Suspension Brakes 1st Gen Need new struts on a 2003 R53

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by MINIJAM, Sep 14, 2013.

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  1. MINIJAM

    MINIJAM New Member

    Nov 8, 2011
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    Hello all. I have a 2003 R53 with 110,000 miles and the original struts are toast. I am looking for suggestions on a good reasonably priced replacement option. I need all 4 struts. Any help would be appreciated.
    Thank you,
    MINIJAM
     
  2. minsanity

    minsanity Well-Known Member

    Sep 11, 2009
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    Koni FSDs on stock springs.
    Or use this as good excuse to go w/ coilovers.
     
  3. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    ^^^^ agree I would say get the FSD's or if you are all OEM and don't want to drop a lot of money in the car at 110,000 you could buy cheap shocks and struts from Rock-auto.

    I would not go the cheap route because you get what you pay for.
     
  4. MINIJAM

    MINIJAM New Member

    Nov 8, 2011
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    Thanks for the info. I don't want to go cheap but I can't spend big money either. What are your thoughts on KYB?
     
  5. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    KYB's are great but a set (4) of them will cost more then Koni FSD'S.

    Well that is unless you don't get a good deal. I priced the two sets out on Tirerack.
     
  6. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Love my Koni's. I have the yellows.
     
  7. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    Lemmiesee now, he got 110,000 miles off his STOCK struts? Why not just get another set of STOCK struts for the next 110,000 miles?
     
  8. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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  9. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    What with my eye problems of late, I seem to be driving less [double/triple/quadruple vision seems to have that effect on me]. My lenses have been changed twice this summer and I have had eye surgery...all to no avail. So, it seems that my penchant for HPDEs is coming to a close, and maybe MOTD, as well. I WAS going to go with the Koni Yellows for track and Dragon-slaying, but just may go back to stock struts, OR those Bilsteins that Way has. Sighhhh...getting older sure does suck....:frown2:
     
  10. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Gitting old is not for the faint of heart.
     
  11. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    It beats the alternative. Life is good even if one has a few problems.
     
  12. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    Who's fainting? Not I.:frown2:
     
  13. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    OMGGGGGGG...I am NOT going to go into that heart stuff, too....:frown2:
     
  14. west7

    west7 Member

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    Did you go with the Koni fsd's? I've I'm heavily considering getting a set but have been unsure how they compare to the factory shocks/struts? What do all you fsd owners think of them? Also are kyb strut mount very good or do you have another recommendation. It's mainly a daily driver with some spirited driving and the potential for an Autocross event or 2 tops each year.....
     
  15. west7

    west7 Member

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    Wow, didn't realize how old this thread was. Might should have started a new one....
     
  16. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    Don't do FSDs if you plan to run anything less than stock height. They'll fail. Ask me how I know. :roll eyes:

    I'm a HUGE fan of the Bilstein Sports with Swift Spec-R springs, and front camber plates and lower rear control arms of your choice (I'm partial to Vorschlag and H-sport, respectively).

    This combo is comfortable for the street, but stiff enough to take whatever you throw at it.
     
  17. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    I am running the FSD and the Ver 1 TSW springs with no issues BUT these springs are no longer available, so I would suggest stock or the Bilsteins.
     
  18. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    1 gen TSW Springs were made by Swift. "Good Springs"
     
  19. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    SERIOUSLY ! !
     
  20. west7

    west7 Member

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    I'm planning on sticking with stock ss+ springs, at most would look at jcw springs(or equal drop) as I drive in areas, around once a week, which I would not clear otherwise. That being said, how did the fsds compare to oem units? How was/is the handling? How was/is the ride quality? Would you recommend ie fixed plates or oem plates?
     

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