JCW JCW Kit for auto trans MCS announced
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 234
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From: Orange County California
Has anyone else contacted corporate
I would like to hear from anyone else who has contacted corporate to compare if they got the same response. The person who suggested it was not coming out for sure because he had asked many dealers could be correct. Just because on GM and one corporate rep said it is coming out it would be nice to have someone else contact corporate and see if the stories match.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 234
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From: Orange County California
Update 3-16-08
Bad News :
The same person that said it was coming out for sure Amber Wood Corporate Mini e-mailed me with an update that the estimation of a release by June is now they are testing it an hope it will work so they can release it soon.
Why do I feel like I am getting played
The same person that said it was coming out for sure Amber Wood Corporate Mini e-mailed me with an update that the estimation of a release by June is now they are testing it an hope it will work so they can release it soon.
Why do I feel like I am getting played
Maybe an update
I talked to a general manager at Mini Dealership. He said that he knew a few people, who have the JCW Stage 1 Kit for their Automatics.
He said that Corporate is having problems with the software but it is close to being reality. He also said if that I wanted the Stage One kit for my Automatic, he would have to send my VIN#, and other pertinent information on my car to corporate to get permission. If Corporate approved the dealership to do the install they would send the software to him with the ECU software tailored to my car by VIN # so that my car could only use that particular software and not anyone else.
He said the JCW Exhaust, Intake, and the programmed ECU will cost about $2500.00 to do it.
He said that Corporate is having problems with the software but it is close to being reality. He also said if that I wanted the Stage One kit for my Automatic, he would have to send my VIN#, and other pertinent information on my car to corporate to get permission. If Corporate approved the dealership to do the install they would send the software to him with the ECU software tailored to my car by VIN # so that my car could only use that particular software and not anyone else.
He said the JCW Exhaust, Intake, and the programmed ECU will cost about $2500.00 to do it.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 234
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From: Orange County California
Don't be fooled
A few dealers have incorrectly installed the Manual tuning kit on Auto cars. The software will not be for your car but a software update for the manual trans. Be patient and wait for the correct software. Mini corporate sent a memo to all mini dealers stating the Manual trans kit should not be installed on the automatic car but a few slipped through the cracks. One of the guys who posted in this forum had it happen to them and he is waiting for the correct software update so his car has the intake and exhaust but is doing very little good.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 45
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I checked with my dealer today and he says they can't get it yet, But if i'm willing to try with my vin they will install it if they get it shipped to them by Miniusa. They have done it before and the MA says the results are well worth the $2500 they want.
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5th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 630
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From: Midwest
probably won't happen till its officially released. Mini has tightened up on this since a few did sneak thru the cracks. Perhaps some were kits for manual trans cars installed an automatics.
However, a few did slip thru that appear to be for automatics. My auto R56MCS was JCWed. I am quite sure it was not just an intake and exhaust.
My gas mileage dropped immediatley (richer mixture?) and the trans shifts totally differently. I was also informed by the installing tech that during the JCW VIN specific install, a module appeared asking to update automatic trans. Why would that be on the software package for a manual trans car?
PS...Be patient--its well worth it. Personally, having driven a JCW stick shift MINI, I felt the JCW upgrade transformed the auto car more than it did the clutch pedal MCS.
Not to say the automatic car is a better JCW R56, but the automatic car gets a bigger boost from its OEM performance level w/ the JCW
tweak.
IMHO--(not a software guru at all)--the VIN specific software likely is them installing your VIN as a password to allow downloading the software.
Do you really think they write software for every JCW kit individually---come on...............Yes--it can only be used on your car to protect their copyrights/profits, But there is likely only one actual program for manual trans cars and soon to one finalized program (hopefully) for those with automatics.
However, a few did slip thru that appear to be for automatics. My auto R56MCS was JCWed. I am quite sure it was not just an intake and exhaust.
My gas mileage dropped immediatley (richer mixture?) and the trans shifts totally differently. I was also informed by the installing tech that during the JCW VIN specific install, a module appeared asking to update automatic trans. Why would that be on the software package for a manual trans car?
PS...Be patient--its well worth it. Personally, having driven a JCW stick shift MINI, I felt the JCW upgrade transformed the auto car more than it did the clutch pedal MCS.
Not to say the automatic car is a better JCW R56, but the automatic car gets a bigger boost from its OEM performance level w/ the JCW
tweak.
IMHO--(not a software guru at all)--the VIN specific software likely is them installing your VIN as a password to allow downloading the software.
Do you really think they write software for every JCW kit individually---come on...............Yes--it can only be used on your car to protect their copyrights/profits, But there is likely only one actual program for manual trans cars and soon to one finalized program (hopefully) for those with automatics.
Last edited by emtrey; Mar 30, 2008 at 08:27 AM.
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
$2100. plus 2 hours later. Mine was done last week. Thanks to another NAM member, I got enough info to be "soft launched" much to my dealer's surprise (and mine)
Big difference. Very pleased. Only drove a manual trans JCW for a short time and very low miles on odometer so its hard to say how much difference the JCW kit made compared to non JCW manual trans cars I have driven. However, the auto trans JCW kit does addresss the shift points and the throttle response in non sport mode quite a bit. Sounds throaty but not too loud. Pulls hard at high revs. Feels like the steering is a bit lighter. I just had an aligment due to an altercation with a pothole and they car was very tight after that. Now its just as tight but the steering feels a bit "softer to the touch".
The software download knocked out my bluetooth pairing so that had to be redone. The tech said the install was seamless and when I asked him if he test drove ( I had asked him to) it he said--Yes, I did and its QUICK- you are going to enjoy this.
The weather has been pretty shaky here since I picked the car up on Wednedsday BUT I can say during normal driving its feels alot stronger. Can't wait to have the ability to push it harder and see whatever good things are in store.
Its all good though my gas mileage ( per the OBC ) has suffered a bit. Perhaps its that constant desire to test my new found addt'l power.
I only had the front badge installed but they gave me the rear deck badge and the software disc. The pipes look WAAAY better.
Pieces...new exhaust, intake w/ JCW badge on box, software upgrade.
Big difference. Very pleased. Only drove a manual trans JCW for a short time and very low miles on odometer so its hard to say how much difference the JCW kit made compared to non JCW manual trans cars I have driven. However, the auto trans JCW kit does addresss the shift points and the throttle response in non sport mode quite a bit. Sounds throaty but not too loud. Pulls hard at high revs. Feels like the steering is a bit lighter. I just had an aligment due to an altercation with a pothole and they car was very tight after that. Now its just as tight but the steering feels a bit "softer to the touch".
The software download knocked out my bluetooth pairing so that had to be redone. The tech said the install was seamless and when I asked him if he test drove ( I had asked him to) it he said--Yes, I did and its QUICK- you are going to enjoy this.
The weather has been pretty shaky here since I picked the car up on Wednedsday BUT I can say during normal driving its feels alot stronger. Can't wait to have the ability to push it harder and see whatever good things are in store.
Its all good though my gas mileage ( per the OBC ) has suffered a bit. Perhaps its that constant desire to test my new found addt'l power.
I only had the front badge installed but they gave me the rear deck badge and the software disc. The pipes look WAAAY better.
Pieces...new exhaust, intake w/ JCW badge on box, software upgrade.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
From: Orange County California
JCW Proven 18 HP
The JCW kit has been run on the dyno with no other mods by a few users on this forum. The car seems to dyno at 182-184 HP with the kit which would be an improvement of about 14 HP at the wheels that seems pretty consistent. I am not knocking Alta but a few users have ran the Alta Catback and intake with boost tubes and only gained 6 HP at the wheels. The Unichip with these parts installed have seen an increase of about 18 WHP. The parts cost for the Alta exhaust, intake, unichip, and boost tubes is 2000 dollars so to summarize.
The Alta parts will give you about 5 more wheel hp for the same price. The JCW Kit gives you proven reliability and full warranty.
Nothing against Alta but I think the JCW Kit is the better deal.
Now if you spend another 1500.00 and add the Alta FMIC and Turbo Down pipe you can make the unichip run a more aggressive profile and add another 20WHP minimum for a total of 40 Whp and that is something the JCW can't touch. I think you would need a JCW Factory Car to hope to keep up and even that might not do it.
The Alta parts will give you about 5 more wheel hp for the same price. The JCW Kit gives you proven reliability and full warranty.
Nothing against Alta but I think the JCW Kit is the better deal.
Now if you spend another 1500.00 and add the Alta FMIC and Turbo Down pipe you can make the unichip run a more aggressive profile and add another 20WHP minimum for a total of 40 Whp and that is something the JCW can't touch. I think you would need a JCW Factory Car to hope to keep up and even that might not do it.
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
The JCW kit has been run on the dyno with no other mods by a few users on this forum. The car seems to dyno at 182-184 HP with the kit which would be an improvement of about 14 HP at the wheels that seems pretty consistent. I am not knocking Alta but a few users have ran the Alta Catback and intake with boost tubes and only gained 6 HP at the wheels. The Unichip with these parts installed have seen an increase of about 18 WHP. The parts cost for the Alta exhaust, intake, unichip, and boost tubes is 2000 dollars so to summarize.
The Alta parts will give you about 5 more wheel hp for the same price. The JCW Kit gives you proven reliability and full warranty.
Nothing against Alta but I think the JCW Kit is the better deal.
Now if you spend another 1500.00 and add the Alta FMIC and Turbo Down pipe you can make the unichip run a more aggressive profile and add another 20WHP minimum for a total of 40 Whp and that is something the JCW can't touch. I think you would need a JCW Factory Car to hope to keep up and even that might not do it.
The Alta parts will give you about 5 more wheel hp for the same price. The JCW Kit gives you proven reliability and full warranty.
Nothing against Alta but I think the JCW Kit is the better deal.
Now if you spend another 1500.00 and add the Alta FMIC and Turbo Down pipe you can make the unichip run a more aggressive profile and add another 20WHP minimum for a total of 40 Whp and that is something the JCW can't touch. I think you would need a JCW Factory Car to hope to keep up and even that might not do it.
I might have confused myself. 
Anyhow, I'd just like to see 1/4 or 0-60 numbers, because an 18 hp mod isn't enough to impress 2500 dollars out of me, especially for a turbo car.
Last edited by fm.illuminatus; Apr 6, 2008 at 11:55 PM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 234
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From: Orange County California
Alta Vs JCW
That's all well and good, I think I'm more interested in 1/4 mile times. I believe one guy with a few Alta mods, including the chip (and I don't know what else), managed a 13.9 at 99 mph or something like that. If I can find a link to the post I'll link it. If the JCW can match that, I'm all for it. Stock I think the MCS runs about a 6.2-6.4 0-60 and 14.6@94 (or so) in the quarter. If the JCW only doesn't at least bring the 0-60 down below 5.8 and the quarter somewhere close to 14 even and 97-99 mph, I don't think it's worth the 2.5K. Am I making any sense anymore? I might have confused myself.
Anyhow, I'd just like to see 1/4 or 0-60 numbers, because I an 18 hp mod isn't enough to impress 2500 dollars out of me, especially for a turbo car.
I might have confused myself. Anyhow, I'd just like to see 1/4 or 0-60 numbers, because I an 18 hp mod isn't enough to impress 2500 dollars out of me, especially for a turbo car.
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
There is a guy on this forum who ran his Silver and black R56 manual with Ata FMIC, TurboBACK, Unichip and intake. He ran 14.3 at 99 . Sounds about right to me. the cost of those items installed would be. 3500 dollars minimum. I have priced and weighed these options for months and that is why I am still holding out for the JCW kit. A good Manual runs 14.8 stock. The Alta stuff improved the car 5 tenths. I think the JCW will get you 2 or 3 tenths. I sold my 2005 steeda mustang gt that went 13.2 @ 107 so I just want the overall feel and linear power I think the JCW kit will bring when it comes out. If you want to go 13.9 you will need a minimum of 3500 dollars plus a rim and drag radial for the front. For the record at Fontana California Speedway my Auto Ran a best 0f 14.89 @ 92 so if I add the JCW and go 14.6 I will be happy.
BMW's "stock" tuning companies (JCW, Dinan) always get pretty conservative gains for a hefty price, and that's what usually turns me away. Although, 2500 isn't back compared to what DINAN charges for BMW's. As a side note, what kind of rim/tires would allow the car to handle 13.9 quarters? I've already got wheel spin in stock form, it would be great to eliminate that issue completely.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
From: Orange County California
I wish we could just get the ECU
I think realisticaly from seeing the design of the JCW Air Box and Exhaust the Ecu is giving 90 % of the power. I would love to do Alta Exhaust and Intake or DDM Works Street Intake and get just the ECU Flash for 900.00 dollars.
That would be the best combo
As far as wheel and tire combo for drag racing just pick up a pair of 16x7 Konig britelites for 130 each they weigh about 15 pounds and look nice and use Nitto NT Drag Radials 215 55 16 about 135 each the taller and super soft sidewall along with the DR compound will definately help the Mini run 1.9 60ft. that is 3 tenths better than any stock mini with a standard tire. I ran a best at irwidale speedway 2.21 60 foot and that is with Goodyear GS-D3 tires. I think that is as good as it is going to get on a stock motor without drag radials.
That would be the best combo
As far as wheel and tire combo for drag racing just pick up a pair of 16x7 Konig britelites for 130 each they weigh about 15 pounds and look nice and use Nitto NT Drag Radials 215 55 16 about 135 each the taller and super soft sidewall along with the DR compound will definately help the Mini run 1.9 60ft. that is 3 tenths better than any stock mini with a standard tire. I ran a best at irwidale speedway 2.21 60 foot and that is with Goodyear GS-D3 tires. I think that is as good as it is going to get on a stock motor without drag radials.
Last edited by Derosi; Apr 7, 2008 at 03:37 PM. Reason: typo
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 213
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From: Indianapolis
ok i was told MINI dropped the project...hmm....let me ask this...i have re-done my intake to DMM/WMW and exhaust(WMW) already, will it be possible to get the software only from the dealership? Now that I have re-done everything else, I only want the software tuning...posibility?
Last edited by hendricks488; Apr 7, 2008 at 08:40 PM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 213
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From: Indianapolis
Local MINI dealership...guys who are on their stuff daily, customize far out of waranty...I mean they could have heard wrong, but originally it was scheduled for June release, and then they were having problems getting it approved by the United States regulations ect. and they said they scrapped it....i HOPE that's not the case because i want the ECU upgrade because my intake and exhaust is KILLING the stage 1 kit, but without the ECU it doesnt do justice since the JCW intake and exhaust is mainly for show...the power that I want and need comes from the ECU upgrade...HOPEFULLY it can be an option IF they do actually release this 
Hmmm.. should i hold out on changing the exhaust then... or should I just be skeptical and do it, pending I can sell the JCW to someone else if it does indeed show up for sale.
