Hello,

This is my first post. I've been reading with enjoyment for a few months. I currently drive a 2005 S4 Avant that has been great but my lease is coming due in a few months.
The MINI is not the only car I'm considering, but it is in first place for the moment (over an A3, Elise, 135 and GTI).
My goals are to have a great looking MINI and one with some gumption to back it up.
My first question: Has anyone ordered the JCW springs as a stand-alone item vs. buying the entire suspension kit? Honestly, I'm only interested in lowering the car and if the sport suspension option included a small drop I wouldn't consider the JCW suspension package. After having dealt with service departments and their predisposition regarding aftermarket mods, I'm willing to pay more for JCW stuff in return for fewer headaches and less cash spent down the road.
Second question: Are you who are ordering accessories in conjunction with your car order--mainly JCW items--also paying MSRP for these accessories? I see that Morristown (there may be others) is selling JCW accessories--tuning, suspension, aero kit, etc.--for a significant, to me, amount less than MSRP. Is there any reason, since the dealer will be installing these items anyway, to order the car with these accessories from my local dealer?

It's a bit frustrating to me to have to pay twice for things. I don't see a reason for having the factory assemble a suspension and then have my local dealership rip it apart to put in the JCW goodies. I've yet to see a good explanation as to why a sunroof can be put in by the factory but an aero kit cannot.

As far as other options, I'm looking at getting a semi-stripper from the factory (add xenons and LSD) and then buying/installing the JCW tuning, suspension, body kit, and steering wheel once the car arrives.

Thanks for your help.

 

welcome to NAM Wolfgang. If you can find the JCW parts cheaper from another dealer including shipping then no there is no reason to order from your local dealer who is charging MSRP. Also keep in mind Classis MINI offers NAM members a discount on parts. as far as the JCW springs by themselves take a look at this thread https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=110453

 

Morristown sells at less than MSRP via the internet. On my old MINI I was able to get the internet price and have the parts installed by them so I would discuss it with your sales guy with regards to that. I'd suspect that they, like most dealers, will cut you a deal on the accessories in the form of a discount or cheaper installation.
If you want the JCW aero kit get it installed at the VDC (the Vehicle Distribution Center, the car's first stop off the boat when it gets to the US) rather than the dealer. I think it's slightly cheaper and the paint quailty is generally better.

 

Welcome to NAM Wolfgang! The local MINI dealership here sells the entire JCW suspension kit with springs as a package only, as an aftermarket add-on, and with no discount. Unfortunately the MSRP-or-higher pricing is the norm here in California due to the high demand. I am inclined to believe because the JCW springs have their own part number and price and are ordered separately from the rest of the suspension due to the variations that you should be able to order them separately, just not from the dealerships closest to me.

I read on motoringfile that within the next year or two another factory JCW car will become available so you can order it with all the goodies direct from the factory with significant savings.

All of the cars you are considering are phenomenal in their own unique ways. I wish you the best with your final decision.

 

Thanks for your responses.

I also read on Motoring File about the factory JCW car. That would be great but unfortunately, it's due date is about 6 months too late for my needs. I have a Series IIa Rover but she nor I would welcome daily driver status.

I'm in L.A., so I don't expect any discounts from MSRP.

The shipping charges of the JCW stuff should be the same or cheaper than the sales taxes that I save by buying out of state.

 

The sports suspension gives you no drop.
The JCW springs will give you a minimal drop ~10mm.
If you want lower than that you'll have to go aftermarket.

 

Why not buy the whole car out of state if you can't get a deal via a local dealer?

 

I don't think any dealerships are discounting much if any off MSRP for the base car + options.
Flying in and driving back would erase any potential discount. It's only the dealer installed accessories that I'm considering buying out of state.