Good Morning Everyone:

So I own an 06 R53 JCW and for as long as I have owned this car, I have had a very difficult time keeping upper strut mounts in it! Sure....I drive the living snot out of this thing, but I have NEVER known anyone who has put as many upper strut mounts in a GEN 1. Sure....Michigan roads are ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE and resemble the surface of the moon, but still,..................

Anyway, forget the strut mounts as I went out and bought a set nice set of Vorshlag adjustable strut mounts. I have installed camber plates in a LOT Of cars, but these things are absolutely AWESOME! Upon disassembling the strut assemblies, I noticed that my original struts are ready for renewal! My question centers on which struts to purchase for an 06 JCW.

My understanding is that the 06 JCW is just SLIGHTLY lower than a MCS from the factory. If you go out looking for struts, there are some awesome deals on a lot of different brands. I like Bilsteins so I went to the catalog and than, went looking for what I need on the web.

The 1st problem is, the Bilstein catalog shows different part numbers for my 06 JCW WITH or WITHOUT "Sport Suspension." Almost EVERY source for struts show the same strut cartridges for a MCS and JCW. Totally confusing! If I plug in the part numbers for the struts the Bilstein catalog says are for the "sport suspension" they always show as being incompatible with a R53 for 06 on every parts website, but none of the websites that sell struts offer a body identifier for JCW, only R53 in general. I reach out to vendors to ask but, of course, no one replies! I like to purchase from reliable vendors, even if it costs a little more dough because you get the support and knowledge, but on this issue, I am really struggling! Or am I just over-thinking it?

The 2nd problem is that my stock struts were just great for many years but they are tired now. I would LOVE to step up to a firmer more competent monotube strut. Bilstein B4's are twin-tube and can be had from MCS for a REAL good deal! B6's, as per Bilstein's literature, seem best suited to a tow rig or something! B8's would be great, but are not only astronomical in price by comparison, but are becoming hard to find a whole set! I have used B8's on other applications and they are, indeed AWESOME struts, but very costly and may be a little over-kill for me! My question is....has anyone out here used the B4's who. like me, drive in a manor that could be described as "spirited" to "aggressive?" I am trying to get an idea of how these shocks behave under duress! Don't get me wrong, I'm no maniac or anything, but I occasionally like to dive into just the right turn or "Gran Turismo" the parking lot on my way into work from time to time...well, OK, ALL THE TIME! LOL!!!! The rest of the time, I would like shocks that can take bumps without dislodging my back teeth!

I looked around to see if anyone was in my quandary and could not really find a great answer to these questions. If this has been addressed at nauseum out here, I truly apologize for re-inventing the wheel! Feel free to post any links to threads that address some of these issues.

 

Blood Brothers.
2006 R52 JCW and three sets of OEM strut mounts in about 14 months. Florida Roads suck too. I'm running the B8s up front and some Monroe's out back. The Monroe's I got only came assembled so I had to strip them and use my old springs. Im on the hunt for camber plates. Question: As a JCW did your plates cost the extra $100? ($635?) Thats what I cant figure out.

 

I was under the impression that Bilstein only made B6 struts for the R53, no B8s available. I would skip the B4s, as they will be on the low end for durability and control. I would get the B6s, run them with a new set of upper strut mounts, run OEM springs, and enjoy the ride.

 

Hmmmm Ill have to check, I had them installed and I though he said they were 8s.

 

The JCW suspension was 10mm lower due to the springs and was an optional Dealer accessory only, even on a Factory built JCW, except maybe on the 2006 GP. If the springs aren’t red with JCW logos on the struts it should have sport suspension plus. You can run your VIN on an online decoder to see what suspension and options the car originally was built with.

A 2006 Factory JCW would show the option codes 3AL for the JCW kit and 2TA for an LSD. As a bonus they also came with the accessory JCW brakes but a separate option code isn’t listed in the build. If you don’t see those two option codes it’s a Dealer installed JCW.

They’re not mono-tube, but many people like the Koni Special Active struts (formerly FSD’s) for the street, but they can’t be used with lowering springs.

 

The JCW suspension was 10mm lower due to the springs and was an optional Dealer accessory only, even on a Factory built JCW, except maybe on the 2006 GP. If the springs aren’t red with JCW logos on the struts it should have sport suspension plus. You can run your VIN on an online decoder to see what suspension and options the car originally was built with.

My springs are not red, as a matter of fact, I had to replace them last winter and just bought them at the dealership, so I am going to assume just regular springs are what I have.

A 2006 Factory JCW would show the option codes 3AL for the JCW kit and 2TA for an LSD. As a bonus they also came with the accessory JCW brakes, but a separate option code isn’t listed in the build. If you don’t see those two option codes it’s a Dealer installed JCW.

I will have to use a vin decoder, but I do know that it is a bona fide factory JCW with a stage 2 tuning kit, cold air intake, LSD and JCW brakes

They’re not mono-tube, but many people like the Koni Special Active struts (formerly FSD’s) for the street, but they can’t be used with lowering springs.

I will definitely check these out! Thank you for the recommendation! I am going to assume that with black springs, I would just be using a standard style strut for a non-lowered car.

 

I just assumed that because I am using a stock coil spring that the extra cost was for that massive (well built) upper spring mount. I DEFFINATELY had some sticker shock, but after I put my hands on them, I was able pick my jaw back up off the floor! LOL!!!! Gotta tell ya, as I said before, real nice piece! Well machined, very nice big self-articulating upper mount and pretty easy to install. I went ahead and gave myself some extra space by slotting my strut towers for the adjusters, but one thing I will expand upon, I was really surprised that there are absolutely NO instructions with the mounts or online. There were certain aspects of these that had me kind of scratching my head, but I sent a very long list of detailed questions to the manufacturer, and they were very quick to respond. If you do end up getting them, I would be happy to forward the email to you. It was very informative and really....kind of a must have for someone using this product.

Also, I told a couple friends of mine about how my car eats stock upper strut mounts, they looked at me like I was nuts! I am glad to hear I am not alone! I used to have an 06 R50 several years ago and that thing NEVER tore up upper mounts like this JCW does!

 

I put those Koni's on my car this week. It is like I have a whole different car! What a difference in ride quality and handling! I have not even gotten this thing up on the alignment rack yet to adjust the camber plates! I figure I have a week or so to let these things settle a bit. Right now, it sits up like a monster truck! LOL!!!

 

Now that you've solved your issue, I'll put my two cents in. I run Monroe Quick-Struts on all four corners of my MC40. Originally, it had the Sport+ suspension that was absolutely miserable to drive - stiffest, most uncomfortable ride you can imagine. The quick struts (MCS) and a 25mm rear sway bar will usually be more than anyone ever needs for street work. It's supremely more comfortable for everyday driving and wonderful on the highway. That suspension is going to perform better than you can drive unless you do it professionally.