I’ve been obsessively looking for a 05-06 JCW for longer than I expected (I’m particular. Aside from LSD being an option on the 2004s and some interior tweak to quiet down all the rattling, are there any other improvements to the 05-06 that aren’t found on the 04, regarding the JCW package and general design improvements overall? Also, because this particular 04 doesn’t have LSD, is a Quaife LSD installation a suitable option? is it better or worse than factory? Price point for parts and installation? I’ve been on this site for almost 3 years, mostly in the marketplace, but I’ve also been researching info here on these particular models (the JCWs) Thanks.

 

I think most would say the Quaife is better than the stock unit.

The 05-06 have slightly shortened gearing a believe.

Main thing is that 05-06 were from the factor JCWs. Not kits the dealer installed. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.

 

I believe 2005 was the transition year to factory install for JCW. Not sure it was for the first production run, or gradual transition during the build year. I would have preferred factory install, but I’m pretty sure there wasn’t much of a difference to the dealer install, maybe just bragging rights.

 

Factory JCW’s started with the 2006 model year and included LSD’s and the JCW brake kit as standard over the dealer installed kit. Also, MINI released a kit when the 210 kit was introduced that included 380cc injectors, JCW airbox, and new ECU software to upgrade the original 200 HP kits.

Not just bragging rights, besides the LSD and brakes, the benefit of a factory installed JCW is it’s a face lift car with updates, more bugs ironed out, and improved gear ratios.

Of course these things won’t matter to some people, just like some people think a JCW is a waste and an S can be modded to meet or exceed one for a fraction of the price.

 

I’d say the JCW will hold value a little better.

Also, if you are really looking to extract more performance, the performance head on the JCW is very important IMO.

 

Yep, agreed on both points

 

MY2006 R53 only.

 

​​​These cars have little to no value. They are a relatively cheap money pits. Whatever money you put into an R53 will disappear. It is only the transportation and enjoyment that gives it value.

 

I’m at the enjoyment stage of my life. I’ve owned a ridiculous amount of pricey sports cars, most I cared for like new born babies. But now I’m looking for the cheap kind of fun, without the worry of an expensive catastrophe. The 06 JCW will fit that bill nicely.

 

Sounds good! I have about 8k into my 06 MCS and it is a great little mini race car. Tons of fun! If i could have found a JCW, i would have grabbed one in a heart beat. That said, good luck and definitely post updates.