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I`m thinking about getting the JCW stage 1 tuning kit for my 09 Clubman "S", but was wondering if it was worth the approx. $2100.00 for the kit and install.
Looking for more torque and sound (not too obnoxious) and I know the ECU should be upgraded. Not too sure if I should just put on an intake or not. The kit comes with a JCW intake, but the service manager at my dealer said just the intake wouldn`t be enough for what I`m looking for.
I also don`t want to mess with the warranty with other aftermarket products, but are there any that won`t void the warranty for what I`m looking for?
Thanks!
Last edited by MiniAndy; 10-21-2009 at 07:07 AM.
Reason: add the "S" to Clubman
You can't go wrong warranty-wise with the JCW Stage 1 kit. That said, an airbox shouldn't be cause to void a warranty however, if the service department is a) looking for a reason to void, or b) can prove something from the airbox caused an issue, you could end up with issues that won't be covered. This goes for most "bolt-on" mods.
Relationship with the service people matters a lot when it comes down to this.
__________________ mike roberts co-founder stlmini | formerly president, currently apathetic blue d3mon:78 austin mini | cash:07 MCS JCW
"You can't go wrong warranty-wise with the JCW Stage 1 kit. That said, an airbox shouldn't be cause to void a warranty however, if the service department is a) looking for a reason to void, or b) can prove something from the airbox caused an issue, you could end up with issues that won't be covered. This goes for most "bolt-on" mods.
Relationship with the service people matters a lot when it comes down to this."
I talked with one of the service managers (whom I really liked and was very informative). Basically, if any mod I put on that wasn`t Mini approved and it put up a check engine light or any other issue happened caused by that mod, that it could void the warranty. I did specifically ask about an airbox (Alta intake) and he had the same response. Think I`ll stick with the JCW stuff...the car is new and so is the warranty. Thanks!
Trust me, my dealing with Alta is a nightmare that never ends and it starts and ends with Adam. Buy Mini parts and avoid problems. If an aftermarket part is poorly designed, breaks, or does not perform as advertised, you not only have to pay for the part and installation, you also have to pay to have it uninstalled and the original part reinstalled. It would be far more prudent to get proven parts and service.
Well, I did pull the trigger on the JCW stage 1 kit. Went with Morristown Mini. They were awesome to deal with, from Mike and Fred in service to Will in the parts department and the head mechanic who did the install that spent a lot of time with me discussing the kit and a few other tips... I can`t reccomend them enough! And I felt I got a good price!
I had the 20% you-ification coupon (got it in the mail) and they honored it for the Clubman kit ($1680.00 which includes the discount off the msrp of 2100.00) and off the 3 hours installation ($286.00 which includes the discount).
Prestige had a special on their website for $2130.00 (includes kit and install), so it turned out a better deal. I`m glad I went with Morristown anyway, because they are my dealer and I do want a good relationship with them. Plus, Prestige is a lot further away.
As far as the kit itself... the best money I could`ve spent! What a difference it makes. The sound, power and torque is just what I was looking for. A lot better than just pressing the sport button before the upgrade. I`m not a track racer, I just like to sink into the seat when I press on the gas and that`s exactly what it does. Also, the steering got tightened up and just feels a lot smoother to me overall. Went on Rt. 80 today, and the pickup power to pass was awesome. I really enjoyed the car before, and this makes it that much more enjoyable.
One side benefit that I didn`t count on...before the upgrade, the bluetooth wouldn`t read my address book on my phone (a verizon VX10000...Voyager) and I had to do the voice recognition thing to install contacts. As I was driving home, my son called and his name came up on the Speedo lcd readout. I pressed the A-Z button on the phone menu, and all my contacts came up! An added benefit I wasn`t expecting to the software upgrade!
Thanks to everyone for the info they passed onto me to help me with my decision! I really appreciate it!
MiniAndy,
Any chance you asked them about shipping the parts to another state? I'm thinking about getting the kit but don't want to pay the $2100 just because I live in SoCal
Well, I did pull the trigger on the JCW stage 1 kit. Went with Morristown Mini. They were awesome to deal with, from Mike and Fred in service to Will in the parts department and the head mechanic who did the install that spent a lot of time with me discussing the kit and a few other tips... I can`t reccomend them enough! And I felt I got a good price!
I had the 20% you-ification coupon (got it in the mail) and they honored it for the Clubman kit ($1680.00 which includes the discount off the msrp of 2100.00) and off the 3 hours installation ($286.00 which includes the discount).
Prestige had a special on their website for $2130.00 (includes kit and install), so it turned out a better deal. I`m glad I went with Morristown anyway, because they are my dealer and I do want a good relationship with them. Plus, Prestige is a lot further away.
As far as the kit itself... the best money I could`ve spent! What a difference it makes. The sound, power and torque is just what I was looking for. A lot better than just pressing the sport button before the upgrade. I`m not a track racer, I just like to sink into the seat when I press on the gas and that`s exactly what it does. Also, the steering got tightened up and just feels a lot smoother to me overall. Went on Rt. 80 today, and the pickup power to pass was awesome. I really enjoyed the car before, and this makes it that much more enjoyable.
One side benefit that I didn`t count on...before the upgrade, the bluetooth wouldn`t read my address book on my phone (a verizon VX10000...Voyager) and I had to do the voice recognition thing to install contacts. As I was driving home, my son called and his name came up on the Speedo lcd readout. I pressed the A-Z button on the phone menu, and all my contacts came up! An added benefit I wasn`t expecting to the software upgrade!
Thanks to everyone for the info they passed onto me to help me with my decision! I really appreciate it!
Next mod...I need GAUGES!
This is very sweet! Regarding the gauges ==> Scangauge II.
Quote:
Originally Posted by torpid33
MiniAndy,
Any chance you asked them about shipping the parts to another state? I'm thinking about getting the kit but don't want to pay the $2100 just because I live in SoCal
Not sure about the JCW parts, but Morristown shipped my aero-kit to me in AZ. I've heard that the JCW tune stuff is very closely tracked by VIN, so it may be they'll only ship to another dealer. ??
__________________
"Piper-Christine" - 2008 MCS Sport & Premium Pkgs - CROC#403
This is very sweet! Regarding the gauges ==> Scangauge II.
I've been thinking about gauges too. I need to see coolant temp, oil pressure and boost. Does ScanGauge II provide that info? Couldn't tell from a quick look at their site.
I've been thinking about gauges too. I need to see coolant temp, oil pressure and boost. Does ScanGauge II provide that info? Couldn't tell from a quick look at their site.
Yes to water temp and boost (with an xgauge). No to oil temp and pressure because that is not something that the OBDII interface can read.
__________________
09 JCW Laser Blue/Black | JCW Aero Kit | JCW Suspension | JCW Steering Wheel | Akrapovic DP & Evo Exhaust | M7 CF Hood Scoop | DoS CAI | Helix Intercooler | H-Sport Rear Sway Bar | Craven Speed SSK | NM Eng Tie Bar, Boost Tubes & Torque Arm Insert | BSH OCC & Boost Tap | VEI High-Res Boost Gauge | Integral Audio Sub & Soundsatge | Blacked Out by Vinyl Styles | Pics
I would do it again. I have no regrets spending the money for this tune. I'll look into aftermarket after the warranty is over, if I still have the car.
This is very sweet! Regarding the gauges ==> Scangauge II.
Not sure about the JCW parts, but Morristown shipped my aero-kit to me in AZ. I've heard that the JCW tune stuff is very closely tracked by VIN, so it may be they'll only ship to another dealer. ??
I checked out the scan gauge and it seems like a good thing, but I really like the look of the regular gauges. Price-wise, the scan gauge is a much better deal...gauges are pretty expensive. I might just go for the SG...not too sure yet.
I`m not sure if Morristown will ship the JCW parts. Probably worth calling them to ask. They did need my vehicle and key at the dealer when I ordered the kit for the VIN, though.
I would do it again. I have no regrets spending the money for this tune. I'll look into aftermarket after the warranty is over, if I still have the car.
I have no regrets about the cash spent for the tune, either It was totally worth it for me.
A bonus was picking up more highway mpg...from 36 to about 38 (I was kinda shocked by this).
City driving headed south...from about 32-34 to 27-28mpg. But its worth it!
I checked out the scan gauge and it seems like a good thing, but I really like the look of the regular gauges. Price-wise, the scan gauge is a much better deal...gauges are pretty expensive. I might just go for the SG...not too sure yet.
MiniAndy,
Scangauge is generally good. It is best for the readings such as temperature (coolant and intake) that do not change very quickly.
For things like boost, it is not too accurate since it does polling or sampling. The polling rate can be changed on the scangauge but even at the fastest, it is still quite slow.
If anything I would look at a scangauge for the temps, and then get an actual boost gauge and wideband AFR w/ gauge, especially if you start adding on mods for it.
Any of you that put on the stage I JCW kit have the AT? I like the reviews and the increased hwy mpg, looks to be a worthwhile investment...for a few more ponies and a tune with a warranty.
__________________
'09 Dark Silver Clubman S AT, Rota RBs, GMG pulsar, Remus Exhaust, CF JCW Scoop, AOSC, ....more to come!!!
What a difference it makes. The sound, power and torque is just what I was looking for. A lot better than just pressing the sport button before the upgrade. I`m not a track racer, I just like to sink into the seat when I press on the gas and that`s exactly what it does. Also, the steering got tightened up and just feels a lot smoother to me overall. Went on Rt. 80 today, and the pickup power to pass was awesome. I really enjoyed the car before, and this makes it that much more enjoyable.
It was totally worth it for me. 
