I saw a thread where someone was purchasing what she thought was a JCW and you all told her it was actually an "S" with the JC Works package installed. There was information in the post on determining if you have a real JCW. Can you repost that information? I want to order a new JCW but I want to make sure that's what I receive. I heard they only build JCW's about once a quarter.
Thanks in advance for your help.

 

If you order a JCW from the MINI dealer then most people would assume you get a JCW. I have not ordered a MINI but logic would lead one to believe there are boxes to check/acknowledge for the options that you want to pay extra for.

I am not familiar with the thread you speak of but was this person ordering a MINI from the dealer or buying a MINI from an individual or a used car lot?

 

The only thread that comes to mind was related to confusion with the R56 S + JCW interior/exterior vs fJCW.

If you order a brand new JCW the dealer will make 100% sure you get that JCW, it is a much different situation from that other thread where the OP bought used. In general the badging will be a big tell. The F56 JCW should have a JCW badge in the side scuttles, S will not. https://c1552172.ssl.cf0.rackcdn.com/783068_x800.jpg

 

Unlike the 1st Gen models characters 3 - 6 of the VIN will identify 2nd and 3rd Gen JCW models.

If you're ordering a new MINI you will get a JCW model if you order one. I have no idea if build allocations for JCW models are limited.

 

Like others have said, you will get a JCW if you order one brand new. The only time you should be concerned at all is if you were looking at a used one.

 

3lusive - thanks so much for the information.

 

I'm glad to hear all the responses and it makes me feel confident. I have heard of dealers changing an "S" at the port by adding the JC Works package. In fact, now I'm wondering if current JCW is real. As soon as I get it back from repair, I'm going to check...

 

You have an R56 JCW? It's a JCW if the JCW badge on the front bumper is located in the lower right corner of the bottom air intake (relative to when you are looking at the car), and if the JCW badge on the back is where the "Cooper S" normally goes - right middle side of the hatch. An S with the JCW tuning kit will still have the Cooper S on the right and a JCW logo on the left side of the hatch.