Hi Pat,

Thanks for the follow up. It must of been something that my dealer did for us then. I noticed them right away (once home and in the daylight). They're nice little valve caps for sure.

Someone bought a set for me for my R53 as a gift and they are the same exact ones. They're not much money (under $20), but it is indeed a really nice way for the dealer to show customer appreciation. I only wish that I would have noticed them when I picked up the car so that I could have thanked my MA.

 

BTW, here's what they look like:

 

Newton's a beauty, James, congratulations and admiral composure during such a long wait. The black jacks are sensational w/the Star Bullets, love the graphics. Also nice shot of Brembo's through these wheels!

 

Thanks, Lise. I'm looking forward to seeing your SO/S combination.

 

I took some interior photos today but the light wasn't right. I will try to post some soon.

Question for the other JCW Coupe owners: I looked at the label with the VIN inside the driver-side door and it said MINI Cooper S! Does yours also say that?

I put Newton in a car show today and nearly everyone asked me if the roof comes off. I guess because it's a different color?

 

I get asked that as well and mine is the same color. Go figure.

 

Mine says the same thing. One would think that JCW would be in the nomenclature as well.

Kind of strange (or cheap) if you ask me.

Pat

 

As I understand it the JCW Coupe is just an S Coupe that's been tuned and beefed up during initial production. Initially (back in the day) this would have happened after market. Even though the JCW signature work is now offered as a model type it's still an S Coupe in every way but a few features. Don't forget John Cooper Works is labeled on the grill and rear of the vehicle.

 

You stated the obvious very well. The point is that since it is a factory JCW and not a kit installed at the dealer and considering the added cost that this version cost, it makes sense that the factory tags in the car would reflect this added bit of important news. This would certainly help with resale value and in ensuring that the car can be identified as a factory version not a car built and tuned at the dealership level. Tags on the car can be added or changed at will. Granted the VIN should identify it if you have access to the factory data but at the used car level this typically is not so.

I think it should be reflected in the factory tags. Just my opinion of course.

 

Completely agree with all your points, Pat.

 

Congrats!!!! Great looking car!!

 

My bad, I was simply replying with what I assume is the why and not the why not concerning the labeling. I agree with you though. It would make things easier in resale though I'll be keeping all my cars paperwork from the moment I buy the car and wouldn't buy a used car from someone who didn't. The VIN, etc. should be right there on the invoice.

 

I always keep the documents as well. But if I trade the car to a dealer he does not get them. I only give up the docs if I private sale the car.

 

Some quick interior photos from my phone. (I really need to do a photoshoot with a real camera soon.)

 

I passed 500 miles today. Break-in period over?

 

That has to be up to you. I didn't really start hopping on the rpm till 1200 miles. I did pop a few 5k breaks but no more than 3 or 4 before 1200. I did the same on my R56 and all seemed well.

I doubt it will do any harm if you drove it like a banshee. The torque is pretty awesome.

Pat

 

So, how about some driving impressions???

 

It's a blast to drive, of course. More than enough power for me and I haven't yet used Sport mode. The Coupe feels heavier and less nimble than my 2004 Justacooper but makes up for it in torque. I had my other MINI on the track at Sebring and look forward to taking my Coupe there eventually.

 

This is my tire change kit. Am I missing some things? There are lots of empty spaces.

 

That's all I got in mine. Guess its all u need.
Why haven't you used the sport button? I think all it changes is the throttle mapping and power steering response.

 

Thanks for the confirmation that nothing's missing.

I know I'm missing out with the Sport button. I just decided to wait until after the break-in period to use it. I'm almost there.

Also, my Coupe didn't have a cigarette lighter and cupholder ashtray. I guess MINI stopped including those? I like the ashtray for holding coins.

 

That's kind of strange. I got the cigarette lighter. It's real flat and you can hardly tell its there. Right where the cup holders are toward the front of the car. But I did not get the ashtray. Do you just have a receptacle with a cap? You have to somewhere to plug devices in for power?

 

The jack is there, but the actual lighter isn't there, just a plastic cap.

 

Mine is supposed to be at the docks on tuesday. Hoping i get the call to come pick her up on friday...I keep going back to your pictures to get my fix. This wait is agonizing.....Great looking car by the way....man this week is tough.....

 

Wow changes on the fly eh. Mine has the lighter. No cap. I took the lighter out and plugged in my iPhone charger.