I have seen a number of threads about ECU flashes, Uprgrades etc. and I decided to go with the JCW kit for a few reasons. I like the Idea of a factory upgrade (warranty, resale and so on) I have read on this board and others, that most, if not all, are happy with their choice. And finally price, it's actually not bad, considering the addition of a cat-back exhaust, and a new air box.

That being said, I waited for the work to be done at my Mini Dealer.
I was in at 9:00 am and out by 1:00 pm.

1) The cat back system is installed
2) The Air box Is installed. ( Slightly modified air flow, from what I can tell)
3) Software is loaded which seems to be a complex series of turning ignition on and off during the process, and a battery charger must be hooked up during this process. (strange)
4) The JCW Emblems go on the car, engine, & engine control unit
5) Road test car

Other notes

1)There has been some questions on the "CD" that you get with it. I can tell you this, the CD is of no use unless you have a "mini/bmw software service station" to read it, and it is vin number coded. . it seems to be PC based , but I couldn't tell what program would open it.

2) Your car is first "loaded" with all updates before the JCW KIT is installed

3) according to the intructions. Spark plugs "must be replaced at each oil change after the installation of the JCW Kit"

Now after all that, you drive the car and the first thing you notice is Throttle response is very touchy, kind of similar to turning on the sport button but, more so. The car feels very strong right on up through the rpm limiter, no lag at all. And Yeah, you can get your Butt-Dyno thrills with this kit. The cat back exhaust is just a bit louder than stock, certainly not objectionable at all.

All in all, this kit just makes My Mini the most all around fun car to drive and if something goes wrong, I can take it to the dealer.

 

good to hear. I'm going to be ordering next week and I was debating on getting this, seems like I will...

 

Is it s true cat-back, or just a less restrictive muffler? I went back and forth between JCW and aftermarket but decided on the latter for the bang-for-your-buck factor. I am glad to hear you enjoy your JCW though

 

How much did the install cost?

 

I thought this only applied to the R53 JCW?

 

I just ordered Stage 1 for myself (being installed in a few weeks) and I'm pretty sure it's just a less restrictive exhaust and not a cat-back.

Check out these 2 links from MotoringFile:
http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/02/...rade-revealed/
http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/...cw-engine-kit/

Either way... I can't wait to get it !!!

 

The exhaust is just after "the cat" sorry. I would assume it's a less restrictive muffler. and I copied the install instructions from the Mechanics' instructions and it did say replace the Spark Plugs at each oil change.

PS the instructions also included the european version with new exhaust down pipe etc. Possibly the oil change is meant for the ece version. The entire cost was $2062.00, the kit was $1800 and 2.5 hours labor install $262.00

Carl

 

The JCW factory car includes a full cat back system, the stage 1 kit does not.

 

I have been thinking about getting this kit, but i had not heard about replacing the spark plugs with each oil change. Would this be covered under your paid maintenance plan? Would they change your plugs once a year even if you only put 8,000 miles a year on it?

 

That's a good point,,,, I would think the plugs would be cover under the maintenance program. I 'll bring that up at my next oil change. This might be just a "JCW" thing but, MINI still has to cover the car.
PS. I still love this kit.

 

it says "every other oil change" on my engine.

 

R56-S,

Thanks for the great post. I am seriously considering the JCW Stage 1 as well. 2 questions:

- When you say that the throttle is more sensative, do you think it would affect driveability ? I go to the track a few times a year and would not want it so sensative that the car is difficult to balance in curves...

- Increase in exhaust note: Is it annoying, especially say on the highway after a while ? I also commute quite a bit with the car and am concerned about the exhaust creating a constant drone...

 

Throttle repsonse in NON sport mode is closer to sport mode. Sport appears unchanged.

Exhaust has a nice throaty sound--more like a perfomance engine. No droning at all.

 

Thanks emtrey,

So I gather that you're generally happy with the package ? I think that I will go for it. Reading on the other aftermarket mods that can be done, yeah you can get more power for the buck, but there are always inevitable issues that I don't care to deal with. At least with the JCM mods, it is fully engineered and integrates well with the car.

 

Still waiting to hear about this kit for thr MCSa,if it happens i will go for it,if not i still enjoy the car.Q

 

I am very happy with the car. A friend of mine had his done last week and he is thrilled with the transformation. Mine has been on the car for over 5 months and not a hint of a problem. It is a well integrated perfomance upgrade.

PS..throttle reponse in non-sport mode and the added mid range punch make the car very easy to modulate/rotate with the throttle. If anything, I think it would add alot to your tracking days.

 

your is an automatic, no?

so that means the kit has been released for them (to answer the question above).

 

Great to hear.

One last question: how does it affect your fuel economy ? I've read that in normal driving, there is no impact. Increased fuel consumption is only when getting on the power so to speak.

 

I second tat, no droning at all.

 

I am getting about 35 on the highway 30 around town.

 

My gas mileage is essentially the same. Just below 30 mpg with a 60-40 highway/city mix.

Yes, my kit is on an automatic trans R56 MCS BUT NO, it is not officially released yet. I have one of the few that slipped thru the cracks. My friend's car is a manual trans car.

Got a chance to drive mine and an identical non JCW MCSa back to back.
Also had a friend who had the loaner MCSa for a few days drive both and there was no comparison in the 2 cars. The JCW kit works.

 

Thanks to all for the great feedback !

 

Just a little update, It's been about a month now and my MINI is a total blast to drive. Still gets 30-34 MPG. No CEL's and as I said before, just enough exhaust tone to make it nice. I have gotten used to the difference in torque and HP . This is IMO what the "S" should be like.

Carl

 

I am very interested. Is there any way I can get one of these "slipped through the cracks" kits for automatic? Do you know when the kits will be officially available?

 

R56-S...can you post some pics of the car with the badges installed? I'm curious as to where they put them. Thanks.