Hello Everyone,

It’s been almost 3 months since I bought my JCW hardtop 2013 and wanted to share my experience. I was dead set to have all of the following options: Automatic Climate Control, Harmon Kardon, Xenon Lights, Mini Connected with Nav & Comfort Access.
I had almost put in the order for my car when I found out at last minute that dealership had one Manual JCW in stock. But there was a problem.. this car had no options on it at all... nothing.. not even center armrest, even color wasn’t the one I wanted. But the child inside me said I couldn’t wait for 2+ months for my dream car to arrive and decided to put my name on it.

I used half the money I saved to get JCW sport suspension kit installed on it. Also, had the dealer install center arm rest, Mini Garmin Holder and Mirror Caps.

JCW Suspension is an absolute blast. Stock suspension was quite a disappointment & now it feels like a true performance car. Ride is little stiff but nowhere close to uncomfortable. In fact now Mini is more stable over uneven surfaces.

Overall I am very glad that I saved money from options and put it where it truly matters...i.e. Performance. The drive is so engaging that I completely forgot about all these gadgets except for that Automatic AC :(

Also got clear bra on entire hood and front bumper + ceramic tints.

 

here are some pics

 

Nice JCW! I understand you wanting the Auto Climate. I have it on my MINI (Obviously the older version) but I love it...frankly I think it looks a lot higher quality than the standard controls.

But in the end, your enjoyment in driving it matters the most.

Hey...at least it has A/C!

 

Very nice! I found the JCW that I want and will be picking her up this Sunday. Can't wait.

 

Thanks for update, nice mini

 

Very nice. Does the JCW suspension lower the car compared to the stock suspension?

 

Good Luck MiniBol.. I am sure you will love it!
InVisibol.. as per Mini Suspenion Kit lowers the car by only 10mm but to me it looks lower than 10mm specially after suspension settled down.

 

Love it. That is almost the exact car I ordered! I didn't get the auto A/C either but figured I for $500 more I could adjust the dial a bit as needed. I did order the suspension, so thank you for the feed back as the dealer (Finance and Sales) told me it wasn't all that and actually tried to get me not to buy the sports suspension but I read a great deal about it and figured Mini wouldn't offer to sell you something for $500 that made you hate the car and with everyone saying it helped with sharper cornering I am excited as I've always taken corners really sharply but most of my cars were never designed to handle them nor were most of my passengers over the years. (People have been wearing seat belts in my cars before it was the law or they were guaranteed to be thrown around the car like rag dolls.

 

Yes, the car absolutely needs the JCW Sport Suspension. I bought my car with the standard suspension at first, lived with it for about 4 months, then installed the JCW Sport Suspension. The standard suspension is extremely disappointing. I was coming from a 2003 MCS and MINI completely failed on the standard modern R56 suspension... I guess with so many people complaining about the bumpy nature of the R53 they decided to appeal to the masses. Its very disappointing that the JCW does not come standard with the suspension from the factory. I would not care if they raise the MSRP of the car accordingly for the suspension. Its a performance car and needs / deserves the suspension.

 

You are righ on point! Even if they raise MSRP to make JCW Suspension standard it would still be cheaper than having dealer install it. Now we have to shop around & negotiate to get reasonable quote for installation. BTW, how much did it cost you parts + install?

 

I bought it from Sewell Mini out of Texas for $just over $1200 shipped for the suspension parts and springs. I installed the springs and shocks my self and did not use the 18.5mm rear swaybar. I put on an H-sport competition rear swaybar instead which previously bought. I have yet to install the JCW front swaybar. The front swaybar install is more involved and I did not have time when I was doing the springs/shocks. Its on my todo list...

I was originally going to go with just the JCW springs and Koni Sport shocks but I autocross the car and that would not have been considered stock without putting the front JCW swaybar. So I still need to do that...

 

Thanks! I drove about 4.5 hour from L.A. to Santa Clara to pick up my dream MINI today. She's a PW/CR JCW. I wanna play with all the options it came with but after driving for about 13 hours, I'm pooped!

 

Congrats MiniBoL! It looks amazing. Originally I was also going for Pepper White with Red roof & soda Mirror Caps. Post some more pics when you get a chance.

 

Ahh, no wonder I thought that dealer looked very familiar. Stevens Creek.