First of all, I'm a complete newbie when it comes to Coopers, apologies in advance for my ignorance.

Saw this car at a local dealer and was wondering what was included in the "JCW TUNING KIT". Is that something that's dealer installed? Externally, the car appears to be just your run of the mill 1st gen S (R53). Tia for your inputs.

Here's the ad...

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/ctd/3087467560.html

**JCW TUNING KIT**complete service and inspection done,New Clutch,New Tires, All New Brakes,One Owner with Clean Title and Carfax,Astro Black Metalic with Black Interior, Sport and Premium Package,Harmon Kardon sound,Panorama moonroof,xenon headlights with Powerwash,Chrome line Interior, Multifunction Leather steering,IPOD Interface, Rear Tail,White hood Stripes with White Outside Mirrors,Tire Pressure Monitor,Cruise,Keyless entry, Runs and drives Beautiful,No leak,Ice Cold A/C,Excellent condition.73k miles.Call: 4083786008

VIN#WMWRE33506TN28062

 

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

Scroll to the 2004 section. In short, it is a dealer-installed kit - unfortunately, I don't know what exactly was included and they don't say either. I think it deals mostly with ECU tuning and suspension upgrades.

Someone on here, I'm sure, will have the full list of mods...

 

Beautiful car, by the way. If it drives well and seems to be on the up-and-up, I'd seriously consider it.

 

Well it doesn't have the badges and the front and rear, doesn't have the JCW exhaust or the grey inter cooler cover, or any of the badges under the hood except the one on the intake. Looks like someone bought a JCW intake and is trying to get someone to buy it not knowing what they are getting.

 

take down the VIN, call a MINI dealer, theyll be able to tell you what has or has NOT been done to that "JCW"...

IMO, if she dont have no badges, she aint no JCW!

anyone can BUY one of those badges on ebay btw... A REAL JCW will have the following:
JCW intake (reach in the back of it, feel for a flap)
JCW injectors (blue)
JCW exhaust (should have Tips that say so, and a true duel exhaust setup)
JCW computer tune (when you drive it, the flap will open at around 4k rpm, you will "feel" that surge)
JCW head (that, well, you cant tell just by looking)
JCW Brakes (big red freakin brakes that say JCW)

suspension was "additional" on the JCW, not having that doesnt not make it a JCW. not having the rest, doesnt make a jcw...

 

It should have a JCW tuning kit number on a metal name plate back left of the engine (opposite the intake). I have a matching document to signed to go with this.

 

03-04 JCW's have no intake, injectors, or brakes. The '05 started the factory option JCW kits. Before that it was dealer installed.

 

Didn't get a chance to check it out last weekend...got busy. Looks as if they still have it. At least now I'm walking in there better informed thanks to you all (but especially astroBlackMetallic).

How many miles on yours if you don't mind me asking? Any major issues thus far? I mean since this car seem to be your twin and all...lol. (ie. 06 Black R53, JCW still questionable though)

Edit: I can't seem to find pictures of your beast...mind posting a few? Would love to see how the car sits with all your mods.

 

Bought mine with like, 34k. Now it's got 78k. Issues, well.... I guess you could say that...

Control arm bushings
Shock tower bushing
PS fan
Idler pulley shock
Window control rig (forget the actual name)
PS lines
Windshield washer pump
Crank pulley
Clutch (bc it was making the Chewbacca sound)
Right front wheel bearing
AC recharge, brake fluid flush, oil changes every 10k, fuel filter, new rims (one had a crack), & tires

I think, that's everything.
Now, bare in mind, most of that has been covered under my warranty, which has resulted in a lot of other free parts and extra maintenance. That last list has been my maintenance at full price. Plus hi test gas this whole time.

So, ya, a few "issues"... Lol

 

So, astroBlack....

Edit: I can't seem to find pictures of your beast...mind posting a few? Would love to see how the car sits with all your mods.

 

mtv65,

Please refer to link below. NAM only allows 5 megs for pics, which i have about already used up!

https://plus.google.com/photos/11545...36961937639489