I have to say I like the 2018 and the little changes from the 2017. For one the transmission feels more connected. In other words on the 2017 when you're at a stop it seems to "disconnect", you release the brake and re-engages. I don't mean the engine auto-stop either, this one thing I hated about my 2015, I think it was meant to smooth out your idle while stopped. I also like how when you're in Sport mode (now moved up to a switch by the Engine Start Switch) the engine RPMs are normal, no longer does is hold the RPMs to some crazy high points before shifting. The gas pedal and steering still get more responsive and stiffer. Then there's the keyless entry with no slot to put your key fob in, this is more modern and in like with other cars. The Mini Connected screen is super clear and crisp. The one question I have about the 2017 MCS with a JCW tuning kit is, is that how they come from factory as JCW? You have a little remote you press to activate the JCW performance package? I didn't like the kit, it isn't seamless. I would want the performance to always be there and not require me to press a button to activate it. I really like the 2018s and look forward to the "more British" Minis coming in 2019, might just come back to Mini again!

 

All the button is for on the Tuning Kit is to control the flap in the exhaust. The JCW Tune is always there.

 

I've got a 2016 MCS with JCW Tuning Kit. Love everything about it. Like you, I got tired of pressing blue tooth remote. SOLUTION: Start car, double tap controller to open right exhaust. Keep engine running and open rear hatch. There's a small cover on passenger side. Pop open, disconnect the blue tooth connector, put the cover back in place and you have full time pops and crackles. FYI, opening the exhaust only gives you the sound. The performance (plus 30 hp) comes from the tune you get with the JCW tuning kit. And, it doesn't void the warranty!

 

Bingo ^^^^^

https://myredmini.com/2016/12/14/how...kit-always-on/

 

The JCW tune can be ordered and installed by your dealer or when the car is off-loaded at the POE (mirror caps, decals and other items are added after the arrives from the factory).

BT exhaust control is nice if you want to run the car more quietly. Having the option at your finger tips is handy IMO. Again, if you want it open all the time, follow the direction in the post above.

Not sure if anything is really different mechanically between the 2017 and the 2018 models. Nothing I've read indicates any differences other than options and some cosmetics. Could be your just perceiving differences between two examples of what are essentially the same car.

 

Wait until March to order, you'll get the new 8 speed transmission with the early 2019 model.

 

You are correct. I thought the OP was saying he felt differences between 2018 and 2017 models, but I re-read his post and he is comparing the 2018 to his 2015 R60

 

2014 + are all F56 models. Since he posted in the F series section assumed he was driving an "F". Not sure what Mini he is driving currently.

I thought he was comparing the 17 to the 18 based on the below:

Quote:
Originally Posted by Benibiker
I have to say I like the 2018 and the little changes from the 2017. For one the transmission feels more connected. In other words on the 2017 when you're at a stop it seems to "disconnect", you release the brake and re-engages.

 

I was comparing the 2018 with a 2017 and noted the 2017 transmission felt just like my 2015 Countryman... confusing I know lol. The 2018 must have different software controlling the transmission because it felt much better than the 2017 and my old 2015. Sport mode is also different in the 2018 compared to the 2017 and my old 2015. No longer are the RPMs held to higher revs but the steering and gas pedal is still more responsive in Sport mode.

 

Interesting. I know under hard acceleration "sport" is supposed to hold each gear close to red line. My F56 in sport mode changes the shift points so it holds each gear longer, but not to excess under normal conditions.

What you may actually be experiencing is the affect the JCW tune is having on the 2017 vs. the stock 2018.

My car changed dramatically after adding the tune. I'd wager if the 2018 had a tune, they would drive and feel the same.

Of course, I could be wrong (wouldn't be the first time).

 

The 2018 was just a standard MCS. You know they changed the location of the Sport switch from around the shifter to up by the Engine Start switch. The gas gauge is different too, not little segments but now a linear light, very nice. I like the sport mode now that it doesn't hold each gear longer, it just shifts normally but with the sport gas pedal response and tighter steering. The sport switch can also go into economy mode; you have economy, normal and sport.

 

I have a 2016 S automatic and recently had a 2018 Clubman S automatic loaner. Sport mode acted no different on the 2018 vs my 2016. Idle rpm's still increased around 150rpm's and shift points were the same. Both cars with sport mode if you give it very light throttle shift lower in the rpm range, give it heavy throttle and it will shift higher.

I noticed zero difference in sport mode between the cars.

 

I own a 15 MCS. I took it in yesterday for an oil change and was given an 18 MCS. I did notice differences in how much more zippy the car felt than mine. Granted mine is heavier, I have 17" wheels vs the 16"and mine has the comfort access and storage package that the loaner did not. I really liked how solid it felt. The main change in the cabin that bothered me was the use of plastic trim on the A pillars. It's no longer the same material as the headliner. Kinda cheap looking if you ask me.

 

 

Are the two configured the same? It's possible the setups are different?

 

OP stated that the 2017 had the JCW tune (exhaust and module re-flash) while the 2018 is bone stock.

 

Both were MCS, one was 2017 one was 2018, the 2017 had a JCW tuner kit.