I'm probably ordering an '08 MCS soon, and will have the JCW Tuning kit installed prior to delivery.

The thought occurred to me, however... is there any way to confirm the JCW engine software is installed via the OBC or Nav display?

I will not have a daily driver frame of reference for this on delivery in order to trust my butt dyno and muscle memory, so a way to verify the engine software would be welcome. Additionally, I'd think it would be a handy thing to know in the future, in the event the dealer needs to re-flash the ECU for service purposes.

Is this possible?

 

you have an rx-8? sweet! i love those

i don't think there's a way for you to tell unless you can hook up to their computers or whoever has the capability to see software version. i doubt you'll get cheated out of your software, but if you want, you can probably also just heckle the dealer about it. also the r53 tuning kit came w/ a signed certificate indicating what was installed on the car (including ecu upgrade), but i have a feeling they don't do that anymore w/ the r56. also, especially if you ordered the tuning kit installed new, it'll be part of the vin

 

Not sure how you would verify the software via the OBC.

However, you should receive a cert. of authenticty when the kit is installed by the dealer who is selling your the kit installed car. ( I was also given the CD)

As far as the butt dyno--could be a tough call. Your engine will be new and tight so test driving any demo MCS that has some miles on it will narrow the gap between the 2 cars signifcantly. I test drove a JCW car with 100 miles on the clock and it felt better than the non JCW car but not by a huge amt.

I am sure once miles added up on the odometer, the JCW would walk away from the non JCW.

 

When you get the kit installed at the dealer you will receive the JCW cetificate from the dealer and you will get a CD of the software matched to your Vin for future use and you will see and feel the difference from day one between the JCW and the stock S...if you have any questions just send me a message and I can give you a call...Good luck with the car

 

Thanks everyone... I don't think I'd be cheated. But it just occurred to me it would be a nice reassurance if the software version could be user-checked in the cabin somehow. Like Ronnie used to say, "trust but verify."

 

How about a JCW logo on the Sat-Nav instead of MINI when you start-up, that would of been a nice touch

 

My engine had a little plate glued on top (with the kit reference number), as well as the certificate and cd referred to in earlier posts.

 

Plaz, you will get a certificate of authenticity and they will give you the software disc in your owners manuals. If the seal has been broken, that is a good indicator that it has been installed.

Also, I noticed that when the JCW software is installed the service indicator now says that the car needs spark plugs replaced at each ~15,000 mile service visit.

 

As soon as my car gets out of CrAshburn Collision I'm getting my kit installed at MoS.

 

I hope that's still covered by the "free" service plan!

I guess they're more prone to fouling? Richer mixtures and higher boost pressures?

 

yes, they are covered... but it might not be a bad idea to consider the extended maintenance plan if you plan to keep it, from 3/36 to 6/100.

 

Hmm. How much does a set of plugs cost? And how much does the extension cost?

I know when I considered it for my E46, the cost of the maintenance extension definitely made it NOT worth it. I have no problem changing my own oil and brakes, and the cost was way above the parts cost on those items. But I'll look into it.

 

the jcw plugs used to be RIDICULOUSLY expensive, something like ~$120 for a set of 4. (they are still ngk's but not exotic at all, just w/ 4 grounds; apparently some 911's also use 'em) and i fell victim/sucker for it when i ordered a set and was out $100 bucks. now you can find them easily for $~13 per plug on the internet. they specify plugs be changed at each service interval (~15k miles), but i think that's a bit excessive. plus a lot of dealers don't know this so they might give you some trouble if you request it. but it IS covered in the warranty (and the $$$ you paid for the tuning kit)

 

When we picked up the JCW, the service indicator was on and it had to be reset. I looked at the key reader printout, and it said "Spark plugs (connected with Engine Oil Service).......14,xxx miles" and it had the same mileage to service as what is said under "Engine Oil Service"... so as soon as they put your key in the key reader and pull up the service requirements, it will tell them that you need plugs and they should have no problem covering them.