Product in question:http://www.m7tuning.com/parts/produc...e1ba44303ded98
I tried searching but came up short.

I just saw this on M7's website a couple days ago. I'm guessing it's a fairly new release. I believe it's been available for the R53 for a while now. I've already got the STB from M7 and I'm really happy with the fit, finish, build quality, etc. I think this USS would be a nice addition. I'm not expecting it to perform miracles however. Lowering the R56 is forbidden since it's my wife's daily driver so I'm looking to stiffen up the chassis in any other way I can(19mm rear sway is on it's way )

Has anyone tried it out on the R56? Any opinions out there? Fit and finish? Bolt holes line up properly?

All suggestions and opinions welcome.

 

I just got it for my 2009 JCW. Quality is as good or better than the M7 STB. Everything just bolts up. No need to widen bolt holes like on the R53. Noticeable change in stiffness especially when accelerating and in corners...Rear brace is next from M7.
Super AGS is another good product from M7. Looks good, and people think it's OEM!

 

Seems obscenely expensive for what it is.... probably works okay though.

 

Expensive aint the word, but your right, it probably does a good job on the track. That's the only reason I would get it...otherwise, why would you?

 

My wife's birthday present from me is her first track day on June 18
I figured I owed her since she's been to over 20 with me over the last few years as a spectator.

Ideally I wanted to do one track day with and one without so we can give an honest opinion on the product.

 

Go for it then...GTSPec makes one too...check your options!

http://www.gtspec.com/index.php?nav=...id=302&cat=156

171.00 - much cheaper!

 

oooh... was looking for something to replace that metal square plate after the resonator... mine was rubbing after a exhaust job

 

woops... square plate is still there... never mind.

is there an advantage of having the brace so far up the car?

 

you have the m7, gtspec and i think it was tsw with the x brace but i dont see it on their website anymore. i am still waiting on a really nice sturdy and strong underbody brace.

i was on gtspec's website they have some nifty products on there like the fender brace. i thought that was pretty cool.. hmm maybe they should make something for the mini.

 

i would only really consider this if you were doing tack day events...otherwise, it's just silly to have...

m7 is way to expensive, but the GTSpec doesn't look like it will clear aftermarket exhausts as it states on the website. TSW made one for the 53, not one for the 56 that I have seen...

 

^^^agreed. the GTSpec looks like a tight fit although the price is nice. M7 is a little outta control at $400. I believe the TSW is still in the works. They had a prototype but they ran into exhaust clearance issues. Have heard anything since.

I think I'll skip it for now and do our track day in June to see how the car performs in its current state. We'll make adjustments as they present themselves. I'll also leave the 19mm sway bar off for now as well so we can do a comparo once it's installed for the next track day.

 

when you say silly to have, do you mean because you believe it doesnt work? please dont take offense, im just trying to see what you mean.

would'nt the phrase silly to have also mean for let say sway bars or any other performance mod? do you mean silly to have because the amount of money you put in for the underbody braces doesnt give you as much of a difference than other performance mods for the money? thats what i am thinking when you say silly to have. again please dont be offended i am just clarifying because your my guide into either spending or saving money

-nam

 

None taken at all! I say that because it is primarily used for stiffness in cornering and reduces chasis flex. Unless you are taking corners very tight at high speeds on the track, I dont see why you would need to spend the money on a piece like this if your going back and forth to work, the mall, grocery shopping, etc...if you want it because you have fun on the street thats cool...but this to me seems like a part that has a specific purpose. If you are Mario Andretti on the road or track, then go for it...if not, its silly to have..

my .02

 

speaking of x braces...

tsw's new brace

http://www.txwerks.com/servlet/Detail?no=310

i like it.

 

not that is something I'd spend the money on...that looks way more efficient!

In fact, come next month, I'm getting that!

Thanks for the info nammerz!

 

I just ordered the TSW X Brace. I will post thoughts once I get it on. I waited, beause I like the cross design better than the square design. It seems like it would be more efficient! Also, I would love to get the M7 Rear Strut Bar, but once again I think it would be better if there was a cross in the middle of it, instead of squared off. Just my thoughts!!

 

link no worky

 

I installed the USS and it now feels like I have sports drive on while it's off. The steering is much tighter and although I have yet to take it to the track taking tight mountain roads keep the car from rolling when doubling the yellow recommended turn speeds. Yes $400 is a bit much but the double front and back brace make a difference. I will be putting the back seat brace in next.

 

Any updates guys?

 

Several runs latter I'm still happy I opted for the USS system. It has three main tie points on the R56 one fwd of the front wheels side to side, one under the seats side to side and the fwd A frame tie in just behind the front wheels and the third side to side in the rear tire well on the fwd wall up high.

John

 

We need a group buy on this. Maybe get the price down to 250.00.

 

SRTech is currently running a group buy on the Marshalls Gauges custom made for the Mini. He is also a M7 Dealer and would be a great one for you to contact on this send him a PM.

Tron Chief

 

Very good idea for a product, but like others have said, Peter is getting away with murder for $400... YIKES!

 

I went to upscaleautomotive.com to order and they told me that there were issues with clearance on aftermarket downpipes so they stopped taking orders. I emailed GTspec and here is their response:

The 4pts ladder brace for the R56 mini will only fit stock downpipe, it will not fit with aftermarket downpipe. For your stock exhaust system, it will fit fine. But because of the issue with the aftermarket downpipe our dealers were reluctant to order any so we never made any. We need a minimum qty of 10pcs to start production but the demand was not there. However, we are revising our website where these products (low interest) can be ordered by consumers but the minimum still has to be met but there will be a list that can be view publicly on the website.

 

back from the dead

I opted to skip this piece due to it's price. My wife's first track day was AWESOME!!!!! Now we need new pads . Gonna get the 19mm rear bar and some pads and that should due the trick. She's just a noob so no need to build a stiff race car for her.