Hi everyone,
Thanks for the tons of information on this site... I did enough reading before asking these questions but couldn't find specific answers...
...looking for opinions...

I have a 2009 6sp MCS with H&R sport springs which lower the car by about 1.4". It looks great but the ride is very harsh. Going over bumps feels like the car does not have any shocks at all. Yes, it is pretty good around corners.
Now... at 26000 miles, I think I cannot deal with this suspension on North Jersey roads. The winter was brutal and I could have used some more clearance... but anyways, I survived thanks to dedicated snow tires and only a couple of bent wheels :( but as it is my daily driver and I do a lot of local roads, I need a bit more comfortable ride... and not feel like "I broke something" every time I go over a pothole. BTW, I'm riding on Non run-flats with 32psi on all 4 wheels.

OK, this is where I am at... based on reading about JCW stage 1 tuning and different suspension options:

- putting sport springs on stock suspension does improve the look and the stance of the car but messes up the suspension to a large extent. Now it's neither a stock suspension and nor a sport... probably gives you the worst of both worlds. Your opinion is welcome.

- I am really looking into the JCW stage 1 tuning kit. I have read a lot about aftermarket mods being cheaper and getting more HP... but I have warranty upto a 100K miles and also I have not really come across any unhappy campers with the stage 1... The upgrade is a bit expensive but I guess this is what the factory guys (BMW/MINI/JCW) think will keep the car going without hurting/overloading the engine/chassis or suspension. Only looking for a good deal...

- switching to the stock suspension for now (replacing the HRs with stock springs)... but seems like the JCW suspension is a great option... most reviews say it is the best option for a daily driver as it is stiff/firm but fairly comfortable... and of course... you maintain the factory warranty... (although the factory JCW MINI comes with the stock suspension which is the same even on the justa... so either the stock suspension is pretty good or the JCW suspension is really good and does cost so much that MINI is not able to put it on the JCW as standard in order to sell it for what they sell it for...)

...but my question is how are you guys doing out there with stock suspension? Any NJ/NYC drivers out there with the JCW suspension (not the factory installed sport option)? Is it worth spending that much money for mostly spirited driving?

...now I agree that I can get the stage 1 upgrade and drive on the stock suspension for some time and then get the suspension upgrade later if I feel I need better handling on the bad NJ roads... but the dealer is saying that if I get both the upgrades together, they could shave off at least of couple of hours of labor as they would have to lower the subframe only once to install the suspension and the new muffler at the same time (What is "lowering the subframe" BTW?)... That would mean saving about $250... I don't know how much the indy mechanics would charge to install the JCW suspension (labor only)... What are your thoughts???

... should I just get a used 135i?

Thanks to all in advance!!!

 

Keep the Mini. I picked a JCW over the 1M Coupe sooo....

 

From what your saying, you should check out our TSW springs they will really improve your ride and performance without the cost of the JCW.

FYI, I really like the 1M and if you can get it for MSRP it's not a bad buy.

 

It's more capable in a technical sense. So was my '10 M3. However, it has no heart, no soul. It's not fun to drive. The M3 and 1M can both go like stink but you can't get around the weight. My M3 salesman summed it up best when I was deciding between the M3 and S4. It's like driving a REALLY fast tank, and it is. A damned well-sorted and capable tank, but you still can't get around the fact that you're hauling around a 2-ton car. Also, and this is huge for me since I would bust my fuel ration every month and then have to spend $9/gal on gas, the mileage is not good on either the M3 or 1M. I was seeing 15MPG combined on my M3 and friends of mine with 1Ms are seeing VERY low 20s.

Sorry for the OT diatribe there. lol

 

In that case I am getting about 24-25 on the MCS which is not that great compared to what the 1M is getting...

 

Fair enough, but that's why I mentioned the fun factor. The M cars are IMMENSELY capable, mine was a blast on the Ring or even unlimited sections of the autobahn, but that was about the only time it was. At least for me, anyway. During commutes it was just like any other 3-series. The 1M is as well. It is a small enough difference in price that it might be worth a shot with the 1M, assuming you can even get an allocation.

My M experience wasn't bad and I may own another one in the future. IMO, it didn't quite live up to the pedastal I'd had it on before owning one.

YMMV

 

I currently have a 135i and I think I am going to be coming back to the Mini. (Had one from 05-08 and loved it)
Granted the BMW is way faster and handles pretty well, but not near what a Mini does. I would probably keep the BMW for a bit longer being that it is only a year old, but plan on getting married next year and buying a house so the BMW has got to go. You guys will probably start seeing me around here more ofter, hahaha.
I am looking at the JCW and was curious about suspension as well

 

I agree... The 1 series is fun but not as much as a MINI. Much more bang for the buck when is comes to driving fun... otherwise you get what you pay for. The 1 is a much better built car and feels much more solid.. doesn't matter why...

anyways, I went back to stock suspension and the ride is SO MUCH BETTER... I bought the car used and it came with lowering springs and I hated the harsh ride even on the non run flats... I think the problem was the local roads and the NJ potholes...

BUT... with the stock springs (I bought them from a fellow NAM member) back on the mini... I feel the handling is obviously not as tight as I am used to and there is a lot from body roll and nose dive... you know what I mean... The MINI seems to have lost that little edge... but still seems to be doing alright.

SO.... if I had to pick one of these mods/upgrades at this time... which one should I go with?
a. JCW Stage 1
b. JCW suspension

From reading all the reviews... Bilstein HD or the Koni Yellows are the best choice but I think JCW suspension is still the best sport(y) suspension for daily / spirited driving without autoX or track use... and it maintains the warranty (I have 6yr/100K warranty).

Also considering rear sway bar (any good one - another research topic) as well as the strut brace (JCW)...

HELP!!!

 

Sounds like your major issue right now is handling and not power so I'd start there.

 

I also live in North Jersey and have ben dealing with the bad roads and awful run-flats on the stock suspension. I have the Sport package, with 17 inch wheels and between the lower sidwalls of the 17 inch wheels and stiff ride of the run-flats, the ride it pretty harsh. You seem to be a step ahead being on normal tires. You may want to consider riding on 16 inch wheels (if you don't plan on upping the size of the brakes) to get the best compromise. Not to mention if you go with something lighter, you'll be increasing your speed due to less unsprung mass at the corner. Just my $.02.

 

I'm ALSO in northern jersey! I have the H&R Touring Cup Kit (1.4" drop all around) and I ran into the "vibration after lowering" issue...really annoying.

So I've decided to go back to stock suspension (H&R will allow me to return the cup kit). I just really want to improve the stock setup...the car handles amazingly well with the H&R kit. I was kinda hoping I'd find a JCW guy who upgraded to coilovers so I could snag their stock JCW system.

 

I went back to stock springs and the ride is definitely much better and it's again possible to drive on North Jersey roads... I do miss that handling that I had with the H&R springs. I agree that the JCW suspension would be the best option at least for North Jersey... pretty expensive though and I would definitely want to try it out before spending all that money... until then... I am going with the JCW strut brace (will install it next week and post experience)... The next step would probably be a stiffer sway bar, likely the JCW 18.5mm bar in anticipation of the full JCW suspension... I have a feeling that just these two changes might be enough for a daily driver and the NJ ramps... I don't expect to take it to the track or autoX anytime soon...

 

I have the JCW tuning kit, JCW suspension, and JCW strut brace on my 2012 MCS and it is unbelievable in both power and handling. Every aspect exceeds my expectations. Keep in mind though, that other than a dealer loaner S, my car is the only MINI I've driven so I have nothing else to compare to.

The suspension is firm, but still very comfortable for a daily driver. The power difference and sound of the tuning kit is simply night and day to me compared to the stock S.

Alot of people say that you can do better on the aftermarket. True or not, for me, having all the aspects custom to my car, such as the VIN-matched red springs and tuning kit, as well as fact that I am keeping it in the JCW product family with complete warranty makes it the clear choice. No disrespect to anyone who goes the other way, but something to me about having all the JCW badges, as well as the engraved under-the-hood plaque and suspension sticker has more cache than an Alta sticker on the window. Don't get me wrong, I know Alta and their ilk make awesome products, it just wasn't the route for me.

j

 

If you get the JCW suspension, it already replaces both front and rear sway bars.

 

I know... I will probably replace the rear sway bar and maybe the front from a jcw suspension for now (don't know if I can buy them without buying the whole kit and also will find out if it's even worth it...) The whole suspension would be about 15-1600 with installation...


... the way the roads are in NJ and NYC, I'm not sure if it's worth doing anything to the stock mini if it is your daily driver...

 

Anyone here know how many different JCW spring sets JCW made? I understand they are VIN specific, but to what details exactly are they regarding?
- Sunroof?
- AT/MT??
- What else?
There may be someone selling their JCW springs and I would like to know what we need to have in common for the springs to be perfectly matched to my car.

Thank you in advance,
aaron

 

Chiming in here a bit late... I have the JCW suspension on my 09 JCW and its horrible. The car handles great but I can't deal with it anymore. I have had it on the car for over 2 years and about 25,000 miles. Run flats gone for 2 years as well replaced with 215/45/17 Nitto Neo Gens. I also replaced the rear sway bar with a H-Sport 25.5 hollow bar. Its set on the softest setting.

I drive in north Jersey and Manhattan all the time and I can't take it anymore the ride is very harsh. Forget about potholes... you feel every bump and imperfection. Try driving on 1&9 from Rt 3 to Jersey City. Now that is a fun ride with my setup.

I wonder what I can switch to to make the ride softer. Any ideas?

 

Change the dampers. The spring rates are likely close enough to OEM to not be a problem. Overzealous dampers can definitely be a headache though.

 

I got my 2011 JCW last Sept. I put non run flats on it the day after I got it. Put 2000 miles on it around town mostly to break it in and get used to it. Then went on a trip from Seattle to Las Vegas and back. I got the standard suspension with the intention of going after market. I found that going into turns at speed that there was some body lean that made me feel squeemish and made me pucker up. I got an NM Engineering 22mm sway bar set on the lightest setting, this made a world of difference. No lean and the go cart on rails feeling, no pucker factor. Drove it that way for a couple of monthes. Next I went with H&R Street Performance coil overs and corner balancing. Fantastic. Rides smoother than stock, quiet, no vibration, feels solid as a rock. You can feel all the bumps and imperfections, but in a good way. No shaking, jarring, or noise. More like you can sense the road under your wheels. What a ride! Anyway, this is certainly not the cheapest way to go, but then I drive the car every day and it is a thrill every time, so way worth it to me. BTW, whatever you do, get the NM Engineering Engine Torque Arm Insert, almost entirely eliminated my torque steer. So I would recomend if you are not sure which way to go on your suspension, Start with a rear sway bar and the torque arm insert, I think huge bang for the buck and not at all expensive. Remember, what ever you do, you're going to enjoy it every time you get in the car.

 

Chiming in late, (also)

Have you thought about the Sport Suspension Springs (or JCW springs) and the Koni FSD's? The Shocks are the biggest contributing factory to poor ride (at stock height) Whence you lower the car, it will constantly ride on the bump stops in corners (unless you trimmed them) and all your left with is the transition between the spring rate (in the coil) and the "secondary spring rate" or the bump stop. A "better" shock will help smooth out this transition but a stiffer longer spring (I.E stock sport suspension or SS+ (on 1st gen cars) are the "better option)..

The JCW struts are just a better valving of the stock strut design and offer moderate changes in ride quality.

If you hate the stance and ride of the car on stock springs (at the raised ride height) you're kinda screwed. You can't have both without spending some money on a really good shock, with a mild linear spring (on a coilover perch) with custom bump stops.

The springs are your key...If you like the ride quality with the "stock" springs you have on the car but hate the roll in the twisties, you need to upgrade the shock on the car. JCW, Koni or Bilstein..your choice but the Singles are the best option for the street as you can fine tune them, (a pain to adjust the rears since they have to come off the car to adjust)

You can (as a band aid or "mild" improvement, replace the front and rear sways. This will give you better turn in and cornering response, with a mild reduction in body roll. BUT sways are used for fine tuning a suspension setup, not for starting out. (unless you are held to a Race Class rule set on changing springs, but save for a completely different discussion)

FWIW, (may not be anything in a JCW forum)..I have a 1st gen car, but on the FSD's with the SS+ springs and sure it rolls, but will still pull almost .93g on street tires (performance not stock) at an autox, and 1.13 on race rubber. stock front 22.5mm front bar and 17mm SS+ rear bar. Thinking about the 24mm front bar if the SCCA changes the rear sway rule (then will start testing bigger rear bars)

What I can definately offer you is the "tryout" you had mentioned before jumping into something at either the Oct 8th (or 22nd pending weather) autox at the Meadowlands in Rutherford, NJ for you. Or if you want to drive down to New Brunswick, we can take a ride..

Good luck, hope I was able to help (a little)

Jeff