Looking to do a brake swap on my 06 R53 Ive read that the R56 brakes are the JCW brakes on the R53. So what am I looking for? Am I just looking for the stock gear under the R56 (calipers, bracket, and rotors)?

I work at a major auto parts retailer our computer is saying that the r53 Jcw brake rotors are 294mm. It says the same thing for the R56 so this is where im lost.

Just trying to do a budget upgrade Ive already sourced R56 calipers and brackets just trying to figure out which rotors to use.

 

Hmm, I'd like to know this myself.

+1

 

Let others with experience answer which parts, but yes R56 S fronts = old R53 JCW's. But, be sure you are looking at S's, not Justa's.

Meanwhile, from experience looking at rotors for R56 S's vs. R56 JCW's (the 4 piston Brembo ones), the amount of bad information out there on web sites about Mini brake fitments is appalling. The Mini specialists (MiniMania, Way Motor Works, etc.) know the cars, but the generic sites almost guaranty a miss, and brake part weights are no fun to pay shipping on. Routinely, the generic sites and their catalogs or click through menus don't realize things like the convertible cut over year is different, gen 1 and gen 2 sizes changed, what is going on in the rear with JCW's, which rotor fits which motor and generation in front, etc. I did find manufacturer catalogs like EBC and DBA were right (if they made the rotor or pads), but buyer beware on the on line info in general.

By the way, you could also drill into the RealOEM catalog for relevant years, including the Gen 1 JCW set up, to see more at the parts number level. The JCW stuff will still have separate numbers for anything with red paint on it through, simply because of that finish even if it is otherwise functionally and fit identical.

 

That is the correct size rotor 294X22. You will also need the R56 front brake hose or aftermarket SS line equivalent.

 

I did this a couple of months ago. I used the extensive information in this thread to help me out:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...cw-brakes.html

 

+ 1 to Mr. V and the link to the thread. And to what MP1.6T said.

I have the upgraded JCW calipers for the R53, been very happy with them for the last several + years.

The up-graded calipers will require more fluid, since they are bigger. Nothing like running out of something when doing a project. I am sure you already have planned on this.

If you have done a brake job on the car before, or know the right end of the wrench, everything is straight forward.

 

Thank You Mr V!!!!

I tried the search function prior to creating this thread but with keywords like R53, R56, brakes, and swap. You really dont get anywhere.

 

I'd love to do the R56 JCW brake upgrade but I think my build date is too early, 02/06.

 

Thank you, thank you, thank you. This is good news, I'll get the R56 rear control arms too. (For R53)