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General MINI TalkShared experiences, motoring minutes, and other general MINI-related discussion that applies to all MINIs, regardless of model, year or trim.
Hi all,
Just wanted to post images of my month-old '23 F56 JCW Hardtop 2-door. I'm back to the brand after 15 years with a few cars in between, the latest of which was an '18 Porsche 718 Cayman I had for a few years. My first MINI, a mildly modded '06 Cooper, was my favorite car after the Cayman, so it made sense to give MINI another a go as I downsize my life in middle age, hehe.
Already done a few things to the JCW, including slapping on some Neuspeed RSe05 17x7.5 wheels with some 215/45 Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2s (not a fan of run-flats. Did without 'em for 5-plus years on the P-car with no spare, soooo ...), Cravenspeed Big Pair chassis braces, and a few other minor 'personal adjustment' mods. (Likely going to put the original wheels/tires up for sale, but haven't yet.) Doubt I'll do much else to the car beyond a HF filter/hard pipe, perhaps some Bimmercode-ing and upgraded audio speakers (though I have the H/K, it's only average to this audiophile/musician's ears), and mayyyybe a beefier rear sway bar -- I'm a handling guy, and extra power in this FWD car really isn't needed, IMO.
Last edited by RoknCajn; Apr 15, 2023 at 11:56 AM.
Reason: typos
Welcome back. Great looking JCW, I really like the black trim. A week ago I flew to South Carolina to pick up my 4th MINI, my first JCW, a 2021 with just about everything. Drove it back to Florida and enjoyed every mile.
I like the mods you’ve selected, and plan to begin the journey soon. There’s not too much I want to add to this loaded car. PPF on the front, maybe a sway bar and a few other minor tweaks. I love the car as is. Glad I made the upgrade from two previous F56 MCS to the Works car.
Welcome back. Great looking JCW, I really like the black trim. A week ago I flew to South Carolina to pick up my 4th MINI, my first JCW, a 2021 with just about everything. Drove it back to Florida and enjoyed every mile.
I like the mods you’ve selected, and plan to begin the journey soon. There’s not too much I want to add to this loaded car. PPF on the front, maybe a sway bar and a few other minor tweaks. I love the car as is. Glad I made the upgrade from two previous F56 MCS to the Works car.
Enjoy, and motor on my friend
Yes, the black trim is what makes the car, IMHO - except for the rear plate/hatch lift lip, which bugs my aesthetic sense. I'd much rather have a body color one (Chili Red, obviously, lol), which I did to my silver '06 but doesn't seem to be an option now. I've looked several places and can't find either a pre-painted or paint-prepped one.
That '06, BTW, I drove from Texas to British Columbia and back in 2008 without a single issue - I even had the tires replaced on the way home in Scottsdale, Ariz. Fun trip. Not sure I'll get to take one like that in the JCW, but you never know ... speaking of: Here's a shot of my '06, early in the morning on the shore of the Lower Arm of Lake Kokanee, B.C.
Nice looking Mini welcome back. I agree with you, these models don't need any more horsepower. My 2020 JCW Clubman weighs way more than my 2014 JCW Coupe and it still has more power than I need. Get the rear sway bar for sure.
Love the car and wheels! I had an 06 MCS and loved it – autox'd it and it was awesome. Also coming back to MINI myself after 12 years so right there with you. I have a 2024 JCW on a ship right now.
