Hi all,

My wife and I just got our first Mini (2010 MCS Convertible auto) last week. "MCSCa" - is this the correct acronym? Anyway, We LOVE IT!

I want to lower it but want a minimal drop. Anything over 1" is too much for me. I think TSW states that their R56 springs drop 1" in front and 0.75" in back. I could fit them on the R57, but I think the additional weight will drop it even more.

I think the minimal drop of the JCW suspension kit (and the fact that it comes with matching struts/shocks) is perfect for me.

I know the JCW suspension kit is VIN specific (the springs are tuned to the weight of the car), but unfortunately they don't have a specific application for the R57, so I did some calculations --

The heaviest car for which the JCW suspension is offered is the R56 MCSa which weighs in at 2723 lbs (weight distribution - 62.8/37.2). My R57 MCSCa weighs in at 2921 lbs (weight distribution - 61.1/38.9).

What do you think the effects of installing the R56 MCSa-specific JCW suspension on my car would be? My car is ~75lbs heavier in front and ~123lbs heavier in the rear.

Alternatively, I wouldn't mind getting a set of coilovers as long as the minimum drop is less than 1". All the coilovers I've read about have minimum drops greater than 1".

Thoughts/suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

the jcw suspension is a back breaker
look at Bc coilovers or KW V1 .

 

Hi there,
So did you find a solution to lower your R57? I am exactly in the same situation and I don't know what to install.

 

I ended up installing Bilstein HD shocks and a 19mm RSB, and am leaving it at that. Good daily driver and great in the twisties. Didn't want to bother with aftermarket springs and that potential vibration issue.

Always wonder how it compares to the factory sport (non-JCW) suspension, though I bet the Bilsteins are beefier.

 

Not a back breaker for me. Love it and would recommend it unless you are looking for big drop or you want adjustability. MINI offers different versions of the springs based on what options you have installed on your car.

 

MINI does not offer specific JCW springs for the convertible, and the JCW suspension is not listed an option when you build a convertible on the website.

 

Sorry ... didn't know that. I guess I should have read your post a bit closer.

Maybe there is a convertible owner with JCW suspension that can comment on the ride, etc.

 

Didnt like what I thought i would get out of the JCW stuff for my 2010 R57 MCSCa so i am going with Koni Yellow Shocks, NM Springs and NW 22mm rear sway set 2nd softest. I will know how well my research goes next month.

 

I'm not actually sure I'm right but I heard a mechanic say that mini doesn't recommend this option on the convertible model...probably the weight thing!

 

It probably isn't weight. It's a chassis flex issue. The vert is pretty much like a dying fish, all floppy...lol Adding stiffer springs and shocks won't help that at all.

 

Right...that makes a lot more sense...