Other than the 208hp vs the standard cooper S 172hp and the electronic differential on the JCW what is the $6600 more buying you for a JCW? I am sure through a tune and a few aftermarket mods 208hp is more than obtainable.

I was set on getting a new JCW as my next mini but am not sure the differnences are worth the $. Are they?

 

not worth it buy a gt28rs turbo kit and some rmw magic 3,000 prolly get around 250+

 

You get that neat JCW badge on the front grill

 

And one on the boot to boot.

 

2009 JCW has:
Larger brakes.
Larger turbo.
Beefed up stronger engine.
Beefed up clutch.
Beefed up Getreg six speed transmission.
Beefed up suspension.(swaybars etc.)
Probably some other things I'm not aware of.
It is more performance ready then the already great Mini S.
I think the extra few dollars is worth spending if you want a great performing car that you don't really need to modify to enjoy.

I bought the JCW because I am not going to modify it at all. I wanted to keep the warrenty intact and not worry about the dealer not wanting to do repairs if ever needed. It is a fun car to drive and it has plenty of power. It also looks good.
Ronnie948

 

Thanks for the info guys. Any information from the factory on the beefed up aspects you talk talk about? Miniusa.com does not really go into those details.

 

Another question... I absolutely love how unique and loud my R53 is with its loud supercharger whine from an Intake and 15% pulley. Does the R56 have a unique sound from the intake as well? I am not familiar with Turbos and am curious to the sound they make compared to the supercharger.

 

Ronnie948 got nearly all of it, except:

-Suspension is same as a stock S.
-You get 17" Challenge Wheels.
-You also get an anthracite headliner and piano black trim.

 

It has a stock S air box, but the turbo is louder, so you get a little more whine and has a lovely exhaust note. You really just need to drive one to see how it compares. I still like the sound of a GP or JCW R53 over the current JCW.

 

If you are going to mod it get the normal s if you are not going to mad it get the jcw.

 

JCW vs Cooper S is like comparing Mustang GT to a Mustang V6

 

hahahahah Not even close to being the same hahahah dumb

 

Google 2009 Mini Cooper JCW and find some of the magizine reviews. They will tell you a lot about the engine and the factory JCW differences. My JCW was only $29,700 out the door. The dealer threw in the black sport stripes & carpet floor mats. I got just what I wanted. "SPORT SUSPENSION ONLY" I did not want any other options at all.I just hit 5,000 trouble free just plain "FUN" miles and would not trade this car for anything.
If you are planing on modifying your new Mini you should get a pre-2007 because there seems to be a whole lot more stuff for them then the 2007 up's. You can get a good used one and the $$$ you save you could spend to increase the performance.
Good luck on whatever you get. Let us all know when you get one.
Ronnie948

 

Not really a good comparison. But you need to drive both yourself. I liked the JCW a lot more - unfortunately, it was sold out when I decided to get it.

The MCS is no slouch, by the way. It's an incredibly fun little car.

 

I think the JCW is a better platform to mod. It has different pistons to handle increased boost. Can't recall where I read it, but they seem to be needed if you want to go with a bigger turbo on the S.

It also has the heavier-duty clutch and transmission to handle the increased power.

To get more sound out of the turbo, add an after-market intake.

 

This might be a bit off topic, but there is a really good article from motoringfile.com about comparing the loaded out JCW MCS (with the ECU, brakes, suspension, aero kit, wheels, etc) with a standard JCW from factory. Along with reading the article, the user comments are actually really helpful in further comparing and contrasting the two cars.

http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/...i-vs-stage-ii/

 

I don't know for sure but I would imagine the JCW could run in stock autox class whereas you would be in a modified class with a modded MCS.

 

Does anybody have a good video of what the R56 turbo sounds like with a new CAI? Does it have a whine to it like a supercharger or is it different? I know it has a BOV sound on liftoff.

 

Lots of videos on YouTube. Just type in R56 Cold Air Intake and tons of stuff will come up.

 

I found some... Not too much special about the sound (or lack of) from a turbo compared to the supercharger. I have to say though the turbo back exhaust sound is amazing. I guess you trade the lovely SC sound for the lovely turbo back exhaust...