Gang,

I have a 2014 R55 base. I have an opportunity to get a full set of springs/struts that came off a 2011 R55 JCW.

Will these swap in with minimal other modifications? What's the difference in ride height, etc etc?

 

There is a good chance that the suspension is not any different. the only JCW lowering springs were painted red, these are about 10 mm lower ride height than regular cars.

If you look at the shock bodies, there is a label on them. It will say something like 'Cooper S' or 'Sport'.

The base suspension is for base cars only. The cooper S (including JCW) has a slightly different setup, that is why the shocks are labeled differently. Sport suspension was available on any car. the special JCW suspension has red springs, but I don't know what the shocks say.

The shocks and springs will fit your car without modification. I don't know if there is a significant enough difference that you will notice the difference.

Have fun,
Mike

 

Thanks for the reply. I figured this spring/strut setup with an upgraded RSB and the X subframe brace will make this fun car even "funner." For the price I'm paying for the takeoff JCW suspension ($0) it certainly can't hurt.

 

Which suspension does it have? The JCW came standard with the regular R55 S suspension. There was an optional "sport" suspension (stiffer, same ride height). I don't remember if a JCW suspension (red springs, slight drop) was available for the R55.

 

That's unknown at this point. Picking it up this afternoon and I'll look to see whether it's the straight S suspension or the Sport upgrade.

Looking at other sources I discovered that the JCW in 2011 just came with the S or Sport suspension.

 

Either way, get a good alignment when you are done. Get the most front negative camber that you can (there are white plastic pins that set the factory alignment, remove those). More negative camber will improve the grip of the front end.

I ran -2.0 front and rear for several years with no tire wear issues. I had the Ireland Engineering fixed camber plates for additional camber, but you should be able to get -1.2 or so with factory parts.

What RSB are you getting? I just put on the H-sport 25.5mm bar, had it on my old car and liked it. Take advantage of black friday sales going on now.

Have fun,
Mike

 

Leaning toward the H&R 22mm. ECS has it on big sale right now with free ship. I'll def get something by Cyber Monday.

 

Yeah, thats a nice deal at $185. It should make a difference on your car. One of the best things is that it is adjustable to suit your driving, and only about 10-15 minutes to adjust.

Have fun,
Mike

 

Get the VIN and enter it here: http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html. If the sport suspension option was installed at the factory, it will be listed.

 

The donor car did have the sport suspension (option 226).

 

Cyber monday is here, just in case you missed it. Think the ad looks like a F56 JCW with a red roof

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...er-monday.html

 

Already ordered this morning

What I wanted wasn't on CM special but still a good deal.

 

Thanks for the order, there still time for 'other sales' .. closely watch the emails and others might pop up that you might be interested in.