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I'm a dyed-in-the-wool manual transmission guy. My Clubbie even sports a "manual transmission preservation club" sticker on the back glass. I also have a '16 Z4 3.5i with the dual-clutch flappy paddle transmission, which I acknowledge would be a half-decent (not full-decent!) manual transmission if only it didn't feel like you have to go into a sub-mode of a sub-mode to get there every single time you drive. When I can make the tranny be in flappy-paddle manual mode by default, then maybe it'll feel better. (We also have a CVT and a conventional automatic in the fleet, so we check all the boxes).
And while I'm here saying "get off my lawn, old man, and take your automatic transmission with you", I'll add -- take your black wheels. You can't SEE them. Why do people like them?
But, that you're getting your second Clubman -- I'm jealous!
I've driven a JCW Clubbie with the racecar paddles and a handful of VW dual clutch trannys. They are very good.
I still don't want it to grow on me [like a fungus]. =P Personal preference and all that.
Originally Posted by GDGR
And while I'm here saying "get off my lawn, old man, and take your automatic transmission with you", I'll add -- take your black wheels. You can't SEE them. Why do people like them?
I sorta feel like you answered your own question here. They are stealth. They blend with the tires, and on a MINI, with the black cladding. They aren't flashy or distracting, letting the more subtle styling of the body and paint enjoy the spotlight.
Also worth noting that 100% of the time black wheels look better in person than in photographs.
(Wow... screw this "vig-link" thing. I'm sure it makes money for the forum and keeps the boards running, but is it worth making innocent people look like affiliate link spammers?)
JCW's Clubmans can't Handle a Manual Trans and Clutch
My current 2018 MINI Cooper JCW Clubman Manual is the worst manual transmission vehicle I've owned since a 1995 Chevrolet S-10 ZR2 - balky and does not like to be engaged into gears quickly. Also with a Dinan Elite tune on my car I noticed I was developing flat spots on the clutch - noticed occasionally on moderate higher gear pulls generally on an incline. I don't hoon the car and respect the clutch . After 3 rounds of flashing check engine lights and each incident required my car to be flat bedded to the dealership I gave up on Dinan and de-installed the Elite.
On a side note, picking up the 2020 Clubman JCW tomorrow. I'll be happy to report some first impressions tomorrow.
BTW, no evidence of the $2K loyalty offer anywhere on the MINI web site. BUT, and you won't want to miss this, MINI has added a $1,000 incentive on 2020 Clubman for October. Be sure you check it out.
If you do have something in writing about the loyalty, please let us know where we can find it. I'm thinking it may be a dealer-specific offer??
Whatever the case, paddle away and let us know how long it takes to wipe the grin off your face after a dose of 300+hp.... in an All4 MINI!!
Sharp eye there!! Yeah, that's a 4th Gen rejected prototype headed to the crusher -- looks Italian; based on another brand that is no longer imported into the USA
Drove a 2020 JCW clubman launch edition. Loved the car...disliked the tire noise and suspension. Questions:
1. Dynamic dampers don’t seem to be on the launch edition. Salesman indicated that dynamic only makes the suspension stiffer than standard sport suspension. My understanding was that it actually makes the suspension both slightly stiffer and/or slightly more compliant depending on settings. Insight?
2. The car was fitted with the 19” wheels. I would be going with 18”...significant difference in noise and/or road feel?
thx!
If you option the 19" wheels the dynamic dampers can't be chosen per the dealer order guide I have. The configurator has big problems. Don't trust it ask for the order PDF.
You can also ask for a sunroof delete on signature and iconic trim.
I drove a launch edition Sunday. I loved it. I currently own an '18 Golf R which is a snooze fest compared to the clubman jcw. The exhaust note, handling and interior blown away the VW.
I didn't feel the road noise was bad. It's quieter than my 12k mile R with continentals. Also fwiw I've heard continentals tend to be loud.
My guess is that 18's should ride slightly better and not be as loud.
great info! so, 18" wheels it is. final question then....18" wheels WITH Dynamic Dampers will give me more flexibility (I read on comfort they are about 10% softer than standard and when on sport they ar 10% stiffer...) which is totally counter to what the dealership said...which was they will be as stiff as sport when in regular settingAND 10% stiffer when in sport setting. Might be splitting hairs here...but coming out of a BMW X3 and definitely feel the difference...but love the Mini FUN!
The wait is finally over - I picked up my 2020 JCW Clubman yesterday at Hendrick MINI in Charlotte. I could not have found a bunch of nicer people to work with. Extremely professional and I honestly think they were as excited as myself! They went over the top to deliver it and a couple of photos are included below.
Driving impressions - compared to my 18 JCW Clubman manual this thing hauls butt! It fires shifts off more quickly than I expected. If I had to make a comparison to my old mini versus this one - it's like trading in a Dodge Challenger 5.7 R/T and upgrading to a Dodge Challenger 392 with a 6.4 engine. Definitely more angry and more engaging than my 2018 JCW CLM.
Suspension seems more buttoned down than my 18 - the improvements in camber also create a more engaging driving and handling experience. Ride is as good if not better than my 18. The Bridgestone tires may have something to do with that. I have the 18" wheels on my car. I took the car to work on my normal route and one of the twisty roads I travel was able to hit my marks extremely accurately - meaning I wanted to avoid a pothole that was near the apex of my curve and power through extremely accurately.
Power is nuts - this thing is a license shredder if you're not careful.
I do have the dynamic dampers - they work well - I'm in North Carolina near Raleigh - I tend to drive in Sport Mode all the time - with the 18" wheels they're not uncomfortable - firm and predictable
Appreciate the first impressions Krut, sounds like a great machine.
I agree that it's stunning looking, especially in black, but I wish there was less fake grille. =/ Not sure how to un-jump the shark that is modern giant grille design, but it keeps souring otherwise great car designs for me. I fear that the trend will only get worse, if only to differentiate combustion cars from EVs.
Sorry to be a debbie downer. Love the car, I'm crazy jealous, enjoy it!
Originally Posted by fjork_duf
I currently own an '18 Golf R which is a snooze fest compared to the clubman jcw. The exhaust note, handling and interior blown away the VW.
This is high praise. I rented a mkVII R for a week and I still dream about it and troll the classifieds for deals. Overall it's a very well sorted car, not a sports car, but essentially my perfect "only car". Agreed on interior and exhaust, but I am quite surprised by the handling comment. I drove the original F54 JCW at a MINI autoX event and it handled great, but it definitely felt heavier than a Golf. I'm skeptical, but always happy to be proven wrong on such matters.
It's looking like this is the new go-to enthusiast MINI.... now if only they shipped it with an extra pedal. ;]
Those are some NICE looking Minis. Pretty sure my next/last Mini will be one of those bad boys. I'm ready to drive one with a less bumpy ride than my Coupe (dynamic dampers) with a little more room in it but with at least as much HP to weight (I'm at about 240 with the ECU tune). The styling won't compare but the car I'm sure is better. Post some more driving impressions. I'm assuming you paid about $50k for these cars???
Those are some NICE looking Minis. Pretty sure my next/last Mini will be one of those bad boys. I'm ready to drive one with a less bumpy ride than my Coupe (dynamic dampers) with a little more room in it but with at least as much HP to weight (I'm at about 240 with the ECU tune). The styling won't compare but the car I'm sure is better. Post some more driving impressions. I'm assuming you paid about $50k for these cars???
Thank you!!! Mine is fully loaded (yes i went nuts) and yes it converts to about 50k USD. Was about 67K cad. I did everything from the homelink to illuminated mini yours trim, dinamica leather, black exterior package, bla bla bla.
That leaves 2.5% for the house from the non-holdback holdback program, assuming the dealer hits all the required benchmarks. I'm sure you'll give all top marks on the survey and jump through whatever else they ask. Sounds like they took good care of their former homey. Nice!!
