[wozcoop]

I'm looking to upgrade the brakes on my 1st Gen Convertible S. The criteria I am looking to meet are:

1. Better braking in normal/fast road use;
2. I want to keep with OEM or preferably JCW calipers for the standard look;
3. Thinking about getting R95 18's so will be on display;
4. Want to fit myself if possible.

I've searched and read loads of threads and gather that the JCW brake kit isn't that much better than OEM and that gains are more to do with the pads and discs rather than callipers. So I was wondering if anybody had used GTT's Spiroslots and Kevlar pads with JCW callipers - or if this is even possible?

Also any other suggestions that meet my requirements...

Cheers all.

UPDATED: Spiroslot's don't fit JCW brakes. Getting Spiroslot brakes front and rear on Thursday :-)

[petervankessel]

Hi there,

Just wanted to let you know i fitted WORKS brakes incl. steelbraided brakelines in front and back myself yesterday (with a buddy). It are actually R56 S brakes witch i painted red. These are the same as R53 WORKS brakes

I also have the R95's on my MCSC and the oem brakes looked way to small. Can't tell you anything about the performance yet.

cheers,
Peter

[wozcoop]

I had a look on RealOEM... but what parts do you need to do this? Do yo know if you could then use standard or aftermarket discs or are the R56 ones different fit?

Cheers,
Brad

[ScottyBoy]

The standard R53 brakes are completely different to the R53 JCW brakes which are the the new R56 standard brakes.

The Spiroslot discs will not fit JCW or R56 brakes, so to the first questions the answer is no they will not work.

Scott

[wozcoop]

Thanks Scott, that clears things up for me. It is a simple choice at the moment between keeping standard calipers and uprating the discs, pads, lines and fluids or going the JCW / R56 route. I imagine their will eventually be quite a lot of 3rd party discs etc for the R56 - unless they are up to track action as standard?

[GP1004]

I have the JCW brakes on my GP and they handled Oulton Park really well. I was suprised! I'm not sure, because I'm new to this forum, but unless your Mini was made after 06 I don't think the R56 disks will fit.

[ScottyBoy]

Quote: Originally Posted by GP1004 (original)

I have the JCW brakes on my GP and they handled Oulton Park really well. I was suprised! I'm not sure, because I'm new to this forum, but unless your Mini was made after 06 I don't think the R56 disks will fit.

They are all the same fitament, as mentioned your JCW GP brakes are the same brakes that are on the Standard R56. They are the same brake caliper and disc but not painted red and branded JCW.

[Hugo]

I'm going to go for the JCW brakes.

PMP has an S with upgraded ferado pads and a GP, and he says you notice a big diference betwen the two. JCW being better.

[GP1004]

I thought the GP and later 06 cars had 14mm lugs, like the R56 and earlier cars had smaller lugs, so R56 discs cannot fit.

Talk to Snowie as he has R56 discs fitted.

[Snowie]

Quote: Originally Posted by GP1004 (original)

I thought the GP and later 06 cars had 14mm lugs, like the R56 and earlier cars had smaller lugs, so R56 discs cannot fit.

Talk to Snowie as he has R56 discs fitted.

On the GP I have fitted R56 JCW drilled and slotted front discs and am using R56 front pads
on the back I am using JCM (Motorsport) slotted discs with Mintex 1144 pads.

What is the real question that is being asked in the thread as I have lost track of what the issue is that needs clarification.

Alan

[ScottyBoy]

Hes asking if Rolands Spiorslot discs and pads can be used in the JCW Brake kit.

The answer is no.

[ScottyBoy]

Quote: Originally Posted by GP1004 (original)

I thought the GP and later 06 cars had 14mm lugs, like the R56 and earlier cars had smaller lugs, so R56 discs cannot fit.

Talk to Snowie as he has R56 discs fitted.

Earlier R53 cars had an M12 bolt, later cars have an M14 bolt but that will make no difference to fitting the discs.

The two bolts that hold the caliper on are the same.

As mentioned..... The R56 STANDARD brake kit is the same as the R53 JCW brake kit but its not painted red and badged as a JCW brake.

So the R53 and R56 have interchangable brakes.

Like snowie says, he has an R53 JCW GP with R56 JCW Drilled and Slotted Rotors so they do work.

Scott

[Snowie]

Quote: Originally Posted by ScottyBoy (original)

Hes asking if Rolands Spiorslot discs and pads can be used in the JCW Brake kit.

The answer is no.

I spotted that you had made it clear - so I am unsure why the questions go on and a reference is made to me and my set up.

maybe I am tired and thick today - nothing new there.

Alan

[ScottyBoy]

And to answer the other question.

Id say go with JCW if you want the OEM look thats really your only option if you want the OEM look.

Or do as i am and keep your eye out for a set of R56 brakes and fit them as they are the JCW brake anyway.

[ScottyBoy]

Quote: Originally Posted by Snowie (original)

I spotted that you had made it clear - so I am unsure why the questions go on and a reference is made to me and my set up.

maybe I am tired and thick today - nothing new there.

Alan

I think theres other confusion somewere Alan. your being completely sain lol

[Hugo]

My July 05 S was 14mm lug so 06 should be as well. Might contact Tony Franks to see what he has to offer.

[wozcoop]

Anyone got any idea how much to order the R56 parts from BMW?

[ScottyBoy]

Quote: Originally Posted by wozcoop (original)

Anyone got any idea how much to order the R56 parts from BMW?

Yes.....

Im not sure on the price anymore as i binned it but its very very close to the price of the JCW's that are on offer from Chris at Woodmans in the group buy section.

I think it was something like £136 + VAT per Caliper = £319.60

Each disc was around £120 + VAT Each but that was for the Drilled and Slotted rotors = £282

Then theres pads needed - New fluid - brake lines as i think the JCW's and R56 ones have a different shape end cap that attaches to the caliper.

[ScottyBoy]

Chris has them on offer for £565 + £35 PP.

[wozcoop]

Cheers Scott, not much difference in price then. Looks like a call to Chris is in order.