So, I bought a fixxer upper 2007 JCW from the auction today... its still going through inspections, so nothing final, but here she is in all her glory. Apparently the previous owner didnt know how to use a spray can, and made quite a mess. Or maybe they ran over a paint can... or... God who knows. Id love to know the story behind it, but as its an auction car, there is none.

Ill be cleaning what I can do so perfectly, and replacing the rest. Time to start making a parts list and finding the best places to get them from! (Opinions on where to shop are appreciated). Im hoping I only need to put $2-3k into it.

The good news is that it only has 49k miles, a clean carfax, and the interior appears to be cherry. Hopefully the inspection today checks out on the frame/mechanicals side of it.

 

Hmmmm, chilli red JCW, not bad, not bad at all.

And a vert.

 

Wheeler Dealers, where they always make a profit except for the hours of labor never taken into account. Too bad that Edd is gone now and the show will focus less on fixing up the cars.

Shopping for parts, try the vendors on NAM who are always parting out cars.

 

yah it sucks the show broke up. I think Edd is looking for another show.

my labor is.. cheap.

I'm having trouble finding a JCW front bumper - may have to go to a S version. Will all r52 front cooper s coupe bumpers just bolt on? Its a little confusing to look at years because of the changes with the vert. Same with the rear bumper cover?

 

I am thinking all the R52s bumpers regardless of years will work. Check Real OEM as the 05/06 R53s might also work.

OK, "upstate", Albany side or Buffalo side?

 

All first gen S front bumpers should bolt on. A non S cabrio rear might bolt on with an S lower trim piece for the exhaust. Coupe rear bumpers might work if you cut out the areas for the trunk hinges, but I'm not positive on that.

It looks like either the rear bumper was already replaced, or the original owner pieced together an aero kit (not actually badged as a JCW item) as you have the aero front bumper and side skirts, but not the rear bumper.

 

yunno I just noticed that too! I think it was just replaced because it has the designation on the build sheet and the plate in the engine bay..

 

Nice find and that was $$$ back in the day, aero kit and a JCW tuning kit, I can see the JCW brakes also. Nice find, i would keep it.

 

BTW the front aero kit bumper is Now NLA.

 

whats nla? no longer avail?

 

Yep, no longer available.

 

Hi Subw00r,
Are you planning on keeping it, or passing it on?
It looks like a keeper to me!
The JCW front bumper cover is hard to find, since it is NLA. People will hoard them!

 

It is being delivered, which can take a week or so. It passed a post auction sale inspection, so nothing major will be wrong with it (ie death rattle or frame damage), but I still want to give it my own inspection and make sure its solid. If it checks out, I'll keep it!

I am a little worried about the top functioning correctly. On the report, it said that "top will not open fully". But when I saw a pic of the trunk, I saw the latches were not down! So I'm hoping it was just inspector ignorance. Replacing a roof is expensive. But you sort of roll the dice with an auction car, and hey, I like to live dangerously.

Unfortunately, I may have to swap to a cooper S bumper, but I'm still looking.. I saw some available in europe, but shipping would be killer.

 

We would love to see another JCW brought back to life!
Keeping fingers crossed that you will be the one!
Congrats again.

 

Ive ordered the full aero kit from ECS! Now to get it painted.. not sure what that will cost me yet.. $500? Oh, also bought a new fuel cap lid off ebay.

Also contemplating:
Craven shifter (going to reuse a whalen shift **** I had from my old e46m3)
Alta 22mm rear sway
WMW brake lines
Inspection II service (oil and all filters)
Lm-32 snows (lightweight setup for summer later)
Chemical guys clay bar
Griots polish
Liquid glass wax!

 

I really enjoy my '07 R52, Great burble, super quick, loads of fun and has been seen on the IMSA race tracks this year...


You have a great car, and with a little work, it will be Fantastic, looking forward to seeing it with the Body Kit.


Motor On!