Hi All,

So I am a Mini newbie and a turbo newbie. I had a VTEC motorcycle for years and know the basics of a car engine. I've had my JCW for a little over a month and I have some questions. I purchased the car with about 10k miles on it.

1. I have driven manual drive cars my entire life, so I know how to. My co worker is convinced something is wrong with the car because he thinks it sounds to "throaty" and feels that my JCW backfires, A LOT. I notice the noise but I like it and the backfires tend to happen more if I shift when the RPM's are in the 3500-4000 range OR if I hold down the clutch too long (which i avoid anyway). I love it but I don't have anything to compare it to. Do any of these things sound normal or sound like something I need to worry about?

2. What exactly is the sport button doing? In fairly simple terms. I know that it's all electronically driven so that explains why it can be changed on the fly. I've noticed it tightens the suspension, but what does it do to the engine?

I apologize if these are really silly questions but I love talking about my car and taking people for rides. Often I feel inadequate when I can't explain to them what makes my new ride so friggin awesome. Thanks so much!

 

1 - The backfires are normal (in sport mode.. on any of the later S/Turbo Minis..) But I don't think a JCW backfires all the time..

2 - Tightens steering up, changes shift point (automatics only).. adds backfire... changes throttle feel so its "quicker" in terms of foot angle against the pedal.

 

I had a 2011 S which has been replaced with a 2013 JCW (both Clubmans). The JCW makes more exhaust noise than the S, even after the S was modified with the JCW engine kit. The S would make the popping/backfiring noise only when the Sport button was engaged. The new JCW does it some all the time, but more with the Sport button. It's normal, and harkens back to old MGs and such with carburetors.

The Sport button modifies the throttle map, with the result that it feels more responsive. As mentioned, on an automatic the sport button also modifies the shift profile. The steering boost is reduced, giving it a little tighter feel. I don't think the Sport button does anything to the suspension itself, although on some BMWs with active suspension it does.

 

The sport button also opens the thermostat, so the oil & coolant run at about 180deg. instead of the 220deg found in normal daily driving mode. This helps keep the motor safe when you're wringing it out!

The popping is normal, and I'm very jealous of it. My last car did it if I downshifted just-so, or on aggressive shifts... so even cars that aren't programed for it will pop occasionally.

Maybe shoot a video?

 

I just bought a 2012 JCW with 11k so very similar to yours. Mine pops pretty often even in non sport mode. I love it. I will get 2 pops on the 1-2 shift, and another on 2-3, even when I'm just accelerating normally.