Hello all. I swore I read on here about people who lost or didn't have the original JCW certificate getting a replacement from mini. Well after contacting mini HQ in England and then sent to mini HQ in the USA this is the response I received today. I dont understand how this is. Like I said I swore I remember hearing of people getting replacements. I'm the 6th owner of my car and the certificate got lost along the way I guess. I just like having all the original paperwork but maybe it's a no go. If anyone has any other insight or info please let me know. Thanks Mark

 

Give Maik-jcw a shout, he was able to crack the code...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4553197

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I was able to recently get a replacement (and then found the original!)

Started with the parts manager at local dealer, who opened a case with MINI USA on my behalf. Provided a photo of the VIN (factory JCW) and a photo of the engine plaque.

Two months later, and certificate in hand. It was printed in UK and mailed directly to the dealership. I’ve seen other factory JCW owners get them, as there is no question about authenticity. Not sure if that was a factor.

To be honest, the official replacement was not quite identical to the original. See side-by-side comparison pics below.

 

That's why I dont understand the response. I even told them I knew people that had gotten them. I've been waiting over a month to get the response. Not sure if the person I was dealing with just didnt have a clue. I'm just pissed. I even sent them a picture of my vin and the JCW serial number from under the bonnet. Guess I'll be heading to the dealer one of these days and hopefully get someone that wants to be helpful or is knowledgeable.

 

I had the same problem over and over.
It all started with an email to MINI HQ in Germany and got a response that it wasn't possible but I knew some got a replacement!
So couple of months later I emailed again providing evidence that an other MINI owner got a replacement certificate but still MINI HQ in Germany told it wasn't possible.
Till one day I was at the dealer and told the story to the parts manager who happend to have some connections with the MINI Classic Department.
He was convinced that if it was possible he could get one. So he contacted the MINI Classic department and they told it wasn't a problem at all just had to send them my VIN and some photos of my engine bay (including the JCW parts and Rocker cover plate) I also had to write a letter stating that the Parts Manager at my dealership was allowed to request the replacement certificate.
All those pictures and the letter were send in september this year but according to the MINI Classic Department they get a lot of requests so you have to wait e couple of months before you get it.
Also I still haven't received mine and the Parts Manager called MINI Classic a thousand times and they say they're working on it... so I still have to wait patiently.

 

I have no problem waiting I just think its ridiculous that the main HQ tells you it's not possible when it is. HQ in England made me contact HQ in the USA. I just think they dont want to be bothered.

 

The explanation I got was that you officially have to apply for a replacement certificate trough the dealer that fitted the kit or in case of factory fitted ones the dealer that delivered the car.
Therefore the HQ's all around the world aren't able to supply them. imo that's a bit weird......

 

Yeah especially when it eventually comes from them anyway. Or at least tell me I have to contact the dealer. I'm just not sure since I'm the 6th owner and I'm in NJ but the car originally was bought in New Mexico. So I cant go to the delivering dealership.

 

I didn’t not have to go to the original dealership with my factory JCW. Perhaps that’s just for the dealer fitted kits.

Also, this was all done over email. Not required to be physically onsite.

Hope this helps. Looks like the parts manager is the key.

 

What year was the replacement done. They are saying they stopped doing it in 2018. Which seems stupid to me.

 

Requested July 2020
Received November 2020

They stopped selling the JCW tuning kits in 2018 once they ran out and went NLA. That’s probably what they mean.

Try talking to a different dealership?

 

I wasn't talking to a dealer. I was talking with mini HQ in the USA.

 

I got a call from the dealer today, my replacement certificate arrived today so I will pick it up on monday!

 

Tell them to get me mine while your there.

 

Picked the certificate up today! You have to ask the parts manager he should be able to get one.

 

Where was the dealer that helped you out. I just got a call from Mini USA escalation department and they are still saying it's not available anymore. I dont understand how one company can be so misinformed.

 

Thats weird...
I'm from Germany so the dealer I went to was BMW/MINI Märtin in Freiburg.
I spoke with the parts manager there and he told me that the people at MINI HQ all around the world are not that well informed and if the computer says no it will be a no for them.
But if you'll drive to your local dealership the Part manager should be able to help you out. Otherwise you might can message someone in the US that got one at their dealer they might want to source you one and send it over.