Would the factory JCW Clubman , 6 speed 2013 be noiser or harder riding when driven normally and not pushed or raced? Putting price aside are there any negatives when compared to an S? Appreciate feedback

 

It shouldn't be noisier, but it will be firmer.

 

Thank you. Understand on noise and assume firmness relates to steering as well as feedback from road. Thus rough surface would be magnified. However, would one notice firmness on a highway ?

 

The firmness would be felt during all driving. How much? That's kind of subjective. I like firm rides on these types of cars but I don't want my fillings to fall out when I hit a bump.

Are you looking to upgrade your suspension to the sport? Do you think your current suspension is harsh?

 

No, i am considering buying a JCW factory version Clubman My reference is an S Clubman My concern is that the JCW will run too hard or harsh on highways or for local driving - sounds like you have not found it that way thank you

 

Does the R55 JCW you're eyeing come with run flats?

 

^this.

If it has run flats get rid of them. #1 complaint for a harsh ride. Not sure if the clubbie ever came with run flats since it has a spare tire well.

If it was me I'd opt for the sport suspension. It also lowers the car ever so slightly which gets rid of some of the wheel gap resulting in a nicer look.

 

I think has run flats - absolutely makes sense to switch , particularly as room for spare. Must also see what is in current clubman. Recollection is all weather which suggest no torun flats.

Do not know whether has sports suspension or not. Will find out.

 

The Clubman S and JCW both came with run-flats. The factory JCW is noisier than the S because it has a different exhaust system. From the factory, the tires and suspension are the same.

 

Thank you.

Would switching run flat tires make a noticeable difference in the ride? Have you had experience or heard of a brand you would recommend?

 

Absolutely!

Michelin Pilot Super Sports 215-45-17 are highly recommended.

 

Extremely helpful Thank you very much

 

I see you're in NY. MPSS are Max Performance Summer tire. Just something to think about.

If you're requiring an all season tire. The Pilot Sport A/S 3 is Michelin's ultimate Ultra High Performance All-Season tire. Hope that helps.

 

Another good all season is the Continental ExtremeContact DWS.

 

Thank you Ovrclck and Cerenkov for specific brand recs

my existing Clubman S paperwork shows "all season tires" - but no brand - can all season also be run flat - or would sticker say run flat?

in any event, getting exact tire brand name off my existing S and will post

 

Yes run flats can be all-season. Sometimes they are abbreviated "rft" in the name of the tire.

 

Both the S and the JCW could be ordered with the same suspensions. Standard, Sport (+$500), or the JCW suspension (+ $$$ a lot). I would think a JCW would ride pretty nice and quiet if it has the standard suspension and non-rf tires in 17" size.

 

thank you for that, Jim Tomorrow, i will check which suspension i currently have and which was built on the JCW

 

Here's my take on this. I have a 2012 S Clubman,but recently drove a 2014 JCW Clubbie with the 17" Rims and Pirelli RFT tires.
Only slightly noisier than my S, and I also have RFT's in the 16" size(Dunlops)
Ride, a bit firmer,but not excessively so.
I would have been happy with it as a Daily Driver.
That famous JCW exhaust sound was okay too, and the brakes are a step above my S.
I just couldn't spend the money that JCW is still worth at this point in my life right now.

 

Thank you, Red. Your experience reflects other comments - that differnences exist but not so noticeable as to preclude everyday driving, though that is not highest and best use of the JCW features. Hope yours lasts as coming Clubman seems very different - perhaps too improved

 

It WILL be interesting to see the New Body Clubman once it gets unveiled.
I wonder what goodies a JCW version brings in all the new models.
I'm guessing only the 2.0 liter engine will get the Factory JCW treatment?