I have searched for the answer to these questions but still confused.

I am Trying to decide what options I need and don't need to add for my new Mini:

I see that its required that if you get the JCW PKG you must get the Sport PKG. But the website lets you simply add the JCW Eng Kit Accessories even w/o the Sport PKG option, so ......

Has anyone done this and was it a good decision?

is there an advantage or disadvantage to adding the JCW Eng Kit as an accessorie instead of the JCW Package w/ Required Sport Package? (besides price) And do I need the breaks with the Engine Kit?

I want speed, but not the rigidity if there is such a combo, and it appears as though there is if you add the Eng Kit as an Accessorie instead of the JCW Package. I also don't want the DSC or the Run flats.

And one final question....if you only add the Engine Kit and Breaks do you get the JCW badge?

 

Well, if memory serves, the Sport package has DSC, which is a good thing. I personallly wouldn't buy a car without DSC. Also, you aren't wanting the JCW Engine kit for the trunk emblem; the JCW brakes are going to help you slow down better; so, it would appear that would be a good option.

Don't know what you mean by your reference to rigidity. You really should re-think your opposition to DSC. It (DSC) is one of the best things you can do to increase the active safety of your car. Don't think for a moment that you can do a better job of controlling your car than any computer can. To start with, if your car starts to spin, there are 4 brake calipers that would need to be operated at almost simlutaneous applications and in varying combinations depending on the situation....

Again, if memory serves, adding the engine kit gets you the JCW trunk badge.

 

I don't think you can split it up like that . I believe the JCW "accessories" are cosmetic bits. The engine tuning kit includes an improved head, catback exhaust, air box, JCW brakes, JCW injectors. It is now factory installed. When you order it, you must also opt for the sport package or I think the checkmate package of which either includes the limited slip diff. It is desinged to work together seamlessly. Read the various JCW kit articles at http://www.motoringfile.com and you will understand why you want it and why you want it all. I am expecting delivery of mine in the next few days. I can't wait. The extra 42 hp to me is worth it a) because it is supposed to be smoother than a DIY attempt at an equivalent set up done with a combo of chips, reduced supercharger pulleys and other things I don't really understand, and b) its a factory warranteed option backed by MINI where as the DIY effort is not backed by MINI and creates problems with other aspects of your factory warranty. and c) I'm not mechanically inclined so I don't get it anyway. Bottom line, you gotta do the research. Motoringfile will get you a long way to understanding things.

 

You are talking apples and oranges. The JCW Tuning Kit (TC) is the engine word described in a previous post. The accessories are bling (except for the CAI).

Again your talking apples and orange. Accessories are NOT the TC. However, you can bypass the factory and just have the dealer install the TC. You get more for your money by having it factory installed because you get the brakes.

You don't "need" the LCD or DSC. All these things are optional.

NO. Lots of people have the JCW TC and do NOT have the JCW brakes.

You get the badge with the TC (it has nothing to do with the brakes). You can also just buy the badge in the parts dept.

 

the point is YES, if you are willing to either forego the brakes or add them a la carte, and you don't mind paying more (after adding dealer install charges) then YES you can get the JCW go-fast bits w/o adding the whole SPORT package. it only comes one way from the factory, but the dealer can still install the kit on a car that doesn't have the potentially negative things (xenons, DSC, 17" wheels) ferinstance if you are trying to make the perfect auto-x ride.

 

I think the best way to answer your question is to ask the dealer how much labor they will charge to install the kit as an accessory vs. the price for the factory JCW tuning kit.

Here is an example. If you go to the Mini.com website and only spec out a MCS w/DCS, LSD, JCW engine kit and add the the labor for the install (in my case $1500), it comes out to $29,175.

If you start over and only select the sport pkg and the factory JCW pkg (which combined include the DSC, LSD, and JCW brakes) it comes out to
$29, 600.

To me, it's worth the difference if for nothing than to get the JCW brakes, which are really great! Of course you also get the 17" wheels, xenons, hood stripes and what not (if you don't want the 17"s, sell them!)

I went with the factory option and never looked back. I think it's a great pkg!

 

If you want the ultimate truth about what Mini will best serve your passion, ask your self, "Do I wanna' go fast"? "Or just look like I wanna' go fast". If your answer was the first-write the check for the JCW kit. Then learn the latest massage technique to relieve cheek cramps. I'm talking the between the ears cheeks, not the ones you sit on. Cuz' believe me your gonna' get cheek cramps big time. MOTORRR

 

running4amini,

The most important thing you need to understand about the configurator is that steps 1-4 are all factory options, and step 5 is dealer sold and installed.

This means... for any option in step 5 more than a very simple job, you have to also pay labor to the dealer to put it in. This is especially true for the JCW tuning kit. The additional cost of the labor negates any savings you have compared to the factory install... and with the factory option, you also get the JCW brakes. So in effect, the factory JCW lets you get the brakes for free compared to the dealer-installed JCW.

However, for some people, who REALLY don't want the sport package, etc... it's worth it to them to pay the extra for the labor.

It's your choice - just be sure to mentally separate steps 1-4 (factory) and step 5 (dealer) and it will all make sense.

Chows, the TC IS listed as an accessory in step 5 of the configurator, so he's right on target with what he's asking.

 

Well, the other thing to consider is this. You can have all the engine power in the world, but if you can't keep your tires in contact with the pavement, that power is wasted.

A sport suspension is more than just a stiffer ride. It is all about maximising your grip with the road. If your tires can't stick to the road, you can't put the power to the pavement. The sport suspension helps push the tires down onto the road to give you the speed you desire, along with the ability to TURN at speed and STOP from high speeds.

Rigidity is also a good thing. Less flex again transfers to keeping your tires in contact with the road. It also means less stress on individual suspension components and less likelihood of part failure. Broken parts means you lose control and crash. We wouldn't want that.

As for the brakes, well, if you want to go fast, you need to be able to stop fast. And the JCW brakes are awesome.

I guess what I am saying is, you can just buy the engine kit and be a little pocket rocket that you have less control over, or you can buy the complete package, do it right and live to tell another day. It all works together to keep.

As for the runflats, you are SOL. The only way to get rid of them is to buy new tires after you take possession of your mini. Or buy a convertible.

 

I stand corrected. I was thinking the CAI.

 

Thank you to everyone for your replies (Sorry for my delay in posting this reply)...you helped me a great deal in my decision making process.

I guess my main issues with the Sport Package was that I have read it makes for a stiffer ride in combination with the run-flats, and that the DSC feels like you are fighting the car for the controls.

The city I live in is known for its bad roads....and I get tired of feeling every bump, pothole, and seam, and there are a lot of them. So since I do more city driving daily I didn't want the suspension to take away from the daily experience, even through its practical, and Creseida thanks for illustrating the wheels to road factor. In my case that may be more of a benefit than I realized because of the poor road conditions.

Again thanks, now my only debate is which color combo and rims!


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Yes, it does have a harsh ride but if you the JCW suspension, its not so bad.

DSC is not like fighting for control of the car. In normal driving, you will never know its there.

 

All MCS come with run flats. As far as the DCS, I turn it off as soon as I start the car, unless the weather is foul. BTW, I think my 06 rides fairly well over anything but the sharpest bumps.