I am getting ready to do a JCW suspension install. The instructions say to cut a couple of slits on each side, and bend up the lip over the rear control arm. Mine is a 2004, and I want to know is it really necessary to cut and bend the notch? Just want to know before I take a saw to the bodywork.

 

What are you cutting and bending? I have the JCW suspension and cannot picture what has to be cut and bent over the control arm. Is it the upper control arms?

 

http://motoringfile.com/howto/JCW_Su...structions.pdf

If you go to these instructions and look at the third frame down on page EN8. It shows cutting and bending the frame seam flange. Mine is a 2004 R50.

 

I just went out and looked at my R53. It has a notch in that location that looks pretty much like the non-modified notch in the instruction picture. I suspect making the notch larger is not usually required.

The notch appears to be there to provide clearance for the bump stop so that the round part of the stop hits the bottom of the car rather than the arm of the stop hitting the bodywork flange.

I would think you can test to see if you need to cut the sheetmetal and plastic wheel well liner while you are installing the springs. After the springs/struts/stops are installed but the car is still on jack stands, jack up the rear suspension until the stop hits the bottom of the car. If the round part of the stop hits the bottom of the car before the arm of the stop hits the flange you should be good to go without any trimming.

 

I wouldn't bother cutting it. We've lowered cars alot more than the JCW springs and never had a problem.