Well, I've waited so long to order a new S that it's finally happened: I had planned to pop for the full meal deal of JCW components, but now it seems that Dinan is up and running on every front. Their engine upgrade gets the same bhp, according to Dinan, as the JCW, but for several k less. The warranty is basically the same for both. JCW write-ups all talk about smooth torque throughout the power band, accleration and all the other performance areas feeling very factory-like. If Dinan can make the same boast, then it might simply come down to preference of badging. What I'm looking for is a toe-to-toe review- Dinan modded v. JCW: engine, suspension, brakes. Does anyone know if this info is out there yet?

 

I don't think MINI backs the Dinan upgrade with the same full factory warranty coverage as the JCW package.

 

indeed... Dinan warranties their own work I would think, but mini won't warranty it and my try to void other warranty claims you make...

 

If you're a stickler for warranties and are worried about after market modifications voiding those warranties, the only real way to go is JCW. Though, most would agree you can turn the burden of proof on the dealership if they attempt to void a warranty based simply on the installation of an after-market modification.

 

You just have to use a Mini Dealer that is a Dinan dealer too, just ask them to be sure. This is what I did with my BMW and had no problems having anything fixed there - they can decide which warranty it falls under. (Last I checked the Dinan warranty matched the remaining manufacturer warranty or gave a 2 year warranty if there was no factory warranty remaining. Of course, check with Dinan for the latest info.)

 

Wrong. MINI doesn't back the car after a JCW upgrade. JCW backs the warranty on the car when upgraded with the JCW package.

 

The main difference is that the JCW package warranty will be supported at any dealership in the country. The Dinan package will be supported (if your dealer does this) by Dinan or the dealership you purchase your vehicle.

At the local dealership in Denver (Ralph Schomp), they have identical warranties on the Dinan, Mini Madness Stage 1-4 and the JCW packages. I thought this was odd and my adviser said that the dealership has enough confidence in the other packages that they support the 50,000 mile warranty that JCW offers.

So the decision becomes, are you planning to move in the near future? Do you care about the 'resale value' of the JCW (unclear with the cost benefit trade off analysis myself). Are you willing to pay a premium to have the flexibility to have your car serviced at the 70+ other dealerships in the US.

I have the JCW suspension package myself. I have only 700 miles on mine so I was deferring the decision on which route to take until I have a better feel for the car. I drove a Mini Madness Stage 4 car at the dealership and the thing was a rocket. That may be a bit more than my needs.

 

This sounds correct: if either offer their kits at a MINI dealer, then that MINI dealer is the agent where installation and servicing is concerned. Both warranty your car equally: for the remaining life of the new car warranty. New MINI delivered w/ mods=coverage equal to new MINI: factory service to 36k, and parts and labor for 4 yrs or 48 k. Here's the Dinan website on this:

http://dinancars.com/Warranty.asp

Update:

I just got off the phone w/ my service manager, and according to her, even the remapped ecu is ok. If Dinan stuff causes any problems, they'll cover the fix.

 

If that's the case, go for it then. But besure you get all those warranty promises from your dealer in writting, before they even begin to work on your car.

 

I looked into the Dinan mods recently and was told by the closest Dinan BMW dealer that the Dinan mods would be covered just like a factory warranty, I would just have to always take it to a Dinan authorized dealer to have it fixed. The problem for me is the closest one is in Cincinnati, and I live just east of Cleveland which is about 4 hours differance. Back to the drawing board.

 

Some buddies of mine at MINI of Nashville that have driven the JCW and the DINAN say that the DINAN actually feels faster than the JCW!! I know that's not scientific proof, but encouraging none the less for a way cheaper investment.