Is the JCW sound kit worth getting? Price has nothing to do with it. I there a system that give you similar sound out of it?

 

I went for it when it was on sale back in November. No regrets. Sounds much better, and there is a slight improvement in low end power (not much, it won't make you faster than an S!). If you are looking for the best bang for the buck, there are other aftermarket intakes and exhausts that will do just as good, or better, for less money.

 

If cost is not an issue and you like the sound, then I think it is certainly worth it. I have the Sound Kit and like it a lot, and have no regrets. However, it went on closeout last year and may no longer be available: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=118673

 

Morristown MINI still lists the Sound Kit in their online catalog: http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...tegoryID=75816
so there may still be inventory available. However, they only sell it for local pickup/installation.

 

I found one thats why I am asking. It would have to be a DiY what do I do about the software?

 

If you want specifically the JCW software, you'll have to get it from a dealer. In case of a Sound Kit DIY installation, I don't know how a dealer handles it or how much they might charge. If the dealer will do it for a nominal charge, it would be worth it for some improved throttle response.

You don't need software -- it would be like installing aftermarket intake and exhaust without a software update. Besides JCW, there is aftermarket software which would have more aggressive tuning. I believe Helix has GIAC software for Cooper. Even better would be a custom tune from Jan/Revolution Motor Works the next time he is in your area.

 

I just installed my kit this weekend. The sound is realy sweet. It is very reminiscent of the 60's British sports cars. The next move is to have the software upgrade that goes with it.

 

When I installed the kit I noticed the filters were in sealed plastic bags printed with a "BMC" logo and "pre oiled". I looked up BMC filters to see what they are all about. They are a british made clean and reuse filter like a K&N. It gives you the option of going with a K&N drop in in the future if necessary for the main filter. There is a small filter at the end of the additional tube that runs to the "fire wall" between the battery and the brake master cylinder. Once again the sound is realy sweet. It is infinitely better than the fart pipes put on most of the cars today.

 

ABSO-freakn'-LUTELY!!! I had the sound kit on my first Cooper and loved it. I would have done the same on my second, but couldn't afford it at the time. Now that the kits are affordable, I've already committed to another system which is nice, but not as well-rounded as the JCW SK.

I still might rip out my current system and get a SK.

Get the software remap. It makes it all worth it.

 

I have the Sound Kit installed too and loved the sound from the start. I found the air intake to be a little restrictive though, so I installed an aFe intake instead. Now the sound is just incredible and I have S owners asking me about it all the time. I had the JCW ECU flash but didn't like it as much as my MTH, so I changed it back.

 

There was a recent post by Der Abt on another thread that had a link to a MC dyno sheet. I noticed two MC's with the Sound Kit installed that appeared get a 5 to 6 horsepower gain over stock (115). One of the MC's had additional mods. Most posts I've read have stated that the SK gets you a 3 HP gain. I've attached the link to the PDF file here.

http://www.newminiclub.nl/data/mc_power.pdf

 

Resurrecting an old thread here. Had the JCW Sound Kit installed to the five year old R50 Cooper last week. I had considered this kit years ago, but the price was higher and I'm cheap.

I am completely satisfied with the purchase - the product quality appears very high, the rev range is smoother, the hiccup when shifting 1st to 2nd every morning after overnight sitting is gone, and duh!, the sound is great. The timing was right, my OEM muffler box was rusting out and looking decrepit.

No longer is the "burble" exclusive to R53 S owners!

I am impressed enough by the quality of this JCW product to consider the JCW tuning kit for my new R56 S, that is, after the break-in is over and I can finally mash the gas!

 

I'm interested in getting one, but the only place I know is Morristown MINI in New Jersey, and I'm on San Francisco, Ca. Does anyone know if there is anywhere else I can get one? And why won't Morristown ship it?

Thanks.

 

I'm interested in getting one, but the only place I know is Morristown MINI in New Jersey, and I'm on San Francisco, Ca. Does anyone know if there is anywhere else I can get one? And why won't Morristown ship it?

Thanks.

 

I saw the kit in the box prior to the install. The exhaust is one piece, all welded construction, so the box is long and the muffler end is much heavier than the other end, even though they pack the miscellaneous items at the other end. I suspect the dealers fear damage in transport, but, then again, it was shipped from MINI/BMW AG to them?

 

MINI SF should be able to order it from MINI/BMW AG, have you checked with them?

 

I believe that the Sound Kit is a discountinued item and the only remaining kits are at dealers who bought out the remaining stock. I don't understand why Morristown MINI wouldn't ship. Maybe it's something that can't be sent through normal UPS (size or weight). I suggest that you contact Morristown MINI and see if you can make special arrangements.

BTW, I have the Sound Kit and it was in fact installed at MINI SF (before I took delivery of my car). The Sound Kit had just became available (the dealer didn't know what it was when I asked for it!) and I believe mine was one of the first in California.

 

So after all this time is the sound still satisfying?

We have had ours less than 2 weeks and love it, the burble is cool in urban settings, at low revs, but I am kind of wondering if one will get used to the new sound and become complacent with it. Mind you, our Son has just bought the R50 and is moving 3 hours away, so there will be periods of separation. I know I'm going to miss that car, it gave me 5 years of motoring enjoyment, and now with the addition of the JCW Sound Kit, it sounds way better than my new R56 S.

 

I've heard it and think it's one of the better sounding Mini exhausts. Agree with the afE comment as well. My dad has the afe and it sounds sweet!!

 

Yes, still love it after 3 1/2 years. The exhaust sounds great -- one of the MotoringFile people (I think Gabe) actually said it is the best sounding exhaust (factory or aftermarket) he's heard on any MINI. The intake also makes a nice growl when revving up.

However, performance gain is negligible. For performance, get a custom tune such as RMW.