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View Full Version : MZ3 "Mazdaspeed" Dampers work?


Silver Ecstasy
10-12-2009, 01:50 AM
So the MS Lowering springs made a great contribution to the car's handling overall. But it's still got that bouncy/floaty experiences over highway dips and whatnot. It's definitely no secret that the dampers are poorly designed for the car and do not have enough rebound.

From what i've read so far, Koni Yellows are adjustable and work great, even though they're specifically made for the MZ3 and are possibly slightly longer than the MS3 stock dampers. But guys over on M3F have said it works just fine and are happy with the improvement.

That got me thinking, Mazda made a replacement damper for the MZ3. Who's to say this wouldn't work on the MS3 and make a viable improvement?? Does anyone have any more information on the MAZDASPEED sport dampers available for the MZ3? Here's a link of what i'm talking about:

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/speedDisplayAccessoryDetail.action?endModelYear=20 09&speedAccessoryId=58&carLineCode=MZ3&categoryId=4&startModelYear=2004
boosted1
10-13-2009, 08:23 AM
I wonder, if the dampers offered by Mazdaspeed, are the same as those on our MS3?
Silver Ecstasy
10-13-2009, 10:12 AM
Yep, that's what i've been wondering.
///M Compact
10-13-2009, 05:43 PM
I've sent Bilstein an e-mail asking which damper would be appropriate to use with the Sport springs. I'll let you know what they say.
Silver Ecstasy
10-13-2009, 11:29 PM
Sweet thanks! I've heard Koni Yellows are the best even though it says MZ3 not MS3.
///M Compact
10-14-2009, 10:52 AM
I just received a reply. Bottom line: the Bilstein Sports work better with springs that are at least 1/2" shorter than the Mazdaspeed Sport springs; you could go ahead and use them, but the HDs would be the recommended fitment for an MS3 with stock or Mazdaspeed Sport springs.
I've always used Bilsteins on my Bimmers and they also perform great on my Wrangler- so if I decide to fit the MS Sports I'm definitely going with Bilstein.
Sport6
10-14-2009, 11:02 AM
Thanks for the follow-up. Will be considering suspension stuff soon, seeing how the stockers didn't last 25k.
Silver Ecstasy
10-14-2009, 11:18 AM
What about Koni's? Also, Bilsteins are non-adjustable correct?
leadf00t
10-14-2009, 01:13 PM
Is there a link to the Bilsteins ? Would these work with the eibach springs ?
///M Compact
10-14-2009, 11:23 PM
What about Koni's? Also, Bilsteins are non-adjustable correct?

Yes, they are non-adjustable, but I've found their calibrations to be spot-on in most cases.
///M Compact
10-14-2009, 11:28 PM
Is there a link to the Bilsteins ? Would these work with the eibach springs ?

Here's the US Bilstein site (http://www.bilsteinus.com/). I'd definitely go with the Sports if I was fitting Eibachs. There is usually no difference in the valving between the HDs and Sports- the difference is in the length and travel of the damper.
leadf00t
10-15-2009, 10:05 AM
Here's the US Bilstein site (http://www.bilsteinus.com/). I'd definitely go with the Sports if I was fitting Eibachs. There is usually no difference in the valving between the HDs and Sports- the difference is in the length and travel of the damper.

Thanks for the info. Do any of our vendors sell these ?
Silver Ecstasy
11-02-2009, 12:09 AM
I found the front dampers from Heavy Duty Bilstein that will work for the MS3, but I noticed they don't specify that the HD's for the rear dampers?

This also contradicts a little of what we're talking about with recommending HD's versus Sports:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w123-e-ce-d-cd-td/1239000-bilstein-hd-lowering-springs-not-suitable.html