Does anyone know the specific differences between the
OEM stock suspension,
the Sport Suspension option and the JCW Sport Suspension option?

When I refer to "specific," I mean are there changes in the springs, struts and bars in each case and if so, to what extent, ie; diameter change for the bars on the OEM, the Sport option and the JCW Sport option?

Any info would be useful, because it seems the company and its dealers are not providing much help. As a matter of fact there is confusion as to where the JCW Sport Suspension option is installed, factory, port or dealer and what is the actual option price.

Thanks everyone,
Ballyrick

 

The base JCW suspension is effectively the same as the suspension on the Cooper and Cooper S.

The "Sport Suspension" option is factory installed and there are a few different threads about what the actual differences are between that and the "base" suspension... Dampers, springs, bars, etc.

The "JCW Suspension" is a dealer-installed option. The price, therefore, varies.

 

Honestly, I'd skip the "sport suspension". Unless it's JCW, I don't think it's worth the extra duckets. I, personally, would just go aftermarket; whenever some coilovers come out for the CM All4.

 

Thanks for your response(s).

I went for the "Sport Suspension" option because of cost. It seems to me that going aftermarket, especially on a new car, is very costly, considering
you have already paid for the stock parts and labor when you purchased the car. I made some very expensive changes to a Saab Aero years ago.

The "JCW Sport Suspension" option is also quite expensive. It lists for about $1,300 and I incorrectly assumed it was installed at the factory. I have been informed that`s not the case and as such there is an additional fee for labor, above the $1300 for the parts.

Someone suggested in this forum, to change the "rear bar" to aftermarket and that may be a not too costly alternative. Would you know if the rear bar on the "Sport Suspension" option is a greater diameter than the stock bar?

Would you please share your thoughts on that and also explain what benefit is gotten from "coilcovers?" That is a suspension part I am not familiar with.

Thanks once more.
Ballyrick

 

I went from a 2010 S to a 2011 JCW and they feel way different in my opinion. 17" wheels from 16" on the 2010 S and the JCW rides way better.
Handling is better etc. Torque steer has been greatly reduced. Some is back after the JAN tune. I think my rear bar is 18.5 and I will go thicker most likely a 22 with adjustablity. Been in a MINI Race car and I like the rotation but you have to drive with the throttle or the back end will come around in a hurry.
I think the Dunlop RF's on the JCW our excellent tires. Way better than the Conti's on the 10'. I was going to ditch them right away but the ride was more than acceptable. Like a Caddy compared to the 10'. I am serious. Had 2 track days on them and I thought they woudl be toast. 2 days 5 sessions each day and the last day the power went out while we were on the traack and we ran for 40 minutes straight. The tires were hot and greasy by then but I was push it hard using all the track. They look like they have 10K on them and it is only 4K but I thought they woudl be toast. Problem is there are cheaper replacement option that are even better. I think a tower brace is order too. I track the car but do not want to kill the street ride as it is my commuter car.

 

the part numbers differ on the shocks btwn the base, S & Sport Suspensions.
The Sport Suspension also adds a slightly lower spring(2-3mm) and slighter larger sway bars. 2mm IIRC.

I opted for the sport suspension in mine. I will simply add drop springs to lower it & the sport shocks will be able to handle this.

Coilover benefits are many. They tend to ride nicer than springs. You can fine tune your lowering, they typically lower more than a spring but allow you to raise the car for winter, etc. Higher end coilovers feature Rebound adjustment to fine tune your ride/comfort. (great for city vs hwy vs track)
The $500 was cheaper than 4x shocks & aftermarket bars,(plus DIY labour).
Sure, aftermarket sways will be even beefier, but this is my daily, I have a modded to the max car already.
As of now, there are about 3 springs avail & only KW V3 coilover$$.

Add up the cost of a F&R sway, sport rated shox & its well above $500. I'll simply add $250 springs and maybe stiffer rear bar ends.

Best advice, avoid the cheap ones!. ST from KW(if they eventually offer this fitment) is the best entry level coil on the market(bar none).