Comments on: First Drive in the 2005 JCW S http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/23/a_quick_drive_in_the_2005_jcw_s/ MINI Cooper news, reviews and opinion. Sun, 21 Mar 2010 17:04:44 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Glen http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/23/a_quick_drive_in_the_2005_jcw_s/comment-page-2/#comment-66942 Glen Mon, 04 Dec 2006 14:32:00 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/23/#comment-66942 <p>Hi Gabe,</p> <p>Have you ever reviewed the Mini-Madness Stage 3 or 4 Power Packages for the Mini Cooper S? Do you have any information or recommendations for after-market kits for a 2005 MCS? I am trying to decide between installing the JCW tuning kit or getting a different after-market kit that adds more horsepower for less money than the JCW.</p> <p>Thanks, Glen.</p> Hi Gabe,

Have you ever reviewed the Mini-Madness Stage 3 or 4 Power Packages for the Mini Cooper S? Do you have any information or recommendations for after-market kits for a 2005 MCS? I am trying to decide between installing the JCW tuning kit or getting a different after-market kit that adds more horsepower for less money than the JCW.

Thanks, Glen.

]]> By: Yegor http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/23/a_quick_drive_in_the_2005_jcw_s/comment-page-2/#comment-14809 Yegor Tue, 02 Aug 2005 18:35:45 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/23/#comment-14809 <p>Hi Gabe!</p> <p>I have a 05 MCS Auto and thinking to get JCW upgrade before I register for Phil Wicks driving school coming in December. Do they install it on MINIs with automatic transmission?</p> <p>Gabe, you mentioned that JCW kit is arround $6,000 including installation. Is that the only option they have?</p> <p>Thank you in advance!</p> Hi Gabe!

I have a 05 MCS Auto and thinking to get JCW upgrade before I register for Phil Wicks driving school coming in December. Do they install it on MINIs with automatic transmission?

Gabe, you mentioned that JCW kit is arround $6,000 including installation. Is that the only option they have?

Thank you in advance!

]]> By: Siddhartha http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/23/a_quick_drive_in_the_2005_jcw_s/comment-page-2/#comment-14808 Siddhartha Fri, 22 Jul 2005 19:42:36 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/23/#comment-14808 <p>I can report that the JCW team did an excellent job with the suspension and brakes. I did laps with a highly modified and race prepped S with light wheels and sticky tires, driven by a very experienced NASA driver at Thunderhill last Monday. Although I couldn't close with and pass him, he couldn't lose me either. My setup is 100% factory stock including heavy S-lites and the performance runflats. Lighter wheels and stickier tires (along with more track time for me) might eliminate his advantage. </p> <p>Cornering is much flatter than my '04 and not much different from what I was observing in his car ahead of me. Come off the gas and the car begins to turn in which helps set the line. The JCW brakes seemed to produce as much stopping power as my leader's Brembo setup. If there was any difference, it was not noticable. My taller gearing meant I could do with 3rd and 4th what he had to use 3rd, 4th and 5th for.</p> <p>I'm also very pleased with the LSD which let me accelerate through the roundhouse Turn 3 that previously I could only skate around with my '04 at the limit of adhesion and traction. LSD also allowed me to carry 20 more mph through Turn 15 onto the front straight which helped produce 115 mph at the start/finish. line. Understeer has been drastically reduced by the combination of JCW springs and shocks. I was originally planning on adding a rear sway bar to this car, but am putting it off now pending more track time to determine if it is really needed.</p> <p>The exhaust note is just right, the burbling backoff reminds me of Brit cars back in the day, and it makes sweet music in harmony with a Borla.</p> <p>To me this car is the epitome of early MINI production and as I am not a fan of turbos, will probably be my last one. But I intend to keep it for a long time.</p> I can report that the JCW team did an excellent job with the suspension and brakes. I did laps with a highly modified and race prepped S with light wheels and sticky tires, driven by a very experienced NASA driver at Thunderhill last Monday. Although I couldn’t close with and pass him, he couldn’t lose me either. My setup is 100% factory stock including heavy S-lites and the performance runflats. Lighter wheels and stickier tires (along with more track time for me) might eliminate his advantage.

Cornering is much flatter than my ‘04 and not much different from what I was observing in his car ahead of me. Come off the gas and the car begins to turn in which helps set the line. The JCW brakes seemed to produce as much stopping power as my leader’s Brembo setup. If there was any difference, it was not noticable. My taller gearing meant I could do with 3rd and 4th what he had to use 3rd, 4th and 5th for.

I’m also very pleased with the LSD which let me accelerate through the roundhouse Turn 3 that previously I could only skate around with my ‘04 at the limit of adhesion and traction. LSD also allowed me to carry 20 more mph through Turn 15 onto the front straight which helped produce 115 mph at the start/finish. line. Understeer has been drastically reduced by the combination of JCW springs and shocks. I was originally planning on adding a rear sway bar to this car, but am putting it off now pending more track time to determine if it is really needed.

The exhaust note is just right, the burbling backoff reminds me of Brit cars back in the day, and it makes sweet music in harmony with a Borla.

To me this car is the epitome of early MINI production and as I am not a fan of turbos, will probably be my last one. But I intend to keep it for a long time.

]]> By: Paul http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/23/a_quick_drive_in_the_2005_jcw_s/comment-page-2/#comment-14807 Paul Fri, 03 Jun 2005 17:26:28 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/23/#comment-14807 <p>I put my deposit down in March on a 2005 JCW MCS and am told the allocation to build it may come in September. Which means I may get it in November. Talk about patience as a requirement. Ouch!</p> I put my deposit down in March on a 2005 JCW MCS and am told the allocation to build it may come in September. Which means I may get it in November. Talk about patience as a requirement. Ouch!

]]> By: Frank http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/23/a_quick_drive_in_the_2005_jcw_s/comment-page-2/#comment-14806 Frank Sun, 22 May 2005 03:18:37 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/23/#comment-14806 <p>I’m a long time admirer and soon to be 1st time buyer of the Mini. Do to circumstances beyond my control I feel that an automatic with the Steptronic Transmission will be the best option for me. I understand that they now have an S with this transmission. Is there a JWC package for this model, & if not what can be done to increase the HP & by how much with out voiding the warrantee? </p> <p>Suggestions as to where to find a used one would be helpful. I hate the idea of paying a dealership a ton of money.</p> I’m a long time admirer and soon to be 1st time buyer of the Mini. Do to circumstances beyond my control I feel that an automatic with the Steptronic Transmission will be the best option for me. I understand that they now have an S with this transmission. Is there a JWC package for this model, & if not what can be done to increase the HP & by how much with out voiding the warrantee?

Suggestions as to where to find a used one would be helpful. I hate the idea of paying a dealership a ton of money.

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/23/a_quick_drive_in_the_2005_jcw_s/comment-page-2/#comment-14805 Gabe Sat, 16 Apr 2005 15:06:17 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/23/#comment-14805 <p>Aren't the 18" wheels still only 205mm wide (like the 17s)? I've have 215mm tires on my car for over two years now and have always had great wet weather grip. And living in Chicago I know something about wet weather :)</p> Aren’t the 18″ wheels still only 205mm wide (like the 17s)? I’ve have 215mm tires on my car for over two years now and have always had great wet weather grip. And living in Chicago I know something about wet weather :)

]]> By: Ian http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/23/a_quick_drive_in_the_2005_jcw_s/comment-page-2/#comment-14804 Ian Sat, 16 Apr 2005 14:41:52 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/23/#comment-14804 <p>The 18" wheels are very wide (worse in wet weather) and probably equipped with "performance" tires, designed for maximum dry grip - you could investigate different tires for better wet weather performance, but at a compromise to increased need for DSC on dry roads.</p> The 18″ wheels are very wide (worse in wet weather) and probably equipped with “performance” tires, designed for maximum dry grip – you could investigate different tires for better wet weather performance, but at a compromise to increased need for DSC on dry roads.

]]> By: reddbear http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/23/a_quick_drive_in_the_2005_jcw_s/comment-page-2/#comment-14803 reddbear Sat, 16 Apr 2005 06:07:20 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/23/#comment-14803 <p>Have had my 2005 JCW MCS Cabrio since February. 18" wheels. The power is fantastic. I even get a great kick while in 6th at 75mhp. This thing really shines. Drove a standard MCS rental while my MINI was in the shop for a couple of days, and whoa, is there a difference! Granted, the JCW option is not cheap, but the warranty combined with the fantastic grab and kick - too hard to pass up... </p> <p>I must admit though, that my Dunlop tires (forgot model number) on the Works 18" wheels make me slip and slide in any amount of water. I've freaked out on a number of occasion during the recent southern California storms. This doesn't seem normal to me. Any other's have thoughts?</p> <p>I have no LSD option, BTW.</p> <p>Cheers,</p> <p>-Jay Redd</p> Have had my 2005 JCW MCS Cabrio since February. 18″ wheels. The power is fantastic. I even get a great kick while in 6th at 75mhp. This thing really shines. Drove a standard MCS rental while my MINI was in the shop for a couple of days, and whoa, is there a difference! Granted, the JCW option is not cheap, but the warranty combined with the fantastic grab and kick – too hard to pass up…

I must admit though, that my Dunlop tires (forgot model number) on the Works 18″ wheels make me slip and slide in any amount of water. I’ve freaked out on a number of occasion during the recent southern California storms. This doesn’t seem normal to me. Any other’s have thoughts?

I have no LSD option, BTW.

Cheers,

-Jay Redd

]]> By: Jerry http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/23/a_quick_drive_in_the_2005_jcw_s/comment-page-2/#comment-14796 Jerry Mon, 04 Apr 2005 22:56:10 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/23/#comment-14796 <p>Been having great fun with my new Liquid Yellow MCS. After reading these postings and doing some other research I have found out several things:</p> <ol> <li><p>In Philadelphia the JCW tuning kit is $4650 + about $1300 labor plus tax;</p></li> <li><p>While it is possible to retrofit a LSD on the MCS, the dealer told me that they are not doing so, mostly because it is prohibitively expensive - instead a recommendation is to install a rear sway bar - maybe the H-Sport 25 mm - to stiffen the rear and help in cornering;</p></li> <li><p>Dealer told me that there wasn't much real need for the JCW Brake Kit (about a $1500 install) - great news for the pocket in most "normal" conditions.</p></li> </ol> <p>Any thoughts on this all would be appreciated.</p> <p>Thanks</p> <p>Jerry</p> Been having great fun with my new Liquid Yellow MCS. After reading these postings and doing some other research I have found out several things:

  1. In Philadelphia the JCW tuning kit is $4650 + about $1300 labor plus tax;

  2. While it is possible to retrofit a LSD on the MCS, the dealer told me that they are not doing so, mostly because it is prohibitively expensive – instead a recommendation is to install a rear sway bar – maybe the H-Sport 25 mm – to stiffen the rear and help in cornering;

  3. Dealer told me that there wasn’t much real need for the JCW Brake Kit (about a $1500 install) – great news for the pocket in most “normal” conditions.

Any thoughts on this all would be appreciated.

Thanks

Jerry

]]> By: David Kramer http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/23/a_quick_drive_in_the_2005_jcw_s/comment-page-1/#comment-14802 David Kramer Mon, 04 Apr 2005 10:29:38 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/23/#comment-14802 <p>I have finally broken in my 2005 JCW S Cabrio, just turned 1250 yesterday!! I bought mine in late December and had the JCW kit put on in January. In the US the JCW kit goes for $6000 installed($5200 for the kit plus $800 for install labor). The kit is absolutely amazing once its broken in, the engine pull from 5K to redline is just off the hook in every gear. I went this route due to the warranty and Im currently looking into other engine mods that I can do with out affecting my OEM warranty. One thing I was a little upset about is the intake they put on. Bascially they do nothing, but add a new filter and a nifty plastic top with a JCW logo......... BAAAAAAAAAAAAAH its crap.... Im looking to swap this out with the K&N Cold Air intake. After this I want to put in a Koni Stage III suspension(basically Koni Adjustables with a Graphich Strut Bar). Im hoping to get a warranty answer from the dealership this week... If all goes well, these babies are getting order ASAP... </p> <p>Happy Motoring :)</p> <p>:DK</p> I have finally broken in my 2005 JCW S Cabrio, just turned 1250 yesterday!! I bought mine in late December and had the JCW kit put on in January. In the US the JCW kit goes for $6000 installed($5200 for the kit plus $800 for install labor). The kit is absolutely amazing once its broken in, the engine pull from 5K to redline is just off the hook in every gear. I went this route due to the warranty and Im currently looking into other engine mods that I can do with out affecting my OEM warranty. One thing I was a little upset about is the intake they put on. Bascially they do nothing, but add a new filter and a nifty plastic top with a JCW logo……… BAAAAAAAAAAAAAH its crap…. Im looking to swap this out with the K&N Cold Air intake. After this I want to put in a Koni Stage III suspension(basically Koni Adjustables with a Graphich Strut Bar). Im hoping to get a warranty answer from the dealership this week… If all goes well, these babies are getting order ASAP…

Happy Motoring :)

:DK

]]> By: Jerry http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/23/a_quick_drive_in_the_2005_jcw_s/comment-page-1/#comment-14801 Jerry Sat, 02 Apr 2005 19:56:44 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/23/#comment-14801 <p>Thanks for the advice but then, as follow up, do you have further advice - is the LSD an option at this point? If not, would you recommend forgoing the JCW install?</p> Thanks for the advice but then, as follow up, do you have further advice – is the LSD an option at this point? If not, would you recommend forgoing the JCW install?

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/23/a_quick_drive_in_the_2005_jcw_s/comment-page-1/#comment-14800 Gabe Sat, 02 Apr 2005 19:43:03 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/23/#comment-14800 <p>Jerry - that price is way way higher than most I've seen. Typically prices (including install) are between $5500 - $6000.</p> <p>A word of warning - the combination of the new '05 gearing and the 210hp will make a MINI without LSD a handful in the corners.</p> Jerry – that price is way way higher than most I’ve seen. Typically prices (including install) are between $5500 – $6000.

A word of warning – the combination of the new ‘05 gearing and the 210hp will make a MINI without LSD a handful in the corners.

]]> By: Jerry http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/23/a_quick_drive_in_the_2005_jcw_s/comment-page-1/#comment-14799 Jerry Sat, 02 Apr 2005 18:46:24 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/23/#comment-14799 <p>Greetings to all:</p> <p>I am an owner of a new S Conv; I've had it for a little more than a week and, living in Philly, and given the cost quoted by the local dealership here for the JCW + install of $7,000, I was shying away from installation. But the comments are so positive, the power and fun quotient so high, I am reconsidering. Couple of questions:</p> <ol> <li>What is the going price in the U.S.? $7 grand seems a bit high - is it?;</li> <li>In addition to the installation of the JCW what other options are worth serious consideration - works suspension? works brakes? Seems as if LSC is not an option since the car has been in my possession for a week and already has a few hundred miles on it - am I correct about this?</li> </ol> <p>Thanks for the help</p> Greetings to all:

I am an owner of a new S Conv; I’ve had it for a little more than a week and, living in Philly, and given the cost quoted by the local dealership here for the JCW + install of $7,000, I was shying away from installation. But the comments are so positive, the power and fun quotient so high, I am reconsidering. Couple of questions:

  1. What is the going price in the U.S.? $7 grand seems a bit high – is it?;
  2. In addition to the installation of the JCW what other options are worth serious consideration – works suspension? works brakes? Seems as if LSC is not an option since the car has been in my possession for a week and already has a few hundred miles on it – am I correct about this?

Thanks for the help

]]> By: Andrew Lee http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/23/a_quick_drive_in_the_2005_jcw_s/comment-page-1/#comment-14798 Andrew Lee Sun, 20 Mar 2005 12:38:13 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/23/#comment-14798 <p>I have the same problem with the battery cable. It looks like the clip is not strong enough to keep that thick cable from pushing it up. I am bringing my JCW S next week to re-glue my JCW door sills. I will ask them about the cable</p> I have the same problem with the battery cable. It looks like the clip is not strong enough to keep that thick cable from pushing it up. I am bringing my JCW S next week to re-glue my JCW door sills. I will ask them about the cable

]]> By: matt http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/23/a_quick_drive_in_the_2005_jcw_s/comment-page-1/#comment-14797 matt Fri, 18 Mar 2005 20:16:38 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/23/#comment-14797 <p>900+ miles with the JCW tuning kit/JCW suspension/LSD and I really enjoy the improvement in handling over my 2004 JCW. The car feels more buttoned down, flatter, gives me more confidence in turns than the 2004 JCW. The Suspension makes it easier to rotate upon throttle lift(similar feeling to when I added my H-sport Comp bar to my 2004). Can't wait to add the H-sport Comp bar to the 2005. The Suspension is not at all harsh. The lowered ride of 1/2 inch is just right in my opinion. The revised gearing really helps acceleration. I can't wait until I can rev past 4500 rpm. My only complaint with the tuning kit, and I don't know if other JCW kit owners have this minor problem, is that the batttery cable doesn't securely attach to the air filter housing. Overall, a great MINI, and I'm really looking forward to getting to the track.</p> 900+ miles with the JCW tuning kit/JCW suspension/LSD and I really enjoy the improvement in handling over my 2004 JCW. The car feels more buttoned down, flatter, gives me more confidence in turns than the 2004 JCW. The Suspension makes it easier to rotate upon throttle lift(similar feeling to when I added my H-sport Comp bar to my 2004). Can’t wait to add the H-sport Comp bar to the 2005. The Suspension is not at all harsh. The lowered ride of 1/2 inch is just right in my opinion. The revised gearing really helps acceleration. I can’t wait until I can rev past 4500 rpm. My only complaint with the tuning kit, and I don’t know if other JCW kit owners have this minor problem, is that the batttery cable doesn’t securely attach to the air filter housing. Overall, a great MINI, and I’m really looking forward to getting to the track.

]]> By: gmini http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/23/a_quick_drive_in_the_2005_jcw_s/comment-page-1/#comment-14795 gmini Mon, 28 Feb 2005 03:03:00 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/23/#comment-14795 <p>I drove an 05 MCS with LSD in a snowy parking lot this past monday. You are one lucky MINI owner, Andrew Lee.</p> I drove an 05 MCS with LSD in a snowy parking lot this past monday. You are one lucky MINI owner, Andrew Lee.

]]> By: Andrew Lee http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/23/a_quick_drive_in_the_2005_jcw_s/comment-page-1/#comment-14794 Andrew Lee Wed, 23 Feb 2005 19:21:09 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/23/#comment-14794 <p>Here are some additional comments/differences from my 2004 S Works to 2005 S Works. Please understand that I am a very pleased Mini owner that is given his opinion.</p> <p>Dislikes: 1. Not sure if they were trying to save money here but the old NAV attenae (shark fine) was much nicer than the new one with attenae sticking out of it. It looks cheap.</p> <ol> <li><p>New Door handles on the inside have been changed to rubber/resin. I assume it is because some people reported freezing. They feel cheap in comparison to the chrome ones</p></li> <li><p>The new cup holder is just plain silly. I think that MINI could have embedded a cup holder that pops out of the dash like and Audi or Porsche. I took mine off. </p></li> <li><p>I do not want to pile on but the movement of the radio buttons to the front was a bad idea. I now have to look down and take my eyes off the road</p></li> </ol> <p>Likes:</p> <ol> <li><p>The car is always on at about 3200RPMS. I never used to drive in 6th but now I can and it always pulls</p></li> <li><p>3rd to 4th is a big difference now. My head snaps back when I jam on the pedal</p></li> <li><p>Sound is a bit deeper on the exhaust. </p></li> <li><p>The limited Slip is like having 4 all wheel drive with 2 wheels. I can feel it working. The grip limits are high. I will be changing tires next month. Interested on how it feels with no run flats</p></li> </ol> <p>regards,</p> <p>Andrew</p> Here are some additional comments/differences from my 2004 S Works to 2005 S Works. Please understand that I am a very pleased Mini owner that is given his opinion.

Dislikes: 1. Not sure if they were trying to save money here but the old NAV attenae (shark fine) was much nicer than the new one with attenae sticking out of it. It looks cheap.

  1. New Door handles on the inside have been changed to rubber/resin. I assume it is because some people reported freezing. They feel cheap in comparison to the chrome ones

  2. The new cup holder is just plain silly. I think that MINI could have embedded a cup holder that pops out of the dash like and Audi or Porsche. I took mine off.

  3. I do not want to pile on but the movement of the radio buttons to the front was a bad idea. I now have to look down and take my eyes off the road

Likes:

  1. The car is always on at about 3200RPMS. I never used to drive in 6th but now I can and it always pulls

  2. 3rd to 4th is a big difference now. My head snaps back when I jam on the pedal

  3. Sound is a bit deeper on the exhaust.

  4. The limited Slip is like having 4 all wheel drive with 2 wheels. I can feel it working. The grip limits are high. I will be changing tires next month. Interested on how it feels with no run flats

regards,

Andrew

]]> By: Edge http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/23/a_quick_drive_in_the_2005_jcw_s/comment-page-1/#comment-14793 Edge Wed, 23 Feb 2005 02:19:31 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/23/#comment-14793 <p>Cool... as you just clarified, Andrew - JCB kit IS available now... I just got off the phone with my MINI rep, and the kit is in and installed... apparently the first one in my area (Northern VA). I just wish the calipers came in blue (to match my all-Hyper Blue MINI), but no matter.</p> <p>Nice to hear about your experiences... I'm PSYCHED!</p> Cool… as you just clarified, Andrew – JCB kit IS available now… I just got off the phone with my MINI rep, and the kit is in and installed… apparently the first one in my area (Northern VA). I just wish the calipers came in blue (to match my all-Hyper Blue MINI), but no matter.

Nice to hear about your experiences… I’m PSYCHED!

]]> By: Andrew Lee http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/23/a_quick_drive_in_the_2005_jcw_s/comment-page-1/#comment-14792 Andrew Lee Wed, 23 Feb 2005 00:12:34 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/23/#comment-14792 <p>I just picked up my chili red 2005 Cooper S with LSD, works suspension, works brakes and works kit. I traded in my 2004 works to get the LSD. My first impression after 3 days is WOW! The car with the suspension is glued to the road and the LSD does work coming out of corners. I am extremely impressed with the balance and power in all gears. There is a noticable differences from a 2004 works to a 2005 works. Mostly due to the gearing of the 2005. I thought this car could not get better but it did. I just need to slow down because I am driving way to fast.</p> I just picked up my chili red 2005 Cooper S with LSD, works suspension, works brakes and works kit. I traded in my 2004 works to get the LSD. My first impression after 3 days is WOW! The car with the suspension is glued to the road and the LSD does work coming out of corners. I am extremely impressed with the balance and power in all gears. There is a noticable differences from a 2004 works to a 2005 works. Mostly due to the gearing of the 2005. I thought this car could not get better but it did. I just need to slow down because I am driving way to fast.

]]> By: Edge http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/12/23/a_quick_drive_in_the_2005_jcw_s/comment-page-1/#comment-14791 Edge Tue, 22 Feb 2005 19:39:03 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/12/23/#comment-14791 <p>I'm picking up my 05 MCS LSD w/JCW & JCS by the end of the week... very excited! I've also pre-paid for the JCB, but it won't be available for another month or two.</p> <p>My own observations will be as a newcomer to the MINIs though, so if Matt is coming from an older model, his comments may reveal more about the differences.</p> I’m picking up my 05 MCS LSD w/JCW & JCS by the end of the week… very excited! I’ve also pre-paid for the JCB, but it won’t be available for another month or two.

My own observations will be as a newcomer to the MINIs though, so if Matt is coming from an older model, his comments may reveal more about the differences.

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