I was curious to hear what would make the list (realistic) if I asked fellow countryman owners the following: You just picked up your new Countryman S. What are the first 3 things you would add/mod regarding exterior/appearance (besides window tint). And the first 3 things you would add/mod performance wise?

 

If it was cheap mods... paint the chrome rings around the lights black (front and rear), use the belt-line tape make it black, ... If its for money no object the 19"s and the JCW body kit ... Im waiting patiently to see if I get a promotion... the first thing I'm buying with that salary difference are those factory 19"s with a jcw kit... at least visually she will look fast...

Engine mod wise, air intake panel filter if cheap, if I have money to drop intake tubes and a tune, custom exhaust, maybe a sprint booster if i think she is still sluggish... holding off on this because I know I will drive her hard and there goes my mpg, and when I need to **** petrol, The C gots that covered ....

 

I have read all about the DIY paint job for light rings but
Does anyone sell a good quality headlight and tail light black rings if you just wanted to buy a set?

 

my list in order that i'm trying to do things mixed visual and performance. (i'm getting ready to order 3 this week)

0. window tint
1. blackout chrome/ red 4
2. sprint booster
3. JCW front spoiler
4. JCW exhaust
5. custom intake
6. ecu tune

 

Dpike- Your list and mine are pretty similar except i would swap your #4 for a set of the JCW 19" R129 Double spoke Black matte. Part JCW 36116796992

 

i'm invested at this point in the 17s i have from the lot. the cost of putting 19s on it just wouldn't be cost effective, for now anyway. get the 19s with your purchase. mini dealers bundle buyouts great.

 

My lazy behind picked up a black chrome kit from duplicolor... Its been bounceing around the boot for the last 2months ... One day I will pull the trim and paint... there is a series of part numbers someone posted a while back... I know one of the reasons I have not put forth the effort it is because I'm at the 55% ready to but the jcw kit for the car... so while its being painted may body color the trim rings ...

Also weighing in on if to just order the 2013 JCW countryman, listening to a dealers trade value will be the final decision....

 

I would put the NM torque arm insert first on the list. Only $60 and it makes a big difference in how the car drives. Most people will say its the best bang for the buck.

 

Yes the torque arm insert is a great investment... worth the money, drove one with it...

 

This would be my #1. Such a huge difference.

 

1. ecu tune $500 bucks NM Eng
2. ViP CAI $250
3. jcw front lip if no aero package $250

 

mine:

1. JCW Exhaust
2. JCW Aero Kit
3. NM Intake and or Springs :P

 

Money is an issue list
1- NM ECU/Enkei RPF01 wheels (17x8s are under 20 lbs each)
2- Catback exhaust
3- Intake kit

The "I've got $$$ for my own shop and R&D + tooling"
~ Full titanium turbo-back exhaust
~ Accessport Tuning
~custom functional vented bonnet, wider fender plastic flares (bushwhacker looking, but more round), front and rear skid plates (like those on the shop mini webpage optics kit for countryman pic)

 

1. car payment
2. car payment
3. car payment
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60. car payment

 

LOL car payment... I know the feeling....

 

I would just order the 2013 JCW countryman, that's been my thought also.Bouncing the idea off the dealer, but not willing to take a huge hit, which at the moment it appears would happen. The rise in the payment probably will put the JCW out of reach, at least for now :-) still very happy with my FWD countryman S... but now that I've got one, who doesn't want a faster one ? :-)

 

interesting... i didn't know this made such a big difference.

any cons do doing this ? .. like voiding your drive train warranty ?

 

My Top 3/6

- first 3 things you would add/mod regarding exterior/appearance (besides window tint).
*on a budget~
1) Red 4
2) Antenna
3) Tips

Fat Wallet budget!
1) Clear Bra
2) JCW Spoiler
3) Fogs


- And the first 3 things you would add/mod performance wise?
*to be a lot of the performance mods also add nice visual appeal as well.

on a budget
1) Torque Arm Insert
2) Spacers
3) KN Panel Filter

Fat wallet budget
1) Wheels/Tires
2) Springs w/ rear C/A's
3) Exhaust system

 

@smithwerks- when you say spacers, what are you referring to? Also any tips out there for doing the red 4?

Also does the ECU tune cause problems with warranty or when the car goes in for its normal maintenance?

 

I've pretty much done what I started out to do:
Performance:
aFe Dry Filter
Magnaflow Exhaust

Appearance:
Tint
Sunroof Graphic
4" Black Ceramic Coated Exhaust Tips
Aftermarket Arm Rest from Moss Mini
Craven Speed Stubby Antennae
Black Mirror Caps (Have a Siler Roof)

Also installed a Flash 2 Pass garage door opener as I forgot to order the built in. Seriously considering the JCW chin splitter. Would love the Race Chip Pro or ECU tune. Going to have to take a look at the torque arm insert.

Always another mod waiting or wanted.....

 

Wheel spacers. Just to push out the wheels a bit. (lower the off set). I feel like the wheels are ticked under the CM. I like them more flush.

I went NM-E 19's @ 3K, the wider rim/lower off set is a more appealing look (IMO)

The pre-cut Red 4 for the doors can be had in a few colors. Vinyl Styles has these. You get 3 for $10 shipped or something, IDR?

an ECU flash will certainly void warranty for anything the dealer thinks/says may be related to the electronics/power increase. (ie clutch/drivetrain, turbocharger, overheating issues etc.)
There are few options for the 12+ models. These are not simple port flashes, but rather bench flashes.

back OT.
sbdubya Do you have any pics of the rear of your CM w/ Magnaflow? how about a sound clip? the Magnaflow sites vid clips are horrible.

 

Thanks. I really want to install springs, just a little hesitant as I have done this to several of my other cars and some cars allow a nice "fitment" while others have produced way to much rubbing and/or bump-bounce.

 

Ive done a couple of things to my car so far but all of them are cosmetic.
Cosmetic:
1. Interior Chrome kit from Out Motoring.
2. Stubby Antenna
3. Checker mirrors w/ rearview
4. Plastidip Side Scuttles and chrome rings around head/taillights
5. Paint brake calipers red
6. Stripes are coming in a few weeks!

Performance:
1. VIP CAI
2. JCW Exhaust
3. NM lowering springs
4. Rear sway bar
5. VIP Strut tower bar

 

can you clip a few pictures of these if you get a chance. i've been thinking about doing this too.

 

Here are some pictures!