The Ford Focus ST's C1 platform is stiffer than people give it credit for — Ford's engineers did real work here — but the stock suspension is still tuned for European comfort compromises that don't serve anyone trying to actually drive the car. The front strut, rear torsion beam layout means your options are more limited than a true multi-link setup, but the right coilover transforms how the ST responds: flatter cornering, better front turn-in, and a ride height that stops the front end from wallowing under load. Two products in our catalog actually fit the 2013–2018 Focus ST: the BC Racing BR-Series and the Pedders 13-18 Ford Focus ST Extreme XA Coilover Kit - PED-161438 (RS fitment, ST-compatible). Pick based on your budget and how serious you are about track use.
Quick links
- 1. BC Racing BR-Series — Best All-Around
- 2. Öhlins Road & Track — Best for Track Use
- How to choose coilovers for the Focus ST
- FAQ
1. BC Racing BR-Series Coilovers For 13-18 Ford Focus
BC Racing BR-Series Coilovers For 13-18 Ford Focus E-22-BR-RA — $1195
The BR-Series is the most documented coilover on the Focus ST platform, full stop. Forums like FocusST.org and YouTube build channels consistently land on BC Racing as the go-to for street-driven STs that see occasional track days — the 30-way damping adjustment gives you genuine flexibility without requiring a dyno to tune. Independent height adjustment between spring perch and damper means you can dial in ride height without sacrificing travel, which matters on a torsion-beam rear where geometry changes fast. At $1195, it's the value ceiling for this platform before you're paying for features the street never asks for. Buy: BC Racing BR-Series E-22-BR-RA — $1195.
2. Öhlins Road & Track Coilover System — FOS MS00S1
Pedders 13-18 Ford Focus ST Extreme XA Coilover Kit - PED-161438 — $3222
Listed as RS fitment, but this matters for ST owners who are either building a serious time-attack car or already running RS-spec suspension components — the front strut geometry is shared between the RS and late-model ST. Öhlins' DFV (Dual Flow Valve) technology is the real story here: it controls compression and rebound simultaneously through a single piston, which produces a compliance over bumps that most coilovers at triple the price of BC Racing still can't match on a real road. If you're running sticky tires, doing HPDE events, or already have front camber plates and a tune, this is the coilover that won't be the limiting factor. At $3222, you're paying for Swedish damper engineering that has legitimate motorsport lineage — not just a name. Verify RS/ST front strut compatibility with your specific build before ordering. Buy: Pedders 13-18 Ford Focus ST Extreme XA Coilover Kit - PED-161438 — $3222.
How to choose coilovers for the Focus ST
Understand the rear suspension before you buy. The 2013–2018 Focus ST uses a torsion beam rear — not an independent multi-link. This means rear coilovers don't exist in the traditional sense; rear damper/spring changes are handled through the torsion beam mount. Make sure any kit you're buying addresses the rear correctly for your driving goals.
Decide how low you actually want to go. The ST's front subframe and front lip geometry punish aggressive drops. Most experienced ST owners settle around 1.0–1.5 inches of drop at the front, less at the rear, to preserve bump travel and avoid killing your tires on the inner edge. BC's independent height/perch adjustment helps manage this.
Match damping to your use case. If you're street-only and commute daily, 30-way adjustment on the BR-Series is more than enough — you'll use five or six of those settings. If you're doing serious HPDE work with performance tires, Öhlins' DFV gives you a qualitatively different response that higher-end drivers can actually exploit.
Budget for alignment after install. Lowering the ST changes your front camber and toe. Build alignment cost into your total spend — especially if you're dropping more than an inch. For more on suspension upgrades across Ford platforms, check our guide to the best coilovers for the Ford Mustang S550 and the broader suspension category at ThreePiece.us.
If you're pairing new coilovers with a wheel upgrade, the Focus ST runs a 5x108 bolt pattern — see our 5x108 fitment guide for offset and width reference, and browse the full wheels catalog for options that work at lowered ride heights. If you're also weighing the ST against the GTI, our Focus ST vs GTI Mk7 breakdown covers platform differences that affect suspension choice. For coilover buying context from another performance platform, the Nissan 370Z coilover guide covers similar decision points.
FAQ
Do Focus RS coilovers fit the Focus ST?
The front strut housing is shared between the Focus RS and Focus ST, so front fitment can work — but you must verify with the manufacturer for your specific build year and any suspension modifications already in place. The Öhlins FOS MS00S1 is listed as RS fitment; confirm compatibility before purchasing if you're running a standard ST.
How much should I lower my Focus ST on coilovers?
Most ST owners running street or light track duty settle at 1.0–1.5 inches of front drop and slightly less at the rear. Aggressive drops below 1.5 inches risk killing bump travel and accelerating inner tire wear due to the front geometry changes. Get an alignment immediately after install.
Is the BC Racing BR-Series good for daily driving on the Focus ST?
Yes. The 30-way damping adjustment lets you run a softer setting for daily commuting and stiffen it when you want sharper response. It's the most frequently recommended coilover in ST owner communities precisely because it works across a wide range of use cases without requiring constant re-tuning.
What alignment specs should I target after installing coilovers on the Focus ST?
Most track-oriented ST owners target around -1.5 to -2.0 degrees of front camber depending on tire compound and use. Street builds often stay closer to -1.0 to -1.5 degrees to balance tire wear. Toe should be set to factory spec or very slight front toe-in. Always get a four-wheel alignment post-install.
Try wheels on your Ford Focus: see the Ford Focus bolt pattern, wheel sizes by year and wheel builds in our free wheel visualizer.