2nd Gen JCW New JCW Coupe Order - need perspective

Discussion in '2nd Generation: 2007+ R55 through R61' started by J997tt, Feb 21, 2014.

  1. J997tt

    J997tt New Member

    Feb 21, 2014
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    Hello - I am ordering a 2014 JCW Coupe (US Model) and have a question around suspension options. Is the $1,377 JCW sport suspension heads and shoulders better than the $500 optional sport suspension? I can find no data on the differences between the two. What are the differences? I plan to track the car 4-5 times/year.

    I would appreciate any owners real world perspectives. Placing the order tomorrow or Monday.

    Thanks much.
     
  2. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Welcome, thanks for joining Motoring Alliance, the FUN and Friendly MINI Community.
     
  3. rkw

    rkw Well-Known Member

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    JCW suspension isn't installed at the factory. It's a dealer installed option and $1,377 doesn't include installation. Expect the final cost to be over $2000! You need to ask your dealer about installation charge. There might be a small discount if you can have it installed at the port (during car preparation after unloading off the ship).

    MotoringFile has some information and reviews of JCW suspension on the hatchback:
    MotoringFile » Archive » JCW Sport Suspension Official Information
    MotoringFile » Archive » MF Review: R56 JCW Sport Suspension
    MotoringFile » Archive » MF Review: JCW Suspension at the Track
    MotoringFile » Archive » JCW Suspension One Month Review

    The bottom line: Whatever the performance benefit, you can't ignore the high cost.
     
  4. Jason Montague

    Jason Montague New Member
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    :cornut: I'll take a stab at this although I'm merely spirited street and not a racer. I have MINI Margi (08 R56 BRG MCS/JCWm) and in these days factory JCW were not available. The dealer added any and all JCW kits. I had your choice of JCW greatly lowered suspension or the $500 sport suspension. I chose the sport suspension and have never regretted it. The tires on 17in wheels are usually 205 or 215 45 R17 and have more height and spring for racing. The JCW suspension wheels are usually 215 35 R18, not much spring there although if looks are important, they look more aggressive. The sport suspension is lowered about 3/4 in but the JCW suspension is lowered closer to 1 3/4 in. As the center of gravity is lowered, the roll point actually raises making the lowered suspension not as good in the turns unless heavier antiroll bars and shocks are tuned to the car. So it's all about money and looks. One isn't better than the other. One just looks more aggressive than the other. Now I'm sure that this will start a controversy so keep checking back to get all the information.:Thumbsup:

    Jason
     
  5. CHKMINI

    CHKMINI Club Coordinator
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    I got mine with stock suspension and then change to NM Springs and Koni Yellows. Added a 25mm competition sway bar and adjustable lower control arms. It now handles like it is on rails.
     
  6. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    ^^^^ and I can say your car looks and handles very good from what I could see on the Donut run last year. :Thumbsup:
     
  7. N2MINI

    N2MINI MINI of the Month

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    Just make sure what your future plans are for the car. Way too many people buy the sport suspension, and then in less then a year put a bigger sway bar on and then end up with different springs or coilovers shortly there after. They ended up wasting money on the sport suspension and are paying for it monthly for the next 3-5 years and it's laying on the garage floor.
     
  8. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    So true:Thumbsup: save the money for mods
     
  9. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Definitely what they said! Good luck with the order. And welcome to MA!
     
  10. J997tt

    J997tt New Member

    Feb 21, 2014
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    Thanks for the replies...

    Apologize for not showing up sooner. I appreciate the replies. After learning that most of the JCW accessories were dealer installed and my local dealer had no Coupe allocations I went in search of a dealer stock car that was equipped closely to what I wanted. Found it with an image attached. I have already done a bunch of cosmetic mods (rear diffuser, GP belly pan, carbon inside, black exterior trim, black scuttles, strut brace, etc.).

    Spec.:

    White silver/black top
    Piano black interior
    Heated Recaro seats
    Navigation
    JCW leather/alcantara steering wheel
    JCW leather/alcantara dash
    JCW supplemental gauges
    Auto headlamps/wipers
    Black R113 wheels
    Black stripes (likely to be removed soon)
    Chrome line interior
    Xenon with black housings, white turn signals
    Center armrest
    Auto climate
    H/K with Sirius

    I have had it 45 days or so and have been traveling so driven it a few miles, what fun. I will post some interior images soon. Next up a suspension and that's it for a while...

    Thanks,
     

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  11. rum4

    rum4 Club Coordinator
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    Welcome to m/a.
     
  12. CHKMINI

    CHKMINI Club Coordinator
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    Where are you located? I thought I saw a Coupe like this in Columbus..
     
  13. J997tt

    J997tt New Member

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    In the Philadelphia area. Btw - it's a 2014.... Thanks for the welcomes..
     
  14. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Cool another Philly guy. Oh and I agree with getting rid of the stripes. :Thumbsup:
     
  15. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Pretty sharp looking Coupe.
     
  16. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Looks really good!
     
  17. old81

    old81 Club Coordinator
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    Looks very nice, good start on the mods, tastefully done. :)
     
  18. rum4

    rum4 Club Coordinator
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    Beware J997tt Dave O. Doesn't have any love for Minis unless it's an R53.
     
  19. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    :lol::lol::lol::lol: I do like the Coupe and Roadsters when they are lowered a little and done right. :Thumbsup::Thumbsup::Thumbsup:
     
  20. JackMac

    JackMac Well-Known Member

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    Welcome. Sounds like your JCW Coupe has everything from the factory. These cars handle great with the stiffer chassis and lower center of gravity. Should be a nice setup once the suspension work is done.

    Planning to take it to NJMP?
     

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