Hello everyone!
Posted yesterday but not sure if it went to cyberspace purgatory , so here it goes again.
Just sold my 911 and am seriously contemplating the purchase of a MCS or JCW.
I sent the following questions to a few local Mini Dealer service departments. Any feedback from current owners would be very appreciated!

?s:
1. Do you think the tensioner problem has been subdued or resolved in the current model?
2. HPFP- Has BMW addressed the reliability factor by correcting the weak link(s) that cause premature failure or is the solution to extend the warranty coverage and continue to use the same flawed design by continual replacement of failed units?
3. Are these problems that keep coming up stated on forums the minority? A lot of owners seem to express their pleasure of ownership. I think as a service advisor, you'd be able to give a fair assessment, considering you know what comes in with what particular failure and at what frequency rate.

Being on the fence between the MCS and JCW, I'd like to know your opinion on the following:
1. Is the JCW motor prone to a shorter longevity because the HP is pushing the boundaries of the 1.6 power plant?
2. Is the same HPFP used on both models, considering the MCS has direct injection?
3. Longevity & reliability wise, is the 'de-tuned' MCS 181 HP motor a better 'all around' choice than its 208 HP sibling or are they similar, considering the JCW has less compression and a bigger turbo?
4. What's your estimation of life expectancy on both or either? (100k? As any normal modern day power plant).

 

My wife would not like you for selling the 911.

That being said, she has the MCS and we both enjoy it totally, BUT, I would want to get the JCW if I could now that I've done a lot of researching (and seeing what type of racing I want to get into). If you want excellent handling with more power under the hood (even with aftermarkets, the JCW still is on top), go with the JCW. The MCS handles superbly.

For answers to your second set of questions:
1. Longevity of the engine I would not relate to the horse power, but how a motor is maintained. Proper preventative maintenance will keep an engine running strong for many multitude of years (providing the parts are superb).

2. I believe this is correct for 2007-2010, but don't quote me. My repair manual at least says the part number is the same.

3. Can't answer this one ...

4. I would assume 100k or more with proper wear part replacement and proper maintenance.

 

For the first set of questions... not sure if a service adviser or sales rep is going to give you a very honest answer.


IMO not likely as the JCW engine has certain upgraded parts in the engine, stronger cluth and transmission along with a larger turbo/lower compression ratio.

I think S and JCW share that part. They are both direct injection like a lot of new cars these days.

Personal choice maybe? The 2012 S has slightly revised engine compared to JCW, but I am still not sure if that is a big selling point. Probably better gas mileage on the S, especially with the revisions. Torque is higher on the JCW but @ 1850rpm, while on the S, torque is available at lower revs @ ~1600rpm.


These are pretty modern engines - jeez I sure hope they last more than 100,000 miles!!

 

Yes, I agree. Hence my post here, which I would like to thank you both for your feedback!!
NAM is the Pelican (Porsche Forum) for Minis. Thank you again!

 

I figured you knew that but best to post it anyway

I think if you have decided on a MINI, then just figure out what is important to you between S or JCW and if the price difference is justified (several threads about that on NAM). If price is not a concern, I would concentrate on whether you want an S w/ revised engine and a JCW kit or the factory JCW.


I notice that Consumer Reports recently changed their reliability ratings to something quite favorable for Coopers (other than the Clubman). I have no idea how the JCW fits in there.