[cooper7]

Just as the title says really. I went out for a test drive with the JCW brakes and thought that they were very good for the type of driving that i am intent on doing.

So whilst i am 95% sold on them i thought i would put this one out to the wider community as so many have now upgraded their brakes in one way or another

So considering that i am intent on adventurous road driving but don't see myself 1) tracking the car and 2) taking performance past 230BHP would you opt for JCW or go aftermarket

If you select aftermarket then would you be kind enough to post what it is that you would go for

Thanks everyone

[:: Jon ::]

Brembo

[Neil the Hat]

...or AP racing!

What about the JCW motorsport brakes?

[cooper7]

The JC Motorsport brakes are £1250 fitted, quite a bit dearer than thw JCW ones which i can get fitted for a lot less. John Cooper Garages felt the JCW ones were quite adequate for a 225bhp car. So does that make people opt towards the JCW's? or is there a better option?

[Neil the Hat]

At the end of the day, they are still single pot calipers.

I don't think I would be happy having a car over 200bhp with small brakes.

Having driven a Works with standard brakes - that was scary enough!!

For less money you can have a four pot system - these are always going to outperform the JCWs.

[dipstic&dinnerlady]

JCW brakes would and has been my choice twice, not over the top and of course you get your warranty plus for your proposed use should be ideal.

[Lucky Dave]

The JCW brakes do not require any wheel spacers which is a plus to start with.

AP and (most) Brembo kits require spacers or the incorrect offset wheels for clearance.

The JCW kit was my choice because if it goes wrong you just call the dealership and it gets fixed, with other kits the warrenty is on a "return the parts basis".

The JCW kit includes uprated rear pads as well !!

And thats before we start going into the fluid displacement issues with big 4 pots.

With the JCWs on my car I can now stop in 4 cars lengths from 70mph

[Tonyt3]

if its never going near the track JCW's will do.

Something you wont have thought about - big brake kits put of potential buyers when you come to sell - JCW ones wont. People assume a BBK car has been thrashed. Its also iffy on the insurance front too - i wouldnt bother telling the insurance about a JCW upgrade as its so 'stock', but some companies wont insure a car with maga brakes on.....

For the money though, they are not a bargain. You will see a marginal increase in performance as apposed to a 330mm brembo kit for instance.

[TallAndy]

I destroyed my stock brakes at the last track day I went too. I would recommend probably the AP racing fronts with some decent pads!

[Roofas]

I'm also in a quandry regarding uprated brakes - AP's or JCW? These are purely for looks only (yes, I am a ponce ) but the Ap's seem better value.

[Tonyt3]

Quote: Originally Posted by TallAndy

I destroyed my stock brakes at the last track day I went too. I would recommend probably the AP racing fronts with some decent pads!

Its quite possible to destroy a set of BBK pads on a track day too.....

its mostly about driving style. My standard brakes cope OK (but not fantastic) now that I have learnt to drive to their limits rather than exceed them.

[uncle albert]

I was going to opt for the AP kit from Lohen or something similar but have now decided, based on insurance/warranty/resale issues, to go for the JCW kit.

James

[LMB]

Aftermarket brakes will require maintenance. JCW shouldn't.

It all depends how often you us the car on the track.

[Polmear]

for your intended use, and to maintain warranty...I'd choose JCW. I have and love them.
For AM, I think the DT (detroit tuned) is one of the options I'd consider.

[REHW]

Quote: Originally Posted by LMB

Aftermarket brakes will require maintenance. JCW shouldn't.

It all depends how often you us the car on the track.

This is rubbish!!!

All brakes will require maintenance and checking and if your tracking your car, before during and after they will need a thorough check. Also a good idea to have a spare set of pads with you on your day out to the track. I have gone through a set on a track day of total abuse and was lucky enough to have the Lohen boys on hand to supply and fit a new set!

[Tonyt3]

Quote: Originally Posted by REHW

This is rubbish!!!

All brakes will require maintenance and checking and if your tracking your car, before during and after they will need a thorough check. Also a good idea to have a spare set of pads with you on your day out to the track. I have gone through a set on a track day of total abuse and was lucky enough to have the Lohen boys on hand to supply and fit a new set!

Ahem. Cough. ahem.... ahem.....

[REHW]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tonyt3

Ahem. Cough. ahem.... ahem.....

Oooooooooops!!

And of Course Tony who bashed his knuckles fitting them.

Many thanks once again!!!!

[Rakey]

JCW brakes, like others have said, they are perfect for the job you want and give good stopping power and reduce fade compared the stock brakes.

Also they aren't badly priced at about £530 for the parts, and possible to home fit too, but if not just a couple of hours labour from BMW max.

[Grabber]

Quote: Originally Posted by Rakey

JCW brakes, like others have said, they are perfect for the job you want and give good stopping power and reduce fade compared the stock brakes.

Also they aren't badly priced at about £530 for the parts, and possible to home fit too, but if not just a couple of hours labour from BMW max.

I've just been quoted £640 for the JCW brakes kit, before fitting, by a BMW dealer. Where can you get them for £530?

[Rakey]

Quote: Originally Posted by Grabber

I've just been quoted £640 for the JCW brakes kit, before fitting, by a BMW dealer. Where can you get them for £530?

Prestons MINI in Colne, call them tomorrow and ask for Dale, his last price around the £530 mark when I asked him a few months ago, he'll beat your price from your dealer

Tell him Martin sent you