Hi NAM

Im going to place my order at MINI tomorrow. I was looking at adding the JCW exterior package and was wondering how much lower does it make the car? I will be using the car in snow and was wondering if this will be an issue.

Thanks

 

I placed my order today

I went for a 2013 Cooper S hard top

Midnight Black
6 speed manual
JCW exterior package
JCW interior package
Premium package 1
Cold weather package
Arm rest
Comfort access
Adaptive headlights

Its gonna be a long 6-8 weeks but im really excited

 

Where in NY?

You shouldn't have a problem, as I think it is no lower than the stock, just looks different.

The main thing you want for the snow is a set of 16" wheels with snow tires.

BTY - Congrats...you will love it

 

Im in orange county NY, I purchased the car from Keeler.

I was going to get a set of snow tires for it and think it would be fine as well.

 

I bought 3 MINIs from them, if that means anything.

In Orange County I would try the all seasons for the winter. I ran them for the last 10 years and only recently got snow tires for going skiing. You will be fine without the snows unless you regurlarly head to the mountains like I do.

I know you are a ways away, but we have a MINI club up in Albany (which is part of BMWCCA). We meet the 1st Tuesday of every month at a local restaurant and have some great activities. If you might be interested in seeing what we have to offer; this is our web page:
http://www.mpgminis.com/
You can "join" from there or, send me a PM with your name and email address and I will get you on our mailings.

 

That's awesome! I wouldn't mind driving up to meet some people but may be a bit tuff with my work schedule. I can't wait to get the car and ill let you know when I do.

 

I have nothing but love for the guys at Keeler, both of my MINIs came from there (there was no dealer in Burlington back then). Who is your MA? Congrats on your JCW!

 

Brendon was my MA, They were very knowledgeable answering all of my questions and were very patient.

 

Yah, a good set of snow tires and you are fine. No matter how low your bumper is:

(Not stuck BTW, just stopping for a photo)

 

true. I was on my way up the mountain today and seemed to be having an easier time than all the AWD cars in front of and behind me.

 

Is that snow this year?

Do you notice a big difference between snows and all season tires. Many people have told me the snows make a big difference. This will be my first winter in a MINI and I did buy a set of Blizzaks - I think WS70's. The handling suffered so I hope there are a big help in the Boston area snow.

 

Well worth it...Blizzaks

 

I live in the Boston area too. I use snow tires and have never been stuck for the last 7 years since I moved here. Well worth it.

 

I drove my first mini in snow with all seasons. Any thing over 2-3 inches and it was not safe. If I had to use a mini in snow these days, it would need to have snow tires.

 

No, two years ago.

The difference is night and day. I used to live in VA and any time it snowed more then an inch (rare) the Mini, which was on all seasons, was totally incapacitated.

When I moved up north I bought my first set of snow tires ever and since then I have never been inconvenienced by snow. My first winter up here we had ~120" of snowfall and I never had to worry about the Mini. Keep in mind my car is lowered significantly and I have about 2" of ground clearance.

 

Thank, everyone I have talked to seems to have the same advice. Once the MINI has snows on it is a great little car in the snow. All weather tires seem to be great for rain and a dusting but much more and the car gets squirrelly. Must be the wide track and short wheelbase.

 

I'm in Boston too. I did three years in an R53 on 17" all-season run-flats, with no real issues. I then did three years in an R56 on 16" Toyo winters of some kind. For this year in the Roadster I have 17" Blizzak run-flats. Of course, it snowed before I bought them, and hasn't snowed here since...

 

Back to original question: JCW Aero (exterior) package IS LOWER to the ground than standard kit. I know, as I replaced it by my self last winter on my MINI... So, you're going to be plowing better with it!...

 

Badass photo. Glad I stumbled across it. My new wallpaper. Thanks

 

That is a cool pic.

Thanks everyone for the replys, I figured it was lower and I do plan to get snows. In the mean time tho does anyone here know if the 17inch challenge spoke wheels with the JCW package comes with A/S tires or summer tires? It said A/S when I chose the package but the dealer said it may not be. Im just curious and asked this in the JCW section but no one has replied yet.

 

Mine came with summers, no option for all seasons at the time (January order for an April delivery). If you're getting snows anyway then you're better off with the summers.

 

Just got my 2013 JUSTA from Keeler. Great experience to deal with. Excellent service and I am sure I will do business there again.

 

Hmm guess ill wait and see, did you put snows on the challenge spokes or other wheels?

Same experience as yours.

 

I got some really nice 17" Enkeis and Blizzaks from Tire Rack. I have a thread in the Roadster section with pictures. They are a bit too nice though, I might end up swapping the snows onto the Challenge Spokes and put the summers on the Enkeis!

 

Ok ill check it out.