Sorry to start a new thread since this issue is mentioned in 3 or 4 of them, but thought I'd start one devoted to the issue itself.

I'm still experiencing the flap randomly closing on its own. More often than not, it happens when I'm around other cars, so I think it's got something to do with interference with the signal from outside sources.

I drove around on a Sunday morning about 5 am, with very few cars on the road, and it didn't close on its own at all.

Of course it also closed on its own in my parking garage when I was the only car moving about, so my theory may have some holes.

Not the end of the world, but sure would like to find out what the deal is since this wasn't cheap.

 

Hi kfmuller

I have the same issue with my JCW Pro Exhaust. Hadn't noticed that the valve closed when other cars are around, but it was never open for more than 2 minutes at a time. I asked the local MINI workshop about the problem and they had no solution. My (temporary solution) is that I removed the connector between the valve and the valve motor and locked the valve in its open position. The connector is a C-shaped spring wire "clip" and is very easy to click out (and in again if needed).

Securing the valve in its open position can be done by simply routing a piece of stainless steel or galvanized wire through the slit at the end of the pivot shaft of the valve and bending the ends of the wire to the exhaust bracket.

 

That's a great idea, and good to know. I prefer to drive with it open, so keeping it open all the time is better than dealing with the random closing.

My shop wants me to drop it off, but what's the point if they don't have a fix for this yet. I hate the thought of driving out to the dealership, dropping it off for a couple days, just to hear they either can't duplicate the issue, or they can, but have no fix for it. I know it's doing it, and I know quite a few other people are experiencing it, and most of them have already taken their cars in, so MINI USA has to know about this.

 

Just the way I feel: don't wan to to be separated from my little racer unnecessarily. My workshop will get in touch with me in the coming week to let me know if MINI Denmark (I assume they get in touch with MINI Germany) has a solution. Will let you know what they say.

 

This seems to be a useless gadget. How much did you paid for that?

This is a trend that will go away in a few years and there is no added performance. Keep it unplugged and forget it.

 

Sorry for my mistake, it seems there is an added 15 hp gain with the exhaust and remap to about 204 hp.

So if this is not street legal, it may be pretty loud.

 

There's no remap on a factory JCW - it's just a better sounding exhaust.

I simply started the thread so that others with the same issue could share info on getting this fixed.

 

I have not had this issue and hopefully I won't. I have about 1,000 miles on the car since I had this installed. I don't want the drone at high speed interstate driving to and from events or back road adventures where I do like the sound and the increased performance. There should be quite a few of us at the MOTD next month and maybe with all the vendors and experts we can glean more information.

 

Wrong.

https://www.ecstuning.com/ES2817357/...FQ9ZhgodB6gCqA

 

If we already have the NM module installed should the remap be done on the ECU? And, if the remap to the module is done how will that affect the NM module performance?

 

You're wrong - the part number for the exhaust ONLY is: 18302407323

If you have a factory JCW you simply get the exhaust system. The remap in the part you posted is for the JCW Tuning Kit to be added to a Cooper S.

It even states on the page you linked: Take your MINI Cooper S to JCW engine like performance sound.

I sure would love to keep this thread on topic.

 

Yes. Just forgot that this was about a FJCW. There are many similar threads here. On a FJCW it is indeed exhaust only.

 

Thanks for clarifying this, I originally was told and also thought that no tune was involved with the JCW.

 

You can fit the exhaust to both a Cooper S and a factory JCW.

The kit for the Cooper S is the JCW Tuning kit, and comes with the exhaust, the tune for the car, and badging for the car and the engine.

The factory JCW just gets the exhaust.

It's easy to get confused, and there are quite a few threads that have this issue mentioned with the flap closing on its own.

The service advisor at my dealership even said the tech suggested my car might need a software update so that the exhaust is recognized, but I really don't think that is the case.

I threw a new battery in it. I'll see if that does anything.

 

Good luck and let us know the results.

 

Been having the same, random closing issue. Already had the car in the dealer for an "alleged" fix. Still does it (even more than before). Car goes back in Tuesday (April 26) for a another round of "fixes".

 

Would you guys get the JCW tuning kit again? I am trying to make the decision now, I see people not the happiest with it closing all the time even saw someone take it off because of this issue. I don't think the tune alone is worth $2300+, but if the exhaust is not performing like it is supposed to then that seems like a really bad deal. I am really torn right now but I don't want something that is going to cause me more trips to the dealership to get fixed.

 

I have no idea how many of these exhausts have been produced and sold although I would hazard a guess of well into the thousands. We hear more from the problem ones than the flawless ones. To-date and over a thousand miles mine has performed flawlessly and I am completely satisfied with it. It is expensive and I would purchase it again if I bought a new mini. I really like the quiet running option that it offers, there is no drone when it is closed and the additional horsepower and torque that it offers are very noticeable. I anticipate seeing several more minis with them at the MOTD and I hope to be able to compare all them against the others. It should be a lot of fun. There are several different options for performance exhausts for the minis and all seem to perform well from what I have read on the forums.

 

Since I've got a factory JCW, I didn't get the tuning kit - only the exhaust. Would I get it again? Yes, I really like the sound of it. I drove it in to work today with the flap open, and there was absolutely no drone even cruising at 80 mph.

I replaced the battery in my remote yesterday, and it made it all the way in without it closing on its own. I'm cautiously optimistic that it was as simple as a battery. Even if it's not, I'm pretty sure we'll get things sorted out.

 

Very happy with my Pro system. No problems here.

 

So far with the battery replaced, it hasn't disengaged on its own. The remote indicates low battery level with a dim constant light. Mine wasn't indicating low battery strength, but I'm hoping that this is all it needs.

 

While the techs were working on my MiNi Connected screen that went dark (nothing at all showing), I got to take an S model off the showroom for a drive that had the full Pro kit installed. While I could detect a slight increase in exhaust noise, I thought it was very minimal for the expense and having just one side open at a time. I think I'll keep my JCW factory exhaust that farts & pops just fine without problems of the valve being open or closed.

They got my screen working again by downloading through their computer an upgrade to the whole '16 JCW ECU and related hardware (took about three hours) then programing it. I didn't notice any changes but they said there were several. It doesn't show yet on the internet user mode where you should be able to do it at home with a flash drive after entering your VIN.

The shop manager made me a price of $1K + tax (best price I've been able to get) for parts and labor to install the black driving lights in LED version. I'll be taking it back Wednesday morning to have that done. They called this morning to say everything was in.

 

Oh well, battery was wishful thinking. Still cutting out on its own. Sure is great when it stays open.

 

Same with me. I gave up and just went with a Neuspeed exhaust and Intake and love it!

 

For what these exhaust systems cost mini should stand behind it and work out a solution for those that are malfunctioning. I love it and with the increased horsepower and torque it was well worth it for me.