JerseyKid

Im putting together all my options for coilovers for my 203 RWD. Specifically looking at all the options for under $1500.

H&R
Tein Basic
KW V1
BC

I know that some people in the past have stated the H&Rs require spacers to run stock wheels, do any of the other companies require this as well? I am looking to use my stock wheels with snow tires during winter , so i really dont want to run them.

Any info/facts would be appreciated! Thanks in advance.

glocati

I have H&R coilovers on my wagon and can run my stock 16's without spacers.

glocati

this wheel 16x7 and I believe 37ET

JerseyKid

I think the wagon has a different part number for the H&R coils . I do have those same wheels though.

Just looked it up - sedan is 29367-1 and wagon is 29367-2.

Thanks for the input!

glocati

FYI : front is exactly same, and that is where your clearance issues will be. Rear springs on the wagon coilovers have slightly higher spring rate for heavier wagon rear. Other wise same fitment.

phister

only coilovers that are a bit larger and might require spacers are the Bilstein PSS9, all the others are actually small or same size in diameter as the OEM coil.

JerseyKid

Excellent information, thank you very much guys. I was leaning toward the H&Rs or the Teins so this definitely makes the decision easier.

JerseyKid

I find this quite interesting while gathering some more facts.

BC/Tein both have 1 year warranties and spring rates of F-6k and R-8k.

KW/H&R both have lifetime warranties and spring rates listed as progressive.
You can really see where the quality is.

phister

Had my BC over a year and holding up. All my other teammates have BC with no issues either. Also with BC when you order them you can customize your spring rate, also they threw in the extended dampening adjusters for free for me. H&R dont have 32 way dampening adjustment either. I mean all 4 are good quality coilovers, its just choosing which one you want and you're price range. I personally have liked my BC cause of the dampening adjustability and even if the coilovers go out they only charge about 100 to rebuild them for you. Also with my BC compared to the Tein and H&R they adjust by lowering the whole strut down into the mount where the others adjust by compressing the springs when you want to lower it. Its all up to you though and what you decide is best for you. Also depends on the look you want, do you want to go slammed or just a sportier look. H&R and BC go pretty low where Teins dont go as low.

JerseyKid

I have had lots of BC products in the past with no issues. I had them on my 2011 WRX, both my miatas ... etc . For once i don't want to be slammed - just want to reduce 95% of the wheel gap and have a nice ride. I was thinking i would try out the H&Rs to see if the ride quality is any better but i didnt realize BC stuck with their adjustable lower mounts for the w203. I dont like compressing the spring for going lower like the H&Rs do as much.



Picture of my Miata if you were curious

C230Kreepin'

I also have BC coilovers and I don't feel that my 203 is slammed. In the front I have 1 1/2 finger gap and in the back about 2 fingers.

phister

if you want to just lower the gap I'd say go with H&R springs and get some Koni yellow struts/shocks. The rear sits a bit lower but you can just get some #4 pads and lift it up some to keep the rake our cars have.

JerseyKid

Thats about where i want it, depending on which wheels i end up with. Any photos of your car?

Ive done spring/strut combos in the past on different cars and im never happy with it. Plus its almost the same price as coils, ide rather have the adjust-ability to be on the safe side. Plus i work for benz, so i have access to an alignment rack. So if im not happy, lower and re-align .

Im definitely leaning towards BC due to being able to lower the mount for ride height and not compress the spring. ( atleast in the front ).

Thanks for the input though guys,