Ultimate Guide To JCW'ing?
 

I've been really enjoying these forums and learning more then I could ever imagine about MINIs as I prepare to get into a new one this fall. That being said, I'm looking for some help as it's pretty overwhelming for a newb like me to figure out how to best fit my future car.

I plan on waiting until the 2018 JCW 2 door coupe becomes available mainly for CarPlay, but I was hoping to get some advice on what options to consider in the meantime.

I'm not a racer, nor do I see myself taking my future car to run on a track. Perhaps once or twice just to say I did and try it out, but outside of that, just a guy in Seattle driving on your typical roads.

That being said, I figure the options fall into one of the following buckets:

1. MUST HAVE
2. NICE TO HAVE
3. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY
4. GO AFTERMARKET INSTEAD

I know many options are subjective, especially tech ones (I'll want them all), but more so around the actual performance of the car I would say. I'm not a "car guy" so anything in bucket #4 would have me looking for some local authorized folk to help in that regard.

Thanks in advance for the tips!

My build focus was on heritage, quality and presence. My thoughts are:

1. Must Have:
- DDC / VDC
- Technology package
- HUD
- LED headlights w/cornering lights

2. Nice to Have
- Rebel Green
- MINI Yours leather (absolutely awesome)
- Rear fog lights
- Automatic transmission ... I preferred the manual, but defaulted to auto for access reasons ... so far no regrets, it's a pretty stellar unit.

3. Don't Waste Money
- Sunroof (nice but hot in the summer)
- Active Driving Assistant ... not active enough for the cost

4. Go Aftermarket Instead
- Nothing regarding factory offerings, but lots otherwise .... I've alrady ordered:
-- CravenSpeed Big Pair
-- NM 25mm rear sway bar
-- ECS Tuning 15mm spacers
-- Cocomats.com blck/red floor mats (these are awesome)