Hi, I'm new to the world of Mini. I'll be picking up a used 2003 Mini Cooper S on Wednesday of this work from a local buyer. I have been doing some searching, but so far haven't found a place to buy the John Cooper Works engine package. What is the best place to buy from? Do retailers sell it for the same price? Does a dealership need to install to get the warranty? Thanks so much!

 

Sometimes you can get a slight discount from a MINI dealership (our local dealership offered 10% off JCW parts today, as part of their rally event).

Be careful of the installation costs - they can vary wildly! And the dealership must do the install ... I think at MINI of Peabody the price is $6300 installed.

Our MINIsOnTop event has a major raffle prize this year, donated by MINI of Peabody, of a JCW upgrade! If you wanted to "bet" $25 or more on a ticket and wait till the draw on June 17, you might get a deal ...


One last comment. If your car is a 2003, it might have been built in late 2002 and then it's four year warranty will run out in just a few months - it's not worth paying top dollar for the JCW upgrade to maintain a warranty which will soon expire; you'd be better to spend perhaps less than half the $$$ on aftermarket upgrades for a similar performance (but less "badge prestige").

 

I just got the JCW kit on my early 03 because that's what I had to do to get more boost in my (STX) autocross class. You MAY be abel to get a 1 year warranty on the new JCW parts. If an autocross class is not important, I'd suggest a super charger reduction pulley and some new software. GIAC and 15% or 19% pulley.

 

So are JCW part ONLY available through dealerships? If so, is there a dealership sponsor on this site that has JCW parts at a discount? Thanks!

 

Check the vendor directory and see; I have no idea.

 

If not JCW you could consider the Dinan warrantied package offered from Dinan. This is slightly cheaper and offered at more dealers as I understand since there are more BMW dealers.