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it's been a while since I've been here, maybe somebody will remember me from the old days. I was an early owner of a 2002 MCS, first in TN to get the JCW kit installed, and managed to blow the engine in it new years eve '07. I ended up trading towards a used 325ci convertible and have been kicking myself ever since. The 325 is a gorgeous car, but it just isn't any fun.... My fiancee is sick of me complaining so when I had to put the BMW in the shop last week she gave me the go ahead and get a new car. I've not ordered yet so can change my mind pending advice.
Here's my setup: Factory JCW hardtop, black on black, with rooster red interior and trim. All three packages, JCW suspension, Xenons and fogs, PDC, and Hifi stereo. Gonna order a 2010 model and hope for a November delivery.
I read on motoringfile that the 2010 models are supposed to have a better stereo, so that's why I'll order hifi (as well as to get the a-pillar tweeters.)
I read that the JCW suspension kit is a good deal, don't see any benefit to the brake kit other than it being slotted/drilled. Am I right on those?
Convenience package bothers me, even the dealer says not to get it, but I definitely want the iphone hookup it provides and the geewhiz factor of the remote unlock without a key is nifty, so might as well spend the extra $200 and get the other junk with it. Consensus on that?
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US Postal Worker, Libertarian, Motorcycle Rider, and Gun Nut.
Last edited by Normalizer; 08-11-2009 at 06:30 AM.
Happy to see you coming back! I sold my 2003 after a number of issues, but am glad I'm back in a MINI.
I have the JCW suspension and is a nice upgrade from stock, although you could find decent aftermarket solutions and coilovers for the same change. Don't forget the suspension is installed at VPC or dealership not at the factory and thus the cost is higher. The JCW factory brakes are significantly better than stock. Besides the 12.4" diameter of the rotors, the Brembo calipers have four pistons rather than the standard single piston and provide much better stopping power and resistance to brake fade.
You get the BIG BRAKES with the JCW car, so 300 for the sloted/crossdrilled rotors, well you decide if you like the looks go for it. The convenience pkg yes, as you get garage door opener, auto wipers, blue tooth for phone and don't have to put key in dash as well as just push button on the door to lock/unlock. The JCW suspension is a good buy but it may be too stiff for your future wife. HI-FI yes basic radio sucks (I have it on my JCW). Good luck with your order.
Are you getting Red Rooster seats?They look great but are not comfortable.
If this is going to be your daily driver you're better off with all leather seats and any improvement over standard audio is worth it.
My 0.2
Are you getting Red Rooster seats?They look great but are not comfortable.
If this is going to be your daily driver you're better off with all leather seats and any improvement over standard audio is worth it.
My 0.2
Not seeing how the material the same sport seats with lumbar support are covered in makes any difference in comfort?
To the OP, I wouldn't bother with the Comfort package, the only item in it worthwhile to me was the Ipod/Bluetooth which I got separately. I don't feel PDC is anywhere remotely needed in a MINI either but thats just me. If you go with the JCW suspension, shop around and make your dealer work to earn your business on that.
called and told them to place my order today, with the addition of the factory alarm system. it's been 7 years since I ordered a mini, what's the avg time between getting a production number and it hitting the VPC in the states?
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US Postal Worker, Libertarian, Motorcycle Rider, and Gun Nut.
In theory the padding should be the same,but it just doesn't feel the same.
And i'm not alone.
If you do a search about the topic you will find a few owners complaining about this.
he emailed me yesterday saying all the 09 production numbers are gone and it would have to be a 2010, and that the new stereo will only be in the cars actually built in 2010... I asked about other details on next year's car and he's gonna investigate. If the JCW aerokit comes from the factory on next year's car I might have to change color from black to red, and then the madness starts all over again.....
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US Postal Worker, Libertarian, Motorcycle Rider, and Gun Nut.
I had a 2003 E46 M3 and a 2006 MCS at the same time for a while. The M3 was fast, balanced, and was quite the American Autobahn Burner. On the other hand, it was heavy...and the new gen M3 even more portly. I've always had a soft spot for lightweight sporty cars and the R53 re-awakened that in me. Owned a Cayman S for a couple of years, that was the BEST road/track car that I've ever owned but it was expensive to own and maintain. My JCW, MINI number 3 for me, is a great compromise. Performance that will embarass many cars its "superiors," fairly light, and even somewhat frugal. On the other hand, E46 M3's keep getting cheaper, getting one again as a weekender wouldn't be all bad.
Well, I just went to order a set of rally lights from Alta and see they only claim compatibility with MCS up to year 2006.... that's a bummer, will have to email them and ask about that.
Here's a photoshop of my current concept for the car, based of course on the A-Team van.
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US Postal Worker, Libertarian, Motorcycle Rider, and Gun Nut.
he emailed me yesterday saying all the 09 production numbers are gone and it would have to be a 2010, and that the new stereo will only be in the cars actually built in 2010... I asked about other details on next year's car and he's gonna investigate. If the JCW aerokit comes from the factory on next year's car I might have to change color from black to red, and then the madness starts all over again.....
The "new" hi-fi will be delayed availability, until around December/January. Only the Camden and Mayfair editions will have this upgrade initially.
We should see the life cycle refresh in MY11. I am also considering ordering a JCW, and plan to wait at least until January, or possibly until later 2010 for the refresh.
Congrats on your upcoming delivery! I also owned several BMW's. While they are very well engineered cars and are fantastic at what they do, the MINI is just much more fun, responsive, and rewarding to drive.
__________________ 2010 JCW WC50 Edition #425 2006 MINI Cooper S (sold)
as luck would have it, they have an '04 M3 convertible on the lot with 30k miles for $30k.... I could get it today and save about $5k or wait till January for the 2010 JCW....
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US Postal Worker, Libertarian, Motorcycle Rider, and Gun Nut.
turns out it had 27k miles on it and was sold with an "as new" 5 year/100k mile warranty... no brainer, as much as I was looking fwd to a new MINI I had to go with the M3. Wow what a car... gas mileage, or lack thereof, woke me up, but what a blast to drive fast.
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US Postal Worker, Libertarian, Motorcycle Rider, and Gun Nut.
turns out it had 27k miles on it and was sold with an "as new" 5 year/100k mile warranty... no brainer, as much as I was looking fwd to a new MINI I had to go with the M3. Wow what a car... gas mileage, or lack thereof, woke me up, but what a blast to drive fast.
That happens to me every time when I go try and buy a mini.
You might want to see if they sell the balls option on that new car.
Mark
I actually had a set of balls on my first MINI, still have them and plan to put them on the M3. I'd love to somehow rig them to rise up behind the bumper when the ABS is activated.
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US Postal Worker, Libertarian, Motorcycle Rider, and Gun Nut.
2011 JCW Coupe
