I have F54 S model as stock with 8 speed automatic and DDC which would like to track it. I have very good track skills as I am instructor for other clubs. Wonder which type of modification / best bang for the bucket would be recommended for this car.

This is what I am considering:

Brakes : JCW mini brake kit retrofit (4 piston brembo front) or Willwood? running cost, pad options?
Suspension : H&R / Eibach springs. Not sure if the cheap coilovers are reliable as I dont want to spent $1,500 on KW
Transmission : any issues with automatic? overheating?
Steering: will install paddle shifters (get used on ebay)

Appreciate your feedback and comments.

 

The only input I can offer is on suspension. I'm currently on BC Racing BR Series Coilovers and I love them. The have adjustable dampening too so you can go go kart mode on the track and soften them up for when you're using it as a daily. They are cheaper than KW.

 

tks for the reply. how is the adjustment on the rear? from the bottom? much better than stock? good quality?

 

Adjustable _damping_. "Dampening" just makes things wet. :-)

 

what about brakes? I know the F54 S is not a light car ... it weights 3300lbs. Any issues with stock brakes? what kind of pads is used?

 

I did track my '17 F54S All4 once a couple of years ago, just to test out the car's capability. I have my session videos posted up here: Track Day Vids...just look for the 2018 dated MVP videos for the Mini. While the suspension feels decent on the street, it is WAY SOFT on the track, certainly needs more spring rate if you plan on regular trips onto the track. I was running BFG Comp 2 A/S tires for reference there, so not a very track oriented tire like I run on my SVO. I did put in Motul RBF600 brake fluid along with PowerStop Z23 pads front/rear. Other than that, the car was completely stock. In the (6) 20-minute sessions I did, I never saw any temperature warnings nor did I have any issues with shifting. I found bump shifting up/down was a bit much with the 8-sp trans, so I left it in 'sport' mode along with the car being in 'sport' mode and the stability control shut down. It did just fine with the DTC and I didn't have to shut it down. Only time it got unhappy was when I overcooked it into one left-hand corner and dropped the passenger rear off into the grass. I could certainly pick up the scent of my brakes getting a bit up there, but know enough to back of a little at that point, but you could certainly push it into the danger zone if you were lost in the red fog.

 

tks for sharing. Most likely I need to upgrade the brakes and new suspension. but with BMW powertrain I would expect it to be solid. appreciate the feedback.

 

I haven’t tracked my car, but my favorite mods so
far are the Powerflex Control Arm bushings and the NM Engineering 25mm rear sway bar. Bushings made it feel like the front end “bites” more, and the RSB makes it feel like it rotates better (less understeer).

I’d agree to get brakes sorted first though. Track appropriate pads, rotors and fluids.

 

What about coilover? I know a good one is expensive but the street springs will definitely be soft for track duties?

Overall I dont like to use lower springs as is shortens damper travel and doesnt bring better handling …. Just good look.

KW seems to be the only good option as Koni and Bilstein are available only for F56.

 

IMHO, the OEM springs are not really suited for regular track duty, especially if you add in sticky tires that will certainly load the suspension even more. Unfortunately most aftermarket springs will also lower your ride, regardless of the increased spring rate. Technically the higher spring rate should prevent suspension compression beyond the OEM springs, but that is only in theory as most require cutting of bump stops and such to allow further travel...compromise. Your best 'real' option is to go with an aftermarket adjustable coil over setup, where you can pick your spring rate and set the ride height and/or corner weight to where it will really shine. I have not researched any available F54 options, since I don't have any need/plans to stray from stock for my DD. I would hope that there is more than a single manufacturer out there for said option, but then again, our platform is a relatively small volume compared to the F55/56 variants.

 

you are correct F54 is very limited. Do you know what is the difference on suspension between F54 and F56? Height or just valving?

 

First, you need to understand that F54 and F56 are built on 2 different chassis. NOTHING translates between the cars as far as suspension is concerned. For the F54, you are dealing with the same chassis as the BMW X1/X2 platform. The F56 is a Gen 2 design vs. the F54 is considered Gen 3. Fellas....correct me if I'm wrong.....

As far as suspension mods...I've done the NM Engineering 25mm GT rear Swaybar & End Links, and the Chassis Bones Braces. It's helped tremendously for street driving and getting the most out of the suspension for normal conditions. I agree with WhatV8, that factory springs won't be a great setup for track conditions. A coilover set-up ultimately will get you what you need for the best handling, likely along with a bigger rear SB. This will also set you back the most money.....

 

Really appreciate the clarification. For some reason I thought the F56 also shared the X platform.
I agree with SB looks like is a no-brainer. But you mentioned about the chassis bones brace. Could you detail this more?

Would be this what you are talking about? Does it make really any difference specially because the car has already one (not two)?
https://www.waymotorworks.com/craven...4-clubman.html

Appreciate all the help. As soon I have more experience with the car I hope can contribute back.

 

This is a less expensive alternative to the Cravenspeed braces that Waymotor works also offers, see here. They are just as beefy as the Cravenspeed ones. Also, if you are on their mailing list, sometimes they will also have 5% off deal.

 

I see. can you feel the difference?

what about brakes? heard the JCW has issues with the front pistons

 

The chassis braces definitely sharpen up the turn-in feel. As far as brakes, I would definitely improve the pads and rotors. I've had good luck with the EBC brake pads and Zimmerman rotors. EBC has everything from OEM grades to track focused pads. I believe upgrading to the JCW brakes would be a step in the right direction but at what cost? You can burn through a lot of pads and rotors for the cost of a JCW set.

 

I am just concerned even with better pads and rotors the brakes wont hold up. I am very experienced driver and late braking.

 

I understand the need for late braking. A big brake kit of some sort will likely be the answer to better brakes..... good luck.

 

I think the first mod that an experienced track driver should do would be to add stopping power. Don't mess around with this pad or that pad. BBK FTW. Not cheap, but worth every penny when you realize just a millisecond late that you're coming in too hot. Ask me how I know

 

I agree. Brake is a must!
Wilwood seems like the only option available right?

 

I believe so, but I'm a first gen R53 guy. I went with Brembo.

 

I too agree, if you really want to 'push' your track fun, you should not even debate on a BBK kit of some sort. It ends up being cheap insurance on the back end.

 

Not that I want to spend your money for you, but ECS Tuning lists the JCW upgrade kit that is made by Brembo. Seems to include everything for the low price of $2019.25. Turner Motorsports has the kit listed for $1,750.00. BMW Parts Worldwide has the kit even cheaper at $1,512.86.

Digging deeper on each listing, ECS seems to include a Master cylinder and brake booster whereas the Turner does not and am unsure of the BMW Parts Worldwide site....

You're welcome....

 

Appreciate the feedback. All are welcome.
I took the decision to upgrade the brakes.
would love to do the JCW kit but some cases report issues with material on front calipers. Alternative would be to replace with SS from Racing Brakes but they dont have this piston size so the only alternative is Wilwood for front
potentially could use JCW on the rear just need to find the calipers.
regarding master cylinder and booster is related to piston volume is higher so it improves pedal feeling by moving higher volume of fluid for the same stroke. I could also replace it in case Wilwood front impacts too much pedal feeling.

 

I have taken my '20 JCW to the BIR in MN, my suspension upgrades were a big help in managing the corners. I also put on some EBC Yellow pads to ensure I had stopping power after a few laps.

After 3 Laps on a 75 Degree day, my coolant temps were high enough for the computer to throttle the intake pressures and reduce power until the temps lowered. The JCW has extra cooling capacity but it is not enough for track days. If time was unlimited I would swap my coolant mix for mostly water and test that, or I would add bigger side radiators to increase cooling.

Trans Temps were never an issue for me.