I have heard that the R56 JCW Sport Brake Kit is really only a cosmetic upgrade. Is it just a matter of drilled rotors red paint, and the JCW logo?

I'm looking at getting the JCW Stage 1 upgrade and adding the Sport Brake Kit.

 

you heard correctly

 

The drilled and grooved rotors; big difference in very wet conditions, slight improvement in the dry, but there's more feel, fade takes longer (not instant as with the standard discs) and is more progressive. I didn't go for the useless pretty red calipers and the badge.

Does the JCW come with LSD in the States? If not, get it! For the money it's the best single upgrade

Hope this helps.

 

Drilled rotors aren't my first preference--especially if you're going to the track, as they have a higher likelihood of cracking. If you're not tracking, it'd be ok, but its going to be more cosmetic than anything else for normal driving.

 

Thanks for the input! My MINI is my primary car and wont be getting much track time. I think I'll stick with what I have and spend the money on other upgrades

 

There are many purposes for having drilled/slotted rotors. Its not just for looks. Although I would go for the slotted b/c of them not cracking. Also I was just planning on purchasing, ss lines, upgraded pads, and motul 600 brake fluid when time came. These three brake upgrades will make more of a difference for a cheaper price than the jcw kit.

Stainless steel lines: to stop flex that happens with oem rubber lines and is less likely to absorb water and cause brake fade.

Upgraded Brake Fluid: I like to use Motul 600 b/c it has 593 degrees F dry and 420 degrees F wet boiling points.

Upgraded Pads: better stopping power and higher temp