Hello all. I've decided to order a 2011 jcw hardtop (though I'm swayed by the countryman S's all4)

I don't like to finance, and should have all the funds to buy in cash around mayish. I'm coming from a highly modded 06 vw gti. I love euro cars & the minis in particular after borrowing a friends cooper s.

Do you think it's wise to purchase the extended warranty? I know the mini's have a timing chain & for the most part are reliable. It seems like a good deal having everything covered for 100k?

The big question is how are the mini dealers with violating warranties? I'm debating whether or not to get the jcw suspension or just get the base suspension & install my own coilovers, sway bars, etc...

A proper stance is important to me. I figured if I re-mapped the ecu that would violate the warranty, but I was unsure about suspension, exhaust, downpipe? In the vw world I had a giac ecu remap with a flashloader that I could put on stock setting for when it went into the stealership.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Here's pics of my vw:





320whp 325wtq on 93 oct.

 

Nice VW. I'd suggest hitting up motoring underground if you want to see some seriously stanced MINI's. Sorry I can't really answer your questions, but by the look of your VW I'm pretty sure they can. Enjoy the JCW!

 

Nice GTI. I too had an 06 mkv before my MINI. The MINI is tons more fun to drive!!

Alta just came out with their AccessPORT. With this tune tool you can flash your ECU back to stock for stealership visits and re-flash as soon as you get home. They have multiple maps for stock JCW's, Stage 1, Stage 2, ect.

Check it out: http://www.altaperformance.com/products/show/683/

IMO, the Alta tune is too new to really make a judgement on but the initial reviews are very positive. The other popular tune is from Jan at RMW. His website is http://www.revolutionmini.com/.

 

^^^Thanks, I'll check that out. The VW is great, but it's a weekend car & I drive a hoopdie as my main transport for work. I wanted something fun, sporty & practical, so that's why I chose the jcw. I can't wait.

 

Very cool, I had hoped something was available. I live in the country with alot of twisty roads, so I'm looking forward to having some fun with the jcw.

It's reassuring to find another dub owner that enjoys the mini. Alot of my friends in the vw scene are sad I'm leaving, but I'll still attend the all euro shows etc...

I'll check those guys out. We also have a mini tuner in philly called Helix 13 they seem to know their stuff.

 

So, I'm confused about the new JCW's? Is there a new design & motor update coming out? I was told that the new jcw's will come with the aero kit standard w/ a rear diffuser & somewhere near 215-220hp? Is this true & will this be a 2011 model? Thanks for the insight

 

Those figures were mentioned in an older motoringfile article (a site you should check out), but those figures were given in April of 2010. I'm pretty sure the engine has not changed for 2011 JCWs. Color schemes have though.

Here's that mf article: http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/04/14/11655/

 

OK, I did read that article above from your link. It does talk about the aero kit being standard w/ the rear diffusor & not a new motor, but as the article states:
"Under the hood look for MINI’s addition of VALVETRONIC to filter into the JCW range and bump not only power (we expect a figure over 215 hp) but also efficiency"

So, I assume I just have to wait for the configurator to update over the winter with all the new offerings?

It's going to be a tough choice between the updated jcw & the new countryman S outfitted with jcw goodies. I know the limits of fwd & if what I'm hearing about the all4 set up is true it will allow for some serious tuning potential.

 

I have a 09 JCW with the Helix Intercooler and the RMW tune. My take on it is the more you modify the car the more likely you will have problems is you need to use the warranty. After 36,000 miles you should know if the car is reliable.