Hi NAM!

New member currently living in London, but moving to the North East in a month. I am going to be purchasing a R56 JCW and have been researching for the past couple months. My understanding is that the N18 engine is highly preferred, but didn't make its way to the JCW model until late 2012 (despite being issued to the MCS years earlier). From what I have seen, the N18 is carrying a ~$8k premium on JCWs (newer MY in addition to new engine). [I'm looking at a manual, less than 60k miles, and prefer the HK sound system].

My question, should I:

1. Get a nice N14 JCW. They might be the best bargain on the market at sub-$20k prices.

2. Get a N18 MCS for the same price as a N14 JCW. Better dependability but lose out on the JCW performance. Its only 20-some HP and several badges (and brakes, and suspension, and wheels; Guys, I think this option is out...).

3. Splurge for the N18 despite lower availability and higher cost. Newer MY N18 JCW trumps all and is definitely worth the premium for dependability and exhaust note.

Thanks for the insight and I look forward to 'officially' joining the garage. I lived in Charleston, SC for a number of years and past daily drivers include 2008 Mini Cooper, 2002 Honda s2000, 2006 Lotus Elise, 2010 Porsche Boxster S, and 2006 Porsche Carrera S. I figured a FWD is a must unless I want to be constantly stranded in the NE.

 

Forgot to mention, I'm not scared of a wrench.

 

If you go for an N14, you'll need to expand your tool collection. Yes, I've had huge success in building mine, however the grief experienced from failed parts that have nothing to do with my mods, was frustrating. I've got to agree with those that say the N14 design is poor --- given the option, go for the N18 engine, with the features / body style of your choice.

 

N18 All the way, you'll make more horse power than you'll know what to do with. Way better engine design and they got rid of all the bugs that the N14 had.

I currently own a 2013 JCW, manual trans, with over 270hp to the wheels.

 

clarkjk3nt I've had 2 N14's followed by 2 N18s in a row and feel finally 'sorted' now...


IMO the N18 was the pinnacle of the 2nd gens, my latest 2014 MCS being better screwed together and seemingly more 'solid' than my first 2012 N18. This later model has the usb relocated as part of the oddments tray and already has the thermostat relocation installed at the factory. I find it's a more 'torquey' drive and I get the feeling it has the JCW upper airbox - this part seems taller and rounder than the earlier model. Another bonus? The channel-swap fiasco has been quietly swept away in the N18s (tho' I feel it's still worth adding some A-pillar tweeters)...


Deffo N18!...no brainer! The later MCS is 'special' and best v-f-m IMO, but if you can stretch to this last JCW N18 iteration (if it exists?) you'll have something even more special that's certainly worth cherishing...


Another 'feeling' worth sharing, I think. My JB+ doesn't seem to 'lift' the later N18 as much as it did the earlier one. Perhaps there's improved ecu software lurking under the bonnet too? In fact, my JB+ is redundant now.


I gather the N18s had stronger 'BMW'-type timing chains and though neither of my N14s were oil-burners, one of my neighbour's certainly was.


Hope all this helps with your decision.

 

For what it is worth, I had the same dilemma and I went with option #3 - N18 JCW splurge. I too am not too great with DIY and but I love the pure driving experience that JCW offers. You may spend a couple thousand more, but with greater reliability you can easily make up the differences through costs of repair.

Good luck with your decision, and keep us posted on any updates.

Cheers,
Rchitect

 

If you're still looking, options #3 is a great choice. As your research shows, you'll want to stick with the N18 engine as that will be better than the N14 option. Looks like you're well versed in the P car community so this option will be a joy to you. We have a lot of P car guys who are also involved in the MINI community.