I am trying to configure a clubman JCW and am not sure which suspension I would like. Unfortunately their are none to test drive within a 200 mile radius. I do enjoy a fairly stiff suspension but am a little apprehensive with some of the reports I have read. I have been trying to reach a knowledgeable MINI sales consultant but have not had any luck. I have also called "Ask MINI" four times to speak with someone but have not had any luck there either. If someone has any answers to the questions below I would appreciate the help.
1) Does the Dynamic damper control have the same sway bars as the JCW?
2) Is the JCW suspension 10 mm lower than the DDC?
3) If I configure with Classic trim or Iconic trim I can delete DDC. If I configure with Signature trim it will not allow me to delete DDC? (strange).
4) I can select High Performance summer tires but am not sure if they are non runflats. It appears that only 19" are available with non runflats.
5) Is their a way to add Apple car play to the standard touchscreen media display? Has anyone done any stereo upgrades to the standard system?
Thanks for your help, Steve

 

Here are my best attempts at answers.
1) I haven't seen anything to indicate the sway bars are different.
2) From the original release material: "In the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman, both the standard sport chassis and the adaptive chassis, which enables the vehicle to be lowered by 10 millimeters in comparison with other vehicle types". So - 10mm lower than non-JCW Clubmans with either suspension.
3) Looks like DDC is a standard inclusion in the Signature trim. That's a marketing thing if so, just how they've constructed the packaging. Incidentally, the adaptive suspension will not physically fit under the 19-inch wheels. MINI dodged this question for ages, but it was confirmed in info on the BMW M135i which has the same platform and suspension.
Can't help you with 4 & 5, sorry. (In Australia, the 18 inch wheels came with very nice Michelin PSS tyres, which suited me just fine!!)

I have the DDC and I'd thoroughly recommend it. In sports mode it's quite stiff while it's still firm in comfort mode but not uncomfortably so. The suspension is tuned so that the initial movement is very stiff, then softer after that. So for sweeping curving roads, I put the engine & transmission in sports mode but leave the suspension in comfort mode - you get the sharp responses from the firm initial movement but good compliance from mid-corner bumps and the like. On tight, twisty roads I use sports mode for the suspension as well. The DDC is only annoyingly uncomfortable on roads with a rough surface of small irregularities, where the suspension is only using that initial stiff movement. I haven't tried the non-adaptive suspension but if it's as stiff or stiffer than the DDC in sports mode, I wouldn't want to live with it.

 

Thanks PW4 your information was very helpful.
Steve

 

Ah, that might explain why I didn't get the adaptive suspension with the Iconic trim package I ordered. The dealer didn't explain that to me, and in fact was pretty clueless about what comes or doesn't come with 19" wheels. The reason I went with 19" wheels was because I read that you get 235-series tires with the 19s, and the car did indeed come with 235/35 tires. (Given the weight of the car, it should really have 245-series tires.) I now see on the website that if I add adaptive dampers, the 19" wheels are automatically deleted, with no explanation.

In terms of ride quality, it's pretty brutal over railroad tracks and potholes, but perfectly acceptable 99.9% of the time. I wish MINI had been clear about the 19" wheel option, but I probably would have gotten the bigger wheels anyway.

 

I have a 2018 but No cars we’re available for a test drive. I was honestly hoping the DDC would make the car more comfortable in normal mode and firm when u want fun…. In realty the car is very firm in comfort mode and almost unusable in sport…..It feels harsher than my M4 competition in sport+! I did drive the standard suspension 2020 and found the ride to be similar to my 18 but I’ve never driven a 2020+ model with DDC.

That’s my opinion, I live in Michigan and the midwest roads are horrid ….. perhaps the newer models have been improved/revised but if I had to do it again I’d I pass on DDC. I expected DDC to offer more breath and it didn’t deliver. If your checking the DDC box for additional track work body control 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

 

If the DDC does not work for you. You want comfort.

1. Great coilovers with adjustable dampening, click the back ones to be really soft.
2. No KONI reds yet for the F54, when they do thats an option
3. Bilsteins B4
4. get rid on the factory runflats anyway
5. dont do 19" wheel, do 18" with non runflats


I autocrossed a 2018 JCW F54 with factory runflats and 19" wheels it was pretty rough, but not as bad as an F56 JCW with the same wheels

 

What can happen if I put 19” Wheels on a dynamic dampers equips car? 🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️

 

MINI & BMW (2-series etc) say their 19 inch wheels don't fit. My guess is they foul the suspension at least sometimes. The adaptive suspension struts are an odd shape.
A friend with another JCW Clubman has 19 inch wheels but with increased offset to clear the suspension. Of course, that would change the suspension loadings and handling at least a little.

 

Perhaps a short spacer will give more clearance to the damper? What offset did ur friend use?