sometimes i wish i could look into a vehicle and see its past instantly, i have a jcw strut bar on my 09 s, this normal? tried looking up underhood shots on factory modles and oddly enough had a hard time finding what i was looking for. your thoughts? and if it is after market i wonder what else is done to this vehicle

 

Lots of people put JCW parts on their S cars, I don't think you should be concerned. Is it causing you problems? If it's still under warranty you can always take it into the dealership and have them look at it. One of the plusses of buying factory parts.

 

by no means would i get rid of it, if anything it's something i can check off my list. i need to get it dyno'd to see if there was anyting done to the ecu. the intake is stock and exhaust as well. they may've gotten the strut bar only, but i've only had the car a week and yet to get it in the air

 

I understand your concern. But remember that the MINI is an enthusiast car. That could be good or bad, but think about it this way: If an enthusiast owned your car before, it was pushed through some corners. The upper tie bar supports this notion. BUT, it may have also received great care with quality parts and lubricants, as enthusiasts tend to do. Versus a "hairdresser" car that was never revved over 4,500, but had the oil changed at quick-e-lube. Get what I'm saying? Simply the fact that the bar is JCW, versus aftermarket might serve as indication of the kind of owner.

Bottom line is that it's your car now. Enjoy it.