I'm currently trying to decide which Mini model I would like to order for my very first Mini; however while configuring a MCS Hardtop online I noticed that the JCW Tuning Kit is available for $2,100.

Has anyone actually ordered this? Would you really notice the bump in torque and the measly 8HP that it adds? I've got to imagine that there are much cheaper aftermarket alternatives, no?

I've got to assume that most people that order this do so to get the extra bump in HP and torque and still be covered under the factory warranty instead of risk putting in an aftermarket mod and not having the warranty?

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

If you are concerned about warranty and want the "performance bump" then the JCW is the only way to go. From what I have heard the JCW kit is not bad at all, just a little expensive - Remember you're getting an airbox, a JCW exhaust and the ECU tune.

If you are willing to play fast and loose with the warranty most people on here will tell you to spend less than half the $ and pick up an Alta / Cobb accessport. It has tested well from what I have read and you can pull the tune off the car before going to the dealer if that is a concern.

I *strongly* recommend searching the forums as this topic has been covered many times.

 

A wealth of info is there on the subject.

 

Accessport= Less expensive and more power.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

I have it on my wife's '10 Cooper S auto... love it. I didn't get it for the the hp, but, rather, for the airbox, tuning, exhaust and badges. I am considering getting a second Mini Cooper S auto (2011 of course, as my wife doesn't want to give hers up) with the kit. It drives noticeably different than a reg s does, especially when in "sport" mode.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.com...uning-kit.html

 

Thanks for the info and glad to know that it is something that is a definitely noticeable upgrade.

The car looks great, btw! I really like the PW the more and more I see it.

 

The Kit on the MINI page is still referencing the '10 version when the S was only 172 HP. The '11 model (N18 engine) changed the HP to 181; so the kit would get you to near 200 HP. The only problem is that I haven't seen the kit hit the market yet as it is still undergoing EPA testing. I am waiting to get the kit for all the previously stated reasons plus warranty intact. If you order a car with the kit installed you may only get the '10 engine with the associated kit (that's what I'd have gotten when I ordered in October). Ask your MA for where MINI is in the process of getting a model off the truck with the 2011 JCW tuning kit installed.

 

Good to know as it seems like the kit was way overpriced for going from 181HP to 189HP but if they are talking about going form 172HP to 189HP that makes it a tad bit more reasonable. I guess when the time comes to actually ordering one I will have to check and make sure the kit is available for the '11 models/engines.

 

Are you ordering a manual or automatic? I believe that MINI is taking orders for the kit for manual gearboxes now (availability TBD, but money now). The kit for automatics is not even available yet -- darn. FYI

 

When I do order it will be an automatic. However I probably won't actually be ordering until the end of summer or early fall which then might even put me into a 2012MY.

 

I'm sure they'll have all the bugs worked out by then and you should be able to get everything at once. It's a fun process from start to receipt --- you'll enjoy it.

 

Here's some of the info released prior to Geneva:

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...a-preview.html

I'm not sure when they'll release the Mini JCW Tuner Kit for the auto but it can't be long?? My Corvette is a manual (M6) but that's because it isn't my daily driver... my daily veh will always be an automatic.

 

Thnx for the thoughts!! I LOVE PW...

 

Hopefully they will have it ready to go for the automatics for 2011MY or for both for 2012MY when I order.