So while I rejected the sports suspension option for my 2009 MCS, I still wanted to put on a bigger rear sway bar to reduce lean in cornering, yet keep the overall ride supple. I first looked at the option of adding the 16mm sports suspension sway bar, but at nearly $450 installed I had second thoughts. Then my SA used his awesome research powers and determined that the JCW 18.5 mm sway bar was much cheaper, less than half of the quoted price for parts and installation, than the standard 16mm.

This has to be an anomoly: A JCW part that's cheaper than standard OEM. Go figure

 

Whoa... good to know. Too bad I don't believe my dealership that uses a BMW dealership for service, has support pike that.

...and, JCW bar is 18.5mm? I missed that. Hmm....

 

So what was your final price?

 

I have a JCW rear bar for sale if interested.

 

I have this bar on my car. Works great for the street. Takes the push away. Sounds like someone can save a fifty here

 

The quote was $248 installed +tax ($150 of that is labor), including freebie 4-wheel alignment check.

I'd considered others but my dealer is becoming **** about 3rd party mods (Alta, etc.) and warranty issues. And given all the problems I had with my un-modded R53, warranty trumps everything else

 

So seebobgo how do U like yr Stage 1 kit? Im getting a 2009 MCSa, and I kinda hope the tuning kit isnt available when I take delivery election week, for Id to drive it w/o at first to have a point of reference

 

I think I paid about the same. You will like, the bite, I did.

 

I like it alot! Like night and day. Cut about a half a second off the quarter mile.

BTW....Don't run your new car to hard for a few hundred miles.

 

I opted for Alta's 22mm bar. I couldn't justify JCW's request for an add'l .5mm's. Personally, I think a 20mm would be the best but I've got the 22 at the weakest setting.

And it's true.... a rear sway bar has got to rank in the top 3 mods needed on a MCS. (IMO)

Mark

 

Note: The R56 JCW 18.5mm RSB (included with the R56 JCW suspension kit) is also compatible with 1st Gen MINIs. I have one in mine.

 

Also note that the rear sway bar on the Sport Suspension is 18mm, not 16mm, but it is inexplicably more expensive (at least when bought as a separate part) than the JCW rear bar that's .5mm larger.

So if that's all you're looking to add, it's certainly a no brainer.

 

I'm going to have to do some mods - (when I get some cash) I desperately need that bigger rear sway bar in my new 09 JCW. Hmmm... I'm thinking I might want to do the JCW suspension this time.

 

Thanks Modnar,

I had to edit my post. I thought it was strange. I bought the Alta 22mm bar because I didn't want to pay the extra money for a JCW bar for .5 mm, not 2.5 like I posted.

I thought it was strange when I was typing it but it's been a while so I had forgotten.

Mark