2023 JCW Convertible in Detail
 

Hey JCW fans -
I will be covering my JCW convertible in more detail here with pics and videos. Beginning with the rear diffuser and exhaust. Mini really stepped up its game with the redesign of the rear diffuser by squaring it off at the ends and adding the vertical slots. Additionally, it blends in perfectly with the body and gives the beautiful trumpet exhaust tips a finished look.
On a cold morning start-up it has a nice mellow note (listen to it here).


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...4df695cf32.jpg

Need more room to put things in the trunk. No problem - undo the latches and pick up the top. You can also fold down the rear seats for even more room.

Nice channel Subscribed!
 

Hi michaelo, would you be able to film how many turns you are able to get the tow hook into the front bumper?

Hi iCandrive55 -
As per your request, below is the video. It took almost 14 turns to screw in the tow hook. Additionally, the tool kit consist of two items: the tow hook and a Philips screwdriver (see pic below)


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...db9535584f.jpg

Thanks
 

Mine definitely does NOT thread on more than a half a turn. Thanks for the confirmation that it definitely shouldn’t be like that. Will be reaching out to my certified service center right away. Thanks 🙏

Does your tow hook look resemble mine (like in the photo that I posted)? Try screwing your tow hook in the back bumper and see if it works there.

Yes, same tow pin (pictured).


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...80fad7e1e.jpeg


Screwed into the rear receiver without issue.

It looks like I was mistaken about the angle not being straight or the holes not lining up correctly. At this point, it looks like the only issue is that the threads need the be chased out because I can only get 1 thread in there. Barely a full turn. That wouldn’t be safe for recovery or flat bed loading. Gonna take it real slow with a big screwdriver and some thin oil lube maybe a quarter turn at a time. What do you think?

I see there’s room for a lug nut key in this pouch. Did you get locking lug nuts @michaelo ? Most people don’t want those anyway.

I went out and took a close up picture of the threads, can you do the same and see if it matches mine? Maybe yours has been somehow painted and the threads are clogged with paint (or dirt).

Also, I don't have locking nuts (I hate those things), hence I have no key.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...146ea13db5.jpg

Here is a short video on my Pirelli Summer Run Flat Tire. People are quick to say 'ditch the run flats". I completely disagree. I think they ride great and have zero issues with them. And if I get a flat...I can safely drive home.
Also note, my car did not come with a standard jack or wrench -because I have run flats.

Agreed about the run flats @michaelo They’re hard but it’s not that bad and being able to keep rolling in the event of a flat is a great thing to have.

Update on the tow pin. I got it in! It took lots of patience and elbow grease but I used a big screw driver to help turn the tow pin about a half turn at a time back and forth/ in and out, wipe the threads clean of metal shavings, more oil, back and forth until I could screw it in all the way by hand. I’m not able to do it with 2 fingers, more like 2 hands but it’s finally the way it’s supposed to be. Thanks for the help.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...5e3885158.jpeg

↑ Well that's good news. You never know when you will need the tow pin, so now you are prepared.

Below is the mirror and convertible top opening using the key fob. Note - you need to press the open button on the key fob to open the top half way and then click and hold the button down again to open the top completely.
However, to close the top only need to click and hold it once.

Nice demo @michaelo I like being able to hold down the lock button for folding side view mirror action :nod:

I also have noticed intermittent wireless interference occasionally causing interrupted processes. Standing closer and having a CR2032 battery in the fob able to hold a 3.4~3.6 charge should help increase range and reliability.

Have you seen It’s not free but maybe one of these days I may add this mod.

↑ I wish the dealer offered that option :(

Dealer wouldn’t be happy to install it for you?

I asked my local dealer but since it's not an OEM Mini product they won't touch it.

Beautiful Chesterfield Malt Leather seats with diamond stitching and white piping. The seats also have lumbar support, heat and are able to extend for additional thigh support. They are very comfortable for short and long rides.

What are the odds that the new list of available manuals will include the JCW vert?

MINI USA Offering Manual Gearbox On Four Additional Models

Def something to consider.

@michaelo How did you get your rear head restraints down all the way. Mine has some sort of plastic guards that prevent putting the head restraints all the way down.

Good question!
Look closely at the round plastic button that you press to adjust the headrest up and down. You will see a tiny hole, put a paperclip in the hole and push out the little pin.
Your headrest will now go all the way down.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...8465b97b3d.jpg

Trunk power outlet is here:

Window buttons for a convertible

The answer is YES. I have a 2024 JCW HT with 6-speed manual on order right now. It's due to go into production last week of March and it will also be Rebel Green!
Kevin.

Rebel Green is my favorite color. ↑ What color interior are you getting?

Black lounge leather! I've been very happy with the satalitte grey lounge leather in my 2012 clubman S. I'm familiar with the Chesterfield interior you have and it is very nice as well.

Kevin.

Sounds great. When is the expected date of delivery?

That is a great question, for which there is not a clear answer. My order has been locked and is in the "production queue" with a VIN. When the dealer confirmed the order it had a build week of 13, which is March 27. Once it's built it's got to take the boat across the pond. So my guess is late May or early June. Time will tell.

Tracking the Shipping Status

When your MINI's status changes from AT THE PORT to IN TRANSIT, your MINI has been loaded onto a ship. In fact, the status change probably updated a day or two after the ship left Southampton port.

At this point, you can call 1-866-ASK-MINI or your Motoring Advisor to ask for the name of the ship transporting your SE from Southampton to the destination Port Location identified on your Vehicle Inquiry Report. Once you have the ship's name, you can track its slow progress across the ocean using a web site, like one of these:

• https://www.marinetraffic.com
• https://www.vesselfinder.com
• https://www.myshiptracking.com/vessels

Just enter the vessel name in the search bar at the top of the page. The tracking information depends on the ship being within range of AIS receivers, which means the site won't be able to track the ship once it is out to sea. (I think there are some premium/pay sites that can track via satellite, if you're really interested.)

The Port Location code is rather cryptic. Here are the translations that I know of:

• BALPOA = Baltimore, MD
• CHSPOA = Charleston, SC
• GLSPOA = Galveston, TX
• NYCPOA = New York City, NY
• PHMPOA = Port Hueneme, CA
• SSIPOA = Brunswick, GA

When your MINI arrives at the destination Port Location, the progress status will move from IN TRANSIT back to AT THE PORT. Don't panic--this is just another quirky MINI design choice.

Your MINI will eventually be processed and loaded onto a truck for the final leg of the journey to your dealership. At this point, its status will move (again) from AT THE PORT to IN TRANSIT. If your dealership hasn't contacted you by now to schedule the appointment for you to take delivery, you can call them to ask for an estimate of when they expect your MINI to arrive.

Positive & Negative battery connections:

In an attempt not to continuously harass my sales consultant at the dealership, can anyone tell me if the doors on the '23 JCW have the factory door entry lamps? Want to add these when mine arrives.....

https://www.minimania.com/part/G3NMX...AaAjgtEALw_wcB



https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...fafabfed3c.jpg

I can confirm that they do have the factory door entry lamps (which is a solid white light under the door), but why would you need to replace them when the mirrors have the beam with the Mini logo?

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...435dd3478a.jpg

Interesting. Was unaware of this. Is it on both sides of the car, and is this a standard feature?

It is on both sides and probably a standard feature.

do you have a video of where to find the coolant and oil temperatures on the infotainment?

This is what I have found so far. I press the top button on the stalk and see this on the digital display screen. This is where the temperature gauge shows up.

New vanity plate is here:

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...1058fa4471.jpg

Wow. That's a weird one. Temp gauge is one of the most important info that you need to monitor and BMW figures "ok" would be sufficient. I guess oil temperature is out of the question. lol

Kinda makes a mockery of the "this is a track car" claims by MINI especially in reference to the GP. /shrug

Yes factory puddle lights when door closed. Those are additional when the door opens. So you would have 2 per side. These ones have the newer design with a wavy design on the outside of the housing. Also the updated 2019+ JCW design logo and Updated MINI logo.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...312468387~oem/

https://c1552172.ssl.cf0.rackcdn.com/1726344_x800.webp