[ChimChimGoFast]

Hey everyone, I am looking to get some coil overs on ChimChim. I want to reduce the wheel gap, originally I was going with Lowering springs and use them until I wore the shocks and struts to death to save a couple bucks, I've since reminded myself that I am a buy once cry once type of guy. I also drive this thing hard so I'd benefit from the stability. I have seen a lot of good reviews on the usual suspects from end users but little to no data certain aspects of the product, ie longevity and commute ride quality. It'd be nice to know what people are getting out of their coilovers.
Any experiences with the below products would be appreciated, especially outside of the KWs which have many great reviews everywhere.

I have noticed that I can get a significantly better price shopping from sites in the UK and having them shipped. That's why most of the URLs I have included are in the UK….Also if anyone has had experiences with Demon Tweeks feel free to chime in. Thanks All!


Bilstein B14
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bilstein-parts/coilover-suspension-kit/47-244412~bil/

http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/...top+2+Door&autoYear=2016&autoModClar=Cooper+S

ST XA
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/perfo...-kit-lowers-front-25-50mm-lowers-rear-30-55mm

Eibach Pro street
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/perfo...-kit-lowers-front-20-45mm-lowers-rear-20-45mm

Forge
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-forge-parts/forge-coilover-suspension-kit/fmsusf56~frg/

KW V1
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/perfo...kit-lowers-front-25-50-mm-lowers-rear-30-55mm

 

[sootyvrs]

I had DDC so my only option was KW (as they do DDC cancellation kits) and went for KW v1...

I had KW v1 & v2 on previous BMW's and they have been great compromise in sporting firmness and still have good (relatively) ride...

The KW v1 implementation on the F56 is a little firmer than on my previous cars so the ride is not as good although that might be more to do with them being a bigger car than the F56... The handling/road holding characteristics are great as you would expect from KW.

You could also consider the JCW Pro suspension which is made by KW and retains warranty which I've read is near enough the KW v1 but made to Mini's own specs..

There is a review of Bilsteins here

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/suspension/307729-bilstein-coilovers-thread.html

 

[Tom B]

I'm currently looking at options for Coilovers too. The ST XA and BC kits seem quite appealing as they have damper adjustment. KW's start getting expensive before you get that option. Demon tweeks is a well known supplier for parts here in the U.K. too so you shouldn't have any problems with ordering from them!

 

[sootyvrs]

One thing to note about KW (& ST too I assume) is that the rebound adjustment dial (with the option) is on top of the damper/strut so its accessible in the engine bay for the front but on the rear it cannot be adjusted unless you remove the damper unit which is far from ideal!

 

[ChimChimGoFast]

Thanks folks. im wanting to stay under 1500 installed. My install will be 350 or less so i have about 11-1200 to play with. Looks like i can almost get into the V2s for that amount from the UK. I may go with the STs because of the assumed quality being KW valving and very attractive pricing. As much as i think i want to be able to adjust damping i dont know how much i would ever mess with it at this point, it may be a feature lost on me for a premium i could use elsewhere.

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[ChimChimGoFast]

Demon tweeks is a well known supplier for parts here in the U.K. too so you shouldn't have any problems with ordering from them!

Thanks for that, this was a big concern for me as ordering from another country always runs the risk of customer service trouble that ate hard top resolve being across the big drink.

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[sootyvrs]

I assume you have included additional taxes and delivery to the cost savings when importing to US?

I would also get in touch with supplier e.g. KW to ensure that they have an International warranty regardless of where you purchased them as sometimes manufacturers can be a bit awkward that it was not purchased through official import channels.

 

[ChimChimGoFast]

I assume you have included additional taxes and delivery to the cost savings when importing to US?

I would also get in touch with supplier e.g. KW to ensure that they have an International warranty regardless of where you purchased them as sometimes manufacturers can be a bit awkward that it was not purchased through official import channels.

Thanks for the heads up on the Warranty query, would have had no idea. I did check on the Import taxes, looks like 2.5% duty and whatever my state tax is depending on applicability of the part, some parts are and some arent taxed from what I read on customs page, I assume this is if you purchase from a merchant on US soil or direct, I'm just speculating at this point. Below is the link I used to find the rates. For the KWs and STs its totally worth to pay the duty as there is 600 dollar premium to buy them here, 600!! I'll save a minimum of 400 buying them from the old world, after taxes and shipping. I stay local when I can, if I can keep my extra cost below 200 bucks, but when we are over that then I go with cost savings....

http://www.dutycalculator.com/popular-import-items/import-duty-and-taxes-for-car-parts/

 

[Tom B]

Did you ever end up ordering your Coilovers? I've just put an order in for the Eibach Pro Street S Coils. Being fitted early in March once the arrive from Germany. Can't wait.

 

[Jordan]

i just put in my order for ST XA from Demon tweeks UK.
seem like a steal in comparison, galvanised and 2 year warranty

 

[ChimChimGoFast]

Did you ever end up ordering your Coilovers? I've just put an order in for the Eibach Pro Street S Coils. Being fitted early in March once the arrive from Germany. Can't wait.

I havent ordered any yet, but i do have the money put away. waiting for a conversion to FTE at my work to go through, so once completed ill be slapping them on nearly immediately. I ideally would like the Bilsteins because of all ive read on them but i will need spacers which wasnt something i wanted to do....so St or KW most likely.


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[Jordan]

I havent ordered any yet, but i do have the money put away. waiting for a conversion to FTE at my work to go through, so once completed ill be slapping them on nearly immediately. I ideally would like the Bilsteins because of all ive read on them but i will need spacers which wasnt something i wanted to do....so St or KW most likely.


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ill let you know how my ST XA are

 

[mattkosem]

I wish the Nitron setup on the JCW Challenge was available aftermarket. Seems like no such luck at this point. Not sure what I'll go with. Summer is coming soon, though, so I'll have to decide sooner or later

--Matt

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[Jordan]

I wish the Nitron setup on the JCW Challenge was available aftermarket. Seems like no such luck at this point. Not sure what I'll go with. Summer is coming soon, though, so I'll have to decide sooner or later

--Matt

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so much more choice and VFM out there than minis own recommendation.

all of them come with their own warranties if thats what your worried about

 

[Mini_Vinnie]

I just got a set of Bilstein 14 installed about a month ago. Im amazed at how much of a difference they made. I think I paid $1100 for them

 

[KuMa]

Here is my experience, I have had many cars before, many times I went the "full throttle" mode and got "track spec" coils ... very expensive ones, very very expensive ones, they could be set inside out, for track, canyons and what not. Fact is, most often than not, it was "too much suspension for the occasion". For my MINI I went a different route, KW v1. Sure you can't set anything else than ride height, but let me tell you , they ride beautifully ! On normal roads, highway, and hideous mountain paths. The feeling is nothing short of amazing. No doubt these where developed on the "ring" where you better have forgiving and well valved dampers.

With good tires, these are so well behaved they even manage to give a more descent ride than the original sport suspension !

If you don't plan on hardcore track or AutoX your car every two days, and just want something that will compliment the natural balance of the MINI, go for something simple that you won't have to worry about ! set it forget it. As far as brand goes, I tend to prefer the feeling out of KW, than Bilstein, I can't speak for over brands though. But don't overthink it, possibility to fiddle with the suspension only provides more potential to mess it up if you don't really need it, or to pay for nothing if you will not "use it".

Function over form, and rational approach should help you narrow a short list of great options.

 

[Bster13]

Something to think about... manufacturers generally have set margins they try hit for their products, else it's not worth it to them to put the R & D into making them. If you have $1000 for a suspension setup, which do you think has better internal components, has more R & D into them, and will spring/dampen your car better? A $1000 setup with ride height adjustment as well as lots of knobs for separate rebound and compression adjustments or a basic strut replacement with no adjustments at all that costs $1000 as well?

If you aren't tracking the car the adjustments generally aren't needed and to be honest, most folks don't know what those knobs do. By playing with them they can make things worse. Also, on cheaper coilovers, they don't do much (see profit margin statement above). Name brands like KW and Bilstein and tried and true and generally pretty spot on for aggressive street driving with street tires (Bilsteins have lifetime warranty as well). I have the F56 JCW with ride height adjustable (only) JCW Pro suspension (made by KW) and I find them wonderful for a balance of comfort and aggressive driving:

MINI designed the JCW PRO coilovers to have a notch manufactured in them for wheel clearance as well.

 

[KuMa]

The normal KW line of coils for MINI also have that indent just in case people don't know.

KW v1 and JCW pro, are essentially the same product only the valving seems to be a little different, and the v1 has a wider range of height adjustment. Both are, in my opinion great options for well rounded, dynamic setup.

 

[Bster13]

Good to know on the KWs, never saw them in person, but makes sense as they made them for MINI. My friend bought Bilstein coilovers and some trouble with wheel fitment, but he's a track nut trying to cram as much rubber as possible. My JCW is just running 215s on 17in NM Engineering rims.

 

[ChimChimGoFast]

Something to think about... manufacturers generally have set margins they try hit for their products, else it's not worth it to them to put the R & D into making them. If you have $1000 for a suspension setup, which do you think has better internal components, has more R & D into them, and will spring/dampen your car better? A $1000 setup with ride height adjustment as well as lots of knobs for separate rebound and compression adjustments or a basic strut replacement with no adjustments at all that costs $1000 as well?

If you aren't tracking the car the adjustments generally aren't needed and to be honest, most folks don't know what those knobs do. By playing with them they can make things worse. Also, on cheaper coilovers, they don't do much (see profit margin statement above). Name brands like KW and Bilstein and tried and true and generally pretty spot on for aggressive street driving with street tires (Bilsteins have lifetime warranty as well). I have the F56 JCW with ride height adjustable (only) JCW Pro suspension (made by KW) and I find them wonderful for a balance of comfort and aggressive driving:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnvXel1j37E

MINI designed the JCW PRO coilovers to have a notch manufactured in them for wheel clearance as well.

The video is great, i noticed the camera didnt really display to much pitch in heavy turns. Are you using any other suspension components outside of the coilovers for rigidity? Sway bars, strut brace, etc.

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