JCW Suspension Vs Aftermarket Suspension

[jarvo1980]

Hi All,

I'm looking at lowering a cooper, I thought the best bet would be the JCW suspension but found this only drops the car 12mm front & rear. This doesn't sound a great deal to get that 'lowered look'.

What do other people use? JCW or aftermarket? If it's the latter, what's best?

Thanks

[adam_Randell]

ive just had a set of AP coilovers fitted. propper chuffed with them!

had standard dampers + KW springs before and the ride is so much better now. plus the car is slammed

[Keano]

The JCW suspension kit is a very good handling kit in my experience. The only thing that lets it down is that its not low enough. If your after a lowered look the JCW kit isnt for you as its only a little lower than stock...

If your after a low look to your car then springs can give you that on the cheap but cant go as low as coilovers. Coils have better damping to match the lower ride height and so give a better ride than stock shocks and springs but you pay alot more for them....

If you have money for the JCW suspension kit then you have enough for the AP coils - go for those JCW kit is very good just not low enough....

[adam_Randell]

my AP kit was £490, not sure how that compares to the JCW kit.

the lowering range is 35-95 on the front and 25-75 on the rear i think

[jarvo1980]

Thanks guys, very much appreciated & informative too! Do BMW fit no standard mini equipment such as AP coils?

[adam_Randell]

Quote: Originally Posted by jarvo1980 (original)

Thanks guys, very much appreciated & informative too! Do BMW fit no standard mini equipment such as AP coils?

no they dont mate.

where abouts are you based? your best bet to get them fitted is Formula 1 or an independent garage.

I can get hold of a set of the AP's for you at £490, the same guy who ordered mine.

[Keano]

Quote: Originally Posted by adam_Randell (original)

my AP kit was £490, not sure how that compares to the JCW kit.

If the AP kit was available when I was looking I could have got it and paid for the alignment with the money I spent on the JCW kit...

The JCW kit is good though if your not wanting it to look slammed.... good for the state of our roads which is probably why BMW/MINI didnt go any lower perhaps... ??

[bigfatllama]

I'm planning to get AP Coil too. just wondering how low it gets cuz I saw an info on lohen's site it's only dropped to 30mm-50mm. or do you have any images on lowered AP. I'm running r56.

[Mike Edwards]

If you're more interested in looks than handling, could I just ask why you bought a Mini?

JCW suspension rides nicely, increases corner speed and noticeable lowers the car.

Cheap suspension feels like it when driving...