Does anyone know if JCW Dynamic dampers will swap to an S model equipped with Dynamic dampers with no errors?

More specifically, I’d like to swap the 2020+ JCW dynamic dampers onto my 2017 S with dynamic dampers as it appears the 2020 JCW has new damper part numbers vs the 2019 JCW. I assume they’re better than the 2019s?

I’m not too impressed with the dyn. dampers on my 2017 S ALL4. Green and Normal modes feel under-dampened. I kind of get a reverberation through the chassis over sharp bumps. Sport mode is definitely better, but I feel it could be much stiffer still and not be uncomfortable.

My 2008 R56 had Koni shocks and while the ride was stiffer, I feel the suspension damping was far superior.

 

If you want stiffer suspension than the dynamic damper one, then you need to get the Sport suspension

 

MINI increased the negative camber in the 2020 JCW so be mindful of that - I don't know if it affects what can fit.
If it helps, Sports mode on the Clubman is not as stiff as sports mode on my Cooper, possibly because the Clubman is so much heavier. The suspension tune is also different on the 2020 ClubmanJCW. MINI tuned it so that the first bit of movement is very stiff, but after that the movement is relatively soft. For roads with fast, sweeping corners I leave it in comfort mode (but sports engine/gearbox) - the initial movement still gives precision but the softer movement gives great compliance - like old BMWs were supposed to do, actually! Really lovely to drive. For tight stuff, Sports mode tightens it all up and I find it fine - there's even a touch of power-on oversteer as the rear drive comes in, provided I balance the car properly on corner entry. But if you want it stiffer, sports suspension or aftermarket is probably the way to go. Given the extra weight it will need to be very stiff to match your R56 I expect.

 

I just bought a 2020 JCW Clubman and IMO the DDC setup could very much benefit with a thicker rear ASB. I had the sport suspension on my JCW Coupe (very different, lighter car of course) which is mostly thicker sway bars. I think I'm gonna do that to this car. I don't want the ride to be as harsh as my Coupe but less understeer and body lean would be good. Does anyone know the stock sway bar thickness? I'm assuming it's a solid bar, as I recall the stock bar on the Gen2 Minis was about 17mm maybe?

 

I find it very intriguing that the 2020 JCW Clubman has such a tendency to over-steer... Sounds like they got the AWD system dialed in to handle like a rear wheel drive chassis? Makes me want to save my pennies!

That being said, if you want LESS over-steer, a bigger rear bar is not what you want. For less over-steer, you would want to stiffen up the front of the car. I can't imagine there are that may options for upgrades to the 2020 Clubman yet.

 

I meant that the car UNDERSTEERS, sorry (I corrected it). Way more than my Coupe. My friend's had a 2015 MCS and hers did the same thing. So more rear bar would help I think.

 

LOL! Yes, adding a bigger rear bar would probably be the single biggest component to change the dynamics and keep the ride quality..

 

While my car is not a JCW, I did swap out the rear bar for the NM 25mm vs. OE 19mm hollow bar. Substantial difference! See my write-up ... here

 

Can you pick and chose various functions within modes? It appears with my JCW I am limited to Sport, Mid, and Green with all that is contained within the selected mode. No way to pick and chose features.

Thanks,
Gary