I just took a JCW equipped R56 (engine kit) for a test drive today. I can say without reservation that I am entirely unimpressed with the kit. Maybe the R56 I got was one of the more powerful ones stock or some equally conusing explanation. But after having driven the JCW, the $2000+ that it would cost will stay in my pocket.

It now up to Alta, Helix or someone else to impress me for my business, but JCW didn't do it for me. I've read both good and mediocre reviews of the kit.

I was also told by the owner of the car that had the kit installed that his mileage did not stay the same, but diminished dramatically.

The stock MINI produces ample torque and accelerates nicely, and gives me great mileage. No reason to mess with that.

 

Pretty much the opposite of what everyone else is reporting. Very odd .

Based on the owners and your own reports (no difference in power & higher fuel consumption), I would question the install and particularly the ECU flash, myself.

The added torque is noticable (though hardly usable on runflats) down low and the car doesn't gas out over 5000 RPM like the stock S. It's a noticable difference.

 

I tried out my buddies JCW '07 compared to my '07 R56 standard, I have aftermarket exhaust and alta drop in filter, I did not really feel a difference worth $2000.

 

Either you are very close friends or hate each other to death to be able to say that publicly!

 

Ha ha! I knew I made the right decision going aftermarket instead of JCW!!! That is very good news indeed!

Now if my Alta stuff will just GET HERE!!! :impatient

 

I plan on doing probably the ECU and Exhaust - warranty reasons. I'd much rather have an Alta intake or some other one anyway, but I had a MAgnaflow for my '05 Cooper and it was LOUD as hell ,. and eventually fried some O2 sensors and other noise problems... So I'm going to go safe with the JCW exhaust....

 

I was almost afraid of posting my impressions for fear of being flamed. I find it so interesting that one can read a review, or specs of a product, and immediately develop a viewpoint that they 'think' they should have. I first questioned the specs that JCW had posted on their 'dyno' chart that displayed the impossible situation of horsepower that went down as torque and RPM increased. I then was puzzled as to why they would compare times in various gears between the JCW R56 and JCW R53, but conveniently omit what stock R56 times were.

I tried to dispel these factors when I took my test drive. I also admittedly was not able to take a long or comprehensive ride, and was on city streets so couldn't really let it go.

My impression would probably improve if I had a better opportunity to take it out on the highway, or on a twisty backroad. But I did get enough of a ride to realize that MINI had done a very good job in designing the engine and suspension of the R56, and that to alter either one would require some sacrifices in comfort, economy, or efficiency.

There are aspects that are worth considering, as no 2 drivers will want the same thing in their MINI's, and we are all willing to make different levels of sacrifice to "you-ify" our rides.

For me, I just didn't see spending the money to get the kit, when I really didn't want that exhaust or intake (or expensive badges) that came with it. If the ECU flash and software were to become available at a much lower price than $2,000, I might revisit the situation.

I was recently talking to Eric at Helix (they're working on a solution as we speak), and my first question was "Is your solution designed around a specific exhaust system, or will it work equally well with different brands?" I'll leave it to them to provide the answer in detail, but the short answer was yes.

I'm anxious to see what the coming months bring in available options, but I no longer have the fear of going out and buying, say, an Alta exhaust, with the thought that I'm going to have to replace it down the road, or that it will be duplicating an effort, and a JCW exhaust will be sitting idle in my basement.

I do hope that those who are interested in or have purchased the JCW kit are happy with their decision. If you're thinking of purchasing the kit, you really would be wise to make sure to take one out for a test drive before plunking down the cash to get it installed. I would not rely on anyone's review to make your decision.

And don't forget, the JCW kit is VIN specific, so if you buy it, and don't like it, you won't be able to sell it to someone else.

Hope this helps,

 

Much like the JCW suspension, the JCW engine kit needs to be pushed to be appreciated. Most of the noticable (usable) gains are up top.

As far as price... it's been pointed out before that it's not that far out of bounds from other tuning options: The Alta pipe and intake are in the ballpark of $1100 shipped. Add another $600-700 for an ECU flash and cost of installing it all ($200+/-) and you're in the $2000 price range right there.

The quoted $2500 for the kit is factoring in sales tax (which isn't required in some states). Plus if you shop around, some dealers are giving pretty good deals on the kit itself. Take tax out of the equasion and your talking about a $300 difference for full factory support and a five year warranty (vs. 2 that you get with most aftermarket accessories).

Now in your situation, where you only want the ECU re-flashed and your comfortable that your dealer will support your existing warranty after its done (mine won't )... it makes sence to go with the aftermarket option. For those that want the whole package, the JCW kit is still a pretty good deal. I would definately agree to driving a car with whatever accessories you are interested in before buying. Hopefully you'll be able to try out that Helix ECU flash before having it done on your own car as well.

 

a catback, a massaged airbox, and slightly more agressive ecu tuning aren't worth the #s. Can someone with a jcw car go to a dyno? I'd like to see some #s vs a standard cooper s. $2000 can buy you a turboback and intake, and almost a front mount. I strongly believe these products will throw you in front of any jcw r56 around.

My $.02,
Josh

 

OK, you asked 2 questions, and then only gave the answer of "yes".

 

I had mine installed and I do not regret it. Yes, its expensive, yes some after market options will probably give you more power for your money. I went with the JCW for 2 reasons: Factory Warranty and California Emissions. I live in California and we have the hardest emissions laws in the nation. Alta cold air intake? Not street legal. I love my MINI but I am not a full blown gear head that plans on putting my car back together before every smog check. We also get nailed for loud exhaust. Some cops are so misinformed, they think any modified exhaust is illegal. While I could prove it in court.. I just don't have the time.

On to my thoughts on the Kit. I'm having fun with it To really see the difference I had to push my MINI a little. I have read others say that the kit feels very "finished". I didn't get it until now. It just feels smooth to drive. For me, It was worth it.

 

Sorry... No to #1, yes to #2.

 

and I wouldn't rule out the option of MINI improving the JCW kit further - by ECU updates (it's 'just' software ) which are free from MINI (and most likely will not be free from aftermarket vendors - I had MTH on my R50 before).

 

Ladies & Gents...I drive a JCW R56 and I can tell you.. it drives like a little beast, I also have a Z4 Roadster 3.0si, I know it has more HP but The MINI in 3er 4th and 5th goes like hell to me better than the roadster, and... for $2100 you get plenty of power, keep your warranty and when is time to pass it along to a lucky new owner the MINI will be sold as a JCW not as a MCS...

BUT again... its all about what you want and is good to have choices, now if any of you guys who are on the fence about doing anything and you are in S.FL send me a PM and I will be glad to take you for a spin.

Josh, let me know if you like to drive it I see your nice looking 871 park on my service area often, whatsup with that? techs no good in PB LOL just kidding you bro.

Just my $0.2 :-P

 

all very true diablo
Yeah I'll probably go with the JCW but swap the intake for an Alta

 

I have to agree.I haven't driven the JCW but today I gave my 07 some good throttle and the thing just lurched forward and felt like a rocket. I only have 400 miles on it so I can't beat on it hard, but I am totally happy with the ALTA turbo back and filter.

 

Perspective: This is my 3rd Mini S Works car w/ over 50K miles of combined driving experience behind the JCW wheel. My newly anointed R56 Work is the fastest of the lot and not subtly so. My kit was installed at the 8K odometer point and thus far have had the chance to put 700 miles on the R56 Works package. Most of these miles on very familar remote sections of backroads in N. Texas. Plenty of 90-100+ mph sweeping turns, fast switch-backs and long sections of straights. It is bloody fast & keeps up w/ my "best" record times in my Dinan Z4 and neary as fast as my former E46 M3 in some of the shorter runs. Saddly much of what the JCW tuning kit has to offer will not be experienced in test drives and city traffic. Franky I am very, very impressed & even a bit surprised at the ample torque reserves, seamless power delivery and synergystic "wholeness" of the R56 Works car.
Bravo! and at $2300 installed a bargin to me.
Now I need my TSW BBK, springs and sway to keep up w/ the power dynamics. Coming soon. PS Fuel comsumption is exactly the same post Works (assuming I keep it down.) Not a bad way to have the cake & eat it!

 

I can now say that mine is pretty much exactly the same, too. After an 80 mile trip (one way) to the dealer on I-5, through Marysville, Everett, Seattle & into Tacoma.

Getting there (pre JCW): 34.3 mpg

Coming home (after install): 32.4 mpg

So about a 5% loss. Hardly a "drastic decline" in fuel economy . Especially when you consider all the other variables involved (traffic etc). I would guess the big decline in gas milage would be more attributed to the big desire to put your foot into it and hear the little thing roar.

 

Check out this months Evo mag for the R56 Works review! "...the fastest Mini (yet) we have driven..." They have driven them all: Dinan, Works R53, GP, Hamman & all the other tuners Mini's in the past four years. Very nice.

 

r56 stock is faster than GP anyway. I am sure JCW r56 is even faster. MINI claims only 17 HP increase but I am starting to suspect that it is more than that... because they under-advertised hp and torque numbers on stock r56.

 

I guess it comes down to what you're ultimately looking for. I don't drive much in the 5000-6000 rpm range. If I got the kit I wouldn't put the badges on my car. The top reason for considering JCW was the warranty.

I've got a cake with a thick buttercream frosting. I really don't need the corner slice with the extra frosting on it.

Maybe if they brought back the burble, I'd take another look.

 

I just want the sound and look of the big bore openings. JCW exhaust holes don't seem as big as Alta's. There is already enough power for me as I proved to myself at the autoX. I could not put all the power to the ground and the tires spun in the air like mad. Suspension is where I could use more improvement.

 

True-that!

I have my fingers crossed a future ECU update will make it an option.

The diameter of the opening in the tips has less to do with the sound than the baffles in the muffler box and the presence of an resinators in the pipe.

I totally agree that the JCW suspension upgrade would probably be more noticed/appreciated by about 90% of drivers out there.

 

But that's the best part !

Seriously though, I'm most likely going aftermarket (Alta) turbo-back and CAI, and maybe an ECU upgrade. I just want to free up the engine a bit and get a little more attitude. With the majority of driving I do, I don't think I'd see the rpm range a lot where the JCW shines.

It's nice to have these choices, don't think you can go wrong whatever you choose.

 

Ordered my JCW kit on Thursday, from what I've read it does make a difference depending on how you drive your car. I don't have a lot of experience behind the wheel of a stock R56 so I won't have much to compare too. I'm having this installed on the car when it comes into the dealer so again won't be able to compare this to my stock car. But I can tell you that as soon as I get this thing it is going on the Dyno, JCW claims 189hp so I better be getting at least that I guess I'm going based on faith, I couldn't imagine a reputable long standing company like JCW selling a kit and not delivering the claimed hp gains, but I guess it does happen.
One thing to consider is that 17hp is only 10% more then stock and is not something that you are going to immediately feel in the seat of your pants, but from my experience in building cars and drag racing on the track it can make a difference of a car length or two to 60-70mph. In real world driving this is what we are all looking for when that guy is trying to pass you in his modded Honda I'm banking on a JCW upgrade as well, there is no question that JCW will be coming out with a stage II version and there is a good chance that current JCW owners can upgrade for small price bump, all while maintaining thier factory warranty. After spending almost 30K on a new car, I sure don't want to give that up just yet.
I'll post more on here when I take delivery of the car, but it would be cool to get a bunch of people together somtime in November and take our cars to Advance Motorsports in Irvine and have a Dyno day. I think it's less then $40 a car if we get a few people. If your in the So. Cal. area and are interested, let me know. BTW, I got my kit from Long Beach Mini, they are currently offering it for $1895 and quoted install is 3.5 hrs. about $400, so you will get out the door around $2500.

Braden