Any opinions on the differences between the car? I realize my opinion counts the most, but I'm interested to hear what other people's experiences with the cars have been.

 

gen 1 or gen 2?

 

jcw cost more = more power

 

In my "opinion" a works car vs. MCS -- if the car has the full works package ( you can just buy certain pieces of it ( or you could in the past ). The works car should be faster, corner better, stop shorter, have fancier interior, etc...

That being said - with the $$ you would spend on a works package you could upgrade your MCS using aftermarket parts ( if you do it yourself or find a reputable shop ) for about the same money or less and you could have the same or maybe better performance then a works car.

The difference is that a works package has the benefit of huge amounts of R&D and gives you very smooth performance - and is backed by MINI.

Years ago we had a club dyno day and we had several works cars there - my 04 MCS dyno'ed at or above what all the works cars did ( same day - same dyno ). My 04 ( see sig ) just had bolt on stuff and a unichip with a tune - nothing to fancy -- the difference was the works cars were much smoother then mine in their power delivery. Mine was still a blast to drive - and I loved passing the works cars on the runs!!

Good luck

 

For the most part, unless you're a car nut most people won't know the difference between an S and a JCW outside of the badge.

So the question you need to ask yourself, is it worth spending a few $k more on something only a few will really notice out and about.

You'll need to ask yourself what the pro/con's are between the two and is it worth it.

Now for me, the answer was yes. I came from an '06 R50 and was able to get mine for under $30K.

 

I'm looking at a 2009-2011.

 

How about the difference in the way it drives? To me, the extra power and braking making a big difference. I'm looking at the BMW 128 or a John Cooper MCS, so I'm just trying to get feedback and insights.

 

Are you comparing a 128 to MCS with JCW package or a factory JCW? There is a difference MCS JCW vs JCW. The factory JCW has bigger brakes, turbo, stronger manual trans., etc.

And I did the same comparison... BMW 128i vs. factory MINI JCW and I picked the MINI. The 128 has great engine, feels more refined... but IMO dull and a little odd looking. But the JCW is much fun for the typical lower speed driving I do.

I wanted the 1M... the 128/135 doesn't do much for me. Couldn't personally justify the 1M price... could justify the JCW price. And I wanted to do some minor mods at some point - didn't want to go worry about major aftermarket mods.

 

Sorry, I'm looking at a JCW or a 128i. I LOVE the 135i, but the fuel pump issues just make it a no-go for our family, so I'm looking at the 128.

Thanks for your insights on the two cars. I agree about the looks, I definitely prefer the Mini. The 128 just seems a bit smoother, and a bit easier to live with. Having said that, the JCW seems like a more enjoyable car to drive. I really like the way I feel connected to the car when I drive the Mini. The BMW seems a bit..uh..removed, I guess.

I guess I'm wondering how the Mini is to live with.

 

Can't say I know what the 128 is like to live with - I only had it for 2 days. And I haven't had a JCW or MCS long enough either. But the MCS/JCW has healthy torque at low RPM and the car doesn't weight that much so it's a blast to drive around town especially. But you do have a short wheelbase, relatively stiff suspension and those damn run-flat tires that can be a little tiring.

 

I've got a 2010 JCW Clubman, and totally love it.
I've had it for about 4 months now, and it's great as a daily driver.
I commute around 30 miles each way, and no complaints.
Came from a couple 3 series convertibles, and before that a miata.
It really feels like the best of both worlds. Handles like a go-kart,
like the miata with a lot more power, but just a little more refined,
like the bmw. (shifter is better on themiata however)
I personally wouldn't get it without lumbar support. (Not a big deal to retrofit though)

I was originally going to get an '11 S, but after the tsunami, and parts supply problems, my car I was trying to order was being delayed. So I ended up taking a second look at a '10 JCW Clubman that they still had on their lot. Ended up getting a great deal, and while it would've been fun to have the nav and mini connected and a few other bells & whistles, I'd get the JCW again in a heartbeat. Absolutely no regrets. Great performance, awesome exhaust sound, fantastic brakes. Mini did a great job balancing performance with driveability. No warranty worries. I can still do a custom tune and get even more performance, but I don't really feel like it needs much more power for street driving. Can't wait until I wear out the run-flats and get some good tires on it.
First mod I'd do if tracking it would be to upgrade the rear sway bar. Second would be a bigger intercooler.
Did I mention how awesome the exhaust sounds?
-Steve

 

Good point - Probably one of the first after-purchase "mods" I'll take care of as I chose leatherette on my JCW.

I'm thinking I will just sell/replace my runflats right off the bat next spring before even using them (car will have snow tires installed during prep/delivery).

I can't wait for that sound