Hi all,

I need some help/advice for figuring out whether or not this is a R52 Cooper S with the JCW package or a factory R52 JCW. The thing that is throwing me off right now is the Cooper S badge on the right side of the rear of the vehicle; however, it also has JCW badges on the front and rear. How can I tell definitively that this vehicle is a factory JCW and not a Cooper S with the JCW package? It is listed as a "2008 Mini convertible JCW Edition". Any and all input is greatly appreciated.

M

 

You can run the VIN with an online decoder to see if it shows code 3AL for JCW kit. If factory, the car should also have the JCW brakes and a limited slip differential, unless it was different outside of the US. If not factory, the JCW kit could still have been added later. The hardest thing to see is if a JCW head is on it without removing the head, or at least the header to see the exhaust ports.

It does have the full aero kit (not a JCW item) which is very rare since the pieces are no longer available.

 

I think the Cooper S badge at the back gives it away that it's not a factory JCW.

Unless everything been changed to factory JCW spec look at the exhaust tip, the Cooper S & factory JCW will look totally different.

Might be the JCW kit.

Have a look here

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cooper_Works

 

Run it thru a VIN decoder (to see if its a factory JCW). It could be a dealer installed kit. Hopefully it has a certificate that matches number on
airbox and valve cover JCW badges. It should have those, red JCW brake calipers on the front, and a SS angled tip (versus rounded pipe) exhaust

All (including factory JCW's) are badged as S models

 

+1 on running VIN thru a decoder, but on glance from the minimal photos I'd say it's a legitimate late factory build.

JCW badge on left side of boot, regular COOPER S badging was always retained on right boot side so that is correct.

Aero kit complete with JCW sills is highly desirable, as is in my opinion the Space Blue paint.

 

Yes the badging it correct.

Now is it a real JCW? Have to run the vin, and then inspect the parts such as the brakes, supercharger pulley, injectors, airbox, head, and engine badge.

 

These pics might help

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-8k-miles.html

Are these not first gen MINIs?

 

Hi everyone, thank you for the input! I contacted the seller for the VIN and here it is: WMWRH33578TU81087

The VIN checker on NAM is showing it as a Cooper S; however, it's still possible that it has the dealer upgrade kit? I will ask the seller for any paperwork that they have regarding the specs of the car. In the meantime, does anyone have any more insight based on the VIN?

M

 

https://www.mdecoder.com/decode/tu81087

 

I ran the vin and it shows the JCW kit. How many miles are on it and how much are they asking. What state is the car in or is it in Canada.

 

Thanks for the update! Would you be able to please send me a screenshot of your results? She is asking $12k CAD ($8944 USD) and it has 125,000km (77k miles) on it. I haven't seen the car yet. Wanted to confirm that it had the JCW kit. From the pictures, it seems to be in great condition.

M

 

 

Good info here and the history of the JCWs for the Gen 1MINIs

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...eit-jcw-s.html