Hey all,I'm looking to purchase a '15 MCS, and should be calling to put a deposit down tomorrow. It's loaded with a ton of options, but seems to be missing two that I'd really like.
It doesn't have Paddle shifters or the DDC.
I'd really like the paddle shifters and I've seen a few threads where people ask about having it done, and a few confirming that it was doable, but not sure on the cost and difficulty to do this.
I've read threads where people say the DDC is great, and I would 100% get it if I were buying new, but as a used vehicle I can only be so picky. Is no DDC a deal breaker?

Based on the options listed, I'm guessing at the packages, but seems to have:
Cold Weather Package
Technology Package
** NO SPORT PACKAGE ** (boo!)
Premium Package
JCW Exterior Package
JCW Interior Package
LED Lights
Chrome Line Interior

 

You're correct that several people have retrofitted the paddle shifters, but don't remember a price. Suggest you PM one of the successful ones. Some people like the DDC, but I would hazard a guess that most members regret the extra money spent when they want to upgrade their suspension. Nice looking car. I like the color. Seldom see any monochrome Thunder Grey cars.

 

You'd need to replace the steering wheel (used ones seem to generally be going for between $400 and $600 on eBay right now) then get someone to code it (I think I saw someone had it done remotely for ~$100?). I'm considering it down the road...

I personally don't think DDC is a deal breaker, especially if you're going to change out springs or dampers.

I say go for it, but then I MAY be biased toward a 2015 Thunder Grey F56S

 

StephenM,
Even with the JCW wheel I'd need a new one, or can the wheel be modified (hoping just remove plastic panels on the back) where the paddles attach?

Thanks for the replies!

 

Someone in another thread said that a new (used) wheel with the paddles wasn't much more than just the paddles, but if you can find a good deal you should be able to just use the paddles with your existing JCW wheel.

 

I does have the JCW interior, but I don't see the JCW exterior package.
EDI
nvr mind, I see the JCW bumpers

 

Taking delivery, hopefully Sunday or Monday at the latest (car being delivered!)
I'll have about $1500 to consider for basic mods. I want to keep this daily driver oriented, but wouldn't mind a nicer sounding exhaust and maybe springs/spacers to improve the stance slightly. I don't want crazy low, but I see quite a few MCS around town with suspension work done and they look a lot nicer. Any suggestions on minor mods to improve the character of the car without making it hard to live with as a daily?

 

Dinan Sport module or Elite tuner. Or an ECU tune.

 

Springs: $265
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-nm-engin...nm.558846~nme/
Rear Sway Bar: $265
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-nm-engin...nm.258846~nme/
PiggyBack Tune: $200-$379
My preference...
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-nm-engin...nm.648846~nme/

If you keep an eye on the classifieds you'f find a Dinan Sport or NM for anywhere from $170-$250. I just sold an NM for $250.

Recommended, but not essential: NM End Links $113
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-nm-engin...nm.328847~nme/

There are other brands, but I'm recommending what I have personal experience with.


You can get all of this for <$900 including the end links, which leaves plenty for labor.

As for an exhaust, a quality system will run you $1K or more. I would recommend keeping an eye on the classifieds. Or if you want some quick relatively inexpensive sound, you can always take it to a muffler shop and have that big stock muffler removed and replace it with a Magnaflow. Cost will vary on that.

 

Thanks for the replies!
Hey Vetsvette - I've seen you mention Raleigh, NC a few times when talking about the shop you take your car to for tuning. I actually live in Raleigh, so I'd love to know more.

 

I'm considering one of the ECU flashes, but since I've still got almost 2 years left of warranty (november 2015 original in service date), the Dinan that keeps the warranty is appealing. The sound of that JCW exhaust is amazing, but so is the price tag.

 

You'd have a better chance hiding an ECU flash than you would a Dinan.

Most ECU flashes are "invisible" meaning the dealer cant tell you have a non-stock setup. Depending on the dealer if they see the Dinan then they could start talking about warranty denials etc...

 

"However, it has recently been noted that many 2013 and newer models are now equipped with non manipulative / non writeable ECU's that have an integrated flash counter. In these vehicles we are unable to mask the fact that a car has been flashed"
http://www.hpamotorsports.com/software.html

May not apply to MINI/BMW but I bet it does. Only so many companies are making ECU's.

 

Yeah, there is that and thats why I tell my dealer not to flash or update anything. That was even before I had my ECU flashed

 

G3 Automotive. Chris does excellent work for a reasonable price. He did all the work on my R56 and a lot of the work on my F56.

www.g3autosolutions.com