So I had the JCW suspension on my 06 R53, and remember it being a very nice upgrade to the stock setup. Unfortunately I sold it with the car last year. Some how, even with owning both cars at the same time I neglected to remember how jarring the stock setup was, especially with run flats. Regardless, I need a new setup. I drive 60 miles RT every in cincinnati where the roads are just ok. Lots of expansion joints, etc. I can live with the stock ride height, and don't have a Desire to adjust ride height. I had H&r coil over on the Jetta previous to the MINI, and never touched them after installed. My priorities are ride quality, and then performance - in that order. I've driven MINIs for 7 years now, so I can live with the stiffness inherent in the car. I can spend a bunch if necessary, but would prefer not to. I've read a lot about FSD/stock setup, and aside from relative short life span it seems like a good compromise. any help would be appreciated.
Do you have separate winter and summer wheels? If so, first step would be changing runflats to Michelin PSS or Conti DW. Then think about FSDs if that's still too jarring, or Koni Sports on full soft if not. Stock ride height (meaning OEM springs) will be your friend with jarring roads.
I do run a dedicated winter setup, which is how i determined that I needed a change. The winter non RF tires are so much nicer that I can't wait to order new summers. But I still bounce too much on the interstate and the it's just a bit too harsh when it seems it shouldn't be.
Getting rid of the run flats is the first thing. I went from the stock set up to stock struts and Swift springs. The day-to-day ride was much improved. With the added benefit of 3/4" lower and better handling when I need it.
So the H&R Sport Springs have different part numbers and drop rates for the R53 and R52. I suspect that the spring rates are a bit different, but are they interchangable? Will the R53 Springs fit the R53? I've been offered a set of R53 Springs on Koni yellows, so I thought I'd ask here.
I'd guess the difference in part number for an R53 & an R52 comes down to vehicle weight. I'd wouldn't be surprised if the R52 weighs more than an R53. When I bought my JCW suspension they needed my VIN number so they could ship me the correct kit. I believe there were 4 different kits. If you want the JCW kit check with eMINIparts.com. That's where I bought mine.
After reading many posts from Chicago and East Coast owners, including BMW owners, I put Koni FSDs on 2006 R52. Eliminated the jarring from potholes, RR tracks, and patchy pavement. One club member tried them and said they weren't hard enough - wanted more road feel, so he went to adjustable coil-overs. If you want better ride without sacrificing body roll and general handling, Koni FSDs will work as one option. But they aren't adjustable. I am very satisfied with mine.
Scott I think you are pretty lucky. I've read about more than a few folks killing the FSD Koni's with lowering springs. I wish you continued good luck. :fingerscrossed:
Same here.......been lucky. But I think the most help has been the springs. They are a linear setup so don't have a lot of travel at the top. Can keep the dampers in the sweet spot better.