I would like to get the JCW tuning kit from Morristown MINI, but not sure what dealer I can trust to install it. After reading this thread: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=132820 about dealer service not up to par, I feel even more unsure who to use. Has anyone had the JCW kit installed at a New Jersey dealer? I Did a search but didn't find an answer... any info would be appreciated.

 

i had morristown install JCW on my 07 MCS. i'm sure they did a fine job installing it and i've had no problems with it with the exception of one small issue...



it's not supposed to be installed on my car. i ordered JCW w/ an auto trans, at the time, didn't foresee any issues (and i'm sure neither did morristown). no one told me that JCW for auto trans cars hasn't been released yet (i found out on motoringfile) and MINI USA released the parts in accordance w/ my VIN and build. the issue still isn't resolved and who knows when MINI will get their act together and finalize the auto trans version. i've heard that the only difference is the ECU. i'm hoping that's the case. i'd feel bad for Morristown if they ended up installing the wrong kit on my car.

 

Thanks jratlee, I was looking for a good review of Morristown, one-stop shopping would be nice... Hope Mini gets their act together for you.

 

I've had Morristown install gauges and JCW exhaust (and they fixed the motor mount at the same time). Never anything but good service for me at Mo-town Mini.

 

I had mine installed at Prestige in Mahwah. Very satisfied. As is the case at many MINI dealers, they are performance enthusiasts. Probably a little more expensive than at Morristown because of Morristown's discount on accessories, but Prestige gave me a loaner and kept the car overnight so they could give it a good test.

 

Thanks for the info... Just ordered the kit from Morristown Mini along with the JCW strut brace... I hope its worth the money.

 

morristown is great.....get your cd

 

Just got the JCW kit installed at Morristown yesterday they did a nice job, looks good, sounds great, and feels fast... got my CD Thanks.

 

cd?

 

Sounds great!! I would like to hear more about how much faster it really feels. I have been thinking about the same kit for a while. Can you feel it during "normal" driving or only when you get on it? Do you notice any increase in the lower RPMs or only when you are above say 5K RPMs?

Any additional feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

Every kit comes with a CD containing a release code (VIN number specific) allowing the installation only for that specific car. The release code is required to install the John Cooper Works ECU software.

 

I do feel more torque between 1,800 and 3,500 RPM. In normal driving it feels the same, but is faster off the line. Wish I could give you more info, the car only has 2000 miles on it and the service rep at Morristown recommended to keep it under 3,500 RPM for another 2000 miles. Thats like putting ice cream in front of a fat kid and telling him not to eat it.

 

Good one...... I only have 3K miles on mine right now as well. I wonder if he asked you to do this because you only have 2K miles on your car or if they want folks to do this whenever the kit is installed? (regardless of miles on the car) Either way, this sounds extremely painful to me!! Good luck and thanks for the additional feedback.

 

I think its due to the low miles, but not sure. 1932 miles to go

 

I would sure ask the question why...that sounds ridiculous.I have driven my JCW hard since day one and when I took it to the dealership to show them some of the things I have done,the BMW factory tech drove the car to the max and he was more than impressed with the performance of the car..I mean how do you even downshift and keep it under that number.Drive your car and enjoy it,that's why you spent the money on the kit,to enjoy this great little car...I would get another opinion,the JCW is engineered to run the car through the range of the engine,it's time to have some fun...

 

How is the torque steer with the JCW kit? I'd love to have it on my MINI S, but wonder if the extra power just makes the torque steer worse. Did you do the suspension or just the engine kit? I do like Morristown MINI, they have been great, purchased quite alot of stuff from them.

 

Good Point. I will call the service tech and ask him why

Do you know why the spark plugs have to be replaced at every oil change with the JCW kit?

 

I have only changed the oil once and the spark plugs were not changed...I can't wait to hear that answer,I have a couple of other far more expensive german cars in the garage and I drive them the same way,like they were engineered to drive and have fun.I talked to the GM today at my dealer and he only chuckeld at that statement.Drive your car and have fun,I seriously dought you will hurt it...My car with the Kit and the slight mods to help it breath runs like a scared rabbit,a car shouldn't be so much fun..take care