I bought a used 2006 JCW from a friend. My friend used to slalom the JCW on a pretty regular basis. It was sporting partially worn Dunlop Direzza ZII's when I bought it. I found the ride VERY stiff. Traction was very good on dry and only so-so on wet. The JCW is my daily driver and I don't slalom (yet!).

I bought Conti DW's this spring. Very pleased with the ride quality, especially on some of the crappy roads in and around Ottawa. Wet traction is awesome, while turn-in at speed is a little more squirrely than with the Direzzas.

Looks like I'm going to get another set of wheels with stiffer tires for when I begin slaloming next spring

 

So I have the tires on the car finally. Quick impressions...

Unstoppable in the rain
Good grip
Good ride quality
Quiet
Terrible turn in and feel

I went on a very spirited drive and I had to back off because I couldnt tell if the car was understeering/oversteering or if the car was just wobbling about through the turns. No confidence at all.

Im not sure if it's the height of the sidewall (205/55/16) or just the nature of the tire. But I would enter into a turn and the force of turning in would totally disrupt the car and it just wobble about.

 

Velcro in the rain. MINI was just amazing on the track in the wet. Instructors were actually betting if I could get the MINI slowed for the hairpin while sitting in the corner workers booth. I was worried a couple of times but she always stuck. Great DD and high performance tire that works as a wet day track tire. Living WA state having a good rain tire is a must. If I was full time AZ a would probably try a stickier summer tire.

 

Unstoppable as in you feel confident in the rain or unstoppable as in you have trouble coming to a stop?

 

Confidence. Even in pretty moderate rain, the car tracked straight and barely ever gave a hint that there was any hydroplaning occurring.

75-80 rolling down the highway was a non-issue.

 

It hardly ever rains here, but I go for the DW because its performance is good enough for the street and its nice having the better ride. I've not noticed the lack of feel that's been mentioned, I may just not push it that hard on the street. I have dedicated track tires when I need something better.

 

I push mine pretty hard, especially at the track.
The edges are chewed up from it.
They do have soft turn in but I've never had any type of "wobbling" though.

I use 205/55/16 also.
Tire pressure seems to make a difference.

 

What pressures do you run? Im currently at 40 F and R.

 

$0.02.

BFG G-Force Sport Comp 2 thats what I have on my 2010 jcw clubman and they're great! at ~$100 a piece you cant beat them!

 

37 seems to work best for my setup and the beat up Colorado roads.

 

35 front 37 rear