I need input from all of you experts out there. I want to swap out my current JCW suspension on my new 2007 Cooper S Convertible with a better system.

I was considering the Dinan Stage 3 Suspension system but found out the Springs will NOT fit on the Convertible.

Also briefly considered the M7 system, but found out it that it is difficult to install, AND all of you seem to voice alot of concern about the quality.

So, now what? Bilstein and H&R?????

 

Your car is an R53, so you might get more responses if you posted your question in the 1st Generation MINIs\Mods\Suspension forum.

Just a suggestion, cheers.

 

Actually, it was posted over there, but it got moved. I sent the mods a note that it might be better to move it back.

 

Two possible options.

What don't you like about the JCW suspension now?

What about checking with Outmotoring.com on what might fit your cabrio including coilovers (more expensive but much better ride)

Or check with TSW for their springs (linear set) or coilovers.

 

Springs I've had personal experience with

Stock: Mushy Feeling, too high
JCW: Slightly more stiff, still too high
H-Sport: Progressive spring rate too unpredictable, mushy feeling
KW Variant 1's: This one isn't fair, as the springs were mounted wrong, but I found them to be too harsh, and the lack of dampening adjustability was a KO for me.
CROSS Coilovers: Linear Spring rate, very predictable in the turns, VERY STIFF, but stock ride comfort, my favorite...

TSW Springs will have a drop pretty similar to the JCW springs. They're linear, so very predictible, not sure about the spring rate.

Megan Coilovers get raving reviews (And they're cheap at ~1000 for a full coilover setup), I've heard that they can be a bit bouncy, but it's possible they weren't adjusted properly.

 

I'm no expert, but I'm no dummy either. Before anyone can make genuinely sound recomendations for your particular setup, they'll need more info about what you intend to use the vehicle for, and what type of driver you are.

Also, what qualms do you have with the current JCW suspension? I have the stock S suspension and after adding an FSB, USS, and 19mm RSB from HSport, the car handles beautifully. A set of camber plates, adjustable rear control arms and TSW springs are next in line. I have a feeling the less you alter the stock ride height, the less problems you'll run into.

For me, the M7 FSB made a huge difference in the feeling of stability of the car. It used to wander all over and feel sorta loose up front, where after the FSB install it feels solid like my e90 330i. The USS added just that much more of the same, and the RSB let me dial it in just how I like it, nice and neutral.

I haven't ridden in a JCW suspension equipped car or any other mini for that matter with a modded suspension, so like I said I'm no expert.

But do you intend to hit the track with that 'vert or is it a street driver?

 

As others have said, you need to tell us what you don't like about the JCW suspension and what your intended use of the car is (daily driver / weekend toy / track car).

Are you going fo appearance of performance?

 

The JCW suspension is not supported nor available for convertibles. There are a variety of spring rates available that match up to the options you have on your car (they use your VIN to determine which one to use)... and they made a conscious decision not to include convertibles in the mix of parts (because it would have meant twice as many parts to manufacture & stock). I guess part of the reasoning/justification they made was that people who were "serious" about performance wouldn't choose the convertible to begin with.

Does that mean it's impossible to install one of the JCW suspension setups on a convertible? No... but it isn't officially supported, and it won't be tuned for your convertible either.

The JCW suspension is the only "performance-related" JCW upgrade that is not made for convertibles.

 

So what does the poster have in his JCW convertible now?

Just the standard Cooper S convertible suspension?

What is the best/recommended upgrades for a manual or automatic Cooper S convertible?
For street only?
For street/DE?
For DE/track only?