I was fussing about the air filter for the MCS at the dealer and asked about K&N replacements, and he suggested that the Stage I airbox and filter might be available separately. I thought not because I'd get the ECU flash separately if I could.

He looked it up, and you can't get the airbox or gasket, but you can buy the filter for a mere $183. Dealer cost is $91. Not a bad markup for those poor dealers...

 

This may not be very NAMish but from what I have read in other threads you think the JCW stage 1 is crap. Now you want the flash and the air filter

 

You are absolutely correct. I was completely unimpressed when I drove a Stage I. But one of the reasons (or two) were the exhaust added nothing to the character of the car, and I wouldn't put the apparently expensive badges on my car.

I asked about a K&N replacement for the filter, and the dealer suggested the JCW filter box and element. And for $180+ for the filter element alone, I'm definitely not interested.

My current desire is to see what Helix comes out with and combine that with a nice 3rd party exhaust (Alta maybe), and a less restrictive intake.

But if MINI sold the ECU flash for a decent price, and I could keep my warranty firmly intact, it would be worth considering. I don't think I ever used the term 'crap'. Maybe unimpressive, or overpriced (for having to buy parts I don't want to get the ECU tune).

Perhaps you could point out one of the threads you're referring to, as there's always I possibility I said something that could have been misinterpreted. You obviously did not understand what I said in the post above.

Based on my first impressions and the dealer's statement that his mileage was much worse after installing the kit, it certainly was not on my list of 'must haves'.

 

My perception was that you put down the JCW1 in the threads I read. My perception could be skewed. Just found it odd.

 

I'd just go for the K&N drop-in panel filter. It's under $70 and should make some difference.

 

I have always run K&N filters in all my cars and my oil testing shows that they stop more silicon getting into the oil

 

Well, I feel vindicated. Gabe and Todd on Motoringfile White Roof Radio #203 discussed the Stage I JCW kit and they as well as the dealer (or someone at the dealer) were not completely impressed with the kit compared with a stock R56.

 

Seems they are at odds with each other more than completely not being impressed. For me its too late anyway as this is already installed on my car and on its way.

He is trying to make a comparison between a supercharger with a pulley and a turbo. He is definitely going to feel a slight lag.

 

G4S,

Having read some further comments, I don't think you'll be disappointed in your decision. I have only a single test drive, and Todd's initial comments to confer with my opinion.

I think that having the warranty to fall back on and BMW/MINI engineering behind their tune, it definitely will not be wasted money. I just don't like the 'package' requirement, as I'm not sure I'd want the JCW exhaust, and don't want badges. The Alta solution has yet to be delivered, so the only info is from them (on a fully Alta loaded car), and Helix is still ironing out theirs, so they can deliver a product they can be proud to put their name on. So the next few months will likely change the upgrade environment dramatically.

With the factory JCW coming out in the next year or so, one could wait forever for the next big improvement. There's always the choice of do I buy the current iProduct or computer now, or wait for the next iteration. It's too expensive to remain on the cutting edge constantly...

 

I have a new JCW and I have been driving it for three weeks,I have added the Alta Tubes.But even before the tubes were installed,the car had an even power surge and lots of it,there was no turbo lag and the car was much faster and smoother than my 06.I can only say BMW/Mini did a great job with the ECU and the car seems to be adapting and getting even more power with it's new found ability to breathe.The exhaust is what it is,Its not loud,but it does have some growl to it,I'm sure some of the aftermarket units would be louder,I know the Alta is.I also know there are some relatively inexpensive fixes to the exhaust to open it up a little.As to the badges,don't put them on,It's not mandatory,but for me alot of time and engineering went into those little badges and our cars and try to remember that you are paying for the engineering,not the parts,The John Cooper name and what it is supposed to mean and stand for has been around a while and we should be proud of it...I have had a Mini in my life in one form or another for a long time and all I know is that they have always been stupid fun to drive,so just enjoy your car,were lucky folks to be driving them no matter how they are configured,take care