I'm planning on getting my first Mini and am looking at R56's. I've researched the S vs JCW topic but most info I found is pretty dated and/or comparing a modified S vs factory JCW.

There's a 2013 S ($16k/55,000km) about an hour from me that I test drove today and I really enjoyed it. It is the only R56 I've ever driven.

I'm wondering if I, as an average driver (i.e. non-track, don't really know about cars/mechanics) should get a JCW over the S? I would not modify the S. I'm coming from a Scion xB and while I felt the S has enough power for me, I wonder if the JCW would be even better, or overkill.

There is a 2011 JCW ($13k/65,000km) but it is 4hrs away, so I wouldn't drive out there without fully intending on buying it. If it seems JCW is the way to go, I may wait until one closer to me pops up.

Other than the power and JCW detailing, are there other major differences between S and JCW? Also, does the JCW engine/mechanics require significantly different maintenance (frequency and cost, etc) than the S or are they about the same?

Regarding the body colour, I prefer the S because it’s brighter, though I've never seen the JCW's blue before - is it rare/special in any way?

Thanks in advance!

 

Avoid the 2011 JCW, it still had the n14 engine that year..

 

+1 to AZdsrt, of the two choices I'd take the 2013 S with the updated N18 engine vs the 2011 JCW with the N14 engine. Whatever blue color the JCW is isn't a special blue as far as I know so you can find it on S's too. If you wanted a R56 JCW I'd only choose the 2013 models that have the updated N18 engine.

JCW engine maintenance is slightly different but not much. Mainly changing spark plugs more often (30k miles recommended) vs the 60k for S.

 

X2 on the 2013, as said the n14 engine is problematic!