I've been thinking about and comparing this new JCW Roadster with my previous R52(which was highly modified and dialed in), as well as my 06' 330i 6MT(now sold). I loved both of these cars for the driving experience, as well as the way they looked. I know this is not apples to apples, but more about the driving experience.

Up until acquiring the R52(05' Cabrio), the BMW was by far, the best driving machine I had ever owned. It was a perfectly balanced machine. Comfortable, capable and polished. The feedback the car gave you was terrific. However, I began to spend more and more time in the Mini because of the fun factor, it's immediacy and engaging "go cart" qualities. Compared with the 330i, it rode rough, was noisy inside, exhibited torque steer, and had mediocre seats. Still, I preferred being in it every day. I loved it's quirky styling and crazy supercharger scream, coupled with the Milltek exhaust I had on it.

Now comes the JCW Roadster. I was sold on this car the moment I laid eyes on the Concept back in Sept., 2009. But what I find in this machine is an intriguing blend of Mini goodness/fun and BMW driving DNA. All the engagement of a Mini is there, along with the following:

-Engine, what a treat. It is super tractable, being able to pull from as low as 750 rpms in second gear to WOT without complaint. It produces great power and a nice flat torque curve, so easy to live with. I just read that the JCW motor is used without modification in the Mini Challenge racing cars...right off the shelf, completely stock. I'm also seeing ~ 35mpg on the highway

-Brakes, the best I've experienced thus far. I had the Wilwoods on the R52, which were a huge improvement on that car, but the Brembo set-up on the Roadster puts it to shame. They are very easy to modulate and will surprise you if you really get on them I'm looking forward to getting these on the track.

-Dynamics, this machine is wonderfully sorted. The chassis feels markedly stiffer, allowing the suspension to do it's job more efficiently. I don't detect any cowl shake at all. This also might be why turn-in feels so much improved. The addition of the electronic differential, fantastic clutch/gearbox set-up and what feels like even quicker steering than the R52 is intoxicating. Having the "sport button" makes it all the better.
The new generation of run-flats are greatly improved, they feel much more compliant/comfortable.

-Sensory/Ergos, the seats are a big improvement over the previous generation, which never felt long enough in the bottom cushion. The dead petal and throttle pedal are on the same plane now, as they should be. I now sit squarely in the seat, balanced. The exhaust sounds tuned and throaty, getting better with every passing mile during break-in. The cabin is markedly quieter than my R52, which always sounded like a window was down. This surprised me, as the Roadster has a single layer fabric top. That top by the way is super efficient to use (up and down) manually. I can drop it in about three seconds, and can close it in about five...on the fly.

-Styling, speaks for itself. I have a neighbor, who happens to be English, who flagged me down today to tell me that "this was the best looking Mini he had ever seen", and then proceeded to shake my hand. He was wildly enthusiastic about it

All in all, this machine feels like a combination of the best attributes of both Mini and BMW


-Steven

 

I love seeing this every day



-Steven

 

Thank you for your thoughts, BT, very insightful and interesting.

 

Gorgeous car there BlueToy! I couldn't agree more on the fun in driving a R59. While not a JCW, my S is one of the most, if not the most, enjoyable car I have ever driven. I suppose a 911 would better it but short of spending that kind of money I know of nothing else I would rather be driving.

As far as the H/K sound system goes, well it is rather good. As you can tell from my username I am into the Porsche of home audio so it is not quite at that level of performance but then again MINI owner's and car enthusiats in general don't buy a car for it's sound system. Before I met my fiance I dated a woman with a MINI and she had the stock sound system... to be honest the H/K is only a little better. Considering it is at least a $500 option... I would skip it if custom ordering a MINI.

 

My pleasure, feel free to add any of your own
Thanks Mark-
I agree, " a 911 would better it but short of spending that kind of money I know of nothing else I would rather be driving". Maybe the new Boxster Thanks for your thoughts


-Steven

 

Yesterday I was able to spend some time detailing the paint. I already had a couple of bird droppings that hit the hot hood surface and etched the paint. I also noticed some swirls in the paint. My dealer doesn't look like they do much more than a simple washing by hand of the cars, but depending on what they are using, can do more harm than good. Black paint is especially easy to damage. Here is the regimen I use on the paint.

1) Wash with a quality auto shampoo. I like Chemical guys GlossWorkz. PH balanced, bio-degradable, non toxic. This product has shine enhancers in it, and provides amazing shine with just a washing.

2) I then clay barred the hood and trunk lid, looking to pick up any particles from the bird droppings and anything else that could possibly be on the paint from shipment. I know Mini probably does a pretty good job of protecting the paint during shipment, but I wanted to make sure I had a clean surface before I proceeded.
For this I used a Meguiar's Clay bar kit, available off the shelf at any auto parts store. The clay did not pick up much from the surface, so I was ready for the next step.

3) P21S paintwork cleanser. This product will remove swirl marks and surface imperfections, allowing for more depth and shine to the paint.

4) Lastly, I finished by applying two coats of JetSeal109. I have been using this product for a couple of years now and really love what it does for the paint, beautiful shine, great depth and really long lasting protection.

And the results...

 

More great posts. . . just love reading all the comments.. thanks for sharing

 

Damn looks great Steven! I wish I had a place to give mine that kind of attention! I'll definitely honk if I see ya driving in chi!

 

wish I had more time.....AND a space....

 

The pleasure is mine...hopefully the shared knowledge helps
Thanks! Are you near metro Chicago?
It definitely takes some time...and elbow grease


-Steven

 

yup, i'll hopefully be vacating the loop this weekend to avoid nato headaches..

 

Ahh, in the Loop, cool. Yeah, you've got to get away from that mess.


-Steven

 

More great photos... if you are ever in DC/VA you can detail my Roadster.

 

Not a bad looking ride with the top up Even when it's a little dusty





-Steven

 

Gorgeous, BT!!

 

Thanks Andrea

 

I got this installed on the Roadster today. This is a really nicely engineered piece. Here are the 6061-T6 billet strut pads, super strong, should provide good protection against mushrooming. It's too bad it stays hidden from view most of the time, as it is beautiful.




All tied up



-Steven

 

I wish I knew about half as much about cars as you do, Steven!

 

Ever since I saw the JCW Roadster, I couldn't figure out why the beautiful, big chrome tips of the exhaust are tucked so far in the rear diffuser. I even asked my MA if they could unbolt it and let more of it show. The dealer was nice enough to get it up on the rack and check it out. In the end, they told me it could not be moved outward any more, as the exhaust is one continuous welded piece from the flex joint back. So, I had a good exhaust shop lengthen the exhaust by about 3/4". Moving it back, the hangers cause the muffler and tips to move up closer to the body very slightly. I'm really loving the new look.














-Steven

 

Follow along...this is gonna be a fun ride


-Steven

 

The wait is over and well worth it. Congrats awesome interior.

 

Indeed, I will !! Hey, is your spoiler up all the time? Mine is only up when at a certain speed.

 

I switch it up for photos...and sometimes just cruising around. The toggle switch up between the visors lets you control it. If you don't activate it via the switch, it's up at 50mph and down at 37mph.


-Steven

 

Lol. Love the exhaust! I do find it amusing that your finding people willing to do what you want to the car, people just give me the don't be silly look. Actually had graphics company tell me my choice was ridiculous!

 

Thanks Desert.
Thanks Noreen. When I first sat down with my MA, I told him I was very particular about certain details, he understood. When I told them I thought the exhaust tips should be exposed more, he didn't bat an eye. His response was, if we can we will. Having said that, finding the right people to work with is critical. I spoke with a few folks who work on custom cars in finding the exhaust shop. They got it as soon as I showed them what I wanted, no questions.

When do you get your car back?


-Steven