I am a long term BMW owner and have recently sold my 2007 Mini Cooper S. I am currently driving a 2009 BMW 135i and am in love with the 2011 JCW.

My biggest issue is, should I trade in my 135i for a 2011 JCW? I would be losing approx $3000 on the BMW. Also, is the aero-kit a worthwhile option for the Mini?

The Mini would most likely be a factory order, but I am happy to wait...just unsure if it would be the right decision, the wife says it would be a downgrade, but I know the truth

 

Honestly you should do w/e you and your wife decide and not what some random forum people think you should do. If you're content with tossing 3K out the window to get another mini then go for it. Why didn't you keep the '07 S and upgrade it?

 

If you're sincerely interested on the "group think" on this topic (JCW vs 135i), you should probably peruse this thread:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-or-135-a.html

The original poster was in the opposite situation as you (currently driving a JCW, considering a 135i).

My take on the whole topic was that, although some thought the turbo lag on the 135i was more pronounced than the JCW vehicles, it was faster off the line and in a straight line. The JCW was almost universally perceived as more nimble and fun-to-drive, though. Not knowing how much of a pure performance enthusiast your wife is, her perception of a "downgrade" may be related to the standard luxury/comfort appointments of the BMW compared to a MINI, many of which can be had (as options) on the MINI.

In the end, it all boils down to, as "devicemanager" suggested, your own preferences and needs... I guess my best advice would be: take your 135i down to a MINI dealer who has a JCW for you to test drive, run them back-to-back down the same roads, then make your choice.

 

I think you already know what YOU want to do or you wouldn't have posted here. My 2¢...go for the happy-factor. When my '08 S was rear-ended I ordered a MCClubman (non-S). Drove it for three months and wasn't happy. I tossed a few thousand out the window to get back in an MCS and never looked back. Life's too short. However, if the change will put you into a financial bind in any way - Don't do it. That's a stress that can easily counter-act the fun-factor of the JCW...as can wife-trouble. Keep us posted and good luck!

 

Thanks for the feedback.

I am working on setting up an appointment at the local Mini dealership. I know there are many things to consider, but I am hoping the 'fun' and 'happy' factor are something that I know I can look forward to.

Also, the decision is being pushed by minor niggles in the 135i. Seems I am taking in to the dealer more frequently than I expected. I know this is because I am a little too particular about minor things, however, the car I am driving almost feels like it could have had a few corners cut during production.

I know my wife loves the Mini and she is an enthusiast, but not one who is over-the-top. I just need to go for a test drive and give a realistic reason as to why I want to switch, she will support my decision, or offer a great alternative or compromise.

One question for those who have seen a 2011 JCW with the aero-kit. Is it worth the extra cash?

 

I'll be interested in following this as you arrive at your decision. I'm a former 02 MCS owner and I'm now in the process of trying to decide between the 135i and a 2011 JCW.

I love the look of the 135 and the speed is very appealing. I'm pretty sure that, in the end, I'll end up back in a MINI. What I am longing for the most is that go-kart feel. Of course there's no way I can make up my mind until I've driven both.

Best of luck!

 

Yeah it really does depend on the drive, doesn't it? Very different vehicles outside of the broad picture specs. I prefer my old 06 MCS to my bosses' much faster 335i, just from that tight-corners, small handling vibe. But it's totally a personal taste thing.

I like aero kits but this year that situation is really up in the air. I haven't seen any in person, and it was not available at the time of my order.

I also think you should test the MCS vs the JCW vs the Clubman of each, if you have the opportunity. Given the financial ability, I'd go JCW in either case, but there are arguments for coupes vs clubmans and the reverse, and many JCW Clubman owners like the stability back there. Worth a thought.

When it came to MY wife, and OUR decision to throw money out the window on a trade, it was very important that she drive it and come to her own conclusions as well as you and yours, before deciding. It's not a guy vs girl thing, but a relationship thing, right? You don't want to be told later that your partner wanted something else or wasn't on board like they seemed to be. Make her draaaaaaaaaahve, and then talk!

 

I have contacted my local dealer and they do not have a 2011 JCW in stock for test drive (any variant). Now I am looking at having to test drive a CPO version, or just negotiate to but sight, unseen.

As for my wife, she LOVES the Mini and knows that it will be my daily driver with her driving it in rare circumstances. She is very supportive and would want to be the first to test drive it; she has also mentioned the option of having a 'his' and 'hers' Mini.

Now all I need to do is negotiate financial matters to determine if it is a wise move to get away from the 135i which is 'by numbers' faster than the JCW, but lacks some of the 'fun factor'.

I am also looking at other factors beyond the cost of purchase, but things like insurance rates, gas, and maintenance which would be less in the Mini for all. Timing is a bit of an issue as well with winter approaching and the need to buy Winter Tires.

The earliest I can visit the dealer would be next weekend, or on the 12th of November. I will keep you all posted; however, if there is anyone in the Calgary, Canada area and wanting a 135i I would be happy to speak with you!

 

I have one thing I would like to know. Best bang for buck would be Navigation or Aero-Kit??

 

I think factory Nav systems in general are crap. Technology is changing so rapidly that OEM systems are already outdated by the time they reach production. Call me old school, but I don't have much use for them anyway. If I do get lost, my smartphone can pull up a map.
The JCW body kit is spendy, but I think it makes the car look so much better.

 

Speaking as someone who has neither, I would say go for the Aero-kit! I agree that the NAV technology just changes to rapidly to have it built into the car (although I love how it looks). Unless you think you wont be keeping the MINI too long...

 

I prefer the JCW aero kit over the Nav. The aero kit really improves the look of the car. Buy a Garmin for your navigation.

 

Already have a Garmin, but I guess the way to look at is:
- Nav adds a new look to the interior
- Aero-kit adds a more aggressive look to the outside.

Both are for something better, but whether I want inside or outside!

Side note....is there any decent aftermarket body kits for the JCW that are better than the OEM aero-kit?

 

For $600 bucks you can make a 135i tuned to 400ft/lb of torque and it will also spool up at 1800 RPM's. The turbo lag (turbos) is easy to fix. I love me MINI, but if I went BMW, it is an M# or nothing. So I say you get the JCW!

BTW, you need to show us some pics of the MINI with Prices and we can see if we like it. You know, detailed list of installed parts, etc.

 

The JCW I would consider is a factory order from Mini Canada. Specs would be as follows:

2011 JCW
Midnight Black w/matching roof
Black Lounge Leather
Piano Black trim
Comfort Package (includes: auto-dim mirrors, heated seats, Media Connect, Sun Roof, Rain sensor)
Sport Suspension
Sirius
Harmon Kardon Upgrade
Comfort Access

Then there is the option....aero-kit OR Nav

 

My thoughts. Do not get the sport suspension. Its a waste of $500. Put it toward something else.

My JCW is fully loaded the only things that were missing were PDC and Nav and I would have preferred to have both.

I am happy with the TomTom app on my iPhone which I hardwired to the fuse box. I have it on a Craven Speed mount. It works really well.



You can always get the JCW aero kit later on.

I would not spend the extra money on a JCW without driving it first. You may find that you are happy with what a Cooper S has to offer.

No difference driving a used JCW than new. The new ones are not any different from a mechanical perspective just refreshed colors, front/rear bumper which won't matter if you opt for the JCW aero kit and the refreshed interior, which I find very appealing. The center console and controls of the 07+ MINIs is the worst part of the car.

Good luck with your decision and make sure to keep us posting on your final decision.

 

Thanks for the advice on the sport suspension.

I contacted my dealer today and they are bringing in a JCW to drive and compare with Cooper S models. They are saying it could be between 1 and 3 weeks before they have a JCW to drive.

I have just priced out both cars and the Cooper S is definitely much cheaper....but in my area a JCW is a very rare vehicle (could be a good or bad thing)

 

Just had a quick phone conversation with a Sales Associate and they are really trying to convince me to buy a 2011 Cooper S and not go with a JCW.

The S they have in mind is not my #1 color choice, but, is comparable to a JCW I would have to factory order......as a daily driver, is it really worth the extra 12% (MSRP) for a JCW over an S on a lease that will be turned in in 3-4 years.

 

Personally, it sounds to me like they don't want to go to the trouble of getting a JCW vehicle in for you to test drive; and only want to sell you what they have in stock rather than what you want to purchase.

And I guess I don't follow the statement "The S they have in mind is ... comparable to a JCW..." Do you mean the equipment list (options)? 'Cause no Cooper S is comparable to the JCW from the driver's seat...

Ultimately, you'd have to decide whether the extra 12% in price is worth it; I was never really faced with that choice, but I personally would have probably coughed up the extra money for the JCW. Unfortunately, the only way for you to decide is to drive the JCW. Don't get me wrong: the Cooper S is very satisfying to drive; heck, I almost ended up with one myself before stumbling onto the gently-used JCW Clubman that I ultimately bought. And perhaps therein lies a solution for you: have you considered a used 2009 or 2010 JCW? Other than the styling and interior updates, there's really no appreciable difference between those and the 2011...

 

Sorry, I meant to say the Cooper S they are pushing is one that has extra options that I don't want.

And I am not sure I want to go down to a Cooper S since I am currently driving a 135i....the drop in power and luxuries would be a bit of a shock. I am pretty stuck on a JCW (or so I think)

 

Take your 135i on a road trip to a dealer with a JCW in stock. Only then will you know whether it's worth it or not.

 

Ah, OK. Yeah, still sounds like they just want to make a quick sale from their in-stock inventory...

Well, the weight-to-horsepower ratio of the 135i coupe is 11.2 lb/Hp; a factory JCW Hardtop (any model year) is 13.0 lb/Hp; a 2011 Cooper S Hardtop is 14.8 lb/Hp. So, yeah, there will probably be a pretty noticeable difference between a 135i and a Cooper S; certainly more-so than the difference from 135i to JCW Hardtop...

Bottom line: buy what you want. If the dealer doesn't have it on their lot, and won't order it in for you, walk away; unlike Pontiac, MINI is not going to stop building Coopers anytime soon...

 

Thanks for the power to weight ratio's, it really makes the decision easier, BUT, I think the dealer will be bringing in a JCW to test drive.

 

Seems like I may need to travel a couple hundred miles to get the car I want...or the dealership to work with me.

I just wish I was in a larger city where there would be more options. Maybe I should just save up and get an M3

 

Whatever you do, don't let some slimeball saleman tell you the Cooper S is comparable to a JCW. I used to work with a MINI salesman when I worked parts and he ALWAYS would try and convince customers to buy the in-stock Cooper S and install a tuning kit at the dealer and it would compare to a JCW. Needless to say, he was an idiot and I feel like the salesman is trying to do the same to you.