Mini Cooper suspension

I'm gettin the bug again and I'm considering another Cooper, this time an S or John Cooper Works.

On my last one, I got the sport suspension option for $500 and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I saw that it is still offered but I'm curious though, what's the difference in the 'sport suspension' option and the 'JCW Sport Suspension' kit? Is the JCW suspension really that much better and worth the $1,416 price tag?

I was thinking to add the 'Sport Suspension' for $500 and the 'JCW Strut Brace' for $277 to get the best bang for my bucks.

What say you gents?

What about getting the stock suspension and then adding a good set of coilovers of your choice so you can be sure you're getting something good? You could even sell the brand new stock suspension to save even more money. You know that JCW stuff is gonna be costly to repair too.

Might want to check the options for aftermarket strut braces as well.

My goal with the next one is to stay in warranty for the length of the entire warranty so aftermarket suspension isn't an option for me, strut brace however that's different. I don't think that would void the warranty. Good point about repair/maintenance cost on the JCW suspension.

But what's the difference between the 2 suspensions?

I've driven S stock, S coilover and S JCW. Personally, the S stock is very, very good. If warranty is your concern, I'd say that the JCW is not worth the upgrade money for a street car. I assume you want to keep it strictly a street car because otherwise warranty wouldn't be such a concern.

Personally, I'd buy the S, and drive it until out of warranty, then put whatever I want on it when it wears out.

I want it to stay in warranty so I don't have to worry about repairs for a while, but I'll track the car once or twice a year, if I'm gettin an S or JCW, it's goin on track, of course we don't need to tell Mini that...

For JCW money, I'd get the base suspension (Free!) then equip the car with H&R coil-overs, H&R anti-roll bars, and Front (only) camber plates.

Changing the suspension on the car shouldn't invalidate the warranty outside of the suspension.

I have an R53 w/ Sport Suspension. I like it. First car I've ever owned that was worse w/ an aftermarket suspension. I'm sticking to stock on this car. Beside shocks and springs, the Sport option also added seats on the R53 iirc.

The JCW added revalved shocks and slightly lower, stiffer springs.

IMNSHO having been down this road for the past 10 years with MINIs:

1. Keep the OE springs - they're pretty stiff if the car is intended mainly for street use. JCW springs are a good compromise (slightly lower), and with some searching you can find them used. The JCW struts are valved better and often ride smoother (at least when comparing R53 suspensions), but the R56 OE springs aren't bad.

2. Run the OE struts for a year or 3 and then replace with Koni FSD's. Decent ride. Good handling.

3. Get Ireland Engineering fixed camber plates ASAP if any aggressive driving is planned. They'll help with tire wear as well as protect the strut towers from mushrooming.

4. Ditch the run-flats ASAP - like before they wear out and still have some resale value.

In reply to Ian F:

If it's going to be in warranty, it's not going to be an R53.

I too would ditch the OE flat wheels and tires on NAM and pick up some light wheels and sticky tires.

In reply to J308:

Doesn't matter. Same comments still apply.