Hey would you guy buy a 2005 JCW S with a new, used motor with 60,000 miles. New clutch and fixed AC for $4300 its the English green with a black top and stripes. No sun roof, overall good condition. Just minor cosmetic issues.

 

Doesn’t sound too bad. I’d probably have a mechanic do an inspection on it first. The used motor may have been sitting around for a while. Did they replace hoses and various other things that aren’t necessarily part of the motor that was swapped in?

The reason I think it could be a good deal is because of the mileage of the new motor, if it is true, is appealing. Finding one with 60,000 on the original motor is getting harder and more expensive to get these days it seems.

I got mine for around $4k. 03 S with 83k original miles. A lot of people wanted more money for higher mileage ones. I was set on a specific budget, and was willing to get something I may have to put some money into over time to get it where it should be. But I think for $6k you might be able to find one that has really been taken care of well and not need to worry as much about repairs.

 

Check the leak-down and or the compression, the oil condition. Overall sound of the engine as started both cold, and hot. Leaks ?
Is the "new" engine a real JCW engine, or a standard S engine ? While anyone can swap the cam cover, look into the JCW assembly number stamped into the JCW badge on the cam cover.
Check the accident, major rework reports using the VIN number.

Last but not least, take it for a drive..!
The price doesn't sound too bad as long as it runs, drives ok.

Mike

 

Thanks for the info guys. I'm post a link when he puts it up for sale.

 

How can I tell and JCW engine from an regular?

 

Is it normal for the VIN to show it as a S model? Or would it say JCW?

VIN: WMWRE33545TL14190

 

That should be normal for an ‘05 as factory built R53’s weren’t available until the 2006 model year. From MY 2006, and up to 2008 for the R52 S, a factory built JCW should show the option codes for 3AL (JCW) and 2TA (Limited Slip differential) in the build. Not listed, but also included with factory built JCW’s was the JCW brake upgrade.

Prior to this, the JCW kit was dealer installed and offered as a 200 HP kit, and later as a 210 HP kit. When the 210 kit came out, they also released an upgrade kit with JCW 380cc injectors, airbox, and revised ECU tune for the 200 HP kit.

Also, the aero package wasn’t a JCW option/accessory for the 1st gen and is not an indication of being a JCW or not.