I am starting to look for my next chapter, and am interested in obtaining a JCW Countryman. I have some questions on the mid-cycle LCI update...

I know that the 2020 model year JCW engine was updated from the 225hp B48 to the ~300hp B48, and along with it came some updates to the drivetrain. I have heard conflicting reports, however, that some LCI updates were not made until the 2021 model year. Does anyone have a breakdown of what was updated in 2020, and then what was updated for 2021? (if anything)

Unfortunately, there are not many examples between model years 20-21 for sale...

 

2020 - Engine transmission update. 300hp and 7 speed DCT, this is when the exhaust went factory valvtronic

You Tube

2021 - TFT display screen was the big change

You Tube

2022 - Updated steering wheel with heated possible. Grille updated and headlight slight update,

You Tube

Was looking at these also, not much for sale.

 

The 2020 transmission should be the 8-speed update, no? I've been all over YouTube multiple times, and so much disinformation out there as to what was changed and when. I've even heard YouTubers call the 2020 engine update "twin turbo power for 300hp!" I usually stop right there when I hear that, because who knows what else they are getting wrong.

I figured I would ask out here to see if there was any confirmed documentation as to what updates came when...

 

My mistake, i was thinking the hatch. The DCT is the smaller MINI get the7 speed on all the higher HP and JCW cars.

The JCW F60 get the 8 speed. https://www.transmissiondigest.com/t...-transmission/ GA8F22AW up to 2020

2020+ get the other version 8 speed GA8G45AW

 

Do you know if the transmission and drivetrain is the same between the 2020+ F60/F54 JCW and S models? I thought I read that the JCW models get an LSD in the transmission.

 

I had a 2019 CM JCW that I traded for a 2020 CM JCW. I can tell you that the ATF changed between the years, and the 2020 shifts are significantly firmer. I can also say that the 2020 doesn't exhibit any of the transfer-case-type "binding" I felt in the 2019 when turning at full lock at slow speed in a parking lot. Whether or not the 2020 has a limited slip differential or not, I don't know.

If you have a chance to drive the 2020, you'll love the power...it's an entirely different experience!

 

Thanks for the input. I drove a 2018 F60 JCW, and was rather underwhelmed....

 

Let me dig in on some VINs, most of this stuff is not announced all the time.

 

From what I can tell, the drivetrain (engine and transmission) LCI came in 2020, but the body, suspension, and trim LCI came in 2021. Seems like a weird thing to do, but the Germans...