Hi all! I'm an R53 guy looking to upgrade my brakes for track use (want to be able to use stock pads for DD duty and switch to race pads for track days), so I'm trying to understand the differences between...

1) R53 and R56 brake calipers & rotors
2) R53 JCW and R56 brake calipers & rotors
3) JCW "regs" and JCW "sport" calipers & rotors

I was told the R56 calipers and rotors are bigger/better than R53 and bolt right on - but I want to know the exact differences.

Which are "better" and why - R53 JCW or R56 stock brakes?

Are the JCW calipers single-piston and the JCW sports 4-piston calipers? Do the JCW Sports bolt right on? (I am pretty sure the answer to that last one is "NO")

Thank you!

 

As to the questions of R53 JCW and R56 S calipers - the fronts are the same. The R56 caliper has a larger piston, uses a larger pad, and the rotors are 11.57" diameter vs. 10.86".

An affordable front brake upgrade on an R53 can be accomplished with a set of R56 S calipers and carriers. The larger rotors will be needed, of which there are many on the aftermarket, as well as brake lines, which have a different connection.

The rear rotors are the same diameter on 53s and 56s - 10.19"

 

+1

Great info here also:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...cw-brakes.html

 

Thanks for the info and the link! My searching did not turn up that thread. Having a nice read-through with morning coffee...

@ ECST... I couldn't find the "JCW Piston Sport Brake Kit Retrofit" kit (advertized in your sig) on your site - does that mean you do not offer one for the R53?

 

That's for Gen 2 MINIs , but some people have modded it to fit Gen 1 R50 R52 R53, we may have a retrofit kit like that in the future. 34110432802

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/34110432802/




R56 Brembo brakes on R53 conversion : biggest thing is the rear emergency brake cables


http://www.mini2.com/forum/wheels-ty...es-my-r53.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...o-r50-r53.html



R56 PDF link :

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ke-wheels.html

 

I've made my choice based on the great info provided. I'm buying a front brake setup from an '09 MCS part-out, and will add a set of SS lines, slotted rotors, and a set of race pads for track days.

But will wait until the spring to install it all and do a DOT4 flush so I'll be good to go for next year's DE season.

 

Sounds like a good plan. Make sure the part out R56 S brake sliders , slide freely and the dust boots are good.