I'm getting closer to ordering a '19 F56 JCW and already started planning some suspension mods.

So far the "definites" are:
Chassis bones
NM engineering RSB end links

One friend of mine who just bought an '18 JCW droptop suggested an upper strut bar, but was against a RSB. Another guy I know with a '16 HT has the RSB but not the upper strut bar.

I'm not planning on lowering the car, no plans for springs or coilovers. I won't track or AutoX but want a spirited DD that can handle the Dragon & like roads with confidence. Side note: I test drove an '18 and was mildly surprised at the body roll in the corners when pushing in Sport mode, so I know the new car will need some help.

TIA!

 

Upper strut bars are mostly for looks now. If you had absolutely all other suspension mods done, then go for it, but it won't provide much improvement.

Rear sway bar makes a huge difference and should be one of the first suspension mods done.

 

seconded on RSB. Made my F56 feel like my R53. Almost.

 

Both upgraded solid 27mm front and 25mm rear sway bars are much better than just the rear!!

Been driving this way the last week, on rails!!

 

With the JCW you'll already have the sport suspension's heavier front sway bar. I would start with a good RSB (I use NM), end links, (NM), and Cravenspeed Big Pair. Try that and see how you like it and go from there.

 

Thanks y'all!

A RSB was one of the first three things I did to my R53 and it was a marked difference. I'm now thinking, with all the feedback and prior experience, that the 25mm NM will make the list for the new MINI too.

 

I’m going to push my opinion here.

It was one thing to have a rear bar on an F56,
I did it. Was better.
But ....having a larger matched front and rear makes this car complete.
It is now on rails.

No I’m not justifying my purchase.
The much improved handling negated the need for more power
in the twisties.

 

I got a bunch of the frame supports from Ultra Racing and couldn't be happier

 

Body roll on F56 is way more than my car with the factory sport suspension I can tell you that much.

 

I have Eibach's front and rear sway bar kit on my '17 JCW, and it is a huge improvement. Keep in mind, the stickier the tires you use, allowing more G's in the turns, the more the car will lean side to side.

Sticky tires + Coilovers + Sway bars =

 

tires, tires, tires=non-runflats, non-runflats, non-runflats.

 

Totally agree with this advice. Did the same and ditched the runflats and the results are awesome. I can easily rotate the car with this setup.