So I've been debating the subject for a while and am finally going to jump on either the JCW BBK for my MCS or the Tuning Kit.

I was debating it a while back but one thing lead to another while in the middle of purchasing a home and clearly that took precedence.

Now I'm coming up for the annual service in a few weeks and figure it's the best time to get something done (and an early holiday gift) and am debating which way to spend my money. Since they are roughly the same cost (or so I think), I'm struggling since I can't get both. I would love the better exhaust note of the tuning kit, but wonder if the money isn't better spent on brakes since I'm hope to auto-x/go to road courses the upcoming season.

Any thoughts as to which is the better buy? I'd appreciate anyone who has either to weigh in with their reasons why one is better than the other.

And before anyone says, just buy a JCW, I would have loved to, but I went through a lot to get this car with all the options I wanted and a JCW just wasn't in the cards with the additional cost associated with it.

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

Your situation might be different since you mention wanting to auto-x (where the brake kit would really shine), but my recommendation is the tuning kit. I also have the JCW suspension and would recommend that over the brake kit also, but that's just me. The brake kit is awesome and looks pretty cool, but the tuning kit just turns your car into a whole new beast, plus you get the snazzy badges.

I would get the tuning kit because it is something you will enjoy every time you start your car. The exhaust note is sweet and the power difference is quite noticeable, so that's my choice. If you have any more questions I could answer, let me know!

Jon

 

Thanks I appreciate the feedback. I would like to go for the suspension but it's a daily driver, and the streets in my city aren't going to be forgiving enough with it.

I think the change in exhaust note would be one of the best things about the kit.

 

I would say get the Tuning kit. I own a JCW and for me I don't see a big difference in the braking between my 08 MCS and my 11 JCW. I guess maybe if you track the car, but some quick weekend driving I see no difference than the way it looks.

 

I would suggest the tuning kit.
If you feel that the stock brakes are not adequate there are many options for improvement. The stock Gen2 brakes are the same as the Gen1 JCW brakes. You can upgrade the pads and fluid plus add stainless steel lines. Also, I good pad for Auto-X might not be the best pad for track days.

 

I went with the tune kit. Being installed this week

 

I went with the tuning kit on my 2012 MCS MT and love it. The sound is great and the exhaust tips look amazing. The additional power is also very nice. Also ups the fun factor quite a bit.

 

Just out of curiosity, how much does a dealership charge for the tuning kit these days? I have the AP but would love the exhaust JCW tune as well.

 

teamrubixcube, I was quoted $2,119 for the kit and $600 for install. After some negotiating they reduced the kit to $1,907 (10% discount) and $350 for install (I saw 300 to 400 quotes from others on NAM).

 

Another possibility, since you seem to be into the exhaust note, you could just get a resonater delete to get more sound. People that have done it love it here on the forum. They say it costs $40 to $60 and is reversible. Then you would still be able to get the brakes. Also consider a larger rear sway bar, gives a more solid, planted feel in the turns. I have a JCW, so I have the power and brakes to start with. I added a NM Engineering 22mm sway bar and then H&R Street Performance coil-overs, way nicer ride than stock and handles like a dream with no additional noise. Also, along with a sway bar, I highly recomend an NM Engineering Engine Torque Arm Insert, $60 part that eliminates almost all torque steer. I would suspect that either more power or better suspension will make you smile much more often then better brakes. Stage 1 kit + sway bar + torque arm insert might be a lot of bang for the buck.

 

Again, many thanks for the honest feedback. I'm thinking the tuning kit is the best bet for me. I used to have a Volvo S60R and got used to the 4 piston brakes at each corner and do miss them, but it sounds like ss brake lines might be a better upgrade and some more aggressive pads and ATE superblue to go with it.

 

Just got a quote on the tuning kit for $2190 (parts and labor, before tax). Seems like a good price, but I'll keep looking around before I go with the first one.

 

NJ Mini, I agree it sounds like a good price. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

 

I had/have the JCW tune. I still have the parts on. The JCW tune I replaced with a RMW tune which I can only say good things about. The JCW tune is very mild and you will forget you have it in a couple of weeks. I have the JCW suspension and really like it. The brakes are on my long turn list. Have fun and enjoy what you get.

 

This might be a stupid question, but it didn't even cross my mind until the wife asked me about it last night...what is the difference in gas mileage? Is it really anything significant? Obviously my heavy foot will be the first culprit of mpg losses, but I wouldn't think this kit would be as bad as say the one for the R53.

 

I can't really answer your question because I only had my MINI a couple of weeks prior to installing the tuning kit, but I am currently averaging between 28 to 30 mpg with some, "heavy footed," spirited driving.

 

Forgot to mention that the 28 to 30 mpg is with very little, to no highway driving.

 

If you drive with cruse control on you can get great MPGs.

 

Thanks for all of the responses and great info/opinions.

I do currently do this (driving w/ cruise control) whenever possible on the higway to max out the mpg's and save some more fuel so that I can use a heavy right foot when the road get twisty.

Again, I appreciate the feedback.

 

Just got call from dealer mine is ready. Bill was $2500 including oil change and filter. That includes 6.75% sales tax so guess kit was about $2200 ?????

 

Well congrats on having it complete! Please let me know how you like it once you pick it up? (i.e. please please please try and pry yourself away from driving it to post an update haha).

 

I keep seeing RMW tune. Would someone tell me that that is please. thanks.

 

Had the JCW tune for a couple of months now and love it. Sounds great and additional power is nice. Zero problems or complaints . Best of all no affect on factory warranty.

 

http://www.revolutionmotorworks.com/

Aftermarket tune kit. I went JCW Stage 1 to preserve my warrenty. And YES I know you could reflash back to stock if a problem occured (Unless vehicle totally died and had to be towed to Mini Dealer) and MAYBE dealer would not claim the aftermarket tune kit voided warrenty and maybe if they did you could win the legal fight but chances are a aftermarket tune kits going to raise flags with Mini if you have a warrenty claim.

 

i got both and if was was going to do it all over again i would just get the tuning kit. you see hear and feel it every time you drive it where as the brakes are only any different after a few laps on the track.