I've just purchased a used 2021 Clubman JCW with 60,000 miles on it, 19" wheels, Conti DWS with good tread, and stock suspension. Coming from a 2011 Clubman S 6MT where I had 17" wheels, stiffer rear sway bar, Bilstein B6, and Michelin Pilot Sports. Kept the stock springs and stock height, which I prefer. I absolutely love the combination - was definitely a great upgrade to the car. It is plenty stiff, but I don't mind it at all - and so so fun on windy roads.

The 2021 JCW is horsepower is so much fun but suspension leaves something to be desired. It definitely feels heavier of course, more planted, and felt much safer in torrential rains the other day. So, thinking to follow a similar suspension upgrade as I did with the 2011: NM 25mm sway bar, Bilstein, and probably go to the Pilot Sports with my next set of tires. I am not wanting to change the springs or to lower the suspension, and I understand it sits 10mm lower than the F54 Clubman S. So here are the questions that I haven't been able to find opinions on:

1) Bilstein B6 or B8 with the 10mm lower suspension the JCW has? B6 I understand is for stock height, B8 for lowered suspensions...
2) Not sure how different the Bilsteins will be vs. stock JCW, but I'm thinking the stock shocks/struts are probably showing some wear by this mileage anyway?
3) Thinking the mid-setting on the NM sway bar to start.
4) Anyone think this is a bad combo on the F54?

 

Is a full coilover suspension out of the running? Because that's where you'll get the biggest bang for your buck.

 

Nice! I went from a heavily modified 2012 R55 to my current 2019 JCW F60. You want soft suspension.... At least your F54 has a little less suspension travel than the F60s.

Does your car have the adaptive suspension? I know at some point Mini went from the electronically controlled dampers to something more like the Koni FSD shocks. If you have the adaptive suspension, you'll just have to take into consideration the electrical components.

The B6 and B8 are built with the same damping curves, but the B8s are designed to accommodate lowering springs. Either will work, and I would just suggest getting whatever is readily available. Just make sure that you get a matching axel set. (if you get a B6 for the front left, make sure the front right is also a B6)

 

Thanks for your reply. I've never had coil overs on a car, but budget is nudging me the direction I am going. Also, not wanting to lower the car for usability reasons. Prior suspension mods have been with 2003 Boxster S and 2011 Clubman S...

 

Thanks! I do not have the adaptive suspension. I do have it on my 2018 BMW X3 M40i, so familiar with it in concept on a different car. I ran Koni FSDs some years ago on a 2000 328I we had. I thought them too compliant and think I prefer Bilsteins for that reason. The are wonderful on the R55 with stock springs + stiffer sway bar, but firm. I guess I don't mind a ride with a bit of harshness in exchange for road feel and cornering ability. But would certainly want to avoid harshness without benefit!

 

I ran Bilstein B8s on my old 2011 Miata with OEM springs. It rode very nice, but still offered excellent road feel. If you are good with the general feel of the OEM springs, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend B6s.

 

Bilstein B6s on order. NM rear sway bar has already arrived. Any recommended parts eg bump stops, etc. to replace at the same time for a car with 60,000 miles?

Gonna roll with this set up and report back. It was absolute bliss (for my taste) with the R55, but obviously the F54 JCW is a different beast.

 

Just swapped in B6's on my non-JCW F54, they yielded a very nice ride. My car is at 106K and the upper mounts and bump stops were still rock solid (not hard, just in great working order), even the rubber spring isolators were still very pliable. I would order up new front boots for the struts, as mine were basically swiss cheese.

 

Looking forward to hearing your impressions!