Looking at adding the JCW Tuning Kit to my MINI S but have a couple of questions.

1) Acoustics: How is the exhaust/intake/engine sound compared to the anemic S (and to the Factory JCW)? My last two cars (SLK AMG 55 (big V8) and S2000 (high revving and exciting)) had fantastic OEM sound but the MINI S is severely lacking in the sound satisfaction dept..

2) Nomenclature: Does the kit replace all the S references on the car (rear, front, sides and door sills) with JCW badging and what do you officially call the car? How would you list it if you were selling it (a JCW or an S w/JCW kit)? Is trade in value increased over a standard S?

3) Power/efficiency: Is the modest bump in HP/Torque noticeable in day to day (in traffic) driving? Does the fuel economy suffer (under same driving conditions) significantly?

 

2) Nomenclature: Does the kit replace all the S references on the car (rear, front, sides and door sills) with JCW badging and what do you officially call the car? How would you list it if you were selling it (a JCW or an S w/JCW kit)? Is trade in value increased over a standard S?

no,cooper s with jcw tuning kit and no increase in value.

 

1) Acoustics: How is the exhaust/intake/engine sound compared to the anemic S (and to the Factory JCW)? My last two cars (SLK AMG 55 (big V8) and S2000 (high revving and exciting)) had fantastic OEM sound but the MINI S is severely lacking in the sound satisfaction dept.

I like the sound on the tuning kit. It's just not a V8, and I really miss the sound I had in my Camaro. On the other hand, this car is so much more fun to drive, it is worth it as long as you make it sound better than stock. The tuning kit is a really nice addition, and I do like the sound a lot. BTW, the sound keeps improving for the first thousand miles, or so. Mine really opened up during a trip to New Mexico.

2) Nomenclature: Does the kit replace all the S references on the car (rear, front, sides and door sills) with JCW badging and what do you officially call the car? How would you list it if you were selling it (a JCW or an S w/JCW kit)? Is trade in value increased over a standard S?

To me, it is an MCS JCW. All the stock "S" references stay. They just add 2 Works badges. One on the passenger side of the upper grille, and one on the driver's side of the back. It is important to note that these locations are different than on a factory JCW, so anyone who knows about JCWs will know that yours is not factory, simply be the location of the badges. That said, I like the Works badging. Since it is still an "S", I think the S badging needs to stay, too. I would be pretty surprised if at added to the resale value.

3) Power/efficiency: Is the modest bump in HP/Torque noticeable in day to day (in traffic) driving? Does the fuel economy suffer (under same driving conditions) significantly?[/quote]

I had my kit installed before I picked up the car, so I really don't have any comparison help for you. You could most likely get more power/torque in the aftermarket, but I like the fact that my warranty is not a concern. I play with the sound and acceleration all the time (it is WAY fun), and I get 29 to 31 going back and forth to work, with no highway travel. Traffic lights and all! I got 34 to 35 on a trip last summer travelling at 80 (actual, I was indicating 83) on the highway all the way. I got 40 mpg during the rides for MITM in August, and mileage wasn't my focus . All of these calculations were using the OBC, and most will say they are slightly inflated. I am guessing they are 1 to 1.5 MPG high. I don't care enough to do actual calculations. So you get to decide if it is OK. Personally, although mileage is not the point of these cars (to me!), I think it is great. It also seems to be better than I hear about from a lot of other MINI owners.

The one part that you notice every day is the sound, and the kit exhaust sounds great, in my personal opinion. There may be added benefit in terms of power. All I can say about that is that I am very happy with the acceleration, and I enjoy that every day as well.

Knowing what I know after almost a year (but only 7500 miles), I would absolutely make the same decision to buy it again. I am pretty pleased with the entire package.

Probably more than you wanted to know, huh.

 

Thanks for all the info.

I ordered the kit yesterday. I also plan to add the aero kit in the next couple of months. Just to confirm there should be no problems installing the aero kit after the JCW exhaust? Also I have the rear parking sensors.

EDIT: Just noticed in this thread a MINI w/aero kit and rear parking sensors. So they shouldn't be a problem (although it must be a different part number).

 

The power increase is noticeable after you get out of first gear. I have found myself shifting to second a lot sooner than I used to. The power really comes into play when you are above 3000 rpms. There is a feeling of instant power now, especially at highway speeds.

For me the sound took a little getting used to. Sometimes it got to be a little 'droney'. But I must say that it does sound better.

Regarding resale, I do not think you will get a return on the money spent. I think however it will be a bigger draw and make it sell faster. This is kind of a moot point for me since I generally drive a car for 8 to 10 years [I had my last car for 14 years].

The other issue is MPG. I have lost about one MPG [31.4 down to 30.4] since I got it but I can not determine if it is due tho the JCW kit or the new, larger wheels and tires I put on since both occurred at the same time. I am still getting twice the mileage my wife is in SportTrac!

Overall I am pleased with the kit so far [had it since 9/13].

I looked into buying an additional badge for the interior to stick on the secret compartment door but they run 115 dollars at Cincinnati MINI. I may get a domed sticker from AE

 

Im sure that'll **** Stig off to NO end...

 

1) yes there is a diff, a little more throaty and a hoot going under underpasses. some say drony but I disagree

2) despite Stig's 12-ton-weight mannerisms, he (or it?) is right: your car would then be a MCS JCW (autos are MCSa JCWs). and there are two badges, front and rear, plus kitters get a COA signed by Michael Cooper.

3) Since my tune kit was an add-on 6 weeks after I bought the car, the big difference is there's more ooomph on the bottom and top ends, say on take-off and passing slowpokes on the highway. it's a pretty big difference. Now around town I rarely get out of 3rd or 4th, and on the track I never hit 6th until Im well over 100. Ive lost about 2 mpg on average but if worried about this then you shouldnt get the kit. Good luck!

 

Seriously thinking about adding Stage 1 to my Clubman S. What did you guys end up paying, including installation? I'm in Houston in case anyone in the area had it done.

 

Buy a RMW handheld flasher when they come out.you will have more power and the ability to reflash to the oem software for warranty work.

 

About $2200 inc no more than a couple hours labor. Any dealer that charges U more is ripping U off.

 

I'm getting quoted $1890 for parts, $360 for labor, plus taxes and supplies. All told, my dealer wants $2418, which they claim includes a 10% discount on parts and labor.

 

Click on this link below. Now that is a discount. Buy from Morristown MINI and have it shipped to your dealer to do the install or have your dealer meet/beat this price:

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...egoryID=126740

I have purchased a bunch of items through them directly and from their eBay auctions. Last year I purchased the JCW suspension from them for $1000 and they also installed it for me for an additional $300 or $400 dollars. Very reasonable price.

I live about 1 hour north of there but I happened to be working on a project in the Morristown area for a few months last year and that made it very convenient. They also provided a loaner. I did not buy my car from them but they probably have the best MINI parts and accessory prices on the Internet. They also do great install and service work.

 

Supplies? What, glue for the two badges?

Maybe prices have gone up for the parts, but I thought One could get the parts for around $1700, which is pretty near cost?

 

MSRP on the kit is $2100 and suggested labor time to install is 2 hours (some dealers might try to charge 3-4 hours)

I got mine installed for around $2000 all-in, it is possible if you look around a bit.

 

NADA shows a $4,000 to $4,500 price increase with the JCW package.

 

That number is not realistic... actual gain on resale will probably be closer to $1000. That $4000 number is for the R53 that had a $6000 JCW kit, and in reality they did not get that high of a premium either.

 

Just posting what NADA shows.

 

If I could spend $2500 new and then get back $4500 used I would buy a 1000 of them.

Well I now have 1 day with mine. The sound is much deeper, throatier and actually has an authoritative nature to it. What a total improvement. The power/torque/performance has gone from just adequate to very enjoyable. Of course the FWD now shows it's weakness even more. The fun to drive factor has gone up several points and looks like it will be $ well spent.

Also Global Imports has the Stage 1 kit for 20% off right now (matching Morristown's price). If you are in the south east and sitting on the fence now is the time to pull the trigger and save some green.

 

Out of curiosity where should the Tuning Kit JCW front badge be located? Mine is mounted in the lower grill, driver's side. Isn't this where JCW's cars have theirs? I thought it was located in a different place (like passenger's side) to differentuate the cars.

 

My dealer put mine upper grille, passenger side. Factory cars should have thiers lower grille, driver side. According to my dealer, this is the directive from JCW to differentiate the two.

 

So is it up to the installer or do all Kits supposed to have it upper grille, passenger's side? Also why would the Kit's badge be in a more conspicuous place than the factory JCW badge? Should I request mine be moved? I don't want it to represent the wrong thing since Stig One might sue me.

 

Placement of the f/r JCW badges falls under a directive to the dealer from JCW, so yes it is up to the installer to do it right. As far as moving it, I'll leave that up to you, but it shouldnt be too much of a hassle.

And Stig? I could care less what it thinks/says/does.

 

Stig looks to be MIA.

 

I believe Stig was asked to leave by the mods. He/she/it just didnt fit in with this crowd, like all the other psuedo-elitists that preceeded he/she/it.

 

I have a rather unusual quesiton. Has anybody ever:
1) Installed the Stage 1 exhaust w/o the ECU tune, if so what did it sound like?
2) Anybody ever done the ECU tune but held off on the exhaust?

It's too convoluted to explain why, but I am curious if either of these 2 situations have been encountered?