2020 Clubman JCW - After mkt suspension options ?
Discussion
Hi,
We've added a Clubman JCW to the family fleet. It's a fantastic car in so many ways however the suspension is wayyyyy to hard. It makes my F80 M3 feel like a Bentley LOL.
Ideally I'd like to invest in softening the springs and upgrading the dampers to cope with it.
Are there any recognised or proven options people are aware of? Who would you go to if you were me?
Thanks,
We've added a Clubman JCW to the family fleet. It's a fantastic car in so many ways however the suspension is wayyyyy to hard. It makes my F80 M3 feel like a Bentley LOL.
Ideally I'd like to invest in softening the springs and upgrading the dampers to cope with it.
Are there any recognised or proven options people are aware of? Who would you go to if you were me?
Thanks,
Congrats - nice car, also considering one as a replacement for our Cooper S Clubman.
I don’t have an answer but might be worth reaching out to Lohen:
https://www.lohen.co.uk/
I don’t have an answer but might be worth reaching out to Lohen:
https://www.lohen.co.uk/
I have a Cooper SD on 18” wheels.
The ride is firm but not too bad.
If I ditched the run flats which will when they wear out , I’m sure it would be beneficial to the ride.
Not sure how much difference there is in suspension springs and dampers between S and JCW but I’d try 18” wheels on non run flat tyres as a starting point.
The ride is firm but not too bad.
If I ditched the run flats which will when they wear out , I’m sure it would be beneficial to the ride.
Not sure how much difference there is in suspension springs and dampers between S and JCW but I’d try 18” wheels on non run flat tyres as a starting point.
Super looking JCW clubman.
Got a 2018 3 door f56 Cooper S and never taken much interest in the Clubman but after seeing one when looking round a dealers with someone else though looked a possible next purchase for a big larger mini.
Apparently Clubman based on 2 series chassis with different rear suspension to f56 and general opinion seems to be that it rides a lot better . Mini, Coper, Coper S and JCW all have different suspension settings with most reviews saying JCW is to hard for road use. Try other versions of Clubman and see what you think. Maybe able to get a set of Cooper or Cooper S springs(and dampers) from Lohen from someone who has done lowered/coilover fitment.
.
Agree about changing from non runflats but found newer runflats are greatly improved over those from 5 or 6 years ago.
My existing Cooper S came on 17^ pirelli runflats changed non runflat Michelin PS4's which improved ride but not as much as on my previous R56 cooper S. This has ps4's and koni FSD's shockers made big improvement.
Obviously going down in wheel size will improve matters depends how much you want to keep the look that comes with 18 or 19 inch rims
Got a 2018 3 door f56 Cooper S and never taken much interest in the Clubman but after seeing one when looking round a dealers with someone else though looked a possible next purchase for a big larger mini.
Apparently Clubman based on 2 series chassis with different rear suspension to f56 and general opinion seems to be that it rides a lot better . Mini, Coper, Coper S and JCW all have different suspension settings with most reviews saying JCW is to hard for road use. Try other versions of Clubman and see what you think. Maybe able to get a set of Cooper or Cooper S springs(and dampers) from Lohen from someone who has done lowered/coilover fitment.
.
Agree about changing from non runflats but found newer runflats are greatly improved over those from 5 or 6 years ago.
My existing Cooper S came on 17^ pirelli runflats changed non runflat Michelin PS4's which improved ride but not as much as on my previous R56 cooper S. This has ps4's and koni FSD's shockers made big improvement.
Obviously going down in wheel size will improve matters depends how much you want to keep the look that comes with 18 or 19 inch rims
Have a chat to Evolve. From their YouTube videos they have done exactly this with their GP3.
Does this have adaptive dampers? We have a F55 MCS without adaptive but on 18’’ JCW wheels and run flats. It’s manageable but I’d have preferred it on smaller wheels and NRF’s.
Does this have adaptive dampers? We have a F55 MCS without adaptive but on 18’’ JCW wheels and run flats. It’s manageable but I’d have preferred it on smaller wheels and NRF’s.
Edited by paultownsend on Thursday 5th November 12:51
twokcc said:
Super looking JCW clubman.
Got a 2018 3 door f56 Cooper S and never taken much interest in the Clubman but after seeing one when looking round a dealers with someone else though looked a possible next purchase for a big larger mini.
Apparently Clubman based on 2 series chassis with different rear suspension to f56 and general opinion seems to be that it rides a lot better . Mini, Coper, Coper S and JCW all have different suspension settings with most reviews saying JCW is to hard for road use. Try other versions of Clubman and see what you think. Maybe able to get a set of Cooper or Cooper S springs(and dampers) from Lohen from someone who has done lowered/coilover fitment.
.
Agree about changing from non runflats but found newer runflats are greatly improved over those from 5 or 6 years ago.
My existing Cooper S came on 17^ pirelli runflats changed non runflat Michelin PS4's which improved ride but not as much as on my previous R56 cooper S. This has ps4's and koni FSD's shockers made big improvement.
Obviously going down in wheel size will improve matters depends how much you want to keep the look that comes with 18 or 19 inch rims
Does your F56 ride better than your R56 (and do you mean you put Koni FSDs on your R56 or F56?)Got a 2018 3 door f56 Cooper S and never taken much interest in the Clubman but after seeing one when looking round a dealers with someone else though looked a possible next purchase for a big larger mini.
Apparently Clubman based on 2 series chassis with different rear suspension to f56 and general opinion seems to be that it rides a lot better . Mini, Coper, Coper S and JCW all have different suspension settings with most reviews saying JCW is to hard for road use. Try other versions of Clubman and see what you think. Maybe able to get a set of Cooper or Cooper S springs(and dampers) from Lohen from someone who has done lowered/coilover fitment.
.
Agree about changing from non runflats but found newer runflats are greatly improved over those from 5 or 6 years ago.
My existing Cooper S came on 17^ pirelli runflats changed non runflat Michelin PS4's which improved ride but not as much as on my previous R56 cooper S. This has ps4's and koni FSD's shockers made big improvement.
Obviously going down in wheel size will improve matters depends how much you want to keep the look that comes with 18 or 19 inch rims
I've now sold my R56 but my biggest gripe was probably the ride quality on crappy tarmac. I have test driven an F56 Cooper S 3 door and initial impression was it was certainly better, but was on a limited variety of tarmac so interested to hear your opinion.
Everything I've read suggests the Koni FSD (or Special Active Sport I think they are now called) combined with non-run flats (and on 17s rather than 18s or 19s) would help any generation of Mini ride better without compromising the handling.
Drekly said:
Does your F56 ride better than your R56 (and do you mean you put Koni FSDs on your R56 or F56?)
I've now sold my R56 but my biggest gripe was probably the ride quality on crappy tarmac. I have test driven an F56 Cooper S 3 door and initial impression was it was certainly better, but was on a limited variety of tarmac so interested to hear your opinion.
Everything I've read suggests the Koni FSD (or Special Active Sport I think they are now called) combined with non-run flats (and on 17s rather than 18s or 19s) would help any generation of Mini ride better without compromising the handling.
R56 was a 2011 model with about 25k miles on 17 inch wheels when purchased came with non run flat continentals on rear (original tyres from date mark) and Toyo tr1 on front I've now sold my R56 but my biggest gripe was probably the ride quality on crappy tarmac. I have test driven an F56 Cooper S 3 door and initial impression was it was certainly better, but was on a limited variety of tarmac so interested to hear your opinion.
Everything I've read suggests the Koni FSD (or Special Active Sport I think they are now called) combined with non-run flats (and on 17s rather than 18s or 19s) would help any generation of Mini ride better without compromising the handling.
Changed shock absorbers on this to Koni FSD's which improved the ride and stopped car hopping across road if both front wheels hit a pot hole mid corner.and generally reduced thud but improvement was not as good as I had expected after reading various reviews( although didn't realise one was standard cooper not s). The konis were brand new and an ebay bargain so including fitting cost less than £400. The koni's claim to adapt to driving style but driving it seemed to vary some days was better than others driven on same broken tarmac(from home) and could never determine what caused the inconsistency.
Although Toyo's had plenty of tread decided to change to Michelin ps4's on front - completely transformed the car ride cant really comment oh handling but not compromised as far as I was concerned.
Thinking about it now it could have been the Toyo that were the cause of the inconsistency.
Decided to upgrade to a f56 cooper s dct auto, bouht one that came with 17" propeller spokes alloys with pirelli runflat tyres. Initial impressions were that the ride was nearly as good as th r56 with FS17 inch D's and Michelin/ continental tyres and i could live with it but still intended to change to non runflat PS4's. got some crown spoke alloys and had these fitted with Ps4's (those on r56 done less than 2kmiles) so refitted toyo's to r56 before selling it.
The ps4's didn't improve ride of the f56 as much as they had on the r56(fitted with Koni's) the Michelins dampen out generally ruts and potholes but ride is still "bobbly" even on good flat surfaces. - not bad enough for me to want to do anything about it. Still got the propellor spoke 17" with runflats on them and would like to do a back to back youtube type video on same road (poorly surfaced obviously) to see how much car is moving but outside my capabilities.
Ride evaluation is very personnel and being an oldie my opinion of what's acceptable or not is very subjective. I have a e46 330 ci msport and a 2009 e91 325d SE both with staggered 18inch non runflats - the e91 has a decent ride- the mini is nothing like as good( but put this down to short wheelbase) and not much to choose between minn and e46.
Hope that hasn't confused you even more.
twokcc said:
R56 was a 2011 model with about 25k miles on 17 inch wheels when purchased came with non run flat continentals on rear (original tyres from date mark) and Toyo tr1 on front
Changed shock absorbers on this to Koni FSD's which improved the ride and stopped car hopping across road if both front wheels hit a pot hole mid corner.and generally reduced thud but improvement was not as good as I had expected after reading various reviews( although didn't realise one was standard cooper not s). The konis were brand new and an ebay bargain so including fitting cost less than £400. The koni's claim to adapt to driving style but driving it seemed to vary some days was better than others driven on same broken tarmac(from home) and could never determine what caused the inconsistency.
Although Toyo's had plenty of tread decided to change to Michelin ps4's on front - completely transformed the car ride cant really comment oh handling but not compromised as far as I was concerned.
Thinking about it now it could have been the Toyo that were the cause of the inconsistency.
Decided to upgrade to a f56 cooper s dct auto, bouht one that came with 17" propeller spokes alloys with pirelli runflat tyres. Initial impressions were that the ride was nearly as good as th r56 with FS17 inch D's and Michelin/ continental tyres and i could live with it but still intended to change to non runflat PS4's. got some crown spoke alloys and had these fitted with Ps4's (those on r56 done less than 2kmiles) so refitted toyo's to r56 before selling it.
The ps4's didn't improve ride of the f56 as much as they had on the r56(fitted with Koni's) the Michelins dampen out generally ruts and potholes but ride is still "bobbly" even on good flat surfaces. - not bad enough for me to want to do anything about it. Still got the propellor spoke 17" with runflats on them and would like to do a back to back youtube type video on same road (poorly surfaced obviously) to see how much car is moving but outside my capabilities.
Ride evaluation is very personnel and being an oldie my opinion of what's acceptable or not is very subjective. I have a e46 330 ci msport and a 2009 e91 325d SE both with staggered 18inch non runflats - the e91 has a decent ride- the mini is nothing like as good( but put this down to short wheelbase) and not much to choose between minn and e46.
Hope that hasn't confused you even more.
Thanks. Maybe Konis on the F56 would help it a bit more. What is interesing is if you look back at reviews, the F56 210 Works (a very lightly breathed on Cooper S) gets the best reviews for ride and B road handling over the JCW and GP3. Changed shock absorbers on this to Koni FSD's which improved the ride and stopped car hopping across road if both front wheels hit a pot hole mid corner.and generally reduced thud but improvement was not as good as I had expected after reading various reviews( although didn't realise one was standard cooper not s). The konis were brand new and an ebay bargain so including fitting cost less than £400. The koni's claim to adapt to driving style but driving it seemed to vary some days was better than others driven on same broken tarmac(from home) and could never determine what caused the inconsistency.
Although Toyo's had plenty of tread decided to change to Michelin ps4's on front - completely transformed the car ride cant really comment oh handling but not compromised as far as I was concerned.
Thinking about it now it could have been the Toyo that were the cause of the inconsistency.
Decided to upgrade to a f56 cooper s dct auto, bouht one that came with 17" propeller spokes alloys with pirelli runflat tyres. Initial impressions were that the ride was nearly as good as th r56 with FS17 inch D's and Michelin/ continental tyres and i could live with it but still intended to change to non runflat PS4's. got some crown spoke alloys and had these fitted with Ps4's (those on r56 done less than 2kmiles) so refitted toyo's to r56 before selling it.
The ps4's didn't improve ride of the f56 as much as they had on the r56(fitted with Koni's) the Michelins dampen out generally ruts and potholes but ride is still "bobbly" even on good flat surfaces. - not bad enough for me to want to do anything about it. Still got the propellor spoke 17" with runflats on them and would like to do a back to back youtube type video on same road (poorly surfaced obviously) to see how much car is moving but outside my capabilities.
Ride evaluation is very personnel and being an oldie my opinion of what's acceptable or not is very subjective. I have a e46 330 ci msport and a 2009 e91 325d SE both with staggered 18inch non runflats - the e91 has a decent ride- the mini is nothing like as good( but put this down to short wheelbase) and not much to choose between minn and e46.
Hope that hasn't confused you even more.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/mini/cooper-s...
Anyway, I am confused. I might buy a Porsche next
before getting another mini.The 210 works I believe was just a Cooper S with the power kit from the factory and not the dealer. A good option! We really wanted the 210 kit for our F55. But finding one with the JCW styling kit too was not happening. We thought about getting the 210 retrofitted but it’s still nearly 2k!
Aaran13 said:
Congrats - nice car, also considering one as a replacement for our Cooper S Clubman.
I don’t have an answer but might be worth reaching out to Lohen:
https://www.lohen.co.uk/
Thanks Aaron. I've heard good things about Loren.I don’t have an answer but might be worth reaching out to Lohen:
https://www.lohen.co.uk/
Alfa Pete said:
I have a Cooper SD on 18” wheels.
The ride is firm but not too bad.
If I ditched the run flats which will when they wear out , I’m sure it would be beneficial to the ride.
Not sure how much difference there is in suspension springs and dampers between S and JCW but I’d try 18” wheels on non run flat tyres as a starting point.
Thanks. We think alike! I saw this one coming and we ordered the car with 18" wheels without run flats. There 's quite a big difference between the ride in the S and the JCWThe ride is firm but not too bad.
If I ditched the run flats which will when they wear out , I’m sure it would be beneficial to the ride.
Not sure how much difference there is in suspension springs and dampers between S and JCW but I’d try 18” wheels on non run flat tyres as a starting point.
Ride quality is a very personal and subjective issue; my guess is the wheelbase difference and harder run-flat tyres when making comparisons.
BTW - my 2020 JCW arrived from the dealer, last month, without any Snap, Crackle and Pop tune from the exhaust on the over-run.
Have MINI programmed this out?
Sorry for the thread hijack.....
BTW - my 2020 JCW arrived from the dealer, last month, without any Snap, Crackle and Pop tune from the exhaust on the over-run.
Have MINI programmed this out?
Sorry for the thread hijack.....
It might be worth checking to see if Tein do the EDFC for your model. I bought a Mini Clubvan some time ago with a plan to completely modify it.
Being used to cars like my AMG CL65 I had at the time I found the ride/handling entertaining but tiresome over any distance.
So I had the Tein EDFC system fitted, the difference was night and day as it is a fully active system with infinite adjustments available. I've just got it in auto made so it is literally limo like on the motorway and decent A roads. If you put your foot down you can feel and see the suspension immediately tighten up. It's been on my Mini for over 2 years with no problems, it's expensive to buy and fit but the chap who does my tuning work did it in a day.
It completely transforms the vehicle.
Forgot to mention the coilovers are completely height adjustable too.
Being used to cars like my AMG CL65 I had at the time I found the ride/handling entertaining but tiresome over any distance.
So I had the Tein EDFC system fitted, the difference was night and day as it is a fully active system with infinite adjustments available. I've just got it in auto made so it is literally limo like on the motorway and decent A roads. If you put your foot down you can feel and see the suspension immediately tighten up. It's been on my Mini for over 2 years with no problems, it's expensive to buy and fit but the chap who does my tuning work did it in a day.
It completely transforms the vehicle.
Forgot to mention the coilovers are completely height adjustable too.
Edited by BIRMA on Sunday 15th November 11:59
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