One of our favorite official JCW accessories for the R50 & R53 has always been the JCW Suspension. It not only helps in the MINI handle the corners but also goes along way in giving the MINI better composure for delivering power out of the corners. It’s also on my personal short list of 2007 mods for my 2005 MCS.
[ JCW Suspension Retrofit ] Official MINI PDF
Is this different than the sport suspension option? If so how? Price? Isn’t the original SS $500? Which is has better performance in your opinion Gabe? For that mater which “lowers” the car more (it needs lowering). Thanks!
GZ – just to clarify this version of the JCW suspension is for the R50 & R53.
I’ll answer assuming you’re referring to the R53:
>Is this different than the sport suspension option?
Yes.
>If so how?
There’s a full article on the JCW Suspension from a few years ago. Try searching for suspension or look under the JCW section.
>Price? Isn’t the original SS $500?
It can be had for as little as %600-$700.
>Which is has better performance in your opinion Gabe?
No question – JCW suspension is better than the stock.
>For that mater which “lowers†the car more (it needs lowering). Thanks!
The JCW suspension lowers the car 55mm if memory serves me. But you’ll want to find the article on it for details.
yeah, look up the reviews. but, it’s highly recommended. i’ve had it on both of my jcw’s & love it.
super cushy around town, while tight in the corners–progressive springs, i reckon.
Hi Gabe. Thanks for the answers. Iwas actually refering to R56. Sorry bout that. I don’t think I can wait for stage two so it’s gonna be an order for a stage one. Have to wait for the convertible for stage two. Do you feel the available SS for the R56 is good or is aftermarket better? Will there be a JCW suspension for S2? Thanks!!!
>Do you feel the available SS for the R56 is good or is aftermarket better? Will there be a JCW suspension for S2? Thanks!!!
The SS for the R56 is excellent and much improved over what is on the R53. However the JCW suspension for the R56 will be even more aggressive and most likely a little less compliant. I think the SS for the R56 is probably the best of both worlds.
Of all of the JCW bolt-on bits, the <strong>JCW Suspension </strong> delivers the biggest bang for the buck.
>Of all of the JCW bolt-on bits, the JCW Suspension delivers the biggest bang for the buck.
Hard to disagree.
How different, if any, is this from the suspension that the GP has?
Is it harsh?
>How different, if any, is this from the suspension that the GP has?
It’s identical.
>Is it harsh?
In some ways it’s more compliant than the stock SS+ on the R53.
On the JCW suspension, you have to order the springs seperately, choosing from three different spring rates??? If so, what are the spring rate differences, and which is best?
>On the JCW suspension, you have to order the springs seperately, choosing from three different spring rates??? If so, what are the spring rate differences, and which is best?
When ordering, your dealer takes your VIN and that gives then the general weight of your car. From there they order the appropriate JCW springs for your individual car. <b>It’s imperative that your dealer does this when ordering.</b>
So, the parts being available at $600-$700. Is that at Patrick or Prestige MINI (motoringfile sponsors) or maybe Classic or is the the usual rate anywhere.
Oh, and does that cost include the springs?
>So, the parts being available at $600-$700. Is that at Patrick or Prestige MINI (motoringfile sponsors) or maybe Classic or is the the usual rate anywhere.
<a href="http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=MorePartInfo&PartID=309779&siteid=214217&catalogid=3751" rel="nofollow">It’s currently $655 at Morristown</a>.
Gabe, you mention that “The JCW suspension lowers the car 55mm if memory serves me.” I just want to clarify that 55mm = 2.17″ so you probably mean 15mm which is .6″ which is much closer to the drop you would get out of the JCW suspension. I would imagine the JCW suspension is probably a wonderful setup for these cars, but for me a .6″ drop doesn’t give it the LOOK I’m going for, so for me it’s up to the aftermarket, H-Sport to be more precise.
Drew
for some reason i though this kit did not include a roll bar replacement, but looking at the pdf there is a “stabilizer bar” included. not an expert on suspension bits i’m assuming that’s the same thing. the major effect i’d want out of the kit would be to lessen roll, does it do a lot in that area? (i have an ’05 mcs)
$655 does NOT appear to include springs, under the ‘benefits’ section…
The Sport Suspension kit for the MINI Cooper S includes four McPherson strut shock absorbers and the required mounting parts. The coil springs need to be ordered separately, depending on the options installed on the individual vehicle.
Thank you for answering my questions.