How do you tell the difference between a factory JCW and a dealer installed kit? Or is there a discernible difference between the two?

Not a big deal, just curious.

 

They are very different internally. The factory JCW has a different turbo, different pistons, different clutch, different transmission...

All the kit has is an cold air intake, chip mod, and exhaust.

 

Thanks for the info & sorry, should have mentioned it's an R53. So, short of a tear down there's no way to tell? Just trying to get a handle on what I actually bought.

Curiosity has come close to killing me as many times as the cat.

 

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I believe the best way is to have your a dealer check your vin.

 

That may be the only way, to pull the factory option sheet. All factory JCW's were 2006 model year builds (and 2007-2008 for the cabrio's). The factory JCW option essentially installed the same kit that the dealer could install post delivery. All factory JCW's also had the JCW big brake kit installed, which again was also available as a dealer installed accessory.

 

I also heard that if your car has a badge on the lower front grill, then it's a factory jcw, if it does not, it's a dealer kit. Someone correct me if I'm wrong :D

 

Thanks for the info guys.

 

The 1st gen. Aero kit was dealer installed. I don't think you can go by that badge. I am guessing VIN number, or window sticker is the only way.

 

The factory JCW includes JCW brakes (calipers painted red and larger than standard). However, they can also be purchased and installed separately. Realoem.com distinguishes between factory JCW and standard S, and if you enter your VIN there it should identify what it is.

BTW, badges are included with both dealer and factory JCW kits.

 

http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/...i-vs-stage-ii/

This should help you out a little

 

Except OP is asking about a R53

 

Realoem.com says it's a Cooper S, so I guess I have a dealer installed kit.

Thanks for the info everybody, you guys are great!