I have been building and rebuilding my F56. I originally wanted to do the JCW exterior package but after some thought decided to skip that and stick with the standard and use the money I save for doing some custom stuff instead. When comparing my 2 builds I see that the headlights are displaying a bit differently. The standard build I added the Fully Loaded package which I think changed the lights. I can't decide if I care about the difference but just can't find it in the description what the difference is.

Edit: Fixed it in the configurator and posted updated pic. Feel free to chime in on a preference if you care to. I will reveal that my future graphics will include a darker orange and some red and some pink (it will all make sense based on my name and theme)
I have had 2 MINIs prior and they were both very much masculine cars and were modded as such, this one will have a bit more of a feminine touch but hopefully a tomboy, like me :D.

JCW Exterior


Standard Exterior

 

Ok, nevermind I figured it out. Another case of the configurator throwing stuff out that I just added. It tossed the LED lights out when I added the HUD, go figure.

 

I look forward to seeing it around town.

 

I find the JCW Exterior pretty appealing.

-Luccia

 

i like mine with the black roof and dark tinted windows.

 

I like the black roof/mirrors combo, too. Enough that we've had it on 4 MINIs, so time for a change. I always did a black roof as it made the sunroof blend in but since I'll be covering the entire roof with a multicolor graphic I'm going body color this time I think.

 

With a passing glance, it's tough to see any major difference between the two. If you study the two then there are changes, but if you have aftermarket plans then I'd say shift the money from the JCW exterior pack towards your aftermarket parts.

Also keep in mind there are two different LED headlights. The "regular" LED headlights have more chrome in the bezel, whereas the LED cornering headlights are blacked out with a chrome ring around the projector housing.

The halogen headlights of course look totally different from either LED headlight option.

 

Ryephile, thanks for the clarification of the headlights. My current R56 doesn't have the cornering headlights but does have a black background. Something I really like. So if I get the cornering lights I will get the black housing?
Not sure what benefit the cornering lights will offer otherwise? I will have to go play with it a bit. Wish I could get the black lights with the regular LEDs, sigh.

edit:Just played with it a bit. The cornering lights are $1000 but I didn't realize it would subtract $750 for the regular LEDs so was only $250 more. For that it could be worth it.

 

Since I value the opinions here, if my plan was also to black out the headlight and taillight rings am I better off with the cornering headlights? Also blacking out chrome around grill.
Here's a new mockup-I really like this better now.


I also figured out I could save another $250 by removing the Anthracite headliner. Had that in all previous MINIs so am up for a change there as well.

Here's the basis for my roof graphic, minus the text.

 

With that roof you could move to Portland, we would let you in. Nice.

 

fair enough.

 

I also have the blackout BiXenon headlights on my 2014 R56 car which look great. I am pretty sure the LED headlight will not be blacked out at all like ours are.

 

Yeah, I love the stealth look of yours. Obviously with a VO I'm not going for that this time and will be something I miss in my current R56.

 

Cornering lights are worth the extra upgrade. They look better and I love the extra functionality at night.

Here's my quick review on them from another thread:
LED Headlights w/ Cornering : My last 3 cars have had HIDs, so LEDs were a must. My R60 had adaptive lights, which I liked and didn't want to lose. I knew the cornering lights were different, but I didn't know how they actually performed, so I opted for them anyway. THEY. ARE. AWESOME. They project light out at 90 degrees which is much farther than the adaptive lights did and they work great for turning corners at night so you can make sure there are no pedestrians or debris in the way. They come on at speeds below 40mph when driving though curves, putting your turn signal on will activate them at intersections (which I've noticed weirds some people out), and they both turn on while reversing. Very cool.

 

Those are stunning. Love the pic showing what they actually look like with the black headlight ring. Thanks so much for the review, I couldn't really find what they actually excelled at so love that. My issue around here is deer or maybe raccoons and possums being suddenly on a side road or driveway when you turn in so this sounds pretty useful.

Husband has an R60 but didn't get that option so we are new to this one.

Annette

 

They would be perfect for that. I like them because I live at the end of a short shared drive between 4 houses and their kids play all the time out there so it's nice to put on my turn signal before I go in and illuminate my path before I turn.

The R60 adaptive lights just swiveled side to side by about 15 degrees.

 

[QUOTE=BoCRon;4078471]I have been building and rebuilding my F56. I originally wanted to do the JCW exterior package but after some thought decided to skip that and stick with the standard and use the money I save for doing some custom stuff instead.

I did the exact thing. Had the interior and exterior JCW packages and dropped the exterior. Was able to compare two cars on the lot (one with and one without) and unless someone pointed the difference out, I tended to look past them). In some way I actually like the non JCW exterior better.

$3250 is a pretty stiff entry fee for the exterior package. Used the extra I saved to get different wheels 17" Tentacle spoke, and Dynamic Dampeners, Sirius radio and the HK Stereo (actually saving me some money in the long run).

Like you I plan to have some custom aftermarket done to he car which will give it more of a JCW flair than the package IMO (Red grille trim piece and red pin striping ILO the white on the bonnet stripe).

 

I'm pretty much with you on that one. I have decided that some custom work will get me the look I want. If I do custom paint or wrap to the brake vents that will get the basic look anyway. My only issue is that I like the JCW black wheels. My current MINI has the only other black option for wheels, and while I like them I really would enjoy a change. I guess I will live with the factory black wheels until it's time for new tires and then find something on Tire Rack and switch out wheels then.
Annette

 

You arn't planing to park that in our garage are you honey? That scary thing will have Haka and all the dogs barking at it full time!

I'm with the black roof & mirror club, that is what I am ordering on my electric blue. I'm just throwing in a little JCW exterior & interior bling.

 

Hun, by the time you order your third (like me :D) you may be up for a different roof, too.