MINI2

mini_macky · Dec 8th, 2005, 01:33 AM

ey guys...on what build date did Mini start using the softer shocks? was it 2003 or 2004? according to what i've read, the 2002 Minis (like mine) have a harsher ride than normal. i've already switched from 215/40 tires to 205/45 & the ride on my Mini is still harsh (compared to a friend's 02 MCS that has 2004 shocks, on lowering springs & 205/45 tires)the ride on his Mini's more firm & solid compared to the ride on mine. i saw a set of almost bnew 2003-spec shocks for sale in japan and would like to know if i would be wasting money if i got them

any thoughts?

MINIAC · Dec 8th, 2005, 01:42 AM

The oil viscosity and valve structure change in shocks was effective with May 2003 builds.

mini_macky · Dec 8th, 2005, 02:03 AM

here's a pic of the shocks...no reply yet from the seller on the build date of the Mini where the shocks came from...he just said it's from a 2003 Mini

mmalc · Dec 8th, 2005, 03:04 AM

Just get the Koni FSDs...

(See, for example, http://www.mini2.com/forum/suspension/100952-new-koni-fsds-springs-my-05mcs.html.)

mmalc

mini_macky · Dec 13th, 2005, 12:42 AM

i would...but would the ride be generally better than the ride now on stock shocks & springs? what would you suggest as the best combination of shocks & springs for a comfy ride? i don't really drive my Mini that hard anywayz

there are soooo many brands to choose from!

mmalc · Dec 13th, 2005, 03:08 AM

The ride is a lot better -- see comments in the other thread.
There is no need to replace the springs as well, just the shocks. They're currently $630 from Tire Rack (link), so total cost including tax and installation should be well under $1000.

mmalc

mini_macky · Dec 13th, 2005, 03:25 AM

thanks for the info! it's either koni's or bilsteins for me

mini_macky · Dec 13th, 2005, 03:55 AM

here are my choices (it's in japanese, still awaiting translation from my jap friend)

KONI: http://page11.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/n17349032
KONI: http://page6.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/f38248682
BILSTEIN: http://page9.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/k14354789
BILSTEIN: http://page9.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/k13696168
SACHS: http://page11.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/n27100360

Dec 8th, 2005, 01:33 AM	#1
mini_macky JL Mini Boombox Join Date: Jun 2005 Local Time: 03:40 PM Posts: 423 Offline	newbie shocks question... ey guys...on what build date did Mini start using the softer shocks? was it 2003 or 2004? according to what i've read, the 2002 Minis (like mine) have a harsher ride than normal. i've already switched from 215/40 tires to 205/45 & the ride on my Mini is still harsh (compared to a friend's 02 MCS that has 2004 shocks, on lowering springs & 205/45 tires)the ride on his Mini's more firm & solid compared to the ride on mine. i saw a set of almost bnew 2003-spec shocks for sale in japan and would like to know if i would be wasting money if i got them any thoughts?

Dec 8th, 2005, 02:03 AM	#3 (permalink)
mini_macky JL Mini Boombox Join Date: Jun 2005 Local Time: 03:40 PM Posts: 423 Offline	here's a pic of the shocks...no reply yet from the seller on the build date of the Mini where the shocks came from...he just said it's from a 2003 Mini Attached Thumbnails

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Dec 8th, 2005, 01:42 AM	#2 (permalink)
MINIAC MINI Profiler Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: City By The Bay Local Time: 12:40 AM Posts: 8,715 Offline	The oil viscosity and valve structure change in shocks was effective with May 2003 builds.

Dec 8th, 2005, 03:04 AM	#4 (permalink)
mmalc MINI2 newcomer Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, California Local Time: 12:40 AM Posts: 210 Offline	Just get the Koni FSDs... (See, for example, http://www.mini2.com/forum/suspension/100952-new-koni-fsds-springs-my-05mcs.html.) mmalc

Dec 13th, 2005, 12:42 AM	#5 (permalink)
mini_macky JL Mini Boombox Join Date: Jun 2005 Local Time: 03:40 PM Posts: 423 Offline	i would...but would the ride be generally better than the ride now on stock shocks & springs? what would you suggest as the best combination of shocks & springs for a comfy ride? i don't really drive my Mini that hard anywayz there are soooo many brands to choose from!

Dec 13th, 2005, 03:08 AM	#6 (permalink)
mmalc MINI2 newcomer Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, California Local Time: 12:40 AM Posts: 210 Offline	The ride is a lot better -- see comments in the other thread. There is no need to replace the springs as well, just the shocks. They're currently $630 from Tire Rack (link), so total cost including tax and installation should be well under $1000. mmalc

Dec 13th, 2005, 03:25 AM	#7 (permalink)
mini_macky JL Mini Boombox Join Date: Jun 2005 Local Time: 03:40 PM Posts: 423 Offline	thanks for the info! it's either koni's or bilsteins for me

Dec 13th, 2005, 03:55 AM	#8 (permalink)
mini_macky JL Mini Boombox Join Date: Jun 2005 Local Time: 03:40 PM Posts: 423 Offline	here are my choices (it's in japanese, still awaiting translation from my jap friend) KONI: http://page11.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/n17349032 KONI: http://page6.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/f38248682 BILSTEIN: http://page9.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/k14354789 BILSTEIN: http://page9.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/k13696168 SACHS: http://page11.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/n27100360

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