I'm thinking about pulling the trigger in the next few months and going to the R60 from the R56. Has anyone done something similar?

I think I'll get the manual this time around, though I've thoroughly enjoyed my MCSa. I also think I'll go for the JCW vs the All 4 S model.

Is there a definitive list anywhere that has all the differences between the All 4 and the All 4 JCW?

Anyways, hoping to test drive both tomorrow and then think about it some more.

Also, anyone have any regrets on things they wished they had ordered/not ordered on their Mini?

-Kevan

 

Check out a Base Radio CM versus one with Mini Connect. Also, base radio audio versus Harman Kardon, this way you learn if the upgrades are worth it to you to pay more money.
We have everything but NAV in our CM S, I covet the Xenon lights since they blow my humble Halogen lights in my Clubman out of the water.... Sigh....
Anyway, we can talk and talk, but if you can drive different levels of options, it would help your decision making process a lot.
Last thought, our CM S has the 2K Lounge Leather Seats, but my standard leatherette seats are pretty comfy too.
It's hard to see the various seating options in one place if your local dealer only stocks base leatherette cars to save money, but it's going to be your car and your interior space while you're driving, so get what you really want .

 

Good luck with it, it should be a fun car. The R60 is my favorite 2nd gen MINI.

 

I've never had an R56, but I scoured this forum for advice on what options were must-haves for my R60. People have mixed opinions about everything except the xenon headlights. Everyone who has them loves them and everyone who doesn't have them regrets not getting them. I don't care about headlights- at all! I still ordered the upgrade, though ....just in case.
There also seems to be confusion about the headliner color ...it's light beige unless you pay for an upgrade to anthracite.

That's my very limited observation. My car is "in production" until 3/2/15, so I'm no expert.

 

Thanks for the advice on the speakers... it is my understanding that if I have any thoughts of all about doing aftermarket upgrades that I need to get the base stereo instead of the upgraded one. Does this sound right?

 

I've got the xenon's on my car and those are a definite I agree...thanks for the input though, much appreciated!

 

. Not dead sure, since even base systems are so integrated into a vehicle these days. Harder and harder to be able to pull a stock radio out for something aftermarket.
Talk to MINI or Crutchfield, or more late model CM owners here on NAM.

To Lemon Tree:::::By the way, I like your Green, I saw it in person for the first time this morning when I stopped by my local dealership to check on Battery prices.
They had a 2015 on the lot with Jungle Green. Very cool, slightly muted but not dull in the least way.

 

I would be sure to get "comfort access". A must have.

 

Not worth it IMO. You don't even get the JCW brakes, just the same calipers painted red. I think the JCW can be worth it on other MINI models, but not the Countryman.


My ALL4 is was configured with a $33,800 final price and includes the JCW exterior and interior packages. An identically configured JCW is $38,750.


So that's $5000 extra for a few more HP, exhaust, red painted calipers, and a badge.


That's really the ONLY differences. Soooooo not worth it IMO.

 

The JCW doesn't have larger brakes under those 19" wheels???

 

What?


I ordered a $33,800 ALL4. I optioned it with the JCW interior and exterior package, so it looks like a JCW inside and out.


Configuring a JCW with exactly the same options I put on my ALL4, it came out to $5000 more. So I didn't order the JCW because it wasn't worth it. I'd be paying $5000 for ~20hp, exhaust, and some badges.

 

Nope, and the 19's aren't even the standard JCW wheels, they cost more on top of the JCW package.

 

That IS a rip off of sorts.

 

I agree. The bigger brakes are one of the best parts of the JCW upgrade, but apparently MINI thought it was appropriate to charge the same amount as other JCW models but not include the big brakes on the Countryman. Stupid.

 

Well, I test drove both an All 4 and a JCW today. I liked the ride of the JCW better, more goal-cart like... I think?

But the price is definitely a point to make you stop and think...

I keep telling myself that I don't want to regret not ordering the JCW but then again I don't want to regret ordering... Darn this is hard! Haha

Thanks for all the posts so far!

 

My wife has a CMS All 4. Mines a MCS. I am tuned and loving the rewards of an R56. But I do remember the experience I had driving my R56 stock. I must honestly say that the Countryman, although it is within a MINI enthusiast liking, does not provide the thrills and excitement that my R56 does. The only reason I talked her into buying the CMS is because I got tired of being the DD, or the road trip driver in her dang Kia😡. We have two teenagers and needed space. The CMS provides that with overall MINI experience and handling, but nothing like my R56.

If you need the space get the Countryman, still worthy of the MINI label. I am totally happy with the CMS All4. Would not even think of getting the JCW. Not worth it IMO. Biggest regret is Nav. Wife demanded it.

If you go Countryman opt for no Run Flats and get an upgraded RSB immediately.

Good luck with your next ride.

 

The go-kart feel is easily explainable, and easily attainable since you are custom ordering.


The JCW you were in had sport suspension and lower profile tires on 18 (or 19) inch wheels. Those two things combined give a better/quicker feel to the handling versus the standard 17" wheels and standard suspension fitted to the S ALL4.


Here's what I did, this same thing might work for you too. Select the JCW exterior package. That will get you the JCW look and the 18" wheels. Then select the optional sport suspension (no extra charge). If you want, you can get the JCW interior package too, I did, but it doesn't change the handling at all.


Most magazines that tested the JCW got nearly identical 0-60 and 1/4 miles as the S ALL4, so think about that.


If you feel it's lacking power, you can get the JB+ plug and play tuner or a full tune. Although the JB+ will probably be easier to hide from your dealer for warranty work since it takes 30 seconds to disconnect. With either of those options you'll have more power than the JCW does stock and you can save a ton of money if you want to further improve on things like getting a bigger rear sway bar and some non run-flat tires.


So if you do all that, you get JCW looks, more than JCW power, better than JCW handling, and save about $4000 in the process. Now if you dealer wants to give you a deep discount on the JCW (I've heard of dealers doing it before) then it might be worth it.

 

Is is a great color. I've seen a bunch of them in person, but only with black roofs. I saw one with a white roof on a dealer site and fell in love, so that's what I ordered.

 

Sure is a sweet color;

 

Spot on

we have both a R56 Justa and a CM SDA4

R56 is great if you drive alone or one pasenger, but is hopeless for us with a 13yr old son (OK for local trips but anything over an hour journey isn;t that comfortable for him in the back)

R60 is great for the packaging , extra space etc. Its downside is that its no go-kart in the handling department. It has plenty of grip but the body lean, additional ride height and the extra weight of the R60 just blunts its responses. Perhaps with JCW/sport suspension or lowering springs it might be nearer the R56 for driving enjoyment. Its a good cruiser, but no where near as much fun on a twisty back road.

 

I have a quick question. Since you and a few have mention the JCW suspension, I was wondering who on NAM has a CMS with the JCW suspension installed by the dealer. Reason I ask is because I had it installed immediately upon my R56's
Arrival at the dealership. I never felt the stock R56 suspension, or the sport upgrade. I have owned an R53, so stiff was what I was aiming for. In saying all that, I just installed a Hotchkis competition RSB on my R56, and was wondering if the 18.5mm JCW RSB would be worth installing on my Wife's R60? Will it make enough of a difference.

Sorry OP, hoping this will Gain info I need , but also shed more light from our members pertaining to original topic.

Cheers...

 

To roxspin and percymon;

I'm putting NM lowering springs on my CM S next week (plus adjustable control arms and alignment), but the guy I bought them from advised against a RSB for my daily driver commuter car. He feels that a beefy RSB will make it ride like poop on rough roads (Dallas area).

Thoughts?

 

Not sure what he means by poop. I would think that an upgraded RSB would only improve ride quality by both increasing responsiveness, and decreasing body roll. IMO from past experiences, crappy roads only effect crappy coil-over setups... I.e., using the wrong springs w/the wrong struts, cutting springs, or just plainly taking short cuts. Also, you have to consider your tire choice... Tire quality, side wall height, etc. can make a big difference from a smooth ride compared to a crappy ride pending your driving style and environment.

Right now I am having some creaking issues on my R56 w/my newly installed H-Sport Comp RSB. However, besides a couple of creaks here and there, performance is phenomenal. I will rather endure these sound issues if unresolved rather than remove the performance enhancement that this Mod has provided...