Looking for opinions:

If you have the money for either the JCW tuning kit or new 18" Breyton GTS-R, but not enough for both, what would you get?

tuning kit, better sound and performance however I'm not a fan of my stock 18's 5 spoke (2011 MCSA)

Wheels and new tires- Car looks great but same performance

How do you choose?

 

"If I only had to pick from either," I'd prolly go for the tuning kit.

 

Tuning kit! What stock 18" do u have?

 

If it were me, and the choice were only those two, I'd pick the wheels and get better tires (non R/F's). I would then save my money for an aftermarket tune later down the road, but would enjoy my new shoes. The stock MINI is plenty fun, especially since you just got it. You'll enjoy the remap even more after you drive it stock for awhile.

But don't listen to me, I drove down and had Jan dyno tune mine after 3 months.

 

Choose on what your driving habits are. Short or long commutes. Do you take it out and enjoy the back roads. What's your "goal'?

If you get one, can you work towards getting the other sooner than later? The JCW kit seldom is discounted whereas wheels/tires are.

 

thought of all those things honestly, and cash will be hard to come by. the 16 inch 6 spokes aren't bad however I know a new set of wheels (ie Breytons etc etc) will make the care look even better.
I do have a long commute monday thru friday. When I have time twisty's if I can find them would be fun.

I guess it comes down to either aesthetics or performance with a budget for only 1.

A dilema for sure and thanks for everyone's input!

 

I can't remember how much the tuning kit costs, but what about getting the wheels and an Accessport?

 

buy the JCW kit then later on sell the current wheels to help pay part of the cost of new ones you like. If you have the 18's that you mention in your first post then you should be able to get a good chunk of change. Your post right above this one mentions 16's which will still sell but for not as much...

good luck

 

I just bought new 17" Motegi MR117 black wheels with red rim strip and 215/45-17 Conti DWS for my wifes 2011 Clubman S from the tire rack at a heck of a good price.

As for us the way the car LOOKS was more important right now than how fast it was. Hopefully the new wheels will make it "look" faster when sitting still .

If you are strapped for cash I know my buddy just got wheels and tires from Disctount Tire on a low (or no interest) payment plan that is simple to apply for. I always take advantage of stuff like that to let me keep my cash and use their free money.

One word of advice if I may is to suggest for you to ride in a car with 18" wheels before you spend that kind of cash. I know of some people who bought 18"s and hated the ride because of the lack of rubber between them and the road. They are now running 17's

To each his own and good luck in your search.

 

Couldn't agree more. Even the 17" wheels can be a little rough. I am thinking of going with 50 or 55 series tires when it comes to replacing my 205/45 17 run flats. Rough roads (potholes, etc.) and big wheels with low aspect tires don't go well together on a day to day basis, even though they do look good. I'd go JCW Tuning Kit. Accessport would be a nice option, if it were available for the 2011 - thus far not available and rumor is it may never be available, at least not until most N18's are out of warranty and there is sufficient market. Actually, I'd probably hold onto the cash with an eye toward getting a brand new loaded JCW of my choice in a year or two.

 

1) How much do the new wheels weigh? IIRC Brayton's aren't on the light side.

2.) While big wheels (17"+) look great, IMO 18's are just too big. They are heavier, tires cost more. The small Mini brakes look,.. well small...


Anyway, get the tuning kit. JCW muffer, intake and MINI approved tuning.

Later down the road, get some very light 16 or 17" wheels and tires. But that's just me.

 

Hmmm I would go with wheels and tires> I would wait on the JCW kit as you can get better parts and a better tune for half the price. The only down fall though is the JCW stuff is under warranty while the other stuff isn't

 

Since it's a 2011 I'm trying to stay under warranty otherwise I would go another route to tune. my 16's aren't bad, as days go by I feel maybe I can live with them and just go with the JCW tune.

but then again, the car would like nice with even 17" Breytons lol

 

Someone PLEASE correct me if I am wrong, but as far as I know, there is NO aftermarket tune available for the 2011 MCS - plenty for 2007-2010, but not 2011. All that is currently available is the JCW Tune from MINI. Am I mistaken on this????

 

In my opinion this is a better choice. Buy an Alta Access Port AND the wheels. Skip the JCW add-on kit. I added the kit and a year later added the Access Port [which in essence wiped out the JCW kit tuning]. Depending where you get the JCW kit [Morristown is the cheapest] plus about 300 for installation at your dealer. Doing the Access Port and wheel smay be cheaper. There is a HUGE thred regarding the AP. If you really have a Jones for JCW badging, you canfind OEM badges on Penske auto parts. PM me if you want more info

The AP will give you the performance you want at 900 dollars

 

Get the ""OZ"" Alleggerita HLT wheels and you will not only look good but the light weight will let your car perform a lot better then you would ever believe. They weigh only 14.2 lbs.

You can add JCW parts later if you want to but right now I would go for the "OZ" brand wheels.

 

Motegi SP10 are also very lgithweight (around 15 lbs I believe) and are easier on the wallet

 

+1 on the Alleggeritas. I love mine.
And as far as the 2011 tune if you wait there will be a tune. Its called you have to wait. How do you think us 07 owners feel? Half the stuff out there for the R56 came out in the last year and a half. So don't get all complainy about not having a tune yet.

 

Superchips in the UK appears to have a tune for the lastest version of the R56. http://www.superchips.co.uk/search?m...8&variant=2322

 

just got a quote from my local dealer MA 2600.00 kit plus 400.00 for installation

 

What were the specs of the kit? What parts were included?

 

I suggest getting the kit from Way Motor Works

 

I have no problems getting the kit from Way I just want to make sure Mini will 1. install the parts and 2. install the tune. I think way sells the kit for 1900.00 plus the 400 for labor a lot cheaper. Just not sure Mini will do it. Any thoughts?

 

I would send Way an email (or call) and see what he suggests.

 

I actually just got my JCW kit installed today for about 2400 and some change. Talk to your MA about bringing down the price. I got the kit for 1900 and 140 dollars an hour for labor.