I just bought a 13 JCW and I'm still uncertain as to what, if any, suspension 'upgrades' it has over the regular MCS. The miniusa/jcw site shows a standard (not optional) "JCW Tuned Suspension" under the features list on JCW. The dealer told me its the same suspension as the regular MCS (if it does not have "sport suspension" in the options list - which mine doesn't). I've read in various places that the jcw includes larger sway bars. So which is it?

Also, I've read on the forum about how the jcw motor is 'beefier' - in regards to internals. The salesman said its exactly the same motor. A few minutes later the service manager said it has different pistons. Just curious whether or not its the same motor.

Thanks

 

Standard suspension is the same as on the S.

MINI claim the engine internals are beefed up, there has been some debate around here at what this means.

 

This is what MINI USA says about how the 2013 JCW engine differs from the one in the MCS:

"The technical make-up of the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine – which sports a John Cooper Works logo on its cover – has a direct link to the development of race-trim engines and has been honed exclusively for the John Cooper Works models. Its cylinder block and bearing mounts are made from aluminum and join forces with reinforced pistons, a particularly high-strength cylinder head and low-weight camshafts. The exhaust valves are sodium-filled to help provide the extra cooling required by a turbocharged engine, and the intake camshaft features infinite phase adjustment.

The turbocharger, meanwhile, develops even greater charge pressure than the engine in the MINI Cooper S. The likewise bespoke exhaust system can be identified from the outside by its polished stainless steel twin tailpipes.

The engine produces its maximum output of 208 hp at 6,000 rpm, while peak torque of 192 lb-ft is on tap between 1,850 and 5,600 rpm. The overboost function allows this figure to be raised to 207 lb-ft for a short time between 2,000 and 5,200 rpm."

 

I had a similar thread that you may find helpful: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...fferences.html

 

^ This.

While no doubt the JCW is a fine car with better performance over the S model..

Looking at REAL OEM leads me.. that some parts that claim to be "beefed up" are shared with the "S". Looking at part cross references..

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partxref....eur=&details=1

Exhaust valves.. same..

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partxref....1253&showus=on

Connecting Rods.. same..

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partxref....1273&showus=on

Crank.. Same...

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partxref....5412&showus=on

Block and crank... same..

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partxref....6973&showus=on

Pistions.. same..

And the list goes on.. cams.. intake valves.. etc..

Frankly, the 19 Lbs of added boost is what makes it cook... and that folks, that comes from the factory tune..

Then again... this is just research based on part numbers..

But I looked into this before buying a S model over a JCW.. it got me thinking its bolt on goods and a tune that raise the HP.

* and yes, they are N14 parts... best I can do at home.

 

Am i missing something? It doesn't look like the 2013 JCW (aka Hardtop) is included in any of these parts lists.

 

I see JCW listed for each model line.. including the R56. But again, this is a older model list.. (however.. they do show the R60/R61..)

Everything else seems to share the same P/Ns..?

Edit, after a quick search online.. I can't find anything other than a bunch of copy paste articles particular to internal upgrades on the JCW cars for 2013. (VS the turbo 1.6..)

 

The problem was realoem.com apparently doesn't like my iPad and only showed model years through 2010. Also, to realoem.com, a Hardtop is a Coupe, whether it's an N14 or N18. I did get to the lists by entering my VIN using a desktop computer, and the couple of engine parts I checked against ones on your list were the same.

Interesting ... You don't think the MINI marketing department could be sending out information that's not consistent with what the MINI engineers really are doing, do you?

 

Yea, I bet that's it!

Still, a JCW is a damn fancy car.. wish I had the extra pep.

*could also be the reason why the stupid N18 engine ECU is so hard to crack.. I bet if someone dumped a file off of the JCW... perhaps they could clone it...?

 

Sort of...

The turbo on the fJCW is bigger so that it has a higher flow rate.

In discussing the parts situation with some magazine folks, the possibility is that MINI/BMW gave the S the beefed up parts, but didn't say so. The MINI is not a high volume car, so maybe the parts strategy might be to prevent the number of different parts from balooning. Offhand, I don't remember anything in the S advertising text that mentioned anything about the pistons and heads, so they actually have not told a lie. A bit of obfuscation perhaps, but they didn't lie.

 

Yup, I stand corrected ... The JCW has a different inlet side...

 

I think it's encrypted whereas the previous one wasn't...