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DGI’s JCW R55 Ownership Log
Picked up a 2013 JCW Clubman last week and decided I would start a thread documenting my ownership experience. I bought the car from Mini of Baltimore with ~10,1xx miles on it. It was traded in by its original owner who has a long standing history with Mini for buying JCW models and changing them up when new ones become available. The previous owner did it right with this one as he spec’d it out pretty well. Technology Package Comfort Access Satellite Radio Harman Kardon Sound Mini Connected Premium Package 1 Chrome Line Interior Rain Sensing & Auto Headlights Auto Climate Control ZP1 Equipment Cold Weather Package Power Folding Mirrors Heated Front Seats Heated Mirrors and Washer Jets Auto dimming Interior & Exterior Mirrors Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof Recaro Sport Seats Anti-Theft Alarm Rear Park Distane Control Universal Garage Door Opener Xenon Headlights 17x7 Challenge Wheels The previous owner also added: JCW Gauge Pack JCW Shift Light ”Clubman” Checkered Door Sills OZ Racing 18” Ultraleggera Wheels Here are some pictures from when I picked it up on 5/25/18 https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...cfb37bf37.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...9b4f5e794.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...710d95872.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...fecf940cf.jpeg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...9a699174c.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...5e193c928.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...bc9ae6a45.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...ad65df690.jpeg Mods I've added since purchasing: Helix Intercooler 07/14/2018 MarioKart Catless Downpipe 07/14/2018 MarioKart NGK Plugs 07/14/2018 MarioKart RPM Stage 2 ECU Tune 07/18/18 NM Heat Shield 07/18/18 K&N Drop In Filter 08/04/18 NM Torque Arm Insert 08/04/18 WMW LED JCW Puddle Lights 08/04/18 R112 Challenge Wheels 08/10/18 BFGoodrich G-Force Comp 2 A/S 08/13/18 4 wheel Alignment 08/17/18 OIl change @ 13,406 Miles using Mobil 1 5w-30 and Mini filter Oil change @ 16,759 Miles using Mobil 1 5w-30 and Mini filter Oil Change @ 20,130 Miles using Mobil 1 5w-30 and Mini filter Oil change @ 25,235 Miles using Mobile 1 5w-30 and Mini Filter Oil Change @ 30,019 Miles using Mobil 1 5w-30 and Mini Filter Oil Change @ 35,841 Miles using Mobil 1 5w-30 and Mini Filter Oil Change @ 40,421 Miles using Mobil 1 5w-30 and Mini Filter Oil Change @ 46,600 Miles using Mobil 1 5w-30 and Mini Filter Oil Change @ 51,432 Miles using Mobil 1 5w-30 and Mini Filter |
After taking it to its inaugural Cars and Coffee with my two boys in the back, I realized there was an issue with one of the front wheels. Not sure how it happened but passenger side front wheel now looks like this: https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...9ad04c4ac.jpeg Looks like I'll be ordering a replacement Ultraleggera and repairing this one to have as a spare. The plan was to add a set of 17" wheels for winter duty also. Debating between GP2 wheels or Team Dynamic Pro Race 1.2. Previously had a set of Team Dynamics wheels on my MKV R32 and they were flawless so we'll see which way I end up going. Dropping weight off the wheels made a huge difference in the VW. These 18" OZ wheels weigh what 17" Team Dynamic wheels weigh (according to my Google search) so we'll see if I dont ditch them all together and just run all seasons and 17s. Not sure i'm happy with the OZs ability to bend/crack. |
The plan for this car was to provide me with daily transport (~20K miles a year) and fun for the whole family.
I do want to add the newer JCW Side skirts ASAP as I really like the look of the rearward vents on those. I'll take this little guy to the local track/AutoX courses this summer (hopefully) and see how it goes. We'll see how bad the Mod Bug will bite but time will tell! I've already talked to MarioKart and have been reading different articles relating to power/suspension/braking. Right now, I cant wait to return from a month overseas and repair the wheels so I can start driving!!! |
:thumbsup:
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What a beautiful Clubman! The previous owner must have loved that car! The graphics are well done, and I like the NM side scuttles...believe those are out of production.
I've never owned OZ wheels, but they have a reputation for tilting the compromise toward lightweight rather than ability to handle potholes. I have some Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2's and they're strong, but not immune to getting bent...just had one straightened. I run them for my general purpose summer wheels. I have some WEDS for autoX that have never seen street duty. Love your Clubby....might have to steel the idea on the barn door graphics :-) |
Looks Great!
I actually considered buying that one when I needed to replace my 2003 R50 a month ago, but the cosmetics and price were just a little too much for me, so I got a slightly older one with less than 30K miles. May you be as happy with yours as I am with mine. |
oz puts butter in the aluminum they make the Ultraleggera out of. I think 3 of mine are bent, but not that bad
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Congrats!
You have a beautiful Clubman I wish mine came with all the goodies I'm jealous! 😁👍🏽
Clemente |
Headed back from vacation in a couple days. Ordered a spare OZ wheel to swap in and we’ll see where we go from there :-) |
Back from vacation! Dropped off the bent wheel and new wheel at my local tire shop yesterday and we’re back in business! Since I only really drove it a day and a half before parking it for a month, its time to finally get aquainted with my new (to me) car. So far, it was a good move buying it!! https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...84cd7c2ef.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...9345e6259.jpeg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...8162e339d.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...37c5e0b11.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...04a257923.jpeg |
Bored at work on a Sunday morning... what to do? ORDER PARTS!!!
Way Motor Works to the rescue today! Ordered: Heat Shield Package "First Oil Change" kit JCW LED Door Courtesy Lights LightInSight Added plenty to the "Wish List" also :) |
More impulse purchases!
Talked to MarioKart yesterday for almost an hour. Hes very knowledgeable and a super nice guy. You can tell he LOVES cars and respects true car people. Long story short, I ordered a downpipe and plugs from him. I would have ordered his intercooler also but its not available for another two months. I ended up ordering a Helix intercooler as he suggested. Not a fan that the Helix is only available in silver and not black but it shouldnt look too bad... I'll do the install this weekend and send him my ECU on Monday. I cant wait to report back!!!! Side note: Mario and I went over my plan for the car since I trust his opinion. He made some recommendations on parts I was considering and I've since streamlined my plan. Hes a NM Dealer and has excellent pricing on alot of awesome parts. He will not hesitate to give you the his honest opinion and steer you in the right direction. |
Good news and bad news. Bad news: JCW shift light installed by previous owner redlines at 5k. I unbuttoned under column covers today and modified control box per install instructions but it turns out I modified the JCW gauge controller lol. Gauges are dead, shift light still wrong. I’ll get to it tomorrow after work again. Good News: MarioKart Downpipe and Plugs arrived! Along with a baggie of candy! https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...9e0a9d4d5.jpeg |
All good news today! Shift lights adjusted properly, JCW gauges back online (still dont like them) and Helix intercooler arrived!! https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...362695e7e.jpeg |
For some work done yesterday!! Helix Intercooler MarioKart Catless Downpipe MarkoKart NGK Plugs Im very happy with how Mario’s downpipe fit and the Helix intercooler bolted on without any issues. No cutting needed like other Intercoolers on the market. The drive home was awesome. I didnt rev past 4k but the sound is glorious!!! CEL is on but that was expected. ECU goes out to Mario tomorrow!!! https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...ecce3dca0.jpeg |
I have it in my Calendar that it arrives tomorrow. Send me tracking when possible thank you mario |
Getting new parts installed is awesome, you’re going to love the tune.
Originally Posted by DGI
(Post 4406368)
... CEL is on but that was expected.
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Originally Posted by njaremka
(Post 4406518)
Getting new parts installed is awesome, you’re going to love the tune.
I thought Mario’s downpipe was made special to prevent the CEL? mQubed Motorsport Manic & RPM Power Tuning https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...269a78d6a.jpeg |
Originally Posted by MarioKart
(Post 4406430)
I have it in my Calendar that it arrives tomorrow. Send me tracking when possible thank you mario |
My ECU arrived from Mario yesterday!!! Of course I ended up switching to evening shift and had the ECU delivered to my office so I didnt get it installed until 10pm...
Last night's test drive and today's drive into work proves what so many have said. The tune rocks! Its a completely different animal now. Above all this however is the customer service that Mario provides. I mentioned to Mario that I'd like to go stage three next summer if all goes well but with the transformation the car has experienced (and its lack of traction in second with DSC off), I'm wondering if theres even a point LOL I have driven my Mini less than 1000 miles (~10,750 miles on car) since I bought it and its now rocking Mario's parts/tune. I'm glad I didnt wait!!!! |
Did you go with the Manic tune, or the RPM?
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RPM. Im glad i didnt end up with the handheld switch as id likely keep it at one setting and never flip around haha |
OZ wheels are made of softer material xxxxxxxxxx.... noticed my drivers side front wheel was bent yesterday. Immediately contacted Chilipepr from this forum that was selling a set of R112 Challenge wheels and met up with him. Ordering Toyo Proxes 4 Plus tires today and slapping them on asaphttps://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...7f28c7143.jpeg I'll be posting the OZ Ultraleggeras for sale as a set once they are off the car and cleaned up. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...e685b0fc2.jpeg |
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...20bad3ede.jpeg Had some delays in sourcing new tires but they are finally on the car! Went with BFGoodrich G-Force Comp 2 A/S in OEM size. Had Wheel Deal racing source/install them. They have a road force balancer and the rice is super smooth again. I can feel the extra weight of the factory wheels but it rices nice. The car does seem to sit a touch higher however. May be an optical illusion since the wheels are no longer black? |
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