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JCW GarageInterested in John Cooper Works (JCW) parts for your 2nd Generation MINI? This is where JCW upgrades and accessories for the MINI Clubman (R55), Cooper and Cooper S (R56), and Cabrio (R57) MINIs are discussed.
Been trying to get to the bottom of the dipping controversy in blacking my JCW: Just had a lengthy convo with the owner of OutMotoring the other day on dipping. He said from his experience they do not last and are susceptible to rock chips exposing chrome. May have to shell out for the ECS black trim. I hate when something goes cheap and you have to replace it.
Also he said the 88 electrical tape everyone is preaching does stretch and peel in time. They sell beltline tape that is actual vinyl material for cars. So may forgo the dipping brake air scoops since this JCW needs to be road sturdy.
Disagree on the "they don't last" and "rock chips". Same is true for most things then. I can tell you I have no rock chips. Why? I did 5 layers. Just think...if it chips no bid deal - I touch spray the spot. Either works but I don't agree with Outmotoring's comment. Sounds to me they want you to buy their stuff so I call BS.
My entire Lambo and Porsche are shielded with Xpel Ultimate clear film and so is entire front end of the JCW and almost half of rest of car. Are there chips in the Xpel film? You bet. Xpel withstands more that this tape and still gets chipped. Go figure...
Really dumb question on the fog light replacement - do I just take the new bulb out of the mount to install it? Mine looks like this: http://imgur.com/CbdSTMy
Really dumb question on the fog light replacement - do I just take the new bulb out of the mount to install it? Mine looks like this: http://imgur.com/CbdSTMy
Thats the postion light, the fog light bulb is right below it unless you did not get that option, everyone have the upper bulb postion light.
Ditto on what ECS said. Your pic is of the T10/2825 bulb type used in the positioning/parking light.
The fog light bulb is H8/H11 type and has 90 degrees angled base shown here:
Originally Posted by julesagogo
Great post, thanks for all the info!
Really dumb question on the fog light replacement - do I just take the new bulb out of the mount to install it? Mine looks like this: http://imgur.com/CbdSTMy
It really is a good thread. A few of my bulbs are different than what is mentioned ( I have an R55 ) but I ended up with the correct ones. I just got the fogs in this evening w/o taking the wheel off but they almost beat me. If your arms/hands are larger than normal good luck. May be easier to just pop the wheel off to accomplish w/o expletives.
It really is a good thread. A few of my bulbs are different than what is mentioned ( I have an R55 ) but I ended up with the correct ones. I just got the fogs in this evening w/o taking the wheel off but they almost beat me. If your arms/hands are larger than normal good luck. May be easier to just pop the wheel off to accomplish w/o expletives.
Yes it's odd that all reference sites for Mini bulbs are wrong for a couple bulbs. Ex: Every one says the trunk bulb is a festoon bulb like the license or glove bulbs. Nope, trunk bulb is a T10/2825 bulb type.
I have small hands so takes me 1 minute per fog bulb including turning the wheel on each side ;-)
It really is a good thread. A few of my bulbs are different than what is mentioned ( I have an R55 ) but I ended up with the correct ones. I just got the fogs in this evening w/o taking the wheel off but they almost beat me. If your arms/hands are larger than normal good luck. May be easier to just pop the wheel off to accomplish w/o expletives.
Yep plate lights on the back take a T10 on the R55.
Finally got around to replacing that interior light red with the JDM CANBUS light. Thanks Minimofo. Looks cool. Work on replacing those fog lights next year.
BTW I just bought the black trim rings from ECS. Only hundred bucks or so and looks way better than plasti-dip. Lot of detailers were telling me the dip scratches.
Originally Posted by minimofo
Those brake air scoops require removal of the bumper to replace. I opted not to go that route and plasti dipped mine red. So much easier ;-)
Just installed the red led "****" bulb in my dome. (didn't make me horny Thanks for the suggestion ****
Used the CANBUS from JDM ASTAR. Would have bought from ECS but they want 8 bucks to send a 20 dollar bulb that can be sent for 48 cents in an plain envelope.
I can't give specifics from my experience, but I don't recall any issues with replacement /fitment. I'm a novice when it comes to doing any kind of work on MINI's. I'd just suggest not to force anything. If it's the correct part, it will fit.
malibujoeyree - all our Ziza MINI leds are free shipping now. Let me know if you find some MINI ones that are not.
Sometimes those bulb housings can stick in place, use your finger and thumb, hold it tight and give it a twist. The rubber gaskets seem to dry out and then the dirt gets around the outside seal. Mine were a little tight and I have to hold them straight and then a slight but hard twist. Just be careful. It's counterclockwise.
Thanks for that. It was tight and was afraid was not turning in right direction. Didn't want expensive damage. I'll try again CCW. Yeah I got the Ziza (Not Zika hahaha) LED lights from you with a larger order free shipping. Glad you guys knocked that down. And you lowered you free shipping min too. Good move. Sometimes you don't need to order $250 bucks just to get a small part.
Ziza LEDs work great! No error code.
Did you have to remove the wheels to access that fog light?
I had ordered the spare wheel for my JCW from you. It's a 115/70/15 wheel and so I ordered the spare from Tire Rack this morning. Couldn't find it anywhere else. But will this fit my JCW OK? I understand for the front wheel because of the Brembo brake I have to dismount the rear tire & move to the front if I get a flat on the front, then mount the spare donut on the rear. Is that right?
Thanks! Have to travel across the West Texas desert later and didn't want to wait for AAA 300 miles from nowhere (if it should arise) Had my other Mini in the Badlands of South Dakota last week when I got a slow leak. HINT: there is no garage, gas station in the Badlands of South Dakota. So those spares do come in handy
Just had a lengthy convo with the owner of OutMotoring the other day on dipping. He said from his experience they do not last and are susceptible to rock chips exposing chrome. May have to shell out for the ECS black trim. I hate when something goes cheap and you have to replace it. 
Forge intercooler is very nice also.
