So I am in the process of either ordering or finding a pre-owned JCW and was wondering if current owners could shed any light on engine or drivetrain issues they may have had? This may help others in the future as well if we follow something along these lines...

Year
Model
Miles
Issue
Modifications
Covered under warranty?

Looking forward to some data

 

Year - 2009. My car was one of the original non launch cars. It was ordered in May of 2008 and delivered on July 14th of 2008.
Model - Hardtop
Miles - 28,500
Issue - Clutch replaced at 28,000 miles. It was completely gone and burned out. Slipping for 2 months prior to being replaced. Prestige MINI in Ramsey, NJ repaired this under a one time good will policy and was covered by the warranty.
Modifications - See sig
Covered under warranty? - Yes

 

2009 Clubman JCW
currently: 91xx miles (9/15/2011)

Issues:
* failed battery from previous owner not allowing electrical system to deep cycle (paid out of pocket)
* power window logic that required reset and reprogramming from dealer (warranty - no cost)
* no powertrain issues to speak of to date

Modifications:
* BSH Speed Shop dual boost port / block-off unit
* BSH Speed Shop oil catch can

- Erik

 

No major issues here. Stupid little things here and there like little rattles and squeaks that are always taken care of by the dealer.

Lots of mods and my dealer loves them just as much as I do

 

Ordered mine new. I was looking into a used one(JCW) but couldn't find in the time constraint that I had so I convinced my financial advisor(wife) that I need a 2011. It was approved! Arrived in June of the year.

2011. JCW. 31xx miles. No issues so far and no mods.

 

Mine is a 2009 Coupe, bought new in April of that year.

38,000 miles, and the only issue I've had is the fairly common problem of the driver's window bouncing halfway back down after going up.
That occurred right about the one-year anniversary, and it was fixed with a three-hour reprogramming session; hasn't recurred.

I have must have one of the "good ones"; i.e., not built on a Monday or a Friday. No rattles or squeaks at all, to date.

No mods, other than cosmetic.

 

2011 JCW blown motor at 5K. Mini voided my warranty because I attended Mini Thunder II which is a HPDE. Car burned down on the highway at 75 MPH with the cruise control on while out of state on vacation. Mini will not even talk about the car and it took them over a month to come up with an 8600 est to repair. I loved the car right up to the point I had to deal with MIN PDX, MINI USA and BMW. Run away- don't walk. Great fun car if you have a good dealer(Far and few between) and never travel away from that dealer on trips. Lemon law case in 2 weeks after 6 months of total BS. I have owed tons of car but the lack of customer communication and treatment by all parties just blows my mind. By used in my opinion. Warranty is not worth the paper it is printed on for European manufactures anyway. Warramty denied because they said so with zero supporting evidence. Even after it was subpeaned. Oh they did present a cpoy of a gas reciept they illegallly obtain from searching my car. It was from Thunder Hill in CA from the MINI Thunder II event. Love the MINI program. Come to our event so we can void your warranty. Great marketing and support. You can buy a MINI just don't drive it. JCW my ***!

 

Wow, that is the most appalling story I've ever heard for a mini.

I have a 2009 Factory JCW (build 08/08), Euro/Aus version.

Had the timing chain tensioner replaced twice.
Sunroof adjusted twice.
Other little odds and ends here and there, but nothing else serious.
Though that being said, I have a significant engine problem that NO-ONE can solve.
Oil consumption is almost zero.
Mods below

 

Year: 2011
Model: JCW Hardtop
Miles: ~5,500
Issues:
-Squeaky clutch pedal
-Sunroof rattles
-Intermittent brief high-pitched squeal after power-up/power-down
-Under hood cosmoline leaking onto and discoloring trim
Modifications: resonater delete, subwoofer, clear bra, JCW ebrake handle, JCW lower steering wheel spoke cover

Covered under warranty: I have yet to take the car in for service

 

2011 JCW Clubbie (purchased new, delivered on 4/30/2011)
12000 miles
left rear brake squeals a little sometimes

no other issues

 

get a mini if thats what you want but know the build quality and customer support/warrenty is rubbish

 

2009: sold at 31K miles. Mods=none. Issues=none.
2011: 17K miles so far. Mods=none. Issues=none.
Oh, I do ditch the runflats at delivery if you can call that a mod.

 

2011 JCW. 13 monthes - 11,500 miles. H&R coilovers, 22mm sway bar, FMIC, AccessPort. Zero problems or issues. Hauls butt. Fit and finish as good as my 350Z. No buzzes, squeeks, or rattles. Wish my Tacoma were this good.

 

Year 2009
Model JCW Coupe
Miles ~43K
Issue Blown engine and 2 turbos!
Modifications none
Covered under warranty? Yes. I complained to the dealer that the oil warning had been coming on intermittently. They investigated, found metal shavings in the pan, tore the engine down and informed me that they were ordering me a NEW ENGINE from Germany. No problems since then with either the engine or the turbo, except for a blown thermostat housing/hose assembly (also fixed under warranty). Since then, it's been running like a top (so far).

Although the dealer didn't offer any info, I learned later from a junk yard that specializes in Minis that it was probably a timing chain tensioner failure that caused the engine problem. Apparently it's a known issue with early factory JCWs.

Tom S

 

I agree with Island Maser. Our 06 Cooper S w/ 71k and all maintenance done as scheduled just all of a sudden threw a connecting rod which severly damaged the piston. Dealer quote $9000 for rebuilt, not new engine and this is after a $2700 bill 2 months ago for suspension problems. Mini/BMW has repeatedly denied any fault or assistance. So fair warning. Also check your local Craigslist and see how many of them are for sale with just before the warranty expires milage. Hundreds here in seattle.

 

Year: 2011
Model: JCW Hardtop
Miles: 16800
Issue: none
Modifications: none
Covered under warranty? n/a
Nearly 17000 miles in less than 9 months without a hiccup.
Not much more I can add to that statement.

 

Just make sure it is the car you will be keeping. I'm having problems selling my car and trade in values are abysmal. Most people including non-mini dealers have never heard of a JCW Mini.

 

Year; 2009
Model JCW
Miles: 22,000
Issue - developed the "death rattle" at 9K - fixed immediately
Modifications - sooo many
Covered under warranty? everything - but just now out time limit on warranty.
The car has been fun to drive and mod. I've been spoiled. I'd be bored driving any other car.