Long-time lurker, sometime user here, with a lo-mileage '05 MCS 6sp, JCW brakes, and pulley. I've had the R99's with runflat Dunlops since I got the car. I optioned it out with the sports suspension and LSD, and the sunroof and premium packages. It's basically a road car for times I want to go quickly.

I've searched the threads so I know this has been asked before, but I would like to hear opinions from people who have installed the JCW suspension on their MCS after running with the stock, preferably sports suspension for a while. I live in Michigan which has terrible roads-- is the JCW harsher than the sports suspension? For my taste the sports suspension is right on the edge of what I'm willing to use for a street car, so I'd be really appreciative of anyone who can give me their subjective impressions of how the JCW setup feels in comparison.

Thanks guys.

 

The JCW of GPMINI rides better than the stock suspension on my previous MINIs. It's still harsh on sudden bumps / potholes, but easier on general rough roads.

 

I still have my runflats, but alot of ppl would say that getting rid of the runflats would improve the ride drastically, because of the stiff sidewalls.

 

i swapped out the runcraps for some real tires and put TSW springs on...OMG! what a difference..Car feels waaaay more stable and predictable.

 

I think the JCW Sport Suspension, is great. Firm ride but does not beat you to death.

 

You have to be careful with the terminology. In 1st Gen MINIs right through to 2006, the "stock" suspension is called the "Sport Suspension". The factory upgraded suspension is called the "Sport Suspension Plus". However, all 1st Gen MCSes came with the "Sport Suspension Plus" as standard anyway... it was only the MCs where you got to choose.

In all 2007+ MINIs (including the recent 1st Gen R52s), the stock suspension is just the "suspension", and the upgraded one is the "Sport Suspension".

Confusing, I know.

Now that is out of the way, I can't recommend the JCW suspension highly enough. IMO, it truly is the best balance between ride and performance for a street car.

Do a search on MotoringFile and read some of the reviews that Gabe did back when he had a 2005 MCS just like yours (and mine). He sums it up very well... and he's from Chicago, which have some of the worst roads... so a good comparison.

 

Hi Edge,
Your right about the suspension terminlogy, it gets more confusing because they refer to the brake upgrade for the R50, and R53, as JCW Sport Brakes.

 

I have searched all over MotoringFile the last 2 days and have barely found much of a mention of the Gen 1 JCW suspension. Gabe has done some extensive writing on the one for the R56 which he has on his car.

I, like the original poster, would very much like some feedback from those that have switched over. I very much appreciate yours but looking for an even more diverse response.

BTW, I could have missed the info on MotoringFile but I have really been on that sire for almost 2 days doing some serious mod research.

 

My GP has the JCW suspension; it handled phenomenally and rides better on 18" wheels than my previous MINI did on 16" wheels!

 

I am with Hunter, i am also having trouble finding any write ups on the Gen 1 JCW suspension.

 

All I know is that I got the JCW suspension installed two days ago. When I hit the bumps, pot holes, speed bumps & craters that I go over on a regular basis, I don't feel the same thud or rattle of my windshield and hear the same loud noises as I did before. I can now go over these road features and It feels and sound good. Still no Cady suspension

I had the opportunity to test my JCW suspension on slick roads(rain) and the car feels great. Still dialed in on the curves. Most important, I don't feel my wheels bouncing off the road imperfections as I did with the sport suspension plus.

On 1-7-08, I will have a 19mm Alta sway bar install done. I will report back with the good, the bad, the ugly.

PS I have a Factory JCW Checkmate. Now with a JCW suspension

 

I just searched too... funny, I could have sworn there was a more detailed R53 JCW Suspension review. I did find this though, which provides a little bit of feedback.

Also, you guys should look around more on NAM. Check out this thread, it has feedback from a number of people.

 

I have read alot of the threads on NAM including the ones you listed. I still keep finding a varying degree of input from great to bad. I am going to hit up my local club members to see who has one and see if I can snag a ride. That is the only way I will be able to make a decision.

 

It is more jarring ride, but its not bad- I love it. I had mcs with stocker suspension added Hsport rear sway kept me satisfied, upgraded to hsport springs and they were surprisingly less harsh than stockers, eventually got Koni sports. And now I HAVE jcw suspension and just added the hsport rear sway bar on friday.

 

thanks guys, very helpful stuff. Think I'll go in that direction. Already have the jcw brakes and can attest that they make a difference. The JCW stuff does seem well-engineered.

 

What springs are you running with the jcw suspension? I ask because at Morristown Mini the springs are separate.

Thanks

 

I have an 05 MCS/JCW that I bought new. At 52K miles (earlier this year), I needed a brake job. I did what any self-respecting gearhead would do....I went overboard! I ordered up a JCW Brake Kit and a JCW Suspension Kit and installed them myself the next weekend after they arrived at my door! That was several months and 30K miles ago.

It is a quick and easy install if you're handy with tools, and the results are phenominal! I had installed an R-Speed rear sway bar a few months prior to upgrading the brakes and rest of the suspension. The bar in its softest setting was a bit too much for the stock suspension, but once the JCW springs and shocks were in place, the car woke up! The ride is much more compliant than a stock MCS suspension, turn in is crisper and better, and ultimate steady-state grip is drastically improved!

You didn't ask about the brakes, but they are even more impressive than the suspension mods!

I haven't been on NAM in several months, but I thought I'd throw in my $0.02 in your thread. JCW stuff has been bashed long and hard by some people, but the suspension and brake kits fit and function as advertised, and the mail order price is a bargain! Dealership installation is the opposite of a bargain, but mine was DIY and therefore free!

Rawhyde

 

I highly recommend the JCW suspension for street use on a Gen 1 MCS. I run 16" non-runflat performance tires and added an h-sport rear swaybar a year ago. The rear sway makes a HUGE and positive difference in the car. The JCW suspension lowers the car only about 1/2 inch, so you're not bottoming out on everything. I think it's a well researched, balanced suspension that's a great match with the other JCW components. I don't know why it doesn't come with a beefier rear swaybar, though.

Would I go this route again? Absolutely.

 

I just had the JCW suspension installed on 12/28. I had my shop install the Mini Madness polyurethane rear bushings as well. While I haven't changed the stock anti-sway bar (need some cash first), the upgrades are well worth it.

I don't track the car, and most of my 37k miles (in 15 months) are highway, but I feel the difference every day. The car handles like a dream. If you want a balanced street/track setup - this is a very good choice. Even if I had the $$$ for totally adjustable coil-overs, I don't need them.

Some people really want to lower their Mini. For me - 1/2" feels fine. However - you really have to avoid potholes.

 

37k miles @ 15 months?!???!?!?!

I thought I had a lot of miles. I have 42k @ 23 months
(I'll probably have 50k by the time my 2yr anniversary comes up lol)

If the are really separate then would I be able to get H-Sport springs with the JSW suspension...or is that just dumb???

**I do want to lower the car a little more than 1/2 inch.
1) For the look
2) For the handling (heard its much better with the H-Sport springs)

 

JCW****

dont crucify me for that typo please lol

 

Heh - you do know you can edit your own posts, right?

 

Hey MiniGoneWild;

I've heard several things about the JCW suspension. Like all things - YMMV. Some people swap out the JCW springs with the Mach V springs and they really like that.

Who knows - I may do that 12 months from now, however I am happy with how things are. I haven't heard many people swap the JCW springs with the H Sport springs. What I have heard is that most people with the SS+ suspension swap the springs to H Sports and then develop strut issues later on because of the increased stress on the struts.

There is also some confusion with the R53 JCW suspension and what it comes with. If you have an MC - the kit includes a rear anti-sway bar. If you have an MCS - it does not. I originally had the SA at MoS trying to sell me the anti-sway bar even though I didn't need it.

In either case - there are 3 levels of JCW springs available. The springs are matched to your VIN#. (i.e. cars with the sunroof need different springs because of the weight increase from the sunroof).

I purchased the JCW setup (springs and struts) from Morristown for $700 including shipping. They will sell you the struts only from what I have heard. (not all dealers do that).

Regardless of what you do - you will need a 4 wheel alignment.


37K miles. Well, I drive 300-400 miles a week. What's a consultant to do?
BTW - your typo wasn't noticed until you apologized, and even then - hey, it was an accident.

 

I am pretty sure there are 4 levels of JCW springs, for each of the two 1st Gen hardtop models (R50 & R53) - a total of 8 variations... but I might be mistaken.

 

where u located?
you can jump in my car and test it out...

the JCW suspension versus your car!