My lease is ending on my 07 R56 in two weeks. I was going to purchase a 2011 JCW but something great just fell into my lap. I have some questions and would appreciate insight.

This car was bought by a friend in 2004 fully loaded with everything other than power seats. My buddy who purchased it checked off every box and I'm told the window sticker is mid 40s. That guy sold it to another close friend for $15k in 07. Now my friend is looking to sell it to me for about the same price with ~52k total miles on it.

I've driven the car in the past and it seems absolutely perfect. I'm going to drive it again this weekend to be sure about it.

So I'm told it's a JCW car. Now does this mean it's an S that has a JCW package or was there a true JCW car available in 04? If there was a true JCW available than I'm sure that's what it is. What are the differences in a JCW car from a base S?

My limited knowledge of R53s tells me that in 05 the cars received shorter gearing. Are the 04's and previous straight up slow because of the taller gearing? Was it a drastic change? Are they still fun and pull hard? Can the gearing by changed through changing a final gear ratio? Is this common, costly?

Was bluetooth available in 04? It's something I need with the amount of driving and meetings I have.

Can anyone direct me to the entire option list of an 04 coupe so I can have an idea of what it came with?

What kind of power did an 04 JCW come with, and base S? Did power change throughout the R53 years?

I will review the buyers guide but any other concerns I should have? Any other general R53 knowledge I should know?

The reason I'm going for it is I always felt the R53 handled much nicer than the R56. More raw with greater feel, which is why I like Mini's in the first place.

If I pass on the car I will post up the details as I know it's a steal.

Sorry for the long post but your comments and opinions are greatly appreciated.

Best,
Gene

 

A ton of questions...
First off JCW for the gen1 refered to a multitude of different JCW options...a quick serch will get you a ton..most sought after was the power option for the motor, a slightly upgraded SC (became standard in 05) with a 11% pulley, and a mildly porter head and an exaust, and better software, good for 200 hp....in 2005 a jcw 210 package came out, that added the jcw airbox, 380' injectors, and new software...
Other packages, like the above were all dealer installed...were big brakes, suspension, and various cosmetic items.

 

Power seats were never an option (that i know) on a r53.
As for changing the tranny..it is slightly quicker, but not IMO worth the $$. You would see more of a change for far less $$ from a pulley,a cam, tune, bigger injectors, and perhaps a cai if it does not have one!!
Since a JCW car already has a mildly porter head, IMO if it is a good price, it it a good stating point for a great performing daily driver...for super hardcore folks, that will get a head anyway, it might not be worth the money...the extra $$ paid for a JCW was basicly for the convience of a factory modded car with the warrenty intact.

 

Bluetooth....not an option...starting in 05 production date, not MY the steering wheel came with the buttons, prewired, but the kit did not come out for a few more years, but it is $$ and iffy in performance..parrot kits can use the buttons ( that can be added to early steering wheels) for better performance for a fraction of the price.