I’ve been wanting a Mini for quite awhile and now is the time to put the order in. I’m hoping the forum can give me some much needed advice as I navigate this purchase. What are the pros and cons of a MCS vs a JCW? I recently drove the MCS back to back against the JCW. I really liked the power of the JCW but the ride was way to rough. The MCS was nice and had some get up and go to it. The salesperson said I could add the JCW tune package to the MCS and from what I see on the configurator, I can order DDC on either car but don’t know much about it.

About my driving needs/style - mostly weekend car with an occasional road trip. I don’t want to take it to a track. I like spirited driving on curvy mountain roads

Anyone out here have a MCS with the tune or JCW with DDC that can provide a review?

 

MCS with a piggyback tuner or ECU tune will give you what you want for a lot less money than the JCW. IMO you an do a lot better for less money than the JCW tune package. Add an upgraded rear sway bar for the curves.

DDC provides some relief from the relentless assault of rough pavement. Lots of folks go to non run flat tires as well for smooth sailing. I just recently went from 17" to 16" wheels and that also makes for a smoother ride.

 

When I went to buy a JCW --- had one already located and picked out -- I didn't just run right over the car and put my arms around it. I played it coy.

I test drove an S with a manual and an automatic -- the first time I ever drove a MINI -- and I have to tell you I was quite impressed with both cars though I preferred the car with the manual. (The JCW I had my sights on had a manual.)

I was thinking as I was driving S models that if I failed to make a deal for the JCW I would be quite happy with a 2-door hatchback S with a 6-speed transmission. Certainly it would have been a less expensive car. The JCW cost me $33,260 which was down from its sticker price of $35,830.

As it was I did buy the JCW.

A co-worker bought a 2016 S coupe and had some of the JCW hot rod stuff installed. The result is not quite up to the JCW level but close. But it cost several thousand dollars.

To each his own but I'm always reluctant to buy a new car then have it wrenched on even if by in this case MINI techs. I like to get the car the way I want it not buy something "less" and bring it up to what I want.

My recommendation is if you want the JCW power get the JCW. Otherwise get the S.

 

(For the record, I have a MCS, but I was seriously looking at JCWs.)

From what I read, the cars use effectively the same engine. The JCWs just has a more aggressive tune and a better exhaust. Additionally, I think the engine itself is built a bit tougher for the added stress. So you can get the JCWs tune + exhaust from the dealership and it's #1 advantage is that it doesn't void your warranty (assuming you are thinking of buying a new car). From dynos and random research, I believe a JCW tune on a MCS basically bridges the gap between the two models. A MCS is 189 hp while the JCWs is like 228 hp. I think the JCW tuned MCS is somewhere around 210 hp. (Most of these numbers are from memory and internet research so if someone has first hand knowledge, please correct me.)

So if you like the ride of a MCS but want more power, I think the JCW tuning package is a good middle ground. It should also be cheaper than the JCW since that tuning package should be about ~$1500 installed. I am planning to add a JCW kit to my MCS eventually, but again, people with actual experience can tell you how it feels compared to the actual JCW. Also, the engines are very similar, but I think they do have differences, so I don't know if a JCW tuned MCS engine will have less life expectancy than a JCW engine.

Oh, and if you are getting a used car/don't care about warranties, you can probably get more bang for your buck using aftermarket tunes. I haven't looked into those much since mine is new and under warranty.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I will take a look at the sway bars.

 

I was so sure about getting a MCS until I drove the JCW, but that stiff ride made me feel car sick....ugh. I will look for a car equipped with DDC so I can get a proper test drive. Thanks for your advice!

 

The ride wasn’t the only thing I liked better about the MCS. The seats and wheels were more to my liking as well. Can’t wait to get a Mini. Thanks for your advice.

 

Nothing wrong with an S. I have never felt the need for more power or a firmer suspension than my first generation S. If your plans included Track time, it would be worth the upgrade, but for back winding roads, the S should be more than enough.