MK2.5 B6 Bilstein shocks or Coilovers

Technical Area Steering & Suspension
1
  1. My model of MX-5 is: 2005 NBFL Icon
  2. I’m based near: Chesterfield
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Which shocks I should use.

Hi there.

My 5 is still running the original shocks as far as I’m aware (no receipts from previous owners suggesting otherwise) and I think the time has come to replace them, as they leave a bit to be desired when it comes to ride quality.

My car currently has the standard shocks, but I was thinking of fitting the b6’s that came stock on the sport models. However, when pricing up shocks and springs, the cost was ~£900. For just £100 more, I could buy a set of adjustable BC racing coil-overs.

It’s a lot of money for a car that has relatively cheap parts, but I’m happy to spend it if it’s worth it. I’m leaning more towards the b6’s as I’ve heard from multiple people that coil-overs on UK roads aren’t great.

I was just wondering if anyone could shed some light on if the additional cost of the b6’s is worth it over the standard shocks, or if I’d be best buying coil-overs instead.

Just for context, the 5 is my only car and a daily, although I intend to use it for occasional track use in the future.

Cheers.

1 Like
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Did you ever make a decision? Ive just bought some BC’s for my mk3. Fitting them end of the month.

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I think this is a bit of an Urban myth about Sport models and Billys. My Nov '01 built, and I know of several other Sport models fitted with the same, came with black shocks which thanks to ‘ast’ on this forum I have found out are actually Showa shocks.

Last winter I had a complete, down to the last nut n washer OEM suspension refresh and I find the car handles, more or less as it would have done as it came out of the show room, well beyond my, limited, abilities to get close to the maximum out of it on trackdays and occasional sprints / hillclimbs.

Not sure if there is much price difference but I am glad I kept it standard and definitely vote for Showa shocks.

4

Thanks for the advice. Still not replaced them yet, but I’m looking to get either Showa or Pedder’s shocks for it

1 Like
5

I believe the Billys fitted to some 2.5’s were a now no longer available special spec for Mazda and not the same spec as the B6, afraid I do not have any info on what the difference is between the two.