JCW Suspension In Detail

AldoS Nov 12th, 2004 Link

Considering how well a stock MCS handles, $945 is not going to deliver much bang for the buck.

KevinR Nov 12th, 2004 Link

It's hard to say without seeing the installation .pdf. It seems to indicate that the kit is a direct fit for cars produced after 07/04 and that fitment is possible, with modification, to cars produced prior to that date.

KevinR Nov 12th, 2004 Link

Just read the complete aftersales .pdf. It specifically says not for cars produced prior to 07/04. Oh well, the $565.00 MSRP isn't too bad, but my car has an 11/03 build date.

Gabe Nov 12th, 2004 Link

Kevin – that's not the actual price of the entire kit. The full price is listed in the above article.

Official retail pricing for the kits are as follows: Cooper S: $945 (plus install) Cooper: $1120 (plus install)

KevinR Nov 12th, 2004 Link

Yeah, I caught that. I was mainly considering the price of the dampers. (I just failed to mention that in the post above.) Not too bad considering a set of Konis costs over $600 and requires modification to fit.

The springs are pricey compared to aftermarket. But they do take into account varying options' effects on the weight of the vehicle, which is something the aftermarket springs don't.

I'll be curious to see why they don't fit earlier cars.

Scott Nov 12th, 2004 Link

That does seem strange – the Note says modifications are not needed per the instructions for cars built after 07/04 but then another footnote states that the suspension kit should not be installed at all for cars built prior to 07/04… very confusing. I'm sending it to my Service Manager to see what he thinks….

Steve Nov 12th, 2004 Link

Does the kit include the Works strut brace? or does it have to be purchased separetly?

SteveG Nov 12th, 2004 Link

Does the kit apply similarly to the Sport Suspension on the MCSC? Would the relative performance upgrade be less or more?

gbuff1 Nov 12th, 2004 Link

How big are the MC swaybars?

Bill Nov 12th, 2004 Link

The JCW bulletin also says that the suspension kit must not be installed on the “S” convertible. Also, have to purchase both springs AND dampers and have the kit installed by an authorized MINI dealer. The time quoted to fit is 3 hours plus a mandatory 2 hour (!!) wheel alignment which will add another $500-$600. So you're probably looking at around $1500 plus tax.

michael Boice Nov 12th, 2004 Link

It would appear that there are a few optional spring rates??? What I like about this if true, is the option to tailor rates to my driving style, but also, that these rates have been (apparently)mated very carefully to the dampers. All the better that this set-up was developed on 'real roads' rather than at the track. Small change if these new spring and dampers provide better handling with potentially more comfort – something I heard thru the grapevine. I've gone the custom Koni and spring route thru True Choice and I can tell you that like most aftermarket set-ups, it worked, but it was a big hammer appraoch…not very sophisticated.

greg Nov 12th, 2004 Link

I'm confused. Does the suspention package includes the strut brace or is that seperate?

Bill Nov 12th, 2004 Link

No, the strut brace isn't included. I don't think it's even available in the US yet?

JB Nov 12th, 2004 Link

My JCW suspension kit was fitted last friday to my new MY05 MCS. My car has only done 1750 kms so far. it cost me $2600 au including dealer fitting, alignment etc. As my car was a cooper S chilli before the upgrade the kit included the replacement shockies and the set of four springs. the springs needed to be ordered to match to the cooper S. (weight is different to the cooper) first reaction on driving the new suspension out of the dealer yard last friday was a much firmer ride, but not harsh. the car feels even tighter and still manages to absorb all of the bumps thrown at it on sealed roads. DSC continues to work as before, however with a bit of rain the last few days, ive managed to control dsc operation with better clutch regulation and launches are less of a problem even with DSC on still.in short i love the package, it is extremely well put together, it doesnt include the engine strutt brace, just the 4 springs and shockies, and ive kept the old springs and shockies that came off the car in the same box.

scooblymonchee Nov 12th, 2004 Link

Gabe, dude, you need a copy editor (or more sleep).

“MINIUSA also has just issues a parts bulletin”

“Does anyone else thing this release contradicts itself regarding the installation of the kit in cars built before 07/04? If we more info on this we'll be sure to pass it along.”

Gabe Nov 12th, 2004 Link

sleep…

MacGuruTx Nov 12th, 2004 Link

OK, so it says specifically NOT for the MCSC. So what's up with that?

And does anyone know if its at least in the works so to speak?

scooblymonchee Nov 12th, 2004 Link

The JCW suspension is likely too stiff for the flexy convertible chassis. Same reason the MCSC gets the Cooper suspension and not the SS-Plus that is standard on the Cooper S Coupe.

Jim Nov 17th, 2004 Link

I am a more than a little peeved that I have waited for the JCW Suspension and held off buying a non Mini supsension to find out the JCW Suspension is not available for my 03 MCS JCW. Great support Mini, not…

Jim Nov 18th, 2004 Link

Official Word from Mini. “The 2005 MINIs did go through some design changes. The new JCW Suspension Kit was designed to work with the new 2005 MINI bodystyle. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with earlier MINIs. I do apologize. “

wally Apr 1st, 2005 Link

anybody have a picture of a lowered one .seems a bit minor ,only 10mm.

O(=^=)O Capn Jun 22nd, 2005 Link

That would be 0.3937 inches

Jeanno May 14th, 2006 Link

Just one thing. This kit is cheaper than the announced prices and it can be fitted without a single problem, on an MCS made before 07-04. I know that because my MCS is from 09-02 and I have these suspensions since last week. They are just performing perfectly.

Gabe May 14th, 2006 Link

Jeanno – that’s because MINI released another version for earlier cars about a year later. If you do a search you’ll find the article that talks about the newer version for 02-04 cars.

MotoringFile » Archive » MotoringFile Review: JCW GP Dec 18th, 2006 Link

[...] However there is good reason for the GP to be so low. For one it’s equipped with the JCW suspension that has been available as a dealer installed option for several years now. We’ve talked about the JCW suspension kit in the past so we won’t go into details here. However I will say that it is the best compromise between performance and comfort I’ve ever felt. On the performance side, the kit allows the MINI to be better planted in corners not only helping with handling but also significantly improving power delivery from the apex out. Or in other words it reigns in motion as the result of weight transfer and keeps the MINI better composed allowing the two front tires better grip to apply power out of the corner. The JCW suspension kit is a welcome addition to any MINI, but on the 218bhp JCW GP, it’s even more helpful in getting around corners faster and getting power to the ground. It’s also probably the most underrated part of this car. [...]