I'm hoping that you nuts who know the OEM suspension system inside and out can help clarify a few things for me.

I have an 05 JCW MCS, which I bought with the JCW suspension dealer-installed from day one (i.e. 17 miles on the car). I also made sure that I kept the original SS+ struts and springs, which they gave back to me in a box.

My girlfriend (ssallykat here on NAM) has an 05 MC, with the base suspension. I would like to use my original suspension parts to be able to upgrade her car to SS+. Now, I understand that there is a little more to the "+" than just the struts and springs... can anyone elaborate on that? Is it just the stabilizer bar?

EXACTLY what will I need to obtain in order to complete the part package?

I won't be attempting the work myself (I'm more technically minded than mechanical), but I'd like to know exactly what I'm getting into before I start talking to dealerships or anyone else to do the job... perhaps even buying any other parts needed ahead of time, and only paying for the labor.

Anyway, clear info on the exact differences between the two OEM factory suspension options would be much appreciated!

 

aren't mechanics also referred to as technicians? now I am really
confused.



i think it's a direct swap + 18mm rear swaybar. i believe
the front is 22mm but don't quote me on the diameters.

 

Here's a parts summary for SS (Sport Suspension - standard on MC)
vs. SS+ (Sport suspension plus - optional of MC, standard on MCS):

Front Bar:
Cooper with SS 22.5mm part# 31 35 6 757 072 w/ bushing 31 35 6 757 146
Cooper or MCS with SS+ 24mm 31 35 6 758 301 w/ bushing 31 35 6 758 302

Rear Bar:
Cooper with SS 16mm 33 55 6 754 818
Cooper or MCS with SS+ 17mm 33 55 6 754 819
same bushing for SS and SS+ rear bars

Struts:

Cooper with SS 31 30 6 759 245/246 (F=...245/R=...246)
Cooper or MSC with SS+ 31 30 6 759 247/248 (F=...247/R=248)

Springs

For the Cooper with SS : (choice depends on vehicle weight with options chosen)

31-33-6-756-645 or -646 or -647 front
33-53-6-756-657 or -658 or -659 rear (in usa only -658 or -659)

For the Cooper with SS+ : (choice depends on vehicle weight with options chosen)

31-36-6-758-310 or -311 or -312 front
33-53-6-758-354 or -355 or -356 rear

For the Cooper S : (choice depends on vehicle weight with options chosen)

31-36-6-758-311 or -312 front
33-53-6-758-356 or 379 rear

 

Heh... maybe I should have clarified that... I'm a network engineer, so I think in terms of computers (PCs, servers, switches, routers, etc.), not mechanical - although the mechanical is still fascinating, I'm just not confident enough to do the work myself without screwing something up.Wow - thanks Christo! Fantastic breakdown... I didn't realize that the factory suspension options also varied depending on vehicle options, just like the JCW suspension. Cool... although I wonder the adverse affects of using my SS+ struts & springs in her car, since mine is loaded with options, so they are probably the stiffest spring rate... hmmm.

 

cristo- that should be a sticky! great job

eric- hahaha, i was just kidding.

 

Eric?

 

Maybe he was making a joke to me.

If they pulled your shocks/springs as a unit, installing them is a piece of cake. You do need a BIG socket for the bottom bolt on the rears and 101ft-lbs of torque, but otherwise it's just two bolts up top. It's good to get to know the car!
While you're at it, put the rear bar in (have you gone to a 22mm?) If not, plenty of stock ones for sale out there.

 

oops...