Hi. New to the forum. Does anyone know for sure if there is always a red dot on the cylinder head of an R53 with a dealer installed JCW kit? I used to own a factory ordered R53 JCW and I don't recall the red dot. The car I have now has every other indication of the kit being installed (including acceleration speed!), but I don't see a red dot. Any expert opinion would be cool.
Cheers,
D M

 

The cylinder head is different on a JCW (larger exhaust ports) but I've never seen a reference to a "red dot."

 

See this post:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4548802

Sometimes the red dot isn't very visible.

 

I appreciate the input. I checked the JCW Registry and sure enough, the red dot on the cylinder head is omitted sometimes and other times the red just fades away. It's not that uncommon. But I checked everything else. Sure enough it's the real deal. I want to keep this one original, but I may pick up a high miler to "play" with. Mine is a combo Checkmate and JCW, so I think it's a little rare. Cheers to all.
D M

 

Welcome to NAM as a new member! We exchanged comments earlier today on the BaT listing, however IMO this is the best MINI-specific forum anywhere, having tried them all. Glad that you joined, where you should find answers to most anything Gen1 related asked...

Also, congrats on scoring your 2006 R53 Checkmate JCW. As described and shown in my sig topic, my best buddy also bought a 2006 Checkmate JCW (factory-built) locally in AZ last summer from the original owner with just 6k documented miles. As you might not know, only 301 such were built with both options for the worldwide market. As such, maintaining originality plus provided and subsequently accumulated documentation being key to maintaining max value, yet we bought these cars simply to drive for fun and that we do!

Post pics and details on yours when time permits...

 

Wow, your buddy really scored. I wish mine was factory built and already had the LSD, but I'm going to start looking for an aftermarket LSD soon. I'm not tracking the car, but I don't like the torque steer I'm getting. BTW, mine had 39k miles when I bought it. Just broke 40k. I got a fair deal on the car, but it had not been as well taken care of as it should have been. All in all, a nice car that I won't be afraid to drive. I will stay open to buying another one if the right factory built car comes my way.
Cheers!

 

I have an '04 JCW and it in fact does have the Red Dot.

 

I'm pretty sure my 2006 JCW has a yellow dot?

 

My 2003 has red dot also. But I have read back then the dealer had to install everything after delivery, didnt come from factory this way. Until later.

 

I think 06+ were available as Factory JCWs.

 

yep and seen green dots and red dots. Think the green was for older JCW tuning kits installed afterwards. Red dot might have been port installed or dealer installed?

 

I just scored an 06 JCW, has all certificates and everything JCW except the red dot, also can’t see a serial number. Have all history on it, doesn’t look like the head would have been replaced with a non JCW head based on history and condition otherwise.