Ok just a little info about myself. I am a car nut probably like most of you here. Please don't take this offensively but I have never liked Mini's in the past. I just didn't like how they looked but knew they were good performing cars.

Anyway I was at the BMW dealer 2 weeks ago to test drive the new 3 series to replace my current commuter car. While I was waiting for my sales person I went and looked at the JCW coupe they had in the showroom...I instantly fell in love lol. I ended up driving the 328 and decided I didn't like it for many reasons so I decided not to order one.

For the past two weeks I've been searching for a new car and I couldn't get the Mini outta my head. At the time it woulda been a no brainer since I knew I loved the car but I need a back seat. Well I've since decided that I'll just keep my current commuter and just buy the dang Coupe...maybe lol (I keep changing my mind)

So now here's my dilemma. I finally went and test drove the coupe and can't decide on the S with the Works package or the JCW.

I am a mod junkie so I was thinking on saving the $5k diff and just buying the S but at the same time I like buying the "best" if it isn't a huge price difference and the JCW has a warranty on the power upgrades.

I've done my searches and did find a thread comparing the two but does anyone have any info if the JCW is REALLY coming out with a new engine next year?

Anywho I am just looking for some opinions on which one to choose!

Please try and persuade me one way or another. Any info will be my appreciated!


Thanks for your time!

 

we traded a 2010 135 on a new s coupe,no regrets.

 

To me, if cash is not an issue, I would opt for the JCW. The "S" has a lot of stellar features, but if you planned on upgrading the "S", it would make more sense to buy the JCW with the upgrades already on it. That is my .02 worth.

 

If you are a mod junkie that likes mods that make power then get the JCW. The JCW is easy to tune for more power, if you get the S you will be limited in that area of modding.

 

I have a 2000 328i and a 2011 Cooper S. One of the major things I've noticed between the two is the fit and finish. Even though it's 12 years older, the BMW has much less road noise, and has nearly no interior rattles. The Cooper has a much higher level of road noise, and has developed random rattles and squeaks in the year that I've had it.
If money was not an issue, I take the BMW over the JCW.

 

Thanks for the reply.

Do you know if the JCW is getting the new engine soon?

 

Thanks. I am not comparing the Bimmer to the Cooper. I initially just wanted to replace my daily driver with a new BMW but decided against it. I am just gonna keep what I have and get the Coupe as a "toy" slash daily driver when I don't need a backseat.

 

One person I talked to that had a Mini and helped me make up my mind... the biggest thing that helped me a LOT was when he said: "Get all the options you want"... he also said he should have ordered one or two other things, but decided not to because of the money, but later thought why because it would have only been a couple dollars more per month in the long run.

You can always mod things to the way you want it... but it will take you time... why not get what you want when you take it home the first day. You can always throw in a few more tweaks here and there after the fact, but have fun with whatever you do.

 

Already announced.

 

Where?

Nevermind...found it

 

If you know you plan to get the JCW Package, check your other options to see if some of them are standard on the JCW Coupe. If so, then go for the JCW Coupe. One of the best things about the JCW Coupe that is overlooked is the better brakes.

Yes, the 2013 JCW Coupe gets the new variable valve timing from the MCS engine. Same power, but better efficiency. According to the press release, the new JCWs debut in July.

http://libraryofmotoring.info/2012/0...r-works-models

 

yeah I talked to my salesman today and he said the clubman and GP will have it first. He said nothing has been released yet regarding the coupe.

I'm not sure it the variable timing is worth the wait...

btw, thanks for the link

 

Coopcoupe

The current JCW is tunable to 240+ and I am sure John at Alta will get there with Bernie. They have made numerous up grades to the current N14 so don't compare it to the earlier versions. And like James stated the gains will mostly be in mpg not hp, they have already covered that with the new release of the GP.

The brakes and the aero package of the JCW off sets the 5k price difference. Also the S has white gauges and the JCW has dark or gray. You can also had NOISE you here more of the engine in the JCW.

We love questions here and are happy to help.

BTW; I think you might have meant JCW Countryman not Clubman

John

 

Have you decided on a color?

 

For me, these items made up much of the price difference in addition to the additional hp and JCW brakes:

JCW Package - $2,000
Black Star Bullet wheels - $750 (now showing $1,200)
Piano Black Dash - $250
Dynamic Traction Control - $250
Chrome Exhaust Tips - $214
Anthracite gauge faces - N/A

 

Thanks for the info John. As for color I am leaning towards red with black top. No stripes. I am gonna talk to the dealer and see if they can find out if the N18 will be in the 13 model. I might just wait for that. I am ordering a stripped down one. Only options are Bluetooth, Ipod, Harmon Kardon, white lights, armrest and cloth seats (which is free).

As soon as I order the car (if I don't chicken out), I will order my mods right away. Intercooler, turbo upgarde (or send mine out to g-pop when I get it), downpipe, exhaust manifold, intake, hot side boost tube and send the ecu to Alta or whomever is recommended the most. I will be getting 18" Sparco assetto gara wheels in black maybe bronze with Hankook V12 215/40R18 (wheels are on backorder till May 30th) and H&R lowering springs.

Anything else you might recommend?

 

I would strongly suggest NOT waiting for the 2013 model if you are interested in tuning the ECU. All indicators are pointing to it having the newer motor that has alot less tuning support.