My brother just got a loaded Cooper S and after a test drive I noticed his car was much smoother in it's turning that my Cooper. I'm not very knowledgable when it comes to suspensions, is it possible to emulate the sports suspension of his S on my cooper? I like the idea of the JCW suspension but they're pretty expensive and I'm not sure if I need a suspension that advance. In comparison, how are the JCW different from the Sports Suspension?

P.S., he has DSC, does that matter? it's an 03 S and I have an 02 Cooper.

 

Do some homework about what's different between the two cars to see if you actuall have different parts (I don't really know). Remeber, the S is heavier, so that's a bit of difference right there. I do know that getting the parts won't be a problem. But the springs are different for different years. I think they got softer on the newer cars. So the build date of the car you get the parts from will effect how the suspension comes out. People are always impoving the Ss, so there are lots of stock parts out there. I've got a set of springs listed in the Marketplace somewhere (mines and Aug 02 build), and I'll be taking off the stock rear sway bar soon, and will have that available too. The front will be harder to find, as it's harder to change, and it's less improtant to as well for most drivers, but I'm sure you can find everything you're looking for.

Matt

 

Thanks Matt, I spoke to my service manager today and he explained to me a few details on the car. He recommended a suspension upgrade to the sports suspension which would cost about $600-$700.

Now I have to choose between that or a set of new wheels.

 

Do you have SS or SS+?

 

A much cheaper option would be to either look here or on Ebay and just buy someones used SS+ stuff after they upgrade. shouldn't be anywhere near $700

 

I have a set of SS+ springs off my 02 MCS, 50 bucks + shipping.

let me know if you want em.

 

PM me if you're interested.....

Anyway, no way you'll have to spend $700!

The job on the rear bar took me about 3 hours, including cleaning the rear wheels while they were off!

Matt