Can anyone tell me if the JCW Clutch will fit the cooper S?
Also, does the JCW Clutch handle more torque?

I need a new clutch but want to keep the cost down and oem.

Help appreciated

Well it looks like i answered my own question.

Bought the JCW clutch from my local dealer and fitted it.

Works a treat. Same price as the standard S clutch but is a upgrade i'm lead to believe.

Doesn't handle the same power as a after market clutch but still more than standard.

I hope you fitted a new flywheel too ?

No, I had a good look at the flywheel and it looked perfect, no damage.

Do you think I should have changed it at the same time as the clutch?

On another note. Am I correct in thinking you are the man to see about a oil catch can for a R55 Cooper S?

Although the surface of your DMF (dual mass flywheel) may pass your visual inspection, the mating surface will have high and low spots, from the old friction driven plate surface, and your new clutch kit, will now wear to these high and low spots, which could induce judder, as it beds in, and can cause premature wear of the friction driven plate, from uneven wear, and as you can not resurface a DMF (dual mass flywheel) you should always install a new DMF (dual mass flywheel) each and every time you install a new clutch kit, however this is not the only reason, you should replace the DMF (dual mass flywheel) with each new clutch kit fitted.

For future reference, you should be aware, that there are wear measurements tolerances for a DMF (dual mass flywheel) this includes radial and axial movement, anything more than the allowed tolerance specification, and your albeit new clutch kit, will wear out, significantly quicker, than had you fitted a new DMF (dual mass flywheel) at the time you fitted your new clutch kit.

If you have read about me on a different MINI forum, then yes it's me.

I see.

Totally now understand why i should have changed the DMF.
It was a consideration at the time but did not have the information I now have.

Think when I need to change this clutch i'll get a even stronger clutch with new DMF.

Wouldn't want a lightened flywheel as its my daily drive.

Thanks for all the information, much appreciated.

You can't fit a stronger clamping forced clutch kit, with the factory stock DMF, the DMF is designed to work, with the OEM factory stock clutches, as they have radial dampening which is weighted to work with the OEM factory stock clutches.

You don't need to get a lightened flywheel, there are alternative 1 piece steel solid mass flywheels, which can be balance tuned, to work with the aftermarket clutches, offering a significant wear resistance when compared to the DMF flywheel/clutch components.