Koni FSD: an objective review and 15,000-mile report.

[NeuroBeaker]

Well, this is certainly overdue.

Want an objective and all-inclusive (well, I'll do my best) review from someone who's lived with the product for a while? Ok, let's get to it.


Background information about my particular MINI:

I've got a March 2004 MINI ONE and currently have the following suspension modifications:

• Koni FSD in conjunction with standard springs
• GTT aerobox upper front strut brace
• GTT lower front chassis brace
• GTT lower-mid chassis brace
• GTT rear/boot brace
• Wider (equivalent) tyres fitted to 15" OEM alloys

Initially though, I started with just the Koni FSDs - fitting them at around 40,000 miles on the clock, replacing the original shocks from the build. So I discuss the FSDs as the only modification for most of the review - but briefly comment on how FSDs work with the others in my closing remarks.


The hype:

Undoubtedly you are aware that when someone starts: “I’m looking to soften the ride without sacrificing handling…” they can barely get the words out before someone pipes up “Koni FSD!”. There are countless examples of this easily found throughout the MINI2 forums, so I won’t bore you with the references. In summary, those who purchased and fitted the Koni FSD damper would speak its name with reverence and eagerly set about to ‘convert’ all those around them. Words and phrases such as ‘revolutionary’, ‘no-compromise’, ‘magic’, and ‘they do the impossible!’ have been bandied about far more readily that I found comfortable. Sure, shocks are important – but can the simple substitution of one suspension component have such profound benefits? I did what any sceptical scientist/academic would have done… I looked for something to read.

Koni’s Official FSD Webpage

Well, for me, that seemed a bit of a vague promise of excellence without really explaining what sort of specific difference you can really expect from a standard suspension setup. For those of you who are mechanically minded or, like me, just wanted reassurance that there was some sort methodical reasoning and plausible explanation as to why this would be a good upgrade to make… we’re going to have to dig a little deeper.


How it's supposed to work:

Ah, here we go...

Koni’s Official TECHNICAL FSD Webpage

Ok, we’re reassured that there are oil flows, valves, pistons, and all manner of delicious mechanical things therein. My understanding is that leaning on the shocks (slowly added pressure, like that of body roll) is resisted, whilst a harsh pounding will allow the shock to travel - thus absorbing the bump.


Do they actually work?

Looking about Mini2, contributions that objectively reviewed the Koni FSD upgrade can be found:

Another FSD Review - bassetm1 (Dec 4th, 2008, 03:01 AM)
Review of KONI FSD Fitted on a MCS 2003 - Perm (Dec 1st , 2008, 11:37 AM
Koni FSD shocks – MarkW19, Post #23

In your own words, can you describe the difference?

Having looked at some of the technical explanations, I had initially feared that if you hit a bump mid-enthusiastic corner that this would unsettle the car are causing it to feel like the suspension had 'given way' beneath you. However, I need not have worried.

The handling is improved over standard, with weight transfer between corners seemingly much more deliberate and conveys a feeling of stability. Particularly when chucking the car through S-bends or something of that nature where a rapid and energetic change of steering direction is needed, the car is less prone to roll and thus much more willing to change direction. Front-end lift/dive when accelerating/braking harshly is virtually gone. It feels like all four tyres are consistently making good contact with the road no matter what manoeuvre you're doing at the time - consequently, overall grip is increased for cornering, acceleration, and braking.

Up in Scotland with bumps, undulations in the road, and crests to pop over - the FSDs really do shine. The car seems less 'floaty' when popping over a crest, less affected by unloading the tyres, more easily controllable, and what little unsettling occurs over harsher crests is more rapidly gathered.

The ride quality is an excellent improvement over stock - superior stability (seeming firm over smooth surfaces) and yet compliant upon hitting a harsh bump. One thing I've found is that the ride quality is better when you keep your tyre pressures topped up properly, if the pressure drops then you don't hit bumps with enough force to allow the shock to do its special thing and travel - consequently, your ride quality worsens (becomes more harsh).


Any problems?

I had one shock absorber begin to leak after only a couple of thousand miles - I had this confirmed at a garage in Glasgow and again at GTT before approaching my supplier (Adam at MiniManiaUK) for chasing up a Koni warranty.

I received a replacement shock absorber with little-to-no fuss on my part. I've kept a careful eye on their condition, but they've been problem-free ever since, it seems a very rare occurrence indeed (sourcing just one shock on its own was difficult, I'm told) and I've not heard of it happening to anyone else. Take heart though that if your supplier is on the ball, you'll be covered.


Where can I get them?

There are a few MINI2 sponsors through which you can order them and seek technical advice. (Please let me know if I've missed out any obvious links).

MiniManiaUK Technical Article and Purchase Details
Lohen Technical Article and Purchase Details and Lohen Koni FSD's writeup... New & Improved!
Vecchio Engineering Product Information and Vecchio Engineering Product Thread

How do they cope with the addition of strut braces and wider (equivalent tyres)?

Fantastically well - the wider tyres simply give more grip and the strut braces are firming up the body of the car beautifully to keep the suspension aligned. After the strut braces were added, you really notice how much the body of the car would twist - or rather, you really notice how it doesn't do that any more. These modifications are complementary.


Knowing what you know now, would you order them again?

This was the best money I've spent since ordering my MINI's build and think it would have been a great benefit to the brand if the car had left the factory like this - it truly gives the suspension set-up a superior quality feel in comparison to stock (not that the stock was bad to start with). Handling was improved simultaneously with ride comfort - the obvious downside (the only downside, really) is the expense over standard shock absorbers. On balance, I think the benefits far outweigh the cost.

So the answer is 'yes'. Emphatically and resoundingly, I say: yes.








And this concludes my independent review and 15,000-mile report of the Koni FSD suspension upgrade. If any clarification is required or you feel this article would benefit from additional links, please don't hesitate to get in touch and I'll make an edit.

All the best,
Andrew.

[blaze6]

great review!

the only thing i'd add, is that there's a guy called jon slenzak who's an authorised koni repairer:-

Sportsline Suspension, Brackley Northants, Jon Slenzak 01280-702633

he's got a damper dyno at his workshop,so if your koni's are out of warranty, he's your best bet.

[Bajanmini]

Well i had mine in two days ago and only driven the car twice at very low speed 30mph max on some bumpy stuff due to alighnment tomorrow,my first impression was this aint alot different to stock,in other words i have'nt suddenly stepped into a Cadillac.But it's unfair to make a conclusion at such an early stage.In due course maybe i shall eat my words.But not as soft as i had imagined.

[Hugo]

Great right up!!!!!!!

I'm not ready to change the shocks in mine yet but I think I might go for the FSDs when the time comes.

I have been thinking of getting lower braces in mine after the right up in Modern Mini about the GTT ones. I noticed a big difference when I fitted the Forge Motorsport front strut brace.

[blaze6]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bajanmini (original)

Well i had mine in two days ago and only driven the car twice at very low speed 30mph max on some bumpy stuff due to alighnment tomorrow,my first impression was this aint alot different to stock,in other words i have'nt suddenly stepped into a Cadillac.But it's unfair to make a conclusion at such an early stage.In due course maybe i shall eat my words.But not as soft as i had imagined.

the braces make a BIG difference as they allow the FSD's to do what they're supposed to do. that's what i found anyway.

[Perm]

Follow these simple steps :
1) Get rid of the run flats
2) Fit Koni FSD
3) Fit Superflex front wishbone bushes

and then..... enjoy the best handling (whilst still being comfortable ) car in the world.

[Bajanmini]

I had the alighnment done and took it for a drive which ended up on the track,was planning to do 4 -5 laps as it's new and ended up doing 20 or more darn this car is now in a different zone,i've also put in a sway bar and camber plates,next step is bushings but am doing my homework here first,i dont want to spoil the daily driver part of it.Yes the shocks handle the bumps pretty good but it's never going to be a spongy feel but a good compramize

[emwmarine]

Now would FSDs and standard springs be better for fast road/track day use than koni sports or should I go for the koni sports?

Also, to keep everyone at home happy I have said I will only spend money on replacing stuff as it wears out. Will my OEM dampers be nearly worn out at 40K miles? It is difficult to tell as they deteriorate gradually and you become used to them.

[NeuroBeaker]

Quote: Originally Posted by emwmarine (original)

Now would FSDs and standard springs be better for fast road/track day use than koni sports or should I go for the koni sports?

I don't know, I haven't any experience with Koni Sports - sorry!

Quote: Originally Posted by emwmarine (original)

Also, to keep everyone at home happy I have said I will only spend money on replacing stuff as it wears out. Will my OEM dampers be nearly worn out at 40K miles? It is difficult to tell as they deteriorate gradually and you become used to them.

Well, mine were changed at about 40,000 miles and were pretty heavily worn. They wouldn't have gone too much further and certainly would have needed changing before 50,000 miles. But I think it depends greatly on what sort of road surfaces you drive on.

I spend a lot of time on very rough surfaces both in town and whilst nipping over country lanes - so the wear rate on my shocks is probably higher than average. If, for instance, most of your miles are on smooth motorways then I'd say you've probably got a fair amount of life left in them.

While you've got your suspension in bits - it'd probably be a good idea to check your suspension bushes all round and your ball/socket joints at the front. You'll save money on having to take the suspension apart twice if there are any problems there.

All the best,
Andrew.

[3rdpillar]

Ive just switched from SS+ with eibach lowering springs, to KONI FSD with the original SS+ springs. Yep it sits higher, and on the motorway theres not much difference in comfort or noise. But what a difference on the rough pot holed roads of darkest lancs. Its like a new car and most of the squweeks have gone. There is a definate reduction in the immediacy of the handling, but it seems predictable and so much more comfy for all in the car. Very happy with FSD. My thanks to Lohen.

[Bajanmini]

I've had them in for long enough to make a comment and would say i am pleased the car has retained it's handling and the rough stuff is better.+1.I am runnin on non runflats 17" and poly bushings.

[PenelopeG3]

I am also curious about how these FSD shocks compare to the Koni Sport Adjustables. I've used the Koni Sports on many other cars and have always been pretty happy. Does anyone have any experience with both shocks on the Mini?

Thanks.

[SteveM3]

Quote: Originally Posted by PenelopeG3 (original)

I am also curious about how these FSD shocks compare to the Koni Sport Adjustables. I've used the Koni Sports on many other cars and have always been pretty happy. Does anyone have any experience with both shocks on the Mini?

Thanks.

Nope but tirerack have a very good comparison on their website using a BMW 3 series.

[PenelopeG3]

Quote: Originally Posted by SteveM3 (original)

Nope but tirerack have a very good comparison on their website using a BMW 3 series.

Thanks for the tip. I had not noticed it. Here is a link to the article:
KONI FSD Dampers Improve Handling Without the Traditional Sacrifice in Ride Quality

The FSD sounds quite impressive! It lost very little to the Sport. In some tests, the FSD seemed to score a better time. However, the Sports seem like a better choice if you plan on more fun driving such as slaloms, track days and such or if you want to use lowering springs. Not sure how much of that we'll ever do....

What happened to my link... Its not going to the tire rack's site... Reposting slightly modified.
tirerack.com / suspension / tests / koni_fsd.jsp

[Dubcooper]

NeuroBeaker how do you find the fsds handle speed bumps? There are a lot of these around our estate;


and even more of these around where I work;


I'd love to get coilovers since I intend to track the car quite a lot but that just isn't happening with the above in mind. Any thoughts you have on how the fsds cope with the above kind of punishment would be appreciated and whether or not you reckon they would work with a mild drop (eibach pro-kit) at the same time. Cheers