how can i find out if my mini has a john works engine or a kit?

 

I believe on Gen 2 JCW's you can give the VIN to the dealer and they should be able to tell you? What year is your MINI?

 

its 2009 mcs jcw as the told me because they change the engine one year ago because of an engine failure... is there a way to now if is jcw or the kit from some part number like the turbo or the engine block or pistons?

 

Factory JCW's do not have the Cooper S tag on the back, only a John Cooper Works badge.

 

I have both. The kit has a badge with a number on it that is placed on the engine. I don't believe the factory JCW does.

 

what about the turbo part number?is it bigger than cooper s? or the pistons?

 

I can't remember what year but at some point weren't there no kits for Gen 2's. JCW was only installed at the factory. They would have all the components when it left the factory.

 

I know the tuning kit was available for the 2012 model year, not sure about 2013.

 

Put the last 7 letters / numbers of your VIN into the realoem site

http://realoem.com/bmw/select.do

put them in where it says serial number, then hit search.

This will give you the build date and build details from the factory. If it is a factory built JCW it will come up as R56 coop.s JCW. If it was a factory built cooper S with the kit added it will come up as R56 cooper S (without the JCW).

That is the best way to tell

 

They've had the kit for the 2013s since release. I bought mine with it installed (delivered in August).

--Matt

 

Hello Mini fans,

I've been reading the forums a little and decided I should jump on with a question, which is related to this thread.

At the end of June I placed an order for a JCW hardtop at a Houston area dealer.

According to the OL order tracking page, the Mini is on order but it is listed as a Cooper S with JCW exterior package. I do understand that the ordered vehicle does not necessarily reflect the one listed on their order tracking page in the early stages...

But my question is, if anyone knows, is there any likelihood of a dealer trying to sell a Cooper S with JCW kit installed, as a factory JCW? And how would you tell the difference? The lack of Cooper S badging? The red brakes? The red numbering on the gear shifter? A JCW badge on the motor?

Well, thanks in advance for any input!

MINI_42

 

This is how you tell. VIN says all.

 

Hi GFB, thanks a bunch, I had seen that post before and I'm looking forward to using it, but that won't really help me out until after I get the Mini home. I was hoping for some ideas when I go collect it.

Cheers,
MINI_42

 

Oh. I must have missed that.

Well, from what I hear the kit has a placard thats on the engine, my JCW does not. The only JCW references in my engine bay are on the electrical connectors to the injectors, nothing else as far as I can see. My airbox cover does not have any JCW logos either. A factory JCW only has JCW badges on the exterior, no references anywhere to a Cooper S.

If you have a smartphone, or can get someone to wait by a computer, just call them up and feed them the VIN or do it yourself when you pick it up.

 

Oh, to your question of would a dealer sell you a CooperS with a kit when you ordered a JCW?

That would be an epically bad business decision for the bad press, and something like that sounds like it would be illegal. But, funnier things have happened in people making mistakes in the order process.

I've never bought new, but I understand that if you can track your order, eventually it should tell you what VIN was assigned.

 

Thanks GFB, you're a wealth of insight!

Thanks for the tips on placarding - that will be of immense help.

I hadn't really thought about the ramifications of a dealer selling an MCS with JCW kit as a factory JCW, but I think you've shone the light there. I certainly feel a little more relaxed owing to your replies.

Thank you,

MK

 

Someone told me that a factory JCW has a checkered badge on the glove box cover and its exhaust tips won't have the engraved JCW markings, i have an 09 JCW and they checked out, the VIN checked out as well

 

Mine has those as well (the checker and the lack of engraving)

 

I would first request a copy of your actual order from your MA. It will show the correct model. I should still have a copy of mine if you need to see. I have a 2013 JCW HT, so if you have any further questions, let me know

Oh, and here's the true clincher: the speedometer in a 2013 Factory JCW goes to 160mph

 

Thanks guys for the input. Small details go a long way to making the big picture. Great idea about seeing the order, Greg! Doh! is me! I realize now that I have absolutely no confirmation of anything, other than a receipt for $1000 and some spoken words. Yikes. And my MA seems to be incredibly busy, rarely has time to respond to emails...I think it's time to try again.

I guess when the car comes in it will have all the info on the window sticker...right?

Cheers,

MK

 

So with my incredible attention to detail...do non JCW MINIs speedos NOT go to 160mph?

 

Why? It will never get there. Been to 135 and gains very very slowly from there so why punish the car. You have no gauges to tell how hot it is and what the exhaust temps are running. One bad flaw of the MINI's - idiot gauges! Really. Cars half the price give you more info

 

No they don't

 

My new JCW does not have the checkered emblem on the dash. Did they stop doing that recently ?

 

Yes, they stopped with the 2013 models. Now you get the emblem in the lower spoke of your steering wheel.