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R56 2008 MCS - Thinking about the JCW package

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Old Oct 9, 2009 | 03:26 PM
  #1  
jbt2008MCS's Avatar
jbt2008MCS
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2008 MCS - Thinking about the JCW package

I would like some feedback if anyone got a 2008 MCS and added the JCW package after they bought the car...

Several Questions:

Was it work the $3K? Was there noticeable pick up?

What about the Sport Mode, does it make the Sport Mode even better with the JCW package installed?

Is it better to install it right away or wait till the car gets really broken in and then install it? Dealer says it does not matter but I am hoping I get mine really worked in and then when performance gets old I add the JCW package for extra oomph.

Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks
 
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Old Oct 9, 2009 | 04:05 PM
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IIRC, from looking at the dyno curves, Stage I JCW kit gives up a little low end torque for more power at the top end of the revs. Probably useful for racing. Not sure you would get that much more joy on the street.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2009 | 04:10 PM
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I'm about able to answer this if anyone. I bought an '08 MCSa last year. Loved the car, couldn't wait until the JCW Stage I kit came out for the automatics.

The car was great. You mentioned 3K, not sure where you got that price but I assure you can get it for less than 2K. I paid 1340 for my kit and 300 to install.

There is no way you should pay 3K for it.

Okay, having said that... the kit is great, however, even for 2K, I'd spend my money elsewhere. The only way I would buy the kit is if you INSIST on keeping factory warranty.

My suggestion is to have RMW do a tune which will net you on the low side the equivalency of the Stage I kit.... probably much more for much less money.

You can get the car tuned by RMW for 500-600 bucks, buy an exhaust for 400'ish and a cold air intake for 200-400 bucks.

So everything on the high side would be 1400 bucks and if you searched for deals, I'm sure you could get out for the 1000-1100 range.

Now, was it worth it? I bought it because NO ONE else had a tune yet.

I still really wasn't satisfied and that is only proven by my current ride.... an '09 JCW. (which you will notice is still tuned by RMW)

Hope that helped.

Mark
 
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Old Oct 9, 2009 | 09:20 PM
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I'm also considering doing the JCW stage I. You should not pay more than $2200 max installed.

I may also do the RMW tune if they can get that handheld device working so I can flash back to stock. Definately worth considering over the JCW kit.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2009 | 09:26 PM
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I got the price from Dealer. I was told JCW package (Includes ECU, intake, and exhaust) was $2100 not including installation. I am guessing installation would make it close to 3K.

Now is the package I am mentioning the same as what you guys are referring to Stage I? If so, how come your prices are so much lower than what dealer is telling me.

RMW tuning, will that cancel out the warranty?
 
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Old Oct 9, 2009 | 09:32 PM
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Installation should be between 2.5-3 hours. At 130 bucks per hour, you'd have just under 400 bucks.

I paid 300 for installation. I think you should check around for the parts kit. You can buy it from any dealer.
Yes, these are the same Stage I kits. You really shouldn't be paying over 2000-2100 for parts and installation.

Yes, the RMW could void the warranty if you had an issue with the engine and the dealer could contribute the cause to possibly being the tune.

Having said that, though it may have happened, I've never heard of anyone having an issue with an RMW tune.

Another reason to use the RMW tune is because shortly a remote tune will be available so you could unload it out of the ecm should the need arise.



Mark


Originally Posted by jbt2008MCS
I got the price from Dealer. I was told JCW package (Includes ECU, intake, and exhaust) was $2100 not including installation. I am guessing installation would make it close to 3K.

Now is the package I am mentioning the same as what you guys are referring to Stage I? If so, how come your prices are so much lower than what dealer is telling me.

RMW tuning, will that cancel out the warranty?
 
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Old Oct 9, 2009 | 09:35 PM
  #7  
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Mark,

Are you saying dealers are having different prices? I should check out other dealers to see if it is cheaper?

If you know of other sources to get these kits, please let me know.

Thanks,
Jack
 
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Old Oct 9, 2009 | 09:40 PM
  #8  
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OH YES... DEFINITELY!!!!

My bodyshop gets 25% off list. Even my own dealership was going to sell it to me for 1900 bucks.

I called another dealer and though they helped me EVEN MORE than normal (as a favor) I paid 1330 bucks. (I drove over 4 hours to this dealer to have them install it)

I know morristown sells theirs for the 1700 area.

Definitely search.. I'll look up some prices.


Mark


Originally Posted by jbt2008MCS
Mark,

Are you saying dealers are having different prices? I should check out other dealers to see if it is cheaper?

If you know of other sources to get these kits, please let me know.

Thanks,
Jack
 
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Old Oct 9, 2009 | 09:43 PM
  #9  
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Man if I can get the whole thing done within 2K that would definitely be worth it. I would get Mini parts and warranty would still apply.

Now I will definitely check around to see who is going to offer it to me for the lowest price.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2009 | 09:46 PM
  #10  
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MORRISTOWN



Each $2,100.00 $1,785.00 John Cooper Works Tuning Kit
The new John Cooper Works tuning kit drives the MINI Cooper S Clubman to new heights of performance. The kit boosts the output of the Twin Scroll turbocharged engine to 189 hp (SAE) (141 kW). The maximum torque is 185 lb-ft between 1750 and 5000 rpm. In fact, with the over boost function, temporary peak values of as much as 200 lb-ft are possible in the range from 1750 to 4500 rpm.
The new kit includes for improved power output new air filter housing and new exhaust system whitch improves exhaust guidance flow. The combination of the new air filter and the exhaust provides sportier interior and exterior sound. For a more aggressive look, the tips of the twin exhaust are significantly larger than the stock exhaust tips. A special ECU programming provides faster throttle response, leading to an increased performance feel. John Cooper Works badging on the front grille, the boot lid and on top of the air filter are obvious signs that the car is powered by a JCW engine.
John Cooper Works tuning kits are designed and developed according to the guiding philosophy that only serious tuning can satisfy the high requirements of MINI. This particularly applies in terms of endurance, effect on other components and compliance with statutory regulations. After all, tuning is not just a question of improved performance but also of quality and safety.
The Tuning Kit can only be installed on MINI Cooper S with manual and automatic transmission.
This item can not be ordered online. Please call us to place an order

Item # 11 12 2 152 221

> LEARN MORE
 
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Old Oct 9, 2009 | 09:49 PM
  #11  
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Yea, that is the Stage I JCW kit. Prices can vary from dealer to dealer. The kit is available from various vendors, as well.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2009 | 09:52 PM
  #12  
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One more question. If you install the JWC kit, what happens with the sport mode?

Without sport mode it should get more boost after installation because of the exhaust, ECU, and air filter.

What happens when you push sport mode? Is it do anything to the programming?
 
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Old Oct 10, 2009 | 10:57 AM
  #13  
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Sort mode still acts the same. Some people claim they don't use sport mode after tune but I still do.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2009 | 06:46 PM
  #14  
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I can't speak for the stage I kit (because mine was an auto) but I can tell you with the RMW tune, it's difficult to drive with. I know that sounds crazy but when I click the button, it's like having nitrous... it's wierd, it's like an instant boost of power.

Mark
 
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Old Oct 11, 2009 | 09:32 AM
  #15  
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Guys,

Does the Stage I JCW kit extend the warranty?
 
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Old Oct 11, 2009 | 11:26 AM
  #16  
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Robin Casady
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Originally Posted by Andy79
Guys,

Does the Stage I JCW kit extend the warranty?
I very much doubt it. Why would it extend it? The benefit is that it doesn't void it, as an after-market engine mod most likely would.
 
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Old Oct 11, 2009 | 03:48 PM
  #17  
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orangecrush
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Originally Posted by Robin Casady
I very much doubt it. Why would it extend it? The benefit is that it doesn't void it, as an after-market engine mod most likely would.

I agree, it won't extend it but I would think the warranty would be as long as the factory warranty that was left...

Mark
 
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