you could avoid that by driving a Corvette.

with the lack of a mechanical limited slip diff, i'm surprised they don't offer an automatic straightaway. i mean, it's clear that automatics cannot physically be equipped with the LSD, so it's free and clear to add an automatic with all of the geegaw look at me bits and pieces.

 

The JCW factory car has a more robust transmission. If they were going to do an automatic, they'd need a new automatic transmission.

 

what's your opinion on the electronic brake pulsation as a surrogate?

 

Has there been any word on when the US Configurator will be updated to include the 09 JCW?

 

You mean AST as a surrogate for LSD? I have LSD in my R56 MCS, so I don't know what it would be like with just AST.

 

sorry.

to clarify: i meant using the front brake pulsation as an eLSD to replace a mechanical LSD on the Cooperworks Factory Car coming out this summer.

 

I just thought I'd throw some math at the problem. One of the items I look at in cars is how much weight does each HP have to pull.

The 135i = 3340lbs/300HP = 11.1lbs/hp
The JCW = 2630lbs/207HP = 12.7lbs/hp

So the 135i wins in stock form. But you can get a JCW for cheaper. So here's the question. For an extra $5700 (34.9 less 29.2) can you get the JCW to either (a) have 236hp or (b) lose 300lbs out of the JCW. Either of these would make the power to weight equal to the 135i.

I'm guessing that (a) is possible, but (b) is not.

So at the end, I'd actually say that these cars are equal in bang for the buck performance as long as you don't go crazy with unneeded options.

 

Don't think it would be that hard to lose 300lbs out of the MINI, first thing would be to remove the rear seat, not sure how much that will lighten it but it should be a lot

 

I guarantee you the car will dyno close to 220hp anyway. Every dyno I've seen for a Cooper S with JCW tuning kit has been between 205 and 210 so I'm guessing the published number of 208 for the factory car is quite conservative. Throw on a nice big FMIC and you'll have a serious 'sleeper' on your hands. Less than 3 weeks to production, HURRY BLOODY UP!!

 

Finally ordered mine with build week 23.

Chili red with white top/mirror covers
JCW Aero kit
Punch carbon leather with chrome liner and rooster red dash
Conv, Cold etc without sunroof



Sport suspension
Xenon
Rear fogs
White turn signals
Sirius
Mini HiFi

 

what are some prices that everyone is paying and how can i order one what website do i use to build one thanks guys!!!???

 

Haven't heard of anyone paying under MSRP which is $29,200 including destination charge. You're not able to build one online yet but if you call your dealer he'll be able to build one with/for you.

 

Are you saying that they dynoed 205-210 whp? If not, what drivetrain loss factor are you using to get your 205-210 number?
How many dynos have you seen? I ask because I'm interested in the stage 1.

 

That's a good analysis. Here are a few more point to consider:

• It seems that MINI has under rated the MCS engines by a few HP. Not sure about the 135, but the gap might be smaller than the fifures above.
• I believe MINI typically quotes the weight of a fully-optioned car, so the actual weight of a particular MCS might be a bit less than the above figure of 2630lbs.
• Even if the above power-to-weight ratios are exactly correct, they are close enough that I would still expect the lighter car to be more fun to drive. Its a personal prefernce to be sure, but for me the lighter car will almost always be more fun if the power-to-weight ratios are close. The sensation of driving a nimble, tossable, quick car is much more fun to me than a heavy car with a powerful engine.

I have the stage 1 JCW and I've driven the 135. For me, even the stage 1 JCW is more fun, and the stage 2 JCW should take it to the next level with a very rev-happy engine. But I'm glad BMW builds both cars so we have more great choices out there.

 

I just place my order for an 09 JCW. I have a couple of questions:

My spec:
PS/PS
Cold Weather Pack
Xenons
Rear Fog
White Turn-Signals
$30,900

1. Dealer is giving me free floor mats, but charging a $97 processing fee and a $55 'fuel surchage'. Does this seem reasonable?

2. What should installation cost for the JCW Suspension?

thanks!

 

hey fronesis when did the dealer say your car will be in..? ETA time from the time you ordered the vehicle...?

 

My dealer said he had a small slot of cars for arrival on 14 July (first cars). He also said that I got the last slot since a few people had put their names down on a waiting list before it was even possible to order. That last bit could be true or could be a good sales job, but my dealer experience has been outstanding so far and I'll be very pleased if I get the car that early.

 

I'd bet if you'd add some aftermarket parts you'd definitely be closer to 250.

 

1. Never heard of a fuel surcharge. My doc/processing fee was about $50.
2. With alignment at a good shop, I'd say around 4-500.

 

Thanks, Wolfgang - that's very helpful. I spoke with my dealer again and he's going to waive that fuel surcharge. I thought that was a nice goodwill gesture.

Now the waiting!

 

Ask anyone who has ever ordered a MINI, and Tom Petty. "The waiting is the hardest part."

 

Yes, I think $97 and $55 charges are quite resonable.
I have been 1st on the waiting list to order a JWC Clubman and today
when I went to order my dealer told me today that I will have to pay $2500 premium to get one!
I was shocked! Is this a standard dealer thing to do?
Does anyone know any Mini dealers West of the Mississippi that will sell
a JWC for at least sticker price?
I live in the San Fransisco Bay Area.

 

When I was shopping around for my JCW, a dealership in FL mentioned $2500. They told me that the refundable deposit was $2500. I eventually order my car in SC and the deposit was on $1000. Sounds like it could be a deposit...or maybe the dealer is being a douchebag. If the situation is the latter, I would call Mini and let them know. Dealers ARE NOT allowed to charge a penny more for the cars.

 

Unless things have changed East Bay MINI in Pleasanton sells for MSRP.

 

Yes, East Bay Mini is charging me a $2500 above msrp.
I checked with Mountain View Mini today and they want $3500 above
sticker for a JCW Clubman and $2500 above sticker price for a
Clubman S. These are for ordered cars not "on the lot" cars.
Isn't this lovely!