point well taken...... I just wish that the JCW was the "330ci" version....which is a really nice car...my GF has a 330ci convertible..... and there was an "M" option with maybe another engine or more "tune" that did say 225 whp.... Where, if you wanted to spend the $ you could get that level of performance from the factory with the warranty....and presumably, smooth integration of components...... I'm sure that most "3" series customers look at the "M" price tag and go "why?"...... this "M" model ...say MCS"M"....., would be for the enthusiast......

This is not a slam on JCW..... I have a lot of respect for JCW cars..... this....IMO... is about "cheaping out" and BMW not taking the performance of our beloved little cars seriously..... which I believe is the "topic" (sort of)

 

I disagree with the premise: Mini didn't "cheap out", they gave you a rock-solid engine that performs as well as its competitors, and which you can bump up with another 20% more power for a few hundred $ and a couple of hours work. How is that "cheaping out"?

 

I agree with you that the basic engine is "rock solid" see my post #84..... the engine was/is not ideal but certainly not bad......IMO

what can be done with the 1.8T? seems like a lot more...... but I don't know as I have never owned one..... but there are some pretty strong Audis out there.

 

It's true there are a ton of guys modding and racing the 1.8T's (I had one of the first MkIV 1.8T GTI's myself back in 2000 when they were first introduced to the USA), but you'll notice that few (if any) 1.8T's are quicker than the fastest MINI:

http://www.ross-tech.net/andy/mini/d...artermile.html

There's a few guys running lower 11's or even 10's, but not in the car that came with the engine.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zeroforum?id=27

IMHO, the W11 is an amazing engine. Every engine has its faults, but for durability, performance potential, and ease of modding, this one is right up there.