My wife and I have been looking at Minis for over 5 years and now have the extra income to have one. I just have a few questions for this forum...

1. Is the JCW worth it? I love the Brakes and the added power and the wife loves the aero package, but can you get the same in aftermarket parts?

2. Can someone explain DSC and DTC, and if its worth it?

3. I know a limited slip is ideal for casually tracking the car but what generation has the best and is the electric limited slip in the JCW better?

Thanks for all the help!
Chris and Stacy

 

I believe the factory JCW's are worth the price of the admission, because there's more to the JCW than the standard 'S'-model. Beyond the brakes, the engine is revised with a different cylinder head for thermal cooling with strengthen intake valves. The pistons have strengthened side faces and the compression ratio is dropped to 10.0 (down from 10.5 in the 'S'). The air intake, the charge air piping, and turbocharger / exhaust manifold are tailored specifically for the JCW.

In aesthetics, you can recreate a JCW in appearance with the purchase of the OEM aero kit via the dealer with known parts numbers. Obtaining braking power is simple whether it is OEM retro-fitting (buying the OEM Brembo parts to convert) or purchasing aftermarket big brake kits. However, replicating the power requires modifications that could void the powertrain warranty... as ECU programming and other hardware are required to lift the 'S'-model's N14 engine from 172 to 208+hp. Doing the math, there's a couple thousand dollars just for an ECU tune, an upgraded intercooler, exhaust work, and piping required to match the JCW.

On the JCW's (and if I recall most R5x MINI's in general) have Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) as a standard option. DSC is typically stability algorithm that monitors steering wheel angle, yaw and wheel rotational speeds to determine any corrective actions when the car deviates. The system can individually brake any one or more wheels at a time while regulating engine power in the event of a skid or harry moment. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) is typically used in more spirited driving or in adverse weather conditions where DSC is too invasive to drive correctly. DTC still reduces engine power to regain traction, but there's a larger buffer and delay of when the system engages compared to DSC.

The standard 'S'-models in 2007 through early 2009 had the paid optional mechanical limited-slip differentials from MINI. The factory JCW's didn't have that offer and were given the Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) which is an electro-mechanical version of a limited slip differential. It works by electronically slows down the inside spinning wheel to enhance grip without reducing or lifting on engine output power; driver has full control on throttle.

There are three main levels of the 'traction control':
* DSC = corrective for little mistakes, actives brakes and reduces engine power if vehicle path is off
* DTC = traction control optimized (via engine power) without stability; typically used in snowing / adverse weather conditions that ensure maximum forward traction
* EDLC = stability & traction control off (no reduction of power if wheel spins); only differential lock is used

Good luck on your hunt; I've been thrilled with my JCW Clubman.

- Erik

 

1. Several threads in the factory JCW forum about this. Remember that factory JCWs have N14 engine, whereas MCS have revised N18 if that is important to you.

3. Not sure if it is better, but I'm pretty sure it is significantly cheaper for MINI to implement the current software LSD compared to a mechanical LSD.

I think you will like the JCW!