JCW Carbon Fiber Dash Released

Andy Dec 6th, 2004 Link

maybe the delay was so people can start saving their money to but the overprice useless dash.

Wraith Dec 6th, 2004 Link

overpriced and useless…? yes. but it still looks pretty sweet. i bet it'll be popular with those that want a more exotic look with their MINI

scooblymonchee Dec 6th, 2004 Link

I think “overpriced and useless” captures the essence of this new product offering.

mcswrks Dec 6th, 2004 Link

When are the brakes coming out?

Me Dec 6th, 2004 Link

looks like s* to me, overpriced s* at that.

Matt Dec 6th, 2004 Link

Me, it looks really really good in person. not worth 1200 IMO, but it is a very high quality product.

Me2 Dec 6th, 2004 Link

I disagree with most of these comments, there is at least one use for this product. Float device, if your MINI ends up in the water. Wait, does Carbon fiber float? If not, use it as a boat anchor. Just kidding, I am sure that there is some aesthetic value to this dash.

iDiaz Dec 6th, 2004 Link

It's certainly not for weight reduction.

Weight of CF + plastic > weight of plastic

I'm not really one for using carbon fiber where lightweight structural reinforcement isn't necessary, but maybe that's just me.

Gabe Dec 6th, 2004 Link

Yeah it's not a structural piece so there's no reason for it to be super stiff. And the plastic that it replaces is most likely lighter.

Let's face it… it's meant to look good and that's about it. But for those that like the look, I can assure you, you'll love this.

scooblymonchee Dec 6th, 2004 Link

“Let's face it… it's meant to look good and that's about it.”

In which case it should be far less expensive.

Gabe Dec 6th, 2004 Link

Perhaps but real CF isn't cheap. I do know of a very similar piece (without the JCW logo) being sold for around $1000 however.

Brian Dec 6th, 2004 Link

There's a Carbon Fiber interior trim option in the Mini USA configurator for only $150.
What's the difference?

Gabe Dec 6th, 2004 Link

The difference is huge. The trim is essentially just a big sticker. And it looks like a sticker installed. I'd recommend staying far away from that one.

scooblymonchee Dec 6th, 2004 Link

An un-named Mini tuner sells a gorgeous full carbon fibre bonnet for only $849.

While I am prone to drinking the JCW Koolaid, the pricing on this piece just ridiculous.

Frank Dec 6th, 2004 Link

While I have no doubts that JCW stuff is top quality, I think MINIUSA needs to get a grip with the pricing of their accessories and mods.

greg Dec 6th, 2004 Link

What's the price difference between the 3 piece and the 5 piece?

James Dec 6th, 2004 Link

Greg, the 3 piece is for the 2005 model year MINI's that have a different dash to the pre-05's.

-James.

Brian Dec 6th, 2004 Link

Thanks for the update on the trim diff.
I agree that they need to tune down the pricing on the accesories.
They would sell much more.

Evan Dec 6th, 2004 Link

The price is a little steep, especially since it's be better with matching door inserts and down tubes.

It does look good though in the MC40s I've been in.

The accessory prices are high for large returns, but they'd have to see a large increase in volume to decrease their prices. This will probably never happen. Most stuff offered by MINI is available from aftermarket places, but won't have the OME look or logo…

Ron Dec 6th, 2004 Link

Part of the problem has to be the exchange rate. The dollar is in the cr@pper right now, due mostly to fears regarding the ever increasing national debt. Everything from overseas is getting more expensive.

GMINI Dec 6th, 2004 Link

if it did not come with my MC40 - I would NOT have paid THAT for it. Wish I could stand up for it more than just saying that it really IS $12k beautiful.

Josh Dec 6th, 2004 Link

hey GMINI, 1200 is 1.2k not 12k and you pretty much paid 7k for $1200 dash, $3000 wheels, a shifter, floor mats, and some decals

it doesnt look like the dollar will improve in the near future either, because national debt continues to rise and japan and china continue to finance it though sales of US bonds

atleast BMW/MINI is staying competitive with new car pricing, because they must be taking a consideable hit for that

dgszweda Dec 7th, 2004 Link

Man you guys are just too pragmatic. This is really a niche piece and the price is not out of line for a 100% pure CF piece (not CF wrapped around plastic or a sticker). The piece looks great. While it is pricey that is the what CF costs, and some people like it enough to pay the extra money.

Unfortunately as part of my goal to retain a 100% stock, JCW only car, I will probably buy this dash.

iDiaz Dec 7th, 2004 Link

I'm sorry, dude… but carbon fiber is nowhere near as expensive as you think it is.

You can buy an entire carbon fiber bonnet for $800. That dash isn't really too complex to build, and it's not a lot of carbon fiber. I bet it costs them somewhere around $300 at the most to make that, including materials and labor.

Gabe Dec 7th, 2004 Link

I would guess it cost $300 at most to create. But none of that means that people aren't willing to pay $1200 for it from MINI. Cache and brand mean a lot when it comes to luxury goods like high-end OEM accessories.

scooblymonchee Dec 7th, 2004 Link

dgszweda - “Unfortunately as part of my goal to retain a 100% stock, JCW only car, I will probably buy this dash.”

Yes, this is indeed very unfortunate. It seems you have no other option but to purchase this over-priced product. You have our deepest sympathies.

Gabe Dec 7th, 2004 Link

Okay time-out. Let's think about this. That's totally cool that you think it's overpriced. I'm not going to be heading out to pick one up either. But there's no reason to feel the need to apply your opinions to other people's needs and wants let alone disparage someone for liking something. I mean opinions are nice and all but they're just opinions… we all have them and surprisingly(!) many of them are as valid as the next.

If someone likes the look of this piece and has the money (and doesn't want to mess around with anything but OEM products) why in the world would they look elsewhere?

scooblymonchee Dec 7th, 2004 Link

Sorry. I was trying to interject a little humor, but clearly missed the mark. The “unfortunately” comment above just struck me as pretty darned funny.

My apologies. No offense meant.

Gabe Dec 7th, 2004 Link

scoob - no worries. It was meant as a more general statement. I'm off my soap box now I promise :)

marksmith Dec 7th, 2004 Link

The MC40: decals, CF dash, R90 anthracite wheels, chrome exterior bits, unique red leather interior, floor mattes & knob w/ MC40 logo. Lot's of people got these cars at a discount (I did.) Still, I would never pay for the aesthetic's of a CF dash had it not come on the car.
-Having said this, it never surprises me what people will pay $$$ for.
-To each their own. $1200, wow!

jacknindy Dec 8th, 2004 Link

Extremely stupid question - does the U$1200 include installation? If not, what would that add? Pretty hard DYI 'cuz of airbag.

Chrisfb1 Dec 8th, 2004 Link

you meant “DIY”?

the CF dash is really overpriced, i am sure i can pay way less for some custom made aftermarket CF.

It is another expensive toy for those who treat their Mini as a multi-million dollar exotic car IMO. Same thing like the MC40.Over priced on some accessories and try to make a living out of it.

But again, there always markets for those stuff. somepeople might not want to spend time and money to custom made one than just pay and get one. Some different way of thinking.
Still, it is over priced.

Santa Dec 10th, 2004 Link

My sleigh is made of CF.

///ACS330Ci Dec 13th, 2004 Link

1200 USD!?!?!?!? That's nuts!

timekeeper Dec 18th, 2004 Link

You know,This reminds me of the sixty's when people said that the Yenko camaro was over priced and over rated and not worth the cost and how thy complained about the cost of the 69 Factory 427 COPO camaro. but now there selling well over 200k. l find that most of the people the complained about the cost, wheren't able to afford them in the first place. Hay, don't nock the guy that can and will. I'm glade that people don't want to spend the money on the parts because that means that theres less of them out there.When it comes down to it, The cars that holds the best resale value and gets the most attention, is the ones that talked about and/or baged on the most.so for me , l choose the car that has the parts that you talk about the most but don't ever buy. timekeeper