R55 :: Clubman Talk (2008+) Discussions revolving around the extended wheelbase Clubman (R55) model.

R55 JCW strut bar

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Old 03-01-2013, 03:52 AM
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JCW strut bar

I added a Strut bar to my car yesterday. If you have been on the fence about doing it, don't wait any longer. Great mod, well worth the money. I picked it up from our local dealer which is a sponsor of the forum and has great pricing. I am fortunate to have him near by and can pick up my stuff, saves on shipping.
Took it home put it on in about 10 min and I could instantly feel the change. This morning on the way to work, i hit a couple of spots that the car would normally get a bit out of shape and it stayed true. I also seemed to have a bit better traction this morning. Overall money well spent.
 
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Old 03-01-2013, 03:57 AM
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Happy you like it. I installed my strut bar this morning at 4am...figured I'd do it before I had to head out to work. I don't have the JCW...bought the GTSPEC so it would clear the DDM Works RIS. I, too, felt an improvement instantly.
 
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Old 03-01-2013, 04:00 AM
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I've been in a quandry about adding this, although I want the new version that helps with the shock tower top from mushrooming. I know that the r56/58/59 series don't have the problem that the r53's did, but I still like insurance. Sounds like a plan for May. I've got enough other mods to install first.
 
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Old 03-01-2013, 09:01 AM
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Originally Posted by DTH2CHRM
Happy you like it. I installed my strut bar this morning at 4am...figured I'd do it before I had to head out to work. I don't have the JCW...bought the GTSPEC so it would clear the DDM Works RIS. I, too, felt an improvement instantly.
I looked at the GTspec and wanted it but they are out of stock and it seems to be difficult to get. I figure I am either going to stay with the JCW stuff or Alta intake and both work with the JCW bar.
 
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Old 03-01-2013, 09:04 AM
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Originally Posted by hemisedan
I've been in a quandry about adding this, although I want the new version that helps with the shock tower top from mushrooming. I know that the r56/58/59 series don't have the problem that the r53's did, but I still like insurance. Sounds like a plan for May. I've got enough other mods to install first.
I was thinking the same thing but there is a good amount of coverage with the JCW bar and I was told by an after market bar maker that the mushrooming isn't a problem any more. He could have easily pushed his product, well the one he sells but he didn't. Take that for what its worth!
 
  #6  
Old 03-01-2013, 12:23 PM
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I've had one on my car since 2009. I thought it made the car feel more solid on rough roadsl
 
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Old 03-04-2013, 09:50 AM
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How jarring is it now going over rail road crossings? There are two of them on my commute, and even though I aim for the smoothest path they can still rock my world a little... curious if this will affect it much as I don't want to create any more rattles. Still intrigued though
 
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Old 03-04-2013, 02:26 PM
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I don't find it more jarring at all. Better controlled with perhaps a more stable feel to the front end.
 
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Old 03-04-2013, 03:51 PM
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I agree with the more controlled, not jarring here but then I ditched the run flats.
 
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Old 03-04-2013, 08:09 PM
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Cool, thanks. No run flats here either, but 17" rims so maybe a tad more on the harsh side. I've found that pushing the Sport button actually makes the car more stable feeling on bumps, and even less jarring, which is counter-intuitive to what I would have guessed but if that's really the case then maybe the strut is even more of that, like a second Sport button. Is that a correct analogy?
 
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Old 03-05-2013, 12:09 PM
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I can buy that.
 
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Old 03-07-2013, 11:41 AM
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It feels a bit tighter but honestly, if you use it with run-flats, it makes the ride even rougher. I have 16" runflat winters on at the moment and while they are better than 17" runflats that came with the car, they are by no means smooth, made worse by the strut brace. Can't wait for spring to get my non runflat summers on.
 
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Old 03-08-2013, 04:39 PM
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I was thinking about buying one for my wife's Clubman S - I drive it a couple times a week, but if it is going to make the ride rougher I'm going to hold off. The car still has 17" run-flats and came with the sport suspension so its rough enough for her as it is.
 
  #14  
Old 03-08-2013, 06:37 PM
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I put one on my R55, and I honestly can't say it's much more than decorative, handling/ride neither perceptibly better or worse (unlike some other cars I've added a strut brace to).
 
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