unsatisfactory. It is as though they are trying their best to not sell anything. The PSS9 is the hot setup with Porsches these days, and should be an excellent choice for the MINI. Full ride height adjustability, and 9 damping settings. The european sourced units typically come with lifetime warranty. I know a Porsche parts source who sells PSS9 in Belgium, maybe he can shed some light on availability of the MINI units.

 

>>I hope it is not going to only be available thru JCW. My expericence so far with trying to get information from them has been very unsatisfactory. It is as though they are trying their best to not sell anything. The PSS9 is the hot setup with Porsches these days, and should be an excellent choice for the MINI. Full ride height adjustability, and 9 damping settings. The european sourced units typically come with lifetime warranty. I know a Porsche parts source who sells PSS9 in Belgium, maybe he can shed some light on availability of the MINI units.

If you are able to get a set let me know, I've been waiting for these since I got my mini.

 

DK23, you say:
"The PSS9 is the hot setup with Porsches these days, and should be an excellent choice for the MINI."

I'm not so sure. Although the PSS9 system has worked very well on Porsches and Bimmers, I think there's a problem applying it to the Mini. I believe the damping adjustment on the PSS9's is at the top, like Koni Sports. As you know, the top of the rear shocks are not accessible on the Mini without removing the shock. As far as I know, the Spax and Leda's are the only shocks available for the Mini with an external adjustment on the side.

Although I could be wrong here, having shocks that are adjustable without removing them is a big plus in my book.

 

I agree that ease of adjustment is very important. I'm not sure where the adjustment is (or will be) on the set for the MINI. When I suggested they would be excellent for the MINI, I was refering to the quality of the units and their performance history in other cars.

 

It took a long time.. but the PSS9 is now available here in Europe. The PSS9 for the nem Mini costs EUR 1'799,--, whereas the PSS9 for the new BMW M3 for example only costs EUR 1'499,--. So I think they found a way to adjust it whitout removing the shock. The adjustability is one of the key elements of the PSS9 so I think that's why they took so much time to develop it for the new Mini.
That's finally the next part I'll buy for my Cooper S :smile:

 

1,799 euro???????????

 

yes.. go to Bilstein
it's listed

 

The info I got back from Bilstein USA is that the Bilstein shocks for the Mini are still in development as per Scott Macdonald (the man). No ETA.

 

On a side note, I saw the president of Bilstein race @ Lime Rock this weekend in an old Turner built ITS E30 and brought the thing home in 2nd place. Nice show!

 

I just spoke with the guys from Bilstein this weekend at the Yokohama Tuner GP and Drift Challenge in Hockenheim. The first package of Bilstein's PSS9 is shipped out next week to the retailers here in Switzerland. No Idea when it comes out in the States..
The price in their brochure is now statet about 1200 Euros exl. VAT.
I also spoke with the tuners from SKN which had installed the PSS9 in their MCS. They love it! They said they tested every suspension kit available on the market but the PSS9 is absolutely the best!
Adjustement of the 9 levels is easily made by klicking the screw/button on the lower end. You don't even need to take off the wheels. Just turn the weehls to the max and the way is free to adjust.
You just have to take off the wheels for adjustment of the height.

 

>>I just spoke with the guys from Bilstein this weekend at the Yokohama Tuner GP and Drift Challenge in Hockenheim. The first package of Bilstein's PSS9 is shipped out next week to the retailers here in Switzerland. No Idea when it comes out in the States..
>>The price in their brochure is now statet about 1200 Euros exl. VAT.
>>I also spoke with the tuners from SKN which had installed the PSS9 in their MCS. They love it! They said they tested every suspension kit available on the market but the PSS9 is absolutely the best!
>>Adjustement of the 9 levels is easily made by klicking the screw/button on the lower end. You don't even need to take off the wheels. Just turn the weehls to the max and the way is free to adjust.
>>You just have to take off the wheels for adjustment of the height.

Hey Don_S, think you can buy me a set and ship it over here to the states?

 

CalCooperS, I think it should be possible to order it via SKN. I suggest they do have some PSS9 in stock now. You can reach them by E-Mail Info@SKN-Tuning.com. I haven't made any business with them yet, but they have a good reputation in Germany and are also known in Switzerland.
Hope this helps..