I picked-up my DS/B MCS with 19% pulley,17" wheels and JCW upgrade yesterday. I leased a 2002 325i BMW previously and put 32,000 miles on it. I generally thought that the 325i was the best built and handling car to date.
I think that some people would like to know how the MCS compares to my former BMW. In general, it compares very well. Some of the surprises were that i was expecting a very harsh ride from the run-flat tires, alot of exhaust noise, some intake sound, and a few rattles. What I found was that the run-flats gave a ride slightly harsher than the BMW, but not objectionable; the exhaust is not noticeable unless you turn-off the radio and open the windows, and it is pleasant; even with the JCW upgrade there was no intake noise (I did not exceed 4,000 rpm due to break-in); the rear wiper makes a slight noise, but no other rattles.

The MCS exceeds the 325i in handling, and is quieter at 70 mph than the 325i. The seats are as comfortable and most of the instruments have the same functionality. The engine sound is better (very subjective) and i really liked the 325i sound. The 19% pulley provides great torque at low revs and i cant wait until the break-in is over so that I can rev it to 5,500 to 6,000 rpm. The MCS exceeded my expectations.

 

Good to hear hear, Berky. :smile: Gotta love that JCW!

 

wait - 19% and JCW? Did your dealership install the 19% with the JCW?

anyways, congrats on the delivery! I came out of a 3-series before I got into MINIs. I definitely miss the butter-smooth sewing machine inline-6, but I do not miss the floppy handling and heeeuuuge service/repair bills!

 

The dealership was very nervous about doing this and i had to absolve them of any problems that might have occurred. It works great. I was also a little nervous that the two would be compatible, I did some research and a little praying to that gearhead in the sky. It appears that it works. I still need to break-in the car, I have only briefly hit 4,500 rpm. Generally with compatibility it either works or it does not. I have always been a risk taker. I had a full-race heavily modified 1991 Eagle Talon AWD turbo that I worked on before my BMW and I ran into many software clitches. Fortunately ECUs have been greatly improved in 14 years and programming is better.

 

Why the JCW if you were going to put the pulley on anyway? Especially with tossing out the warranty?



Paul

 

I find my 2005 rear wiper motor to be louder than my 2004.

 

I installed the JCW upgrade not the kit. The upgrade consists of a CAI, larger injectors and an ECU flash. This is an upgrade to the previous JCW kit.

 

Makes perfect sense now.

Paul