I am wondering what the koni's would have been like with the jcw springs? They increased ride height so they should have been more comfortable than the h-sports.
Bilstein HD's are sweet, I have them on my E36. However I don't think they make both front and rear HD's for the MINI. Haven't verified that for myself lately, though.
Supposedly the valves/seals were re-designed due to failures....
since they come with a lifetime warranty, it was not publicized, but a few different places about 2 years ago said they were out due to change.
I have FSD's....they are a nice product, but I have also heard that any lowing spring will pretty much destroy them pretty quickly....Way did say that a few folks have had good luck with the TSW springs and FSD's...
Ride quality is good, pretty sporty, but I would not say they are for the driver seeking maximum performance....they are more of the performance level of OEM, maybe slightly better....
They are designed more for the drive that wants to keep the performance of the stock struts (maybe slightly better), with a better ride quality....
So if you are not happy with the stock shocks, and miss the yellows (improved performance, worse ride)....you have a choice to make....or look elsewhere! I have not heard much about Bilstein's on MINI's....
If a stock ride is what you're looking for but want flatter cornering, you can stick with the stock dampers and springs and go to bigger anti-sway bars to keep the car flatter.
Really, soft ride with sport handling isn't really doable with passive components. The MagnaRide isn't on the MINI yet, so you'll have to live with some semblance of a trade off.
One thing I would caution against is lowering. This will limit suspension travel even more on stock dampers.
Bilstein PSS9s were the rage a few years ago. PSS10s are out, but I think the "pack" has moved onto other things....
I didn't think JCW springs had much of a drop. There seem to be some people who have had good luck with the TSW / FSD combo. Not sure if I'm way right or way wrong on that. If the JCW & TSW springs are about the same height I think I'd try the FSD's.
Car handling & feel is such a subjective thing. What is not sporty enough for one person is nice & sporty to another. You can spend a lot of money & end up with something you'll love or something you'll hate. Move cautiously.
Some fixed IE plates, a good alignment, stock dampers/springs & a 19mm rear bar has me happy with my MINIs handling. Plus I have the bonus of being able to clear a big fat dead Ohio ground hog.
