Does the factory sport suspension (thicker anti-sway) lower the car at all??

 

No. You get thicker front and rear sway bars, stiffer shocks/struts. I'm not sure if you get stiffer springs.

 

factory sports susp and JCW susp rsbs are two different sizes: 18 vs 18.5mm

standard susp: 16mm

 

thx...

 

Yes it does. .4" (10mm) approximately.

 

The factory installed sport suspension does not lower the car. The dealer installed JCW suspension lowers the car .4 in.

 

I can only imagine you're correct much to my disappointment. I can't remember what I read to make me think otherwise. For sure the sport suspension option has different damping rates and springs, in addition to the beefier ARBs.

One thing for sure is MINI does a terrible job on their websites to really inform you of what you're getting for your money in terms of additional cost options.

 

Ok kids, directly from the mini USA website:

"The optional sport suspension features even more aggressive springs and dampers"

What you get on the Mini build site are the sway bars as mentioned above moving from 16mm to 18 and 18.5mm on the undercarriage stabilizer bars. You can get better for cheaper from other companies just takes a little wrench time. Seems the 19mm is the sweet spot if you check other posts.

Now, as shown on my Mini local Mini dealership Northwest Mini, the JWC suspension is an additional $1295 plus installation and tax . All that DOES include the springs, struts, dampers fittings as well as the stabilizers listed for $500 on the build site, also mentioned the spring will have to be ordered depending on options currently installed on the Mini.

If you are worried about warranty get it from the dealership but be prepared to pay at least $2000 with tax and labor.

 

Found my reference. In a Roundel story on the factory "optional" sport suspension, they reference a "half-inch drop." There's nothing in the article to lead you to believe they were referring to the JCW accessory dealer-installed sport suspension.

 

My 07 S with the factory optional sport suspension has the standard ride height. there must be someone with factory specs.