Good news! email I just got:

---------------------
The 2005 MINIs have a slightly modified body. The recess in top of the rear
support arm is approx. 5mm larger as it used to be on the 04 MINIs. To
install the JCW Sport Suspension on 04MY MINIs the recess has to be enlarged
to the same sizes as on a 05MY MINI. We are working on this and hopefully
will have a solution soon. The parts will be the same as the ones you are
currently use for the 05MY.

---------------------

Can't wait to get this installed on my car

 

Darkness - let us know when you hear what the work around is.

Cheers!

 

I am curious too; I think this kit will be very well sorted out for the road.

 

Guess those of us with older MINIs will have to wait a little longer

 

Has anybody ordered the JCW suspension yet?

 

Question....How did you find that accessories page? I couldnt find any JCW parts with part # in JCW website.

 

Click on the PDF for the part numbers:

http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/...sion_in_detail

 

So still no word from JCG on a work around for installing the kit on pre-05 cars? Darkness?

 

Recently got a reply from JCG to my inquiry on fitting the kit to pre-05 cars, and it appears there is no problem with compatibility...

--- Tony Franks <tf@johncooper.co.uk> wrote:
> From: "Tony Franks" <tf@johncooper.co.uk>
> Subject: works suspension
> Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 15:05:15 -0000
>
> dear sir
> the reason for this cut off point is for the BMW
> parts people,
> they only have a calculation chart for cars after
> that date to determine what springs to order.But if
> you require us to fit them we have all the parts in
> stock,please ring for a quote.
>
>
> tony
>

I've already asked Tony for the spring part numbers for my car.

 

The spring options (you pick from 3 choices) should be the same regardless of model year, but what about the rest of the kit?

 

mcmike: Tony of JCG seems to be saying that the entire kit is compatible with pre-05 cars. I'm waiting for confirmation.

What are the 3 choices for springs? (1) With sunroof, (2) without sunroof, (3) ???

 

They plug in your VIN number and based on the options you chose, it will spit back the spring that should be ordered for this car. At least that is what I heard.

 

Right, just wondering what the different configurations were. Tony seems to be saying that the parts system won't get any hits on pre-05 VIN numbers, even though they are actually compatible. Seems quite plausible.

 

I wonder if you'll have to supply a VIN in to order the parts in the US...

Nothing is ever easy with MINI USA, is it?

 

I hear that you do have to supply a VIN but have not tried my '03 yet...but was thinking of giving Classic MINI a call.

 

So are these adjustable for dampening or ride hight? Or they one setting only?

 

non-adjustable, afaik.

 

If anyone is following this...

Just got confirmation from an engineer at JCG that the JCW suspension kit CAN be fitted to earlier (pre-05) cars, without modification, although there may be some contact issues at full compression. I had asked about the reference to modifying the "rear body flange" in the Mini bulletin on the kit and he replied:

"the body flange is not an issue on the earlier cars,.it is only a precaution from bmw if the dampers are fully compressed all the time."

Sounds like JCG is fitting these kits to pre-05 cars at their shop in the UK.