R56 Replacing an 04 MCS JCW
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2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Sunny SoCal!
Replacing an 04 MCS JCW
Hi All,
I've had my early 04 MCS JCW since it was born,very low mileage and in mint shape. No mods. If I were to replace it with a new Mini, to match it's feel and performance, would a regular S suffice or would I need to go the factory JCW route?
Thanks!
I've had my early 04 MCS JCW since it was born,very low mileage and in mint shape. No mods. If I were to replace it with a new Mini, to match it's feel and performance, would a regular S suffice or would I need to go the factory JCW route?
Thanks!
Have you driven a newer one? If not go drive one and you might not want to give up yours. IMO yes you would want a JCW. But the newer ones are more refined and smoother then the R53. The R53 is raw as compared to the new one. Go drive them if you have not then make a decision. IMO keep yours. Good luck.
I too have the 04 JCW. Yesterday I took it in for an oil change at the dealer. They gave me the little coupe S as a loaner. It was fun to drive, but it was no way even close to driving the JCW, and I'm not just talking power. Everything about the 04 was just better. It handled better, rode better, accelerated better, it felt tighter, it does not rattle, etc.... I was disappointed to say the least in the 13. I have driven several 12s & 13s and they were all the same. Personally I would keep my 04 if it still is in good shape. Don't get me wrong, I would buy a new MINI if I could not find another 1st Generation to takes its place.
Only one sure way to tell; go take some test drives!
From what I've heard and felt in my couple test drives of the newer R56's, the R53 is simply more visceral; more raw. It is a less filtered driving experience, (for better or for worse, in some areas). Many would argue that the R53 is just a more "pure" driving experience, perhaps.
The engine is probably one of the largest areas of difference. From the way power ramps up, to the sound of the engine and exhaust. The turbo engine is much different in behavior and sound than the supercharged R53 "Prince" engine.
Some prefer this, others don't. I personally love the supercharger's whine (yin) to the throaty exhaust note (yang). Granted, my car is modified, and I've done mods to extract much more out of these characteristics, but still. Together, they sing a wonderful harmony that you simply cannot get in the turbocharged R56.
The interior is a bit more refined in the R56, certainly, but that doesn't make it "better" IMHO. For example, the "dinner plate" speedometer that was criticized in the R53, for some reason got even BIGGER in the R56. It became a parody of itself. Curious. I think the proportions of things on the dashboard were much better with the R53, in general. I do think the 5-piece dash in earlier R53's was a bit fussier, and like the newer one with less lines, though.
I park my R53 next to a buddy's R56 where I work, and often get to compare them side-by-side, and I see the differences easily that way. I don't like the higher belt line of the R56's, which were a direct result of European pedestrian crash regulations; a necessary evil, but still, it messed with the overall proportion of the car in a negative way. The R56 looks more massive, less svelte. The R53 still has that "featherweight" look to it, with taller windows and a better greenhouse/view outside. I like that.
But again, you need to take some test drives, and let us know what YOU think...
From what I've heard and felt in my couple test drives of the newer R56's, the R53 is simply more visceral; more raw. It is a less filtered driving experience, (for better or for worse, in some areas). Many would argue that the R53 is just a more "pure" driving experience, perhaps.
The engine is probably one of the largest areas of difference. From the way power ramps up, to the sound of the engine and exhaust. The turbo engine is much different in behavior and sound than the supercharged R53 "Prince" engine.
Some prefer this, others don't. I personally love the supercharger's whine (yin) to the throaty exhaust note (yang). Granted, my car is modified, and I've done mods to extract much more out of these characteristics, but still. Together, they sing a wonderful harmony that you simply cannot get in the turbocharged R56.
The interior is a bit more refined in the R56, certainly, but that doesn't make it "better" IMHO. For example, the "dinner plate" speedometer that was criticized in the R53, for some reason got even BIGGER in the R56. It became a parody of itself. Curious. I think the proportions of things on the dashboard were much better with the R53, in general. I do think the 5-piece dash in earlier R53's was a bit fussier, and like the newer one with less lines, though.
I park my R53 next to a buddy's R56 where I work, and often get to compare them side-by-side, and I see the differences easily that way. I don't like the higher belt line of the R56's, which were a direct result of European pedestrian crash regulations; a necessary evil, but still, it messed with the overall proportion of the car in a negative way. The R56 looks more massive, less svelte. The R53 still has that "featherweight" look to it, with taller windows and a better greenhouse/view outside. I like that.
But again, you need to take some test drives, and let us know what YOU think...
Last edited by jonnieoh; Apr 25, 2013 at 08:11 AM.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: DFW, Texas
I've owned both. I miss the sound of the SC mostly, but I do feel like the turbo engine is much more fun to drive. The power is immediately available down low; whereas, I felt like I had to keep the R53 wound up higher to use the power. My R53 was a stock S, however. I also miss the reliability of the R53 vs the R56, but if you get a new JCW, you should be ok. I'm honestly not so sure the R56 is that much more refined of a ride, because it still rides like **** and both rattle(d). I just live with it. Rattles don't bother me that much. I do think the R53 looks a tad better, but both look good. I love them both and both have their own +'s and -'s. The uncertainty of the 09 engine is the only thing that tests my love. Lately I have toyed with getting a new daily driver and maybe picking up an 05-06 again for a 2nd car/track car, but the R56 JCW is such a hoot to drive that nothing I've test driven so far has compared (in my price range).
Last edited by muzak; Apr 25, 2013 at 08:33 AM.
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2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Sunny SoCal!
Thanks, everyone, for the quick and insightful replies. I really do need to test drive one as I've not driven any other Mini since getting mine. My wife did test a Countryman Cooper while I sat in the passenger seat. Very different feel. I am going to the dealer to try several models. Will let you know what I think/decide!
Last edited by Way; Apr 25, 2013 at 03:20 PM.
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beentheredonethat
well said
you will not be happy unless you replace your R53 JCW with a R56 JCW(with some mods of course!)
you will not be happy unless you replace your R53 JCW with a R56 JCW(with some mods of course!)
Only one sure way to tell; go take some test drives!
From what I've heard and felt in my couple test drives of the newer R56's, the R53 is simply more visceral; more raw. It is a less filtered driving experience, (for better or for worse, in some areas). Many would argue that the R53 is just a more "pure" driving experience, perhaps.
The engine is probably one of the largest areas of difference. From the way power ramps up, to the sound of the engine and exhaust. The turbo engine is much different in behavior and sound than the supercharged R53 "Prince" engine.
Some prefer this, others don't. I personally love the supercharger's whine (yin) to the throaty exhaust note (yang). Granted, my car is modified, and I've done mods to extract much more out of these characteristics, but still. Together, they sing a wonderful harmony that you simply cannot get in the turbocharged R56.
The interior is a bit more refined in the R56, certainly, but that doesn't make it "better" IMHO. For example, the "dinner plate" speedometer that was criticized in the R53, for some reason got even BIGGER in the R56. It became a parody of itself. Curious. I think the proportions of things on the dashboard were much better with the R53, in general. I do think the 5-piece dash in earlier R53's was a bit fussier, and like the newer one with less lines, though.
I park my R53 next to a buddy's R56 where I work, and often get to compare them side-by-side, and I see the differences easily that way. I don't like the higher belt line of the R56's, which were a direct result of European pedestrian crash regulations; a necessary evil, but still, it messed with the overall proportion of the car in a negative way. The R56 looks more massive, less svelte. The R53 still has that "featherweight" look to it, with taller windows and a better greenhouse/view outside. I like that.
But again, you need to take some test drives, and let us know what YOU think...
From what I've heard and felt in my couple test drives of the newer R56's, the R53 is simply more visceral; more raw. It is a less filtered driving experience, (for better or for worse, in some areas). Many would argue that the R53 is just a more "pure" driving experience, perhaps.
The engine is probably one of the largest areas of difference. From the way power ramps up, to the sound of the engine and exhaust. The turbo engine is much different in behavior and sound than the supercharged R53 "Prince" engine.
Some prefer this, others don't. I personally love the supercharger's whine (yin) to the throaty exhaust note (yang). Granted, my car is modified, and I've done mods to extract much more out of these characteristics, but still. Together, they sing a wonderful harmony that you simply cannot get in the turbocharged R56.
The interior is a bit more refined in the R56, certainly, but that doesn't make it "better" IMHO. For example, the "dinner plate" speedometer that was criticized in the R53, for some reason got even BIGGER in the R56. It became a parody of itself. Curious. I think the proportions of things on the dashboard were much better with the R53, in general. I do think the 5-piece dash in earlier R53's was a bit fussier, and like the newer one with less lines, though.
I park my R53 next to a buddy's R56 where I work, and often get to compare them side-by-side, and I see the differences easily that way. I don't like the higher belt line of the R56's, which were a direct result of European pedestrian crash regulations; a necessary evil, but still, it messed with the overall proportion of the car in a negative way. The R56 looks more massive, less svelte. The R53 still has that "featherweight" look to it, with taller windows and a better greenhouse/view outside. I like that.
But again, you need to take some test drives, and let us know what YOU think...
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,781
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I went from a 2003 MCS to a 2012 JCW. Performance was night and day. The power and acceleration, braking performance, and handling (with JCW suspension) is far better in the new car.
I was one that tthought for the longest time I could not do without the SC whine and others but I was being silly. Man is my 2012 JCW better and more fun to drive....
I was one that tthought for the longest time I could not do without the SC whine and others but I was being silly. Man is my 2012 JCW better and more fun to drive....
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