IS there really a big difference between the "S" and the JCW is the JCW really worth the money or could you do more with the money and BUY a MCS and up grade it with the $$$$$ you saved from buying a JCW???? JUST WANTED TO KNOW MINIINHD

 

ummmmm serious

 

Actually, I'd love to know precisely where the extra hp comes from on a JCW versus my MCS. You think there'd be a sticky thread about it. Though I am a tad confused with all the yelling in the OP's post.

 

I believe the factory JCW's are worth the price of the admission, because there's more to the JCW than the standard 'S'-model. Beyond the brakes, the engine is revised with a different cylinder head for thermal cooling with strengthen intake valves. The pistons have strengthened side faces and the compression ratio is dropped to 10.0 (down from 10.5 in the 'S'). The air intake, the charge air piping, and turbocharger / exhaust manifold are tailored specifically for the JCW. The ECU programming is different specifically for the JCW.

Obtaining braking power is simple whether it is OEM retro-fitting (buying the OEM Brembo parts to convert) or purchasing aftermarket big brake kits. However, replicating the power requires modifications that could void the powertrain warranty... as ECU programming and other hardware are required to lift the 'S'-model's N14 engine from 172 to 208+hp. Doing the math, there's several thousand dollars just for an aftermarket ECU tune, an upgraded intercooler, exhaust work, and piping required to match the JCW.

- Erik

 

There are differences between the two models. Id say the best way is to go to www.miniusa.com and read the detailed descriptions of the features offered on the JCW. But like stated before as a general response the JCW does come with 208hp while our MCS come with 181hp ... ill beat a stock jcw though

if ya have the extra cash, get the JCW. I would if I had extra cash at the time of purchase.

 

There are a dozen threads here on NAM. If the search on NAM does not get you anywhere try entering this in the Google search field:

"northamericanmotoring site: jcw vs s"

Having driven just about every MINI out there as loaners. There is no comparison between the JCW and S.

Sure you could buy an S and then get a BBK, Tune, FMIC, exhaust and on and on and on or you could just get a JCW.

MINI has done a very poor job differentiating the JCW brand from the Cooper S.

From a visual perspective the following pics are the only visual cues:

JCW badge on the boot in place of the Cooper S



JCW badge on the lower grill


And this is the best of all. This very nice sticker or domed badge on the secret compartment door


Finally the Brembo BBK & Challenge wheels


Other than that it looks like a Cooper S. Even the JCW exhaust tips are nothing special. The JCW tuning kit gives you very nice engraved chromed exhaust tips.

 

I know the NAM search kinda sux, but seriously??? Why research when you can just asked others who have?

 

Exactly

 

Brother!!!

 

The JCW also has a bigger turbo!

If you want a JCW and you can afford a JCW then this question is really meaningless... Just get the JCW!

 

Probably dangerous grounds to weigh in on my first post, but I'd say the OPs question is answered more in the way they will use the car than the specs. If you want the top of the range, and that gives you a sense of accomplishment and pride in ownership - the JCW is for you. If you are looking for the best possible out of the box track performance, again JCW. If you want a cool fast car for the street and daily driving, get the MCS and check the JCW pkg, you get the look except for the brakes. As to the brakes, the JCW brakes are better, but the Mini is so light, they are overkill for the street. The sport suspension is a good example - a better suspension for the track or 9/10 driving, but a KILLER for DD. If you are younger and willing to live with that type ride for the bragging rights or plan on tracking, but otherwise, why would ya? Our MCS is my wife's car and she would've been happy with a MC. For my part, in test driving the cars, the MCS had enough over the MC in hp to make a real difference in daily driving. The JCW power difference, while noticeable, was not a dramatic and really only manifest in straight line pulls. By comparison, I also own a Porsche Cayman S. I bought it when it first came out and only the S model was available. While I do occasionally track it, the non S version which came out a year later (even with its slightly smaller brakes, 5 spd trans, and smaller engine) goes as fast as you could ever go on the road and handles the same, and looks the same. So in the end, if the extra dough put into the car makes you feel better about the purchase and your ownership experience, get the best one you can. If you are wondering if the MCS will give you the thrill you want driving back and forth to work -- it probably will and save you some green in the process. Good luck with you decision.

 

Last year when I purchased my MCS I didn't even seriously consider a JCW because I knew it was about $6K more than the MCS. Now after living with my MSC, I am wishing I would have at least considered it. That said, as much as I really want a JCW, I am still not sure I could pull the trigger to spend the extra money on my first MINI purchase. Is it worth the extra $$$$, yes I am convinced it is. Is it worth it to me right now, that's the tough question. I think if you are asking the question, it's probably not worth it to you. My sense is the guys and gals that have JCW's never serouisly asked the MSC v JCW value question. They just knew they had to have one and nothing else would work for them. They were pretty much committed from the beginning. I have never seen the statistics, but my guess is all JCW's only account for 5-10% of all MINI Cooper Hardtop, Clubman, Convertible, Coupe and Roadster sales, if that much. Best of luck as you work through your decision process. You'll be happy either way.

Oh hell, if I had to replace my MCS today because of a "total loss" due to some catastrophy, I guess it would be with a JCW.

 

Personally, I bought an MCS because I hate the way the JCW looks. If I could get the engine/brake mods and run my own wheels/suspension with an OE interior, I'd be the happiest MINI owner ever.

As I could buy whichever I wanted, I decided to spend the money I wasn't dropping on a JCW to make my '11 S into the exact car I want it to be.

 

Deleted duplicate post

 

Isn't a big knock on the JCW is that it looks just like a MCS?
Most people can't even tell which is which without the badges and Brembos.

 

I think its in the 1 to 2 % range. In the 3+ years I have had my JCW, I have only seen a handful of factory JCW cars on the road. What is handful to me? Less than 15 cars.

How did I wind up with a JCW? I was in the right place at the time. I went into the dealership looking for a Cooper S. I took a JCW for a test drive and they happened to have had one in stock that well optioned and was priced right.

 

Can you clarify that statement? Hate what the wheels? The JCW aero kit?

The cars are practically identical. That is why I posted the pics above.

 

Well, I'm comparing '11+ models so the body is a little different from the early R56s.

But specifically? I don't like the JCW bumpers, red roofs, checkerboard trim, or any of the seat/upholstery materials on the JCW. I don't think carbon fiber has any place on a MINI, I like my side markers to have the red 'S' and I like the way the MCS looks with the Chrome Line exterior.

Practically identical, yes. Much in the same way that Katy Perry is practically identical to Zooey Deschanel. But I'd still prefer one over the other.

 

All of that stuff is customizable. You do not have to get a red roof or red mirror caps.

The reason that the JCW car now comes with the JCW aero kit is because everyone was screaming bloody murder that it did NOT come standard. MINI finally listened.

I always said that the JCW car should come with the JCW aero kit, JCW suspension and JCW steering wheel. 1 out of 3 is not bad.

I like the JCW aero kit. I think it completes the look of the car. Oh well, to each their own.

 

Lol...I bet there are more people who feel chrome has no place on a MINI

But to each his own

 

Theres a lot of people that agree with this!! hows that exhaust treatin ya?

You can def tell the difference between an MCS and a JCW with aero kit. Im sorry but I have to say that aero kit makes the mini look so much sexier and sleeker looking.

 

I know. I'm probably in a very small minority of MINI owners who prefers chrome. Thank you all for not flaming me for saying so


FWIW, it's not that I don't like performance mods or carbon fiber. I'd post a pic of my bike to demonstrate, but I think I've threadjacked enough for one day...

 

did you really post on NAM 4,294,967,295 times ?? or is this some type of hack ?? if you really posted that many times you deserve some type of award and as a paying member id def pay an extra 5 dollars this year to get that for you LMAO.

 

Here is my JCW. It looks almost exactly like a MCS. I like to think of it as a sleeper. As for interior it is just like my 08 MCS except the red stitched steering wheel shifter boot and brake boot. Also the red shifter numbers.

 

Those brakes give your sleeper away ... when i see nice brakes on it a car its usually an indicator of someone that knows cars or likes driving aggressive. By far brakes calipers are not a common upgrade to the average driver. love the color of your car BTQ