I dropped the car off today. The service advisor presented me with a list of components they will install tomorrow. I was asked to sign this paper as a way of stating that I agree the kit is installed correctly and with all components. I am again shocked! But no, there is more - new cold range spark plugs are not part of the deal. "definately not and I've checked, trust me" the rather emphatic and somewhat argumentative words from the SA.

I will never, ever buy another BMW product. Don't care how good it is!

If anyone has official looking documents that list all the parts I would greatly appreciate an email.

Thank you,

Michael

 

I thought you had the pre-05 JCW Kit installed and were going to have the upgrade kit (air box, larger injectors and ECU remap) installed. If so the colder plugs should have been part of the pre-05 Kit.

 

Who is this dealer?
Forget 'em. Document everything in writing from day one, copy of your service statement, include photos of your engine bay as it presently is, absolutely everything concerning this issue, reference the JCW web site. Turn it all into a pdf document so it can easily be e-mailed and begin to blanket the earth . . . you get the idea.
Or, you and your attorney can sit down and have a discussion with the dealership owner and review the JCW web site together.

 

meb,

How about the Official MINI '03-'04 JCW Installation Instructions? HERE

and

How about the Official MINI JCW Upgrade Installation Instructions? HERE

Print these out and show them to the dealer. We'll all be interested in their reaction to MINI's own documents. Doesn't the fact that they couldn't/wouldn't reference these enough to make you cringe?

BTW -- They may have installed the colder plugs when the did the initial JCW install since the plugs were part of that package. It should be easy to pull a plug and reference the plug number with the one shown in the first document's parts list.

Hope this helps,

Theo

 

It's Westchester, NY.

 

Sounded more like the antics of a SoCal dealer.
I like the idea of having the install instructions in hand, in the hands of an attorney. If it were me I'ld want to go for the throat in a nice polite and irreverant manner. Cut the crap in the middle, it's all empty heads, and meet with the owner for a resolution.

 

Hope this helps??? Koopah, you da man!!! Thank you very much! It is amazing that I have to reduce myself to being a real Q%$#%^^ about this. Not in my nature, but they've stirred me into anger.

 

Absolutely! And THAT'S why I'm on a bigger rant now.

 

I have right in front of me a copy of the official JCW brochure. Hmm, that picture of 4 short, thin, pointy things sure look like spark plugs to me. Oh, and look, the legend says "Spark Plugs."

Forgive me, I didn't look at the other links. But, if you would like, PM me and I'll drop what I'm doing and FAX the ENTIRE brochure to you if you want.

I think you are definitely having a dealer specific situation. This does not appear to be a BMW problem -- with the exception that they let these guys be a dealership.

Hunter

 

make note of the section that says something to the effect that you are not supposed to print out the document for archives as updates are posted DAILY in something called "ASAP", and that this document is dated 03.

 

meb,
I have the brochure pdf available if you wish. I also have pdf files of the install instructions. I will be happy e-mail them to you.
It is truely sad that this dealer has created such an ordeal for you and soured your experience.

 

Easy enough to get around. Tell the dealer you want them to print out the most current document and because there is a dispute as to what's included, you want to watch it print. Then compare...

 

So you've verified that the dealer didn't install the colder plugs as part of the pre-2005 kit?

 

I think what MINIAC is saying/asking is if you pulled your spark plugs to verify what they are. If done correctly, you should already have the colder range plug as part of your earlier package, and if so, then there wouldn't be a need to upgrade those, I would think...

 

Okay...I'm taking a moment to take a deep breath. I just received a call stating the car is complete - 2005 update and new cold range spark plugs. The SA took the car for a ride and said it "runs great". I'll know in about an hour and a half. I'll post here tonight.

I'ld like to take moment to thank all of you for your support, your help, and even your own frustration. As was printed before, this ain't no $200.00 option; I should not have been reduced to being an !@!#$#@$. If the car runs well - or "great" - I'll soon get over my bad experience. Any future work will unfortunately...be solicited from elsewhere.

So again, thank you. I sincerely appreciate your support. This is a great group!

Ciao,

Michael

 

All of the components appear to be in the car. Unfortunately I drove home in traffic on an unfamiliar road, so I was not able to push it.

First impression??? It feels like tip-in torque below 3,000 rpm has been spread out a bit. In other words doesn't feel as punchy. Mid range feels a bit more smooth. Tomorrow I'll rip into it a bit on familiar roads - I've already put on 1,300 miles since the 04 portion was installed. Break-in is done.

7hp...definately not worth the pain, but I'm done.

ciao,

Michael

 

Just press the little skinny pedal to the right and all will be forgotten.

Paul

 

meb,

Also consider doing a Test 21.0 Software Reset to ensure that any adaptive maps (created when you just had the initial '04 JCW installed) are cleared and refreshed over the next several hundred miles with the additional JCW Upgrade factored in.

Look HERE for the instructions. Although the instructions indicate that the Test 21.0 is the same as disconnecting the battery, I have heard that Test 21.0 reset is the "preferred" way to reset the ECU and clear the adaptive maps.

Also, now that your kit has been run-in, make sure you drive the car fairly hard for the first several hundred miles after performing the software reset. The adaptive settings will then be biased toward the "performance" end of the adaptation spectrum.

Here's an interesting question...when you picked up your MCS after either the first or second JCW installation, did you notice anything different about your trip odometer or your clock? Also, if you have the OBC, were there any changes to the "avg mpg" or "avg speed" registers?

Theo

 

Theo, yes! Avg. mpg dropped to 21.7 from 28.7, trip computer was at zero, and, the clock required re-setting - each time. What does this tell you? I feel very comfotable with suspesion theory and application, and a bit less so when to conversation turns to braking. Engine software, I'm a moron, just ask my kids what happens when I get near a computer. It ain't good. The mechanical portion of engine design and management is pretty easy for me too. I'm all blonde when comes to electronics - my daughter's characterization and she's blonde!

The car definately feels 10-15 hp shy of what it was previous to the 05 upgrade. But that's the fanny dyno talking. If the power curve has been spread out and increased slightly, the fanny dyno is probably working okay. And honestly, the last time really ripped into it was just before dropping the car off with a 1/4 tank of gas. I filled it up before driving home. This could account for some of the difference too.

I honestly have never looked at power curves for a stock S, an 04 JCW and an 05 JCW. That would be interesting.

 

Michael,

I just wanted to make sure that the dealership had reset your ECU after the Upgrade. All the changes you have noticed confirm this.

Don't worry about the mileage and performance right now; your ECU is still in it's adaptive period after the airbox/injector upgrade. Just remember to drive like a bat out of hell during the next 200-300 miles so the adaptive parameters are biased toward the performance mode.

My JCW 210 installation didn't perform to it's maximum untill I had 400-500 miles on it. Give it time.

Theo

 

Thanks Theo. I didn't even think about the 'adaptive' cycle. but I did push it this morning and will continue to do so.

In the interests of more power, I've contacte Webb Motorsports. I'll hear what another $1,500 or so in engine mods can do and then I'm done with the motors. Just looking for another 5%-10% from the motor.

...17%-19% pulley, air-water intercooler and who knows.

Again, thank you for your help. Don't be a stranger.

Michael

 

Probably because the CPU was flashed with new software which is part of the JCW upgrade.

 

Yup, apparently the exact reason. Car runs great.

 

Intercooler....now there's $1000+ your fanny dyno will never feel! The pulley change is the way to go - inexpensive and makes a big difference. I'd recommend larger (19%) to make the switch more worthwhile and noticeable.
I doubt it. Once you break the 200hp barrier, a tank of gas really shouldn't be slowing down your MINI.

Go luck with your choices. I still wonder what they screwed up to make your upgraded JCW seem slower...

 

Actually, as I just learned from Randy - Webbmotorsports, the 15% reduction pulley is the best choice, if you consider intercooler efficency, and you must if you want realistic and consistent hp gains. The JCW kit includes a 15% pulley. There after, the heat generated from higher pulley/supercharger speeds essentially begin to negate any increase in hp. A different set-up, the entire compressor side of the engine, would have to be employed to take advantage of a 19% pulley. And contrary to what most think, managing inlet temps is key to generating bigger hp. This can be accomplished by using a more efficient intercooler, but not a 19% reduction pulley. Remember too, although it might be possible to generate hp gains with a 19% pulley, they are not sustainable thru out the entire driving spectrum. Check out Randy's FAQ section on his web site and then give him a call. Physics is physics and more compression means more heat and more heat with regard to inlet temps does not build more hp. There will be a point where the added compression from a 19% pulley will generate enough heat to yield a lose of power. Air DENSITY, not neccessarily achieved thru greater compression, is the link to creating more power. All things equal, a larger intercooler will add power because air density is increased. Increased air desity = more power. In addition, every supercharger has physical limitations. We all think about aerodynamics with regard to air flow over our cars. But when things begin to move at supercharger speeds, internal aerodynamics also become important. Our spuerchargers have an efficiency curve establish by both shape and speed. If speed is increased and shape is not, effiecincy falls off. If this were BS, we would all be installing 50% reduction pulleys...think about it... I beleive what Randy says; his statements are never exsagerated and they are backed up by track, dyno, and, real-world testing. Perhaps a cam, larger intercooler, and header and I'm done with the engine. If I want more hp, I'll buy a different car.

I disagree, 13 gallons of premium fuel - approx. 82 pounds - in a sub 2,600 lb car is easy to feel. I could feel the difference between the stock 16" wheels with run flats and my 17" BBS wheels mounted with non-run flat rubber - approx. 60 pounds of spinning weight. And torque, not hp, especially if the hp in question is produced at very high rpms, is what is initially required to affectively overcome additional weight or accelerate mass. The JCW is still a bit shy in that department. And thus, every pound saved will add more noticably to the acceleration curve. I will agree with your thoughts if we turn to Porsche's new Wunder SUV; at nearly 6,000 pounds, 82 pounds a much much smaller fraction of weight, regardless of hp/torque. F1 cars produce in excess of 600 hp. Still, their lap times are affected by weight, as can be seen quite easily if you compare pre and post pit lap times.

The car is running quite well, but I would still like another consistent and durable 20hp and 10-15lb/ft torque in the mid range.