Official Factory R56 JCW Club Thread
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Just in from 5 hours motoring in this and wifey and I have the biggest sh%$ eating grins you've ever seen. This thing is a little BEAST! The power just comes in waves, I looked down at the speedo at one stage and was doing 11.....erm...I was going really fast, and I was only hitting 3000 RPM's! Way too tired for a full review but until then here's a few pics that I promised, better pics to come soon. What a day!!
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Orlando
Friday the 25th I am taking the Red Eye from Vegas to Orlando. I am going pretty much from the airport to the dealership to pic her up. My documents were overnighted to me today, so I should have those tommorrow and overnight them back.
Once I got back here, there were no real major issues, just someone whinning to people. But things happen and I got to fly back on the Company's Gulfstream III, which made me realize I never want to fly commercial again.
I will load her up and drive the 2400 miles back, way to break her in and get to see the country to boot.
I went by the MINI dealership here in Vegas and they sold the one they had yesterday, so I did not get to test drive, but I guess I can wait another week.
Once I got back here, there were no real major issues, just someone whinning to people. But things happen and I got to fly back on the Company's Gulfstream III, which made me realize I never want to fly commercial again.
I will load her up and drive the 2400 miles back, way to break her in and get to see the country to boot.
I went by the MINI dealership here in Vegas and they sold the one they had yesterday, so I did not get to test drive, but I guess I can wait another week.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 9
From: Houston
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Bolton, Massachusetts
...and come on all of you with cars in hand - you know what it's like to be waiting. We're still hanging on every word we read, so tell us more about your cars... are you distracted or something? And more pictures would be nice of course.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis
Did you have it in sport mode? My MA said that the exhaust note changed when in sport mode. Is that actually the case?
...and come on all of you with cars in hand - you know what it's like to be waiting. We're still hanging on every word we read, so tell us more about your cars... are you distracted or something? And more pictures would be nice of course.
...and come on all of you with cars in hand - you know what it's like to be waiting. We're still hanging on every word we read, so tell us more about your cars... are you distracted or something? And more pictures would be nice of course.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: Southern Calif
Just came back from driving the new JCW at Alexander Mini here in LA...Shep the GM of the mini Dealer was nice enough to pull it off the showroom floor and off we went.The car was a kick...the exhaust is great....great,smooth acceleration through the range and fast.My current JCW may be a little quicker,but it also breathes a lot better with the Alta Goodies on it and it has had some time for everything to set in.Give this little car some time a a few breathing tweeks and it's going to be a beast.All in all,you lucky first few are going to love it.The care handled well but it does need to be lowered and played with.Either the JCW suspension or your springs of choice.The weird thing is all the JCW branding was not on the engine and the air box ????.The exhaust did not have the JCW logo as well,but it sure sounded good,should get even better as it works in...got to drive it for a while and play with all the buttons for the drivetrain.Made for a fun afternoon.This was a factory roll out car and Shep didn't even know it was coming,it just showed up.. Go figure.It's still available if anyones interested... good luck with your new babies and happy motoring...
Just came back from driving the new JCW at Alexander Mini here in LA...Shep the GM of the mini Dealer was nice enough to pull it off the showroom floor and off we went.The car was a kick...the exhaust is great....great,smooth acceleration through the range and fast.My current JCW may be a little quicker,but it also breathes a lot better with the Alta Goodies on it and it has had some time for everything to set in.Give this little car some time a a few breathing tweeks and it's going to be a beast.All in all,you lucky first few are going to love it.The care handled well but it does need to be lowered and played with.Either the JCW suspension or your springs of choice.The weird thing is all the JCW branding was not on the engine and the air box ????.The exhaust did not have the JCW logo as well,but it sure sounded good,should get even better as it works in...got to drive it for a while and play with all the buttons for the drivetrain.Made for a fun afternoon.This was a factory roll out car and Shep didn't even know it was coming,it just showed up.. Go figure.It's still available if anyones interested... good luck with your new babies and happy motoring...
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: Southern Calif
Exactly the same,the car just showed up on the truck with no notice..Go figure.Shep didn't even know it was coming,so he called me to come over and drive it and we sure did,no warm up period here...But like I said ,it can certainly use your breathing goodies.You need to get the seats I put in with JCW logo and Alcantara to spruce up the interior...I look forward to watching your progress with the car...By the way,my car is running like a champ.It's keeping the Twin Turbo in the garage.. Thanks Alta..Take care
Last edited by Mark Kurzius; Jul 19, 2008 at 04:39 PM.
Ok all - picked up mine today - I have to tell you - I put on 123 miles - it's like having a smoke if you've never smoked much. Omigod!
I missed the whole MINI of Annapolis meet and greet with DCMM as it took a few hours to get all the paperwork, financing and all that stuff fully sorted.
Loves:
1. Exhaust note - crazy good! Love how it farts, hisses, burps, cracks, pops!!
2. Intake note - you can definitely hear that bigger turbo spooling up and hear the BOV and intake doing their job
3. Torque!! Holy crap! This is like the difference between a normal WRX and an STi - that significant of a difference.
Dislikes -
1. Coming from an 2007 R56 MINI Cooper JCW (stage 1) with H&R springs and 19 MM rear sway bar - this car is going to need to be lowered. I'm having a tough time deciding if I want to wait and save up the coinage for coilovers or just slap on my H&Rs back on and deal with the lower ride height. Torque steer - seems to be minimal. I was driving in Sport mode with DTC on first setting (not fully off in full bareback mode i.e., no protection).
2. Gotta read the owners manual - want to make sure I can figure out how to use the DTC to my advantage over a mechanical LSD.
3. Missing my LSD already.
Pics below:
Martin is definitely jealous!
Martin (passenger) to Kurt (driver/owner): "Is it quick?"
Kurt to Marin: "Yerp!"
I missed the whole MINI of Annapolis meet and greet with DCMM as it took a few hours to get all the paperwork, financing and all that stuff fully sorted.
Loves:
1. Exhaust note - crazy good! Love how it farts, hisses, burps, cracks, pops!!
2. Intake note - you can definitely hear that bigger turbo spooling up and hear the BOV and intake doing their job
3. Torque!! Holy crap! This is like the difference between a normal WRX and an STi - that significant of a difference.
Dislikes -
1. Coming from an 2007 R56 MINI Cooper JCW (stage 1) with H&R springs and 19 MM rear sway bar - this car is going to need to be lowered. I'm having a tough time deciding if I want to wait and save up the coinage for coilovers or just slap on my H&Rs back on and deal with the lower ride height. Torque steer - seems to be minimal. I was driving in Sport mode with DTC on first setting (not fully off in full bareback mode i.e., no protection).
2. Gotta read the owners manual - want to make sure I can figure out how to use the DTC to my advantage over a mechanical LSD.
3. Missing my LSD already.
Pics below:
Martin is definitely jealous!
Martin (passenger) to Kurt (driver/owner): "Is it quick?"
Kurt to Marin: "Yerp!"
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: Southern Calif
Ok all - picked up mine today - I have to tell you - I put on 123 miles - it's like having a smoke if you've never smoked much. Omigod!
I missed the whole MINI of Annapolis meet and greet with DCMM as it took a few hours to get all the paperwork, financing and all that stuff fully sorted.
Loves:
1. Exhaust note - crazy good! Love how it farts, hisses, burps, cracks, pops!!
2. Intake note - you can definitely hear that bigger turbo spooling up and hear the BOV and intake doing their job
3. Torque!! Holy crap! This is like the difference between a normal WRX and an STi - that significant of a difference.
Dislikes -
1. Coming from an 2007 R56 MINI Cooper JCW (stage 1) with H&R springs and 19 MM rear sway bar - this car is going to need to be lowered. I'm having a tough time deciding if I want to wait and save up the coinage for coilovers or just slap on my H&Rs back on and deal with the lower ride height. Torque steer - seems to be minimal. I was driving in Sport mode with DTC on first setting (not fully off in full bareback mode i.e., no protection).
2. Gotta read the owners manual - want to make sure I can figure out how to use the DTC to my advantage over a mechanical LSD.
3. Missing my LSD already.
Pics below:
Martin is definitely jealous!
Martin (passenger) to Kurt (driver/owner): "Is it quick?"
Kurt to Marin: "Yerp!"
I missed the whole MINI of Annapolis meet and greet with DCMM as it took a few hours to get all the paperwork, financing and all that stuff fully sorted.
Loves:
1. Exhaust note - crazy good! Love how it farts, hisses, burps, cracks, pops!!
2. Intake note - you can definitely hear that bigger turbo spooling up and hear the BOV and intake doing their job
3. Torque!! Holy crap! This is like the difference between a normal WRX and an STi - that significant of a difference.
Dislikes -
1. Coming from an 2007 R56 MINI Cooper JCW (stage 1) with H&R springs and 19 MM rear sway bar - this car is going to need to be lowered. I'm having a tough time deciding if I want to wait and save up the coinage for coilovers or just slap on my H&Rs back on and deal with the lower ride height. Torque steer - seems to be minimal. I was driving in Sport mode with DTC on first setting (not fully off in full bareback mode i.e., no protection).
2. Gotta read the owners manual - want to make sure I can figure out how to use the DTC to my advantage over a mechanical LSD.
3. Missing my LSD already.
Pics below:
Martin is definitely jealous!
Martin (passenger) to Kurt (driver/owner): "Is it quick?"
Kurt to Marin: "Yerp!"
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 495
Likes: 47
From: Dallas, TX
Just got back from my dealer, and I agree with the positive responses here. I'm glad I bought one. I was starting to get a little nervous with some of the luke warm reviews I've seen on Motoringfile (along w/ plenty of positive write-ups), but after driving one in the flesh, I think they've done a great job with this car.
I should have my AB/AB by the end of the month if the VPC cooperates.
I should have my AB/AB by the end of the month if the VPC cooperates.
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
Drove it today.
Yep, it torque steers in 1st, 2nd and 3rd, but not as bad as I was fearing after reading the reviews. That's my only gripe. Yes, everything everyone else says about power, oh my God does it pull! It's a monster. Pulled out on the highway to pass and suddenly I'm doing a buck and change... ooops!
And yes, could use lowering, suspension adjustments, those of us who really want to put it through its paces. Mine will be in at the end of the month and will have the JCW suspension.
Just like the vorpal bunny this car is a wicked beast with teeth!!
BTW: My girlfriend, who suffers from motion sickness, sat beside me on the test drive looking sullen and dreading of things to come. I told her I'd install a dramamine dispenser in the glove box for her >
Feel the love.
Yep, it torque steers in 1st, 2nd and 3rd, but not as bad as I was fearing after reading the reviews. That's my only gripe. Yes, everything everyone else says about power, oh my God does it pull! It's a monster. Pulled out on the highway to pass and suddenly I'm doing a buck and change... ooops!
And yes, could use lowering, suspension adjustments, those of us who really want to put it through its paces. Mine will be in at the end of the month and will have the JCW suspension.
Just like the vorpal bunny this car is a wicked beast with teeth!!
BTW: My girlfriend, who suffers from motion sickness, sat beside me on the test drive looking sullen and dreading of things to come. I told her I'd install a dramamine dispenser in the glove box for her >
Feel the love.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Orlando
OK, received paperwork in the mail today. Wifey went by dealership and looked at car, she took some pics with her phone and sent those to me to tease me. Looking good for Friday coming home with daddy.
Some questions and oberservations:
How many of you that have taken possession of your car have the little checker board plaque on the dash?
What RF tires came on the vehicle?
Those of you that feel the ride/suspension are mild, did you order the sport suspension or just get stock?
After seeing my new baby, wifey wants the new convertible when it comes out. The way she is pricing out the Sidewalk package, might be as much as mine. She will probably make me get her the Stage I kit for it too. (she wears out tires faster than me) But the good part is if I spend money on hers, I get to spend money on mine.
After seeing all the CR/B on here I am wondering if I should have ordered the Laser Blue now. Oh well. Wifey said that Snoopy was next to the new car at the dealership's warehouse and she felt sad for her. And I thought I was attached to my car.
Some questions and oberservations:
How many of you that have taken possession of your car have the little checker board plaque on the dash?
What RF tires came on the vehicle?
Those of you that feel the ride/suspension are mild, did you order the sport suspension or just get stock?
After seeing my new baby, wifey wants the new convertible when it comes out. The way she is pricing out the Sidewalk package, might be as much as mine. She will probably make me get her the Stage I kit for it too. (she wears out tires faster than me) But the good part is if I spend money on hers, I get to spend money on mine.
After seeing all the CR/B on here I am wondering if I should have ordered the Laser Blue now. Oh well. Wifey said that Snoopy was next to the new car at the dealership's warehouse and she felt sad for her. And I thought I was attached to my car.
Oh yes! I went yesterday to place my order for the JCW09 at Westchester mini. If you live in the NYC area I recommend you head that way to place your order. They have a little tiny space for the Mini brand (in comparison to the BMW wing) but they are great!
I took Mozza's advice and went with Steve Stein as my MA and the guy is amazing and very well informed. You can tell he is a full-on enthusiast! They have a red JCW 09 so I unexpectedly took it for a spin and boy I love it!
**A surprise for me, the ride didn't have a sunroof and it was fully blacked out interior and let me tell you, it actually feels great! I never thought I would be considering not installing the sunroof but it felt like I could focus more on my driving and given that the car feels so sporty it might be the way Ill go with this one. **
**Also I am a little divided here between sticking to my usual all black option or actually venturing into the realm of green for a change?..hmmm options options.
Anyways, thanks Mozza for the heads-up re: Steven. Good move
I took Mozza's advice and went with Steve Stein as my MA and the guy is amazing and very well informed. You can tell he is a full-on enthusiast! They have a red JCW 09 so I unexpectedly took it for a spin and boy I love it!
**A surprise for me, the ride didn't have a sunroof and it was fully blacked out interior and let me tell you, it actually feels great! I never thought I would be considering not installing the sunroof but it felt like I could focus more on my driving and given that the car feels so sporty it might be the way Ill go with this one. **
**Also I am a little divided here between sticking to my usual all black option or actually venturing into the realm of green for a change?..hmmm options options.
Anyways, thanks Mozza for the heads-up re: Steven. Good move
Last edited by fdavid; Jul 21, 2008 at 10:40 AM.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Orlando
Just a note; everyone was posting like crazy in this forum, then they get their cars and I have to wonder if they are sleeping in them?
Oh well. I am sure next week when I get mine, I will be MIA too.
Happy motoring to all that have them.
Oh well. I am sure next week when I get mine, I will be MIA too.
Happy motoring to all that have them.
Thread Starter
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5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 678
Likes: 0
From: Phila, PA
haha you poor bastard. 
I started at 5PM yesterday, stopped at 8PM. Then started at 8AM and just finished painting my Aero Kit. 3 primer, 3 color and 3 clear.
I can't mount the kit until it is fully cured, about 5 days. I need to wet sand it as there is some orange peel.
I think, after cleaning the gun, I'll wash the car and take a drive. I still need to cut the grass...
I only put almost 200 miles on it.
I still need to put the Ducati back together again....that is one rush no MINI can ever come close to
Cheer up DP, savor these moments for soon, you will be driving across the country in a very cool little car.
I started at 5PM yesterday, stopped at 8PM. Then started at 8AM and just finished painting my Aero Kit. 3 primer, 3 color and 3 clear.
I can't mount the kit until it is fully cured, about 5 days. I need to wet sand it as there is some orange peel.
I think, after cleaning the gun, I'll wash the car and take a drive. I still need to cut the grass...
I only put almost 200 miles on it.
I still need to put the Ducati back together again....that is one rush no MINI can ever come close to
Cheer up DP, savor these moments for soon, you will be driving across the country in a very cool little car.