Hi all!

I'm new to the Denver area having just moved here from Texas. And...

I just recently orders a 2013 Mini Cooper S (she is in production as I write this...absolutely cannot wait!!!!) pepper white, blk/blk, 6 spd, sport pkg (with the blk conical wheels), tech pkg, and premium pkg II. It's my first Cooper and I have a few questions for those of you with more experience than I with this car.

1. I am considering adding the JCW tuning kit before I take delivery. Has anyone added this dealer option and, if so, what are your impressions of its enhancements? What parts are changed when adding the JCW tuning kit? There isn't a wealth of information available about this; Mini seems to keep it a bit mysterious. I believe the factory JCW editions also have an uprated clutch/transmission that the S editions do not enjoy. Will the JCW tuning kit upgrade create any issues for the clutch or transmission in the car?

The cost of the tuning kit is $3360 including installation. Does anyone know what all this includes? Is it just intake and ECU changes or does to also include a new exhaust system? Is that exhaust system simply cat-back or is it an upgrade all the way back to the manifold? What real world performance changes may I expect?

I ask all this as my previous vehicle is VW GTI with several APR upgrades. However, the DSG didn't fare so well all with the uprated engine tuning (didn't like the increased torque) and I am concerned the Cooper S might suffer the same potential problems. Should I be worried about this? The one fact I really like about the JCW tuning kit is that it does not impact the factory warranty.

2. I like the conical wheels that Mini offers and am not planning on changing these. Will the JCW big brake kit fit with these wheels? It doesn't appear it does but I cannot confirm this. This is not an immediate mod I plan but I would like to know my best options.

3. Does anyone here have experience with Ralph Schomp Mini in Denver, CO? For sales, they have been great but most dealerships are with sales. How are they regarding service? Are there better independent Mini specialists in the Denver area?

I look forward to the day when I receive my new baby so that I may become a valued member of the group. I'm not sure to whom I need to reach out regarding joining...anyone care to point me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance for any and all assistance. David.

 

Welcome to Denver and I know you're excited to get you MINI. Ralph Schomp service in my opinion is excellent. Didn't buy my MINI there but they are always helpful with any questions I have. Have bought two other vehicles there and I've been very happy with them. Peak automotive in Commerce city does good work and knows MINI Coopers. Those on the forum from Denver will surely have a few other good recommendations to pass on.

 

Thank you Kathy1946 and I appreciate the feedback. Nice looking ride! And yes, I am so anxious for mine to arrive.

 

Hello and welcome.

The JCW tuning kit will add the HP and torque as advertised, the drive train will handle this and much more.

Clutch wear depends on you and your driving/shifting style, I think you will be ok, you do have warranty.

Both our MINI dealers are good with the customers, I have bought a MINI from each of them, I like the experience level of the Schomp service department and the expertise of the service advisers (SA), they are very nice folks and MINI enthusiasts.

Check around here with the search function about back spacing on the wheels you like and if it is enough the JCW brake kit will fit. Why not add it with your order, factory installed puts it all under warranty and fit will be right.

Devin or Vince at Schomp is sales, esp. Devin should be able to help you with that question on the JCW brake kit.

Sounds like you are building a nice MINI, bring it out and have some fun with us.

Don

Pictures please when you get it.

 

Don,


Thank you so much for the information. Quick question: who is the other dealer in Denver? Mini USA only shows Ralph Schomp. I'm more curious than thing else.

I'm probably going to add the JCW engine tuning kit. It makes sense given it is blessed by the factory. I will research the wheel spaces but every indication is that I will different wheels (OEM) if I want the JCW brake kit. I'm just not sure I want to spend money on new wheels that really don't offer any performance advantage as the only ones I would want are the R108 multI-spoke wheels. They look cool but every specification comparing them to the Conical wheels says both weigh almost exactly the same.

Absolutely, I will post pictures when she arrives. And yes I will enjoy meeting everyone. Anything special I need to do to join the group?
I really do appreciate the help!

Warm regards,
David

 

Thanks and have fun.

 

David, spacers are a bit different than checking the back spacing spec. on the conical MINI wheels. Check with the dealer guys and see if the backspacing allows the JCW brakes.

MINI of Loveland is North, they are the newest dealer, with new showroom. You know were Ralph Schomp MINI is currently, they will break ground on a new MINI building in May, moving a bit farther South.

It is great to have two dealers, depends on your needs and you experiences with the dealer, great folks at both locations in sales.

Don

 

Mini of Loveland does a great job in both service and sales. Their phone system needs some work, but the folks are great.