Just took posession of a 2009 JCW. The build sheet does not list the "sport suspension" as an option. It only has the Xenon's and cold weather package. Can anyone tell me what the sport suspension option features and whether it's better to go with the factory upgrade or an aftermarket product like M7, TSW, Eibach, etc.?

Thanks in advance for any opinions or insights.

Ray

 

Sport suspension include larger front and rear sway bars and different springs but it is not lowered. I am not a fan of the sports suspension with 17in rims and OEM RFTs because it rides very harsh.

What you go with depends on what you want to do.

 

Thanks, Slinger. Appreciate your info. I take clients in the car so I need to avoid a rock hard ride. However, I appreciate a slightly lowered (about 0.5-1.0 inches?) look with a firm and well-controlled ride. Sounds like the aftermarket is the way to go. Do you have any favorites to recommend?

Ray

 

I dunno for sure about the US, but in Canada back in 2009, the JCW Factory Car comes with the Sport Suspensions that are optional for the Cooper S. The JCW Suspensions are an after sale accessory. In comparison to the Sport Suspensions, the JCW Suspensions rides less harsh than the Sport Suspensions and yet handles better, it also lowers the car by like 0.5 inch and includes springs, struts and bigger front and rear sway bars.

 

Thanks for your post. What you say sounds sensible. Haven't been able to find the real story about a U.S. model 2009 JCW. Anyone out there know for sure?

 

2009 JCW comes with the standard suspension just like on the S. I did not order my JCW someone else did. They got almost all the options then backed out of the deal once it arrived. So it sat for a while until I came along. The sport suspension was a $500 option.

That $500 can be better spent on aftermarket set ups or on the JCW suspension.

I had the JCW suspension put on a few months after I got the car. It was quite harsh with the run flat tires. I ditched the run flats a few months after the JCW suspension was put on. And all was well. Then about 1 year later I had the H-Sport 25.5mm rear sway bar installed. I like my setup but if I knew more about coilovers with camber plates and corner balancing i would go that route.

 

Thanks for your post, Steve. I have Potenza 960's on the stock JCW 17" rims now. They are not run-flats. I'd like to lower the car slightly but avoid a rock hard ride.

 

Ray, you're gonna want to spend some time browsing the "Suspension" forum and pay particular attention to the discussion about shocks.

It appears our shock are quite bad and there are reasonably priced options out there that will make your ride more enjoyable and controlled.

-Russ

 

Thanks Russ. I may be suffering from too much information LOL. Nevertheless I'll definitely take your advice and prowl around the suspension forum. I had a hunch that a Koni FSD or Bilstein HD might be in the cards for me. I'm leaning toward the linear TSW springs at this point.

 

Ray - If you ever want to see and drive my car, just let me know. I have NM springs with the factory "Sport" suspension shocks along with a 19mm Alta Sway bar.

Just shoot me a PM and we can arrange a meeting. I live off of Rt 84 near Rt 44 and work in Willoughby near Lake West Hospital.

While I don't drive the car when its snowing or salty, the chances having the car out are certainly improving! -Russ

 

Russ, thanks mucho for the offer. That would be a substantial help. Nothing like seat of the pants instrumentation! My brother's getting married this weekend and I'm swept up in the general craziness but I'll try to give a call. Didn't realize I was "Blackbart's neighborhood Cool!