Factory JCW Kit Confirmed for '06 Model Year

Sections: JCW | R52 (Conv.) | R53 (Coupe) Jul 14th, 2005 82 Comments

mini

As we reported back in early April, MINI will begin to offer a few select John Cooper Works accessories straight from the factory for the 2006 model year. We’re happy to report that this has now been officially confirmed and the option will be made available for 10/05 production. Additionally we can also confirm the full JCW factory offerings will be made available to the US market.

But the really good news is that this is not just a few accessories that will be available from the Oxford Plant, but the full JCW Engine Kit. The factory JCW Engine upgrade will be available for both the Cooper S hardtop and the Cooper S convertible (with manual transmission only). In addition to the engine upgrade, MINI will include the JCW Sport Brake kit and the Limited Slip Differential in the package as well. It would seem that BMW/MINI engineers weren’t keen on adding all that power from the factory without giving the car some stronger stopping power and didn’t feel it was appropriate for 210 bhp to go through the front wheels without LSD. Because of larger brakes however, MINIs with the factory JCW package bound for the US will have to be equipped with either the (US Spec) Sport Package or the Checkmate Package. This apparently is due to the brake kit needing 17″ wheels to clear the calipers, a feature both of these packages offer.

Costs for the kit haven’t been announced but we should have more 2006 model year details coming in the days and weeks ahead…

Update: The European version of the kit will come standard with the new 16″ Bridge Spoke wheels instead of requiring 17″ wheels. The Bridge Spokes (unlike other OEM 16″ wheels) are designed to clear the JCW Sport Brake calipers. You can download the entire German price sheet for the 2006 MINI (including info on the JCW factory option) here.

Update 2: Now for the news many of you have really been waiting for, factory JCW Package pricing for the US. As we mentioned previously this package (code 3AL) will come with limited slip differential ($500), JCW Brake kit ($1056) and of course the JCW Engine Kit ($4775). Now add up those three and you get a surprisingly close idea of what the option costs. The factory JCW kit (including both options just mentioned) will retail for $6300.

Written By: Gabe

revwillie

New acronym? JCW-CM? OK, now I just need to know how much it will cost so I can start selling everything else I own.
Edge

Hmm – I wonder if the SCCA will finally recognize the JCW kit in the “stock” class? And if they do, will that apply to previous model years as well, or only to 2006s?
http://www.gbmini.net/ Ian

Manual transmission only – beginning to look like the JCW may never appear for the auto MCS …
rustyb

Nice. Finally, putting the customer ahead of the dealer…
mataku

God i want one.. but dang it’s gonna be one expensive car.
Vaper

Gabe: Great news indeed. Any word on if it will be available starting with the September production?
razorbackmini

I am awaiting the 07 model change. Can we assume that MINI is also planning the immediate application of the factory JCW kit to 07 models?
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

I am awaiting the 07 model change. Can we assume that MINI is also planning the immediate application of the factory JCW kit to 07 models?

I would expect there to be some lag time from the R56 introduction to the JCW version of that car. Look at the M3 for example. It takes BMW up to two years to release it from the point a new 3 series is released.

Gabe: Great news indeed. Any word on if it will be available starting with the September production?

Starting with 10/05 production – as stated in the above article ;-)
Steve

Since a JCW kit for 2007 would have to be all new, as the engine will be all new. I would imagine that a JCW kit will lag behind by as much as 6 months.
Rob Rudorf

I know these are premium small cars but i can already see the sticker price on a loaded S model approaching 40K which puts it into 330i territory. Since BMW is selling every single car that lands here in the US, a price reduction is not in the cards. Yikes!
Ken

Now IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢m confused. So the “06″ will be supercharged and the “07″ turbo?? How will JCW change for the turbo MCS.

And why would you want an Auto trans with all that extra horsepower. Just to waist it? In reality the auto trans might have issues with handling the extra ponies. Just a guess.
Luke

Any word on pricing?
http://www.bancroftsonline.com Sean Bancroft

I wonder if the total price paid for JCW will be less now since the customer will no longer be paying a dealer for labor?
http://www.bluegrassminis.com Jason

I’m with revwillie. Time to start selling everything else I own…
Chris

Not only are you not paying labor, but Mini is saving on the displaced parts, so it should be cheaper than the $5500 it would cost for the dealer kit + brake kit currently. How much cheaper is the question. It really should be like $2500, but I’m guessing the badge will cost us another $1400, for a $3900 total.

Not sure I’d pay $4k for it, but I’d be tempted. :)
mataku

I wonder if the total price paid for JCW will be less now since the customer will no longer be paying a dealer for labor?

I think this was one of the benefits many were looking forward too. Or at least I would hope that it would cost less than a dealer install.
Z4MINI

“Not only are you not paying labor, but Mini is saving on the displaced parts, so it should be cheaper than the $5500 it would cost for the dealer kit + brake kit currently. “

I dunno, but your dealer based price seems CHEAP from what I have seen others pay. Sounds like that is closer to the PARTS ONLY price. Plus this kit has an LSD which no dealer will install.
Z4MINI

OK…maybe it doesn’t have an LSD. I re-read Gabe’s posting and maybe I was confused the first time around.
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

OK…maybe it doesn’t have an LSD. I re-read Gabe’s posting and maybe I was confused the first time around.

LSD is included in the kit.
Paul

This is great news but I don’t think I’ll wait another two months to get the package when my MCS is shceduled for production next month. I think I’ll think I’ll add the JCW brake kit based on what the writeup points out. Already have the lsd and sports package on my list.
Andromcs

I get the better of this more, but after having our ’05 MCS since Feb. ’05 which has the sport package, LSD, Bullets, etc.. I don’t see any need for more power or speed. I have yet to reach this car’s full potential and as I have said before, I might be scared once I reach that point! The regular MCS is fast!
Mark

Gabe,

Any mention of the JCW suspension being part of the package or of the the lightweight special edition?
TooLShack

Awesome news Gabe, now it’s time to start saving and sell the 04 MCS. I still love my 04 but buying a new house next month so I could use the reduction in debt. But in the spring of 06, it’s time for a new Mini. JCW with “english leather” seats and I will be set!
Allan

My guess is that the cost will be upwards of $36,000 for sure.

I just hope I can talk myself out of selling my soul to purchase an 06′ JCW MCS
JiminVirginia

I personally would pay $4K, maybe even $5K, for the package. This still gives you an MCS under $30K, unless you splurge on other options. If I did this, I’d be transitioning my coilovers and sway bar over to the new 2006 car from my 2005.

What am I thinking? I just got the 2005!
Rollin

Any word if the MC (non-S) JCW exhaust and/or suspension will be available from the factory?
JAG

I just saw a fully loaded MCS-JCW with a sticker (shock) of 46k at a MINI showroom. Only original MINI parts. Any takers?
https://secure.mawebcenters.com/wc/sd_websites/spirit2/ O(=^=)O Capn

I think it will be a little less expensive, just to compete with the Dinan package.
meanboy

“I just saw a fully loaded MCS-JCW with a sticker (shock) of 46k at a MINI showroom. Only original MINI parts. Any takers?”

Is that the silver one that’s on ebay?

Once the pricing comes out I might order a 06 with the JCW and sell our 04. Good thing I didn’t mod it yet. :)
Union Jack

In Germany we habe allready the Pricelist for the 10/05 production…

in Germany the JCW Package costs 4650,- Euro so that may give you a hint…

you can download the new pricelist on http://www.mini2ig.de/forum
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

Based on that I’m guessing MINIUSA will push for at least a $5,000 price point. Of course this is just an estimated guess at this point.
Luke

5k sounds like a good deal to me. Now would I really want a new MINI in Nov and have to drive it through the harsh NE winter.
Chris

I wonder if the package price includes the sport package and LSD, or are you just forced to add those two options (and pay for them) when you choose the Works package?

If 4650 Euro includes the LSD and SP, it’s a good price.
nina simone

FAB reporting, Gabe. Driving an 03 nearly out of warranty. Sell & get an 05 or 06 in-between the R56? => Open for suggestions, all. ;D
Melanie

If the JCW brakes need a minimum of 17 inch wheels, can they be fitted to my 17 inch bullet spokes?

I find it interesting that the BMW/MINI engineers won’t sell the new JCW without the LSD. This reinforces my earlier dilemma about getting the JCW tuner kit added to my November 2004 build 2005 MCSC (hence non-LSD equipped) car. I had fears that perhaps the extra power might create some unwanted handling issues for me, which I wasn’t sure I wanted to risk considering the (considerable) added cost involved. So, I settled on a “near beer” version of JCW, that is the JCW intake, JCW catback exhaust and (soon) Webb Motorsports 15% Alta pulley and JCW 18″ wheels. I wanted to retain the car as OEM as possible, and figured that with this combination, I’d be reasonably OK with any warranty issues (Randy has his own warranty to the pulley, which – at the 15% size – has faired quite well historically over the past few years, so I feel it’s a “safe” gamble). In addition, I should theoretically have about 190 -195 HP when all are installed! Considering that I got the parts either lightly used or new, my total cost thus far, for the JCW intake and JCW catback exhaust has been $1200 installed. The pulley will run me another $400 (installed). So, around $1600 for a kind of “JCW Jr.” – which I think is not bad for the JCW bling, the added HP, keeping close to OEM, etc.

I see that there is talk about JCW suspension possibly coming out for the Cabrio. I may have to have that!!!
Jack Wolfe

I have been waiting for this bit of news to know when to place the order.

I have one built and the price I came up with is 38 that is MCS with all premium pacs plus all JCW kits engine, brakes, suspension, 18s

I would now like to add the seats on the park lane and I am set, if I place order in Oct it will make a nice Christmas gift to myself, what is nice is my wife is excited for me as well
Frank

$38K for a new MINI?

Don’t think so.

I paid $22K for my ’05 MCS.

To each thier own I guess.
SF

Here’s a link to the Germany 2006MY price list (in German of course, and does not include the cabrio): http://dl4.rapidshare.de/files/2962079/45028412/ministandseptember_2005.pdf
SF

Sorry about my previous link. It’s a free sharing site and you have to start here: http://rapidshare.de/files/2962079/ministandseptember2005.pdf.html Scroll down and click on the “Free” button. Then the next page, scroll down to he bottom and click where it says “Download: ministandseptember2005.pdf”
Greg W

Call me old fashioned, but… Putting a JCW kit on an automatic model takes away the old purist “race car” effect. Old Classic Coopers were never offered in automatic (probably because the old 4 speed would not cope), and race and rally cars never used automatics. However, I can’t see how the John Cooper Works people can now be exclusive if the MINI factory is fitting their gear. It appears they have been relegated to “subsidiary” status. Keep the top of the line performance model in manual trans only.
Davislove

very interesting, the key piece of information will be the price
http://www.alldigitalnyc.com drew

fair enough gregg – but as a proud owneer of an mcsa i can tell you the car is a blast to drive and the paddles offer their own brand of fun – especially living in an urban enviornment like new york and then getting out to the hamptons or westchester for some fun on the backroads. i have spoken with the folks at jcw in the uk and they asuure me that the kit will be released once bmw has signed off on it. i would be very surprised to see it scrubbed at this point as the mcsa seems to be a complete success and their are plenty of people already lined up for this kit.

as for jcw now being relegated to a subsidiary – i think you might have a point! not sure how this is going to change things – but the dealers’ jcw install biz is surely going to get whacked to some degree… only time will tell.

i for one am still chomping at the bit for the kit – although i must admit ehst tock mcsa with the addition of the jcw exhaust and air filter are really more than enough power for my neck of the woods. i’m just too close to not finish it off though ; )

cheers – drew
SF

The JCW Kit described by Gabe appears to be specific to the US. The JCW kit in the German price list has no mention of LSD and includes 16″ Bridge Spoke wheels/runflats (along with the red JCW brakes, so it seems 17″ is not a requirement).
greg

Hey Greg W. You can’t say that stuff here. If you think the whine of the JCW supercharger is loud…..
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

The JCW Kit described by Gabe appears to be specific to the US. The JCW kit in the German price list has no mention of LSD and includes 16″ Bridge Spoke wheels/runflats (along with the red JCW brakes, so it seems 17″ is not a requirement).

Yeah that’s a very interesting difference. The 16″ Bridge Spoke seem to be made specifically to fit the JCW Brake kit… and help keep the JCW cost down the EU market. That said I just don’t think they fill out the big wheel wells successfuly.

BTW the LSD will actually be part of the kit… that’s probably why it wasn’t mentioned.
JAG

meanboy, I don’t know if it is the one in ebay but it is at Braman MINI here in Miami, its dark gray, all options and the whole JCW catalog, saw it last week when I picked up my MCS for much, much less, not beacuse I wanted to, but… the Lottery hasn’t been kind to me lately.
http://www.iinet.net.au/~sun/dlhome/ JBFromOZ

Now all i need to hear is the AWD option availability, and i trade in my MY05 JCW MCS, i was in pre 01/05 delivery, so no LSD, a few other niggles since, main issue for me was trading out and losing my JCW kit without being able to replace it fully
Paul

Greg and GregW,

I am a long-time lurker, hungrily absorbing all of the MINI information generously provided by Gabe and other contributors. I have explicitly avoided entering any arguments over the merits or pitfalls of the automatic-equipped MCS, but have decided to voice my opinions as a recently-handicapped driving enthusiast who is anxiously awaiting his opportunity to own an MCS. I apologize for veering off-topic.

I lost my left leg and knee after being run over by a truck. The accident also crushed my right leg, making it impossible for me to press the gas or brake pedals in a car. After spending seven months in various hospitals, I learned to drive with hand controls. Since I spend most of my life in a wheelchair, driving a car is the clearest expression of independence that I have — despite my disabilities, I can get myself wherever I need to go.

I am a lifelong gearhead, and owned several vintage motorcycles and manual transmission-equipped cars before my accident. Now, I am relegated to driving cars with automatic transmissions. When you make fun of people who drive automatic-equipped MINIs, or demand that MINI only offer JCW-equipped cars with a manual, please try to think of enthusiasts such as myself who spent years looking at MCS’s on dealer lots, unable to drive one because of physical disabilities. Try to think how happy it makes people like me to be able to purchase an MCS with an automatic transmission, and how my purchase has absolutely no effect on your ability to enjoy your manual transmission.

I dragged my girlfriend to our local MINI dealership two days after it opened for business to ogle the MCS. One of the Motoring Advisors used to let my girlfriend “test drive” an MCS while I sat in the passenger seat, listening to her describe how the car felt through tight turns. Try to imagine how sad I was, knowing that at the age of 26, I would again never be able to drive a car like the MCS. I dreamed of owning an MCS for years, but my physical disability made it an impossibility until MINI offered an automatic transmission. Now, I’m back in graduate school and financial restrictions will probably keep me from buying a MCSa, but I am very grateful to MINI for providing me with the option.

I would be equally grateful if other MINI enthusiasts took a moment to think about how happy they were when they took delivery of their MCS, and to then imagine how happy a physically disabled person would feel to be given the opportunity to buy such a car. People such as myself were denied the simple pleasure of MCS ownership until MINI offered an automatic transmission. Why would you begrudge me this?
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

Thanks for sharing that Paul. I hope it puts this tired anti-auto arguement to rest and some of our meaningless arguments in perspective. You’re a perfect example of why the MCSa is a great addition to the MINI line.

BTW it’s people like yourself that have made me appreciate the availability of the auto.
isellem

I hope that last post does put the automatic debate to bed! I have been saying that for a long time now! I have soooo many customers who physically cannot drive a manuel! this is a great oportunity for others to join in the fun and experiance of owning a cooper S!

also concerning pricing… to the people who are not excited about paying at least 4gs for the jcw kit… think of it this way… you spent an extra 3500 for 40hp before (round numbers) you should probably expect to pay it again… at least this time you will get upgraded brakes with it!

Cheers!

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