Hi, all! I'm about 99% sure that I want the JCW suspension on my '05 MCS. My dealer said about $1050 installed, which sounds like a great value, considering that many aftermarket coilover kits cost about $1200 plus install.

Any reason why any of you WOULDN'T do it?

 

Well, many people have said it is about the same as the old SS+ before they softened it. Coilovers are completely different than the JCW suspension. It is cheaper to buy aftermarket springs and shocks that are stiffer and better for performance.

On a side note: JCW suspension should be installed on my car next week before pickup on April 9th. The main reason I did it is for convenience. It is easier to get it done while they're alreading working on the car, and I know the spring rates are matched to the shocks. Plus, I kind of like only having a 10mm drop, I go over a lot of big speed bumps in town, and do not want the car too low.

 

Hey, thanks for helping out a MINI novice! I fee pretty compfortable. I would like to believe that extensive testing went into this suspension and that it's well tuned.

Does anybody know who makes it?

 

Well, as WindMeUp stated, the JCW suspension are springs, NOT coilovers, therefore you are comparing apples to oranges somewhat. If you want coilovers, then you wouldn't want to go for the JCW suspension. If you want springs, then you can, however if money is an issue, you can get an aftermarket setup for about half the price with really nice shocks/springs.

The main thing that I would say is good with JCW is that you can retain all warranty stuff, and it gives you peace of mind. Basically just ask yourself how much that's worth to you. If it's worth the 1050 bucks, then go for it!

I'm not sure, but I think the JCW suspension is actually manufactured by JCW.

 

What quality aftermarket setup can you get for ~$500?

 

H-sport springs and sway bars

 

We're talking about springs and shocks, not springs and a sway bar. Is the sway bar the best suspension mod I have ever done? Yes... but that's for a whole different thread.

It's not really as much about price as it is preference. If you want the extra ride comfort and warranty of the JCW, then go for it. It is fairly competitively priced, mine was quoted at less than Johnny L's, which makes it even more competitvely priced than it normally would be. H-sport springs give a lot more of a drop than the JCW, and you don't know whether the spring rates will be a good match for the shocks you get or not.

Performance or Comfort... trying to find the balance.

 

The JCW suspension is only springs according to my dealer and the website, not shocks. If that is untrue, can someone clear it up?

 

http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/...sion_in_detail

If you look at the PDF, it lists the JCW Sport Suspension at 565, plus another 95 per spring (4 springs), total comes to 945 for the Cooper S, which is the right price.

So it should be 4 shocks, 4 springs.

 

Is the JCW suspension setup, stiffer (like just around town and such) than the '05 SS+ Suspension? If it is I won't get it, but JCW and a few others says it provides a softer ride around town and steps up the performance when needed.

Thanks
Chili

 

If it really is softer, not really sure how much more performance it offers compared to the factory suspension

 

I don't know of any decent springs and shocks that you can get for $500, so I was just throwing that in there incase the original poster did not know.

 

Springs are pretty cheap aftermarket.. but shocks on the otherhand, are not.

 

Maybe one day soon it will be available for 02-04 model cars :smile:. Let's hope so.

 

They are working on a fix. The only problem is aparent rubbing issues at full compression. My dealer has grow tired of waiting and is just going to do it to see what happens.

 

The JCW suspension upgrade is on my short list but as WindMeUp mentioned it may not be any more than the original 02 SS that I already have. My dealer is planning on putting together a demo car with the full jcw options including brakes and suspension. Will wait to drive my car vs demo back to back.

Nice

 

You need to challenge your dealership. My dealership was unaware of the differences between the pre 04 and 05 JCW kits. Very frustrating, but it worked out with help from a few folks from NAM, and, with some pointed conversation between me and the dealer. Funny that name...dealer

All of the marketing info I have read says spring and dampers. And, the springs are matched to your VIN. This will tell the JCW folks what equipment you had installed at the factory so they can select the correct lb/in spring for your car.

 

I hear ya and I'm waiting and tapping my fingers impatiently...

 

On Motoringfile.com, I read this initial impression. What got my attention was that it was demoed for a group of Motoring Advisors; it was said that they were able to improve autocross laps by two seconds over cars with the SS+.

Here's the link: http://http://motoringfile.com/2005/..._reader_review

I'm looking for something that'll maximize street drivability, and it seems as though the JCW might just fit the bill.

I don't really think that I want something that's maximized for a track because that stuff can get pretty twitchy on the backroads.

Thanks for the comments; they have been very instructive.

 

I believe my motoring advisor was part of that group. He told me - and I shared this conversation here - that those with the least amount of driving experience decreased their lap times by a minumumof two seconds. What this tells me is the JCW suspension makes fast driving accessible. In other words, easy. A great car should make ordinary fools look great.

 

I usta have a 95 M3, and that car suffered me quite nicely . . . My brother's 1965 VW Squareback was another story . . .

 

Were they only comparing the JCW Sus. with the '05 SS+?

My SA was at a similar demo (possibly the same one) and he told me that the JCW Sus. would do little to improve the handling of my '03 MCS.

Has anyone installed the JCW Sus. on an early build '04 or older MCS?

I'm weighing my spring/damper options, and I really like the idea of a progressive rate spring that only lowers the car 10mm.

 

[QUOTE=tsukiji]
Has anyone installed the JCW Sus. on an early build '04 or older MCS?
QUOTE]

According to the same article, the JCW susp can't be installed on pre July '04 build MINIs.

 

[QUOTE=Johnny L]According to my SA it can, it just requires some minor surgery to get the rears in—go back and read the PDF!

He also told me about someone who installed it on an MCSC.

 

Yeah, you may be able to install it on pre-July 04 cars but it's not official from MINIUSA and a lot of the dealers are asking for the VIN - they won't sell the kit to you unless you have the right vehicle .