Ok guys, spec'ing out a 2009 JCW Clubman.............after 3 MINIs owned/100K combined miles with different susp choices I can't decide whether to go the sport suspension route or aftermarket (Eibach). I drove the launch edition car w/o sports susp and felt it rolled too much, but liked the Clubman S w/17s and sport susp, felt just right however I like the 'lowered' look of a modified car. I don't care too much about the ride as long as I don't crash over bumps and there is enough clearance for speed bumps, getting into my (curbed) driveway, etc.

What do you guys think?

 

If you plan to do some serious track work, then swapping the suspension is a thought, but for the street....waste of money. I ordered sports suspension and going to try a lower profile tire and see how that works on the track before going the Bilstein route. Even for track work, the brakes mean a lot more than being a fraction of an inch lower. By track work, I don't mean auto-x, which is definitely more about brakes, balance and driver control. Enjoy the ride...I plan to do just that in a few weeks!

 

Mike - I've read here that the standard non-sport shocks are a little underdamped for the Eibach springs. Check out Diablito's Traxher thread below - we talked about the Eibachs and shocks a little. I'm guessing that the lowered ride would be more forgiving on the clubman with its longer wheelbase.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=153894

Good luck!

 

I have had both sport and non-sport suspension cars then added springs to both. I honestly haven't noted any major differences between either.

If you KNOW you are going to be more aggressive, then pocket the dough from the suspension option then put it towards some coilovers in the future. I think the price they charge is too high at the dealer for what cha get. Just my two cents.

Let me know if I can help!

 

Thanks everyone, keep the responses comin'!!

No, I will not be tracking my car as this one will be a daily driver/street drive-on-the-local-twisties kind of car

 

Then maybe the OEM sport suspension is a-ok for you. It just won't be lower than stock height. But if you aren't going to be more aggressive go for it!

Let me know if I can help further!