Picked my car up from the dealer today. Had to get an inspection, new transmission mounts and that awful exhaust recall. So as I do every time I'm there I ask if there's any way to just get the JCW software installed alone and not the intake/exhaust/badging. This guy said "Sure absolutely". Being a little skeptical I asked alright well how much. "$180" was his reply. I said awesome...I'll be back.

So now that I know my dealer is willing to play ball is it worth it?

Has anyone gotten just the tune alone? He said most of the power comes from the exhaust but I don't have the desire to change it out.

I'm psyched on Jan's tune but while $800 is great for that much power I want to wait to see what options appear, feedback, and a settled price once competition comes around.

So will I get rid of that horrid power drop and maybe a bit more down low kick with the JCW software?

Thanks,
-Gene

 

For $180 you can't really go wrong.

Seriously, if they will do it for that go for it. Then anything else you add, intake, etc. will all work that much better. And the ECU programming is the biggest gain out of the JCW tune anyway.

Good luck with the decision!

 

Interesting, I thought they had to match your VIN to the ECU Stage 1 tune for the R56 MCS and MCSa.

Keep us informed, how they do it.

Thanks,
Don

 

I have heard a story like this before. Then when the guy went to do it, the tech came back and said it cant be done because the tune comes vin coded with the whole package. Now unless Mini has changed there ways, and I doubt that, then I will believe it after you get it. To answer your question $180.00 is well worth it, that would be the best HP for $ trade you will find.

 

Honestly if anyone else had said sure I'd be doubtful. But this guy seemed to run the show. In addition he knew the price right off the top of his head and said "yea, we do that" in a "i know we're not supposed to be" kind of way.

Any idea on power gains? Any other changes it will do? Get rid of that drop in power? Redline is the same, no?

 

sounds like an unbelievable deal, go for it, but I'm a bit skeptical tho - maybe he meant 180$ just for the labor

 

I would definitely get it for 180. Hell if it works for you I'll drive to LI (or where ever the dealership is) and get one too in the near future

 

Good luck, sounds like the price for the R53 JCW tune. My dealer guy and I have talked about this. You can only get the JCW tune with the JCW software CD. It's not a bad tune at all just have to buy the whole kit to get it. I've tuned a couple R56's and there is ALOT of power to be had. We will be doing more testing on the R56's we've tuned already. The one we had at the Dragon is doing well though.

 

Ahhh...perhaps he was thinking R53. That sadly sounds plausible. I'll call and ask for him tomorrow to get the details. Thanks for all the help guys. I know the roll with the vin and CD and yada yada but where there's a will there's a way and I figured maybe they had the will. Will update this thread when I know more.

-Gene

 

I hope we are wrong, that would be cool.

 

What are you doing the tuning with?

If you haven't noticed...people go crazy when they hear the word "tune" and "R56" in the same sentence!

 

OP keep us posted

 

tag4up.

 

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I suspect that's either the shop rate for the install or the R53 software like others have mentioned, but if not
I'd run down & get it done just as a hold-over until whenever Jan makes it up to Seattle.

 

phantasms- if its for R56, i am making my schedule according to yours to visit that particular dealer to get the same tune with YOU!! im in quens ...

 

Just come back an tell us when it is done. $180.00 should be the shop rate only so let us know how this works out for you...

 

I just got a reply back from Motor City Mini saying that the ECU tune alone is not available and they are still working on it.

... so much for that

The RMW tune looks to be much sweeter though

 

if IT IS available, il be trying to do some negotiating, and see if i can get it for free/or a discounted price, since the dealer just today rear ended my car and didnt tell me about it, luckily i saw the rear end before leaving the dealership.