R56 JCW Suspension Details & Install PDF

Sections: DIY | JCW | R56 (Hatch) May 31st, 2007 32 Comments

Later this summer MINI will be releasing an updated JCW suspension designed to fit on all R56 MINIs. The new version of this kit differs slightly from the previous version in that it now includes both front and rear stabilizer bars. The addition of the larger sway bars is meant to further help with neutral handling at the limit and allow for most stability out of corners. We at MotoringFile have often thought of the previous JCW suspension kit as the most underrated of all factory accessories. With the R56′s lighter aluminum rear suspension and the addition of upgraded front and rear sway bars, this new version promises to be even better.

The new JCW Suspension Kit (like the previous) drops the car around 1cm (or 0.3937 inches). So it doesn’t exactly slam the car but it does subtly lower it without sacrificing everyday driveability.

Also of note MINI has designed the suspension to allow for one version to accommodate almost all configurations of R56 MINIs. Previously MINI had to create several models of suspension kits to work with R50/R53s that had different weights due to things like optional sunroofs. This new version will allow for dealers to simplify their ordering and stocking process.

You can see the official installation PDF below:

[ R56 JCW Suspension PDF ] Official MINI Install Instructions

Note: The above PDF is not really suitable for DYI instructions as it doesn’t detail actual installation procedures.

Written By: Gabe

http://lyonsracing.com jahpaul

I guess the frist question should be how much?
msh441

OK, I’m very curious how if you can order the JCW suspension kit on a piece-by-piece basis… and how the parts compare to the R56 Sport Suspension.

Particularly the diameters of the sway bars, spring rates (and ride height), and the valving/dampning on the shocks/struts.

I can’t help but think that with the R56 Sport Suspension, H&R springs and possibly the addition of the beefed up front bar that I’m not in the ballpark of what the kit has to offer.
Aurel

So I guess this is the reason why you did not spec the Sport Suspension on your new MCS Gabe …
http://www.myr53.com SB

I thought the same thing, Aurel. Looks to be a good kit considering the addition of the rear swaybar. Something that is one of the best bang for the buck suspension mods for a MINI.
Jon

Sounds like it has decent potential, good to hear that Mini has made good steps to improve the package over the last.

Any word on the cost of the package yet?
JFS

Will this be available as a factory installed option?
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Any word on the cost of the package yet?

Very soon!

Will this be available as a factory installed option?

Not at this time.
Bob M

What impact on ride quality would you expect using JCW suspension vice the sport option for a Mini mostly used as a daily driver?
scott

So how much bigger are these sway bars gonna be from the stock r56 MCS sway bars?
James

So, just to be clear, when speccing the replacement for my ’04 MCS, I shouldn’t select the factory sports suspension if I intend to get the JCW suspension? It completely replaces that?

Also, how does it affect ride height?
MiniMark

Maybe a stupid question but will this lower the car or will H&R sport springs still be necessary?
chakaluka

Gabe: Clubman compatible?
bluzeke

. . . check that: R56 JCW Suspension PDF – NOT?!
john m

this is the wrong pdf its not for the r56
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

this is the wrong pdf its not for the r56

UPDATED

So, just to be clear, when speccing the replacement for my Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ04 MCS, I shouldnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t select the factory sports suspension if I intend to get the JCW suspension? It completely replaces that?

Yes – that’s what I’ve done on my new MCS.

Also, how does it affect ride height?

1cm drop – I’ve updated the post to reflect that info.
gwalsh

The kit retails for $875.00, the springs are sold separately and must be ordered depending on vehicle equipment. The springs are $125.00 each.
MiniMaxiMini

Actually, it is … not so much. And the announcement came (for me) at perfect timing.

I was planning to buy the Alta Sway bar and the front and back endlinks. The price is 190+130+130$ = 450$.

Hmm… this seems much more comprehensive, and if it is only 875$ – I think it might be a better option…
Greg

So that’s $1375 for the kit PLUS install? Ouch! Oh well, I’ll still get it. Not clear on how it is an($875) improvement over the SS. SS has 18″ rear sway. What is JCW? How much more is the car lowered with JCW vs SS? I was impressed with the SS and need to know how much of an upgrade JCW will be.
gz

Any guess on a JCW brake upgrade that isn’t just for show?
msh441

Sport Suspension is great, but it retains the standard ride height. If you’re planning on a lower MINI and go for some H&R’s… you’re talking in the ballpark of $500 installed.

The JCW sounds like a slight drop, at least. 1 CM? A little less than a 1/2 inch? Maybe not enough IMO for the high-riding R56, though. Have to see it on the car to appreciate it, I’m guess.

Another $200-300 for a stiffer front bar and the rights to a JCW badge on your car? Hmmm, maybe I see where you’re coming from on this one, Gabe… way to be a trailblazer!
Jeff

This is all interesting, but what are the differences in spring rates and shock valving vs the sport suspension?!? Given the price premium for the parts only and installation cost/effort if there isn’t a meaningful difference in spring rate or shock valving it seems silly to plop down hundreds of dollars for a 0.4 inch drop. Of course, this is all IMHO :)
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Given the price premium for the parts only and installation cost/effort if there isnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t a meaningful difference in spring rate or shock valving it seems silly to plop down hundreds of dollars for a 0.4 inch drop. Of course, this is all IMHO :)

Not if you don’t want to drop the car any more than 1cm. My car simply wouldn’t last in Chicago if it was any lower. My ’05 (w/stock suspension) bottoms out in places as it is.

For me it’s less about asethetics and more about performance coupled with livability. Based on the previous suspension kit, this clearly seems like the right choice given those parameters.
marcel

I tend to agree, and 0.4″ shouldn’t be called a “drop”… my car probably “drops” 0.4″ when my fat arse gets in it…

Given the price premium for the parts only and installation cost/effort if there isnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t a meaningful difference in spring rate or shock valving it seems silly to plop down hundreds of dollars for a 0.4 inch drop. Of course, this is all IMHO :)
rkw

So thatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s $1375 for the kit PLUS install? Ouch!

And the instructions say 4 hours of installation plus 2 hours (!) of alignment/adjustment. Sports Suspension at $500 installed seems like a pretty good “compromise”.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

And the instructions say 4 hours of installation plus 2 hours (!) of alignment/adjustment.

The two hours are for potential trouble shooting – and that’s the maximum allowed. It’s unlikely they would be used.

Sports Suspension at $500 installed seems like a pretty good “compromise”.

It’s a great compromise.
gz

Looking forward to your analysis Gabe. You obviously feel the expence is worth it. $1375 + labor vs $500.
msh441

I’m starting to get it.

Since your not planning on lowering the car… AND if you were able to save on install or negotiate it away… your really only $300-400 over SS with H&R’s. If it works as most JCW stuff, it’ll probably be excellent.

I’m anxious to see and hear about the results.
Victor

Just to post about the JCW suspension, i went to my Local canada dealer and investigated the part number posted 33 50 0 429 708 on the JCW Suspension installation.

The part are listed as (USDirectBMW) “Retrotfit Kit Sports Suspension/J. Cooper Works” COST: 1200 CND

The sways are slightly larger then sports (24mm fronts/18.5 rear; over 23.5mm front 18mm from what i read). the springs (# 31 31 6 782 720/719;333 52 6 772 740/741) are listed a J.Cooper Works as well as the FRONT dampers (31 30 6 782 767), Rear dampers of that kit are not listed at J cooper works and have part number 33 53 6 772 740)

So over the already offered sports suspension on the cooper this only seems to have JCW springs and fronts dampers. Would be nice to see the part numbers on the stock factory option sports suspension to see the difference.
karlInSanDiego

“The sways are slightly larger then sports (24mm fronts/18.5 rear; over 23.5mm front 18mm from what i read). the springs (# 31 31 6 782 720/719;333 52 6 772 740/741) are listed a J.Cooper Works as well as the FRONT dampers (31 30 6 782 767), Rear dampers of that kit are not listed at J cooper works and have part number 33 53 6 772 740)” Victor, According to parts list at RealOEM, 33536772740 is a part of a stock rear shock install http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=MF73&mospid=50031&btnr=33_1357&hg=33&fg=45
R56 JCW CONFUSED

Gabe, is there a price on the JCW brakes?
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

All R56 Cooper S’ basically have the JCW brakes. They are identical in every way but color. The only thing that they don’t have is the cross-drilled rotors that are being sold under the JCW brand. However those would have limited benefits unless you are using your car for track purposes regularly.

If you have to have the red calipers, the JCW brakes that fit the previous car fit the R56 as well.
R56 JCW CONFUSED

Thanks for that. I’ve opted for the whole JCW braking kit anyway. I’ve also specified the JCW suspension kit but here in Australia they are claiming limited availability-do you have any idea on what the world wide availabilty is on JCW parts for the R56? They can quote me prices and I’ve ordered with this but I’m now concerned about JCW parts availability. Is there a universal (not just North America) JCW parts list/part numbers .pdf anywhere out there?

← What are these MINIs? MINI United Blog Now Online →

Sort by MINI model

Recent BimmerFile Stories

MINI Model Cheat Sheet

1st Gen MINI
R50: One & MC Hatch
R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt.
R53: MCS Hatch
2nd Gen MINI
R55: Clubman
R56: Hatch
R57: Convertible
R58: Coupe
R59: Roadster
R60: MINI Crossover
R61: MINI Crossover Coupe
3rd Gen MINI
F55: Clubman
F56: Hatch
F57: Convertible
F60: MINI Crossover
F62: Traveller

Advertise with MotoringFile

If you or your company are interested in advertising on the most influential MINI website in the world, please visit our Advertising section. If you have further questions about becoming a sponsor or would like to see our rate sheet please feel free to contact us directly.