JCW Strut Brace Released in the US

Mykl Milligan Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Any more pics of it? Does it come in different finishes?

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Chris Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Cheap too!

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Chris Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Nope, what you see is what you get. Chrome.

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sean Sep 9th, 2005 Link

i imagine it might be more beneficial on the convertible? might it reduce the shake?

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matt Sep 9th, 2005 Link

somebody explain to me how these braces work. the way i see it, there are still 2 hinges at where the mount connects with the bar. won’t the sides still move at those hinge points thus mitigating the benefit of the bar?

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Edge Sep 9th, 2005 Link

FINALLY. Sheesh. Now if they can just release the OEM Bluetooth retrofit kit (using the steering wheel controls), I’ll finally be happy.

Hmm, maybe the power folding mirror retrofit too, while they’re at it. :)

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05DSMCS Sep 9th, 2005 Link

matt:

This limits chasis movement to vertical movement only, which maintains the integrity of the suspension’s contact with the road during hard cornering.

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greg Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Are there legitimate cornering benefits to this? How much for install?

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matt Sep 9th, 2005 Link

don’t you want to limit that vertical movement too?

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Mike (The Office Maven) Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Now if they can just release the OEM Bluetooth retrofit kit (using the steering wheel controls), I’ll finally be happy.

They probably will once pigs begin to fly.

MINI USA is a total joke when it comes to their Bluetooth phone implementation. From what I hear, the new Bluetooth kit has been available in the U.K. for many months now (although it only supports a small number of Bluetooth phones so it’s pointless anyway). It has been nearly a year since the extra phone buttons were added to the MINI’s MFSW and still no sign of a proper Bluetooth kit from MINI to support them in the U.S. Oy!

I’ve just plain given up on MINI and have now gone with using MikeyTheMini’s Bluetooth kits instead. They’re much cheaper, super easy to install, and probably work much better anyways. Mikey now offers two Bluetooth kits that work with the new phone buttons on the MFSW (one from Nokia and one from Parrot) and several others that don’t (Nokia, Parrot, Sony Ericsson, etc.).

Since I really like being able to access my phone’s address book, see caller ID, etc. I’ve decided to go with Mikey’s Parrot 3100 Bluetooth kit that has a nice little LCD display. I’ve got one sitting here that I’m just about to install and I’ll be doing a write-up of it for Motoringfile as well.

Sorry for going so far off topic with this one, but MINI is really pissing me off with this Bluetooth stuff. It’s almost as bad as the silly nav data DVDs and the bloody weight weenies. :-)

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Tom Sep 9th, 2005 Link

It comes in Irridium, titanium and white gold for that price.

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Jono Sep 9th, 2005 Link

I’ve actually been steaming about the same thing Mike… I’ve contacted MINI through the owner’s lounge to only be placated by the chick at Customer Service… What MINI CS has told me is that the buttons are for the Euro market and that they have zero plans on making anything available for the US market. Here’s a copy of the body of my emails and responses from MINI… I think another MF Petition is in order…

Cheers

Jono

Emails from MINI:

Comments: I’d like to know when MINI is going to release a module to allow the use of the two unused buttons on the steering wheel. The bluetooth module that is offered is not enticing because it does not utilize those buttons. Some information as to what’s going on would be appreciated. Cheers.

“Thanks for contacting MINI. That is a great question.

The telephone buttons that you mention are not functional with the
Bluetooth system. They were added to the car, as they can be used
in Europe.

In order to make those buttons functional with the Bluetooth
system, our Bluetooth solution for MINI would have to make those
buttons functional. At this time, there are no plans to redesign
the system.”

Hi Amanda,
Thanks for the info! I have a follow up
question… If the buttons don’t work with bluetooth… What do they work with? I understand that they’re for a European market but what are the plans for the American market? There are quite a few minis here too… And we have cell phones…

Really I’d like to achieve the full functionality of my car and when people are oogling my car, as they do often, and they ask about the phone buttons I have to embarassingly say, “yeah… they don’t work…” and hear lots of complaints like “Oh…That’s really
lame…” And the reason for the comments is that everything else in the MINI is functional and working and operating… but there’s these
buttons that just sit there and don’t do anything… That’s just sad. Can you tell me what would change MINIUSA’s mind about the non functioning buttons? I can assure you I’m not the only one who is a little sad about this. Thanks again

Cheers Jono Dove

Hi Jonathan,

Thanks for the reply. I understand you wanting to use the buttons in the car. We are always looking for ways to improve the MINI. I will make sure that your comments are forwarded appropriately. If there are further questions I can assist with, please feel free to drop me an e-mail. I will be happy to lend a hand.

LET’S MOTOR. Amanda Cordell MINI Customer Relations and Services Representative
866.ASK.MINI (275-6464)

So basically, I feel like I’ve been completely ignored and placated. Not cool for a company like MINI who seems so customer experience focused. My vote is that they’ve dropped the ball on this one…

Additionally, Gabe, Sorry this is so off topic. Cheers

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KevinR Sep 9th, 2005 Link

I have an ‘04, so I have the useless LH middle button on the back of the wheel. But for the ’05s, here’s what I don’t understand: There already exists a plate for that side of the wheel that does not include the phone buttons. (The cars that originally got the 3 spoke wheel have it.) If they truly don’t intend to offer functionality of the phone buttons, why not just fit the wheels with the blank plate?

Oh, and for Mike: what’s the weight differential between the OE MINI Bluetooth kit and the Parrot kit? :)

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Mike (The Office Maven) Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Absolutely amazing! I’m totally flabbergasted by their response to you.

Come on MINI… Get your act together.

Many (if not all) of the U.S. BMW’s I see have the extra phone buttons on the steering wheel and they seem to work just fine. Why can’t MINI/BMW make the ones in our MINIs work in the U.S.???

If MINI/BMW had no plans on making the buttons work properly in the U.S.-based MINIs, then they should have just left in the old MFSW that didn’t have them. Instead, they give us buttons in our cars and then tell us that they’re only for use in Europe. What a load of B.S.

Viva la NewMiniStuff.com!

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Mike (The Office Maven) Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Oh, and for Mike: what’s the weight differential between the OE MINI Bluetooth kit and the Parrot kit? :)

Nice one… [GRIN]

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Edge Sep 9th, 2005 Link

I realize there are aftermarket Bluetooth solutions, but I want a solution that ties into my Navigation system as well – a 100% integrated system with no extra buttons, screens, or hassle. I am under the impression that the OEM system is what would meet my needs.

If an OEM retrofit kit for this exists in other countries, perhaps I could get it imported? Need to start with the part numbers though…

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Mike (The Office Maven) Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Edge,

I’m afraid not…

There is indeed a system like that offered by MINI (including voice commands for the nav, etc.), but it’s ONLY available in the U.K./Europe and it’s ONLY available from the factory (no dealer install available). I think that the system is near $2,000 installed from the factory as well.

From what I understand, the U.K.’s (dealer installed) Bluetooth kit is just like ours in that it will not integrate with the factory nav system.

Thus, I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for MINI to release a kit like that here in the U.S. (and if they did, it too would be a factory option only). They (i.e. MINI) may one day (despite what the lady at MINI CS told you) release an updated Bluetooth kit here in the U.S. that takes advantage of the extra phone buttons on the MFSW, but it will undoubtedly not integrate with the nav system I’m afraid.

If you want a kit like that (i.e. just like the one I have in my own MINI and that was reviewed here on MF), then the ONLY way you’re going to get it is via aftermarket.

I do understand you wanting to stick with OEM parts though. :)

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charlie Sep 9th, 2005 Link

And I thought this was a thread about the JCW Strut Brace! HIJACKED ONCE AGAIN !

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Josh Sep 9th, 2005 Link

I wonder when all these new JCW items are going to be added to the MINIUSA configurator?

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RB Sep 9th, 2005 Link

What the hell does BlueTooth have to do with this?!! Blau This!

I’m sure if JCW’s sells it it must have a benefit besides theie pocket book………..ya think.

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Mike (The Office Maven) Sep 9th, 2005 Link

And I thought this was a thread about the JCW Strut Brace! HIJACKED ONCE AGAIN !

What the hell does BlueTooth have to do with this?!! Blau This!

Sorry about that… I was off on a bit of a tangent I’m afraid. I’m done now and so it’s back to the JCW strut brace. Just think of it as a type of commercial. :-)

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Big Jimmy Sep 9th, 2005 Link

This is a good price for a quality (non eBay special) strut brace! now they need a matching rear strut brace

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Edge Sep 9th, 2005 Link

I’m sure if JCW’s sells it it must have a benefit besides theie pocket book………..ya think.

Ummm… yeah, kinda like the carbon fiber boot handle, mirror caps, and hood scoop?

Seriously though, I believe the strut brace will have some benefit, even if it’s a marginal one. I plan on getting it… other than the 18″ JCW wheels, it’s the only remaining performance-related JCW part I won’t have. And no, I don’t consider the JCW rear wing to count, since I won’t be able to get up to triple digit speeds often enough to matter.

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Gabe Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Ummm… yeah, kinda like the carbon fiber boot handle, mirror caps, and hood scoop?

Actually the hood scoop is lighter than the plastic one on the car. The mirror caps are another story however ;-)

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Gilbert Sep 9th, 2005 Link

I installed JCW suspension including Cold air I’m trying to intall this braced, I remove my old Helix will not fit due to JCW cold air box.. so I need one…

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ChrisW Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Sweet, for just under a GRAND I can get the strut bar AND the convertible wind blocker.

My question: do they throw in a complimentary kick to the crotch when they ring you up for these? Just to complete the experience?

Had I known my MINI was going to be such a bargain-shopper’s paradise, I would have bought three!

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Dave Chen Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Just to let you guys know, bmwparts@classicautocampus.com posted at NAM that they have about 100 of these JCW OEM Strut braces coming into stock, they’re offering them at $250 each…

Shipping to So. Cal was quoted to me at $12 so they’re not really burning you on a big S+H charge.

I’m seriously tempted…

Dave

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MINIAC Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Shipping to So. Cal was quoted to me at $12 so they’re not really burning you on a big S+H charge.

And a $12 shipping charge is less than CA sales tax ;)

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cbowens Sep 9th, 2005 Link

opps… sorry about the last post.. ichy trigger finger but order confirmed my April order this am for brace. I am glad I did not pay the almost 500 bucks CA for part. I would have been really pissed !!!!!

Nice

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Robert Sep 9th, 2005 Link

Gabe,

Do you think you’ll be able to get your hands on the official JCW Strut Brace install instructions soon???

I know it would be an easy item to install but I am also curious as to what is in those instructions that caused the months long hold-up.

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drew Sep 10th, 2005 Link

just had mine installed today (had it on order for a while now).

there is an immediate and noticeable imporovement in the feeling of the car – even with the jcw suspension installed. can’t comment on what it would feel like on a stock mcs, but in conjunction with the jcw suspension, wheels and brakes it sure does make the car feel solid!

cheers – drew

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ChiliCooperS Sep 10th, 2005 Link

I own a JCW Strut brace already along with the JCW Suspension Kit. They compliment each other perfectly. You do notice some difference it makes my Cooper S (Coupe) slightly tighter not as much as the JCW Suspension though! As for the finish for those who have the Cooper S, the finish is very close to that of the metal plate in your bottom door sill. I plan on adding the JCW Tuning Kit in Jan. and it will look totally bling with that!

The only thing JCW hasn’t come out with yet that I wish they would is a rear-swaybar. I hope this is in their plans for 2006!

Also if you install it yourself don’t be alarmed but one of the sides is bent, it’s to make it over the JCW Airbox (Ahh thinking ahead are they!)

Mikey

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ChiliCooperS Sep 10th, 2005 Link

Maybe we should send them a group email to tell them that a rear-swaybar is wanted!:)

Mikey

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Gabe Sep 10th, 2005 Link

The only thing JCW hasn’t come out with yet that I wish they would is a rear-swaybar. I hope this is in their plans for 2006!

This most likely will never happen due to liability concerns. It’s an unfortunate by-product of the society we we live in.

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ChiliCooperS Sep 12th, 2005 Link

why is that?

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CooperS7 Sep 15th, 2005 Link

i agree with the earlier comment about the apparent end-link construction of the bar. Horrible! For $300+, it should have the magnesium-alloy 2-pound design of the UUC bar for bmw’s: http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/STB/uniqueuucbar.html

And as far as steering/phone intergration controls, there are several companies out there, EISKits (which i used on a bmw) for one is GREAT, on the other hand i have been hearing absolute horror stories about junk being pawned off on people by Advanced Autovations/TVonNAV.

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CooperS7 Sep 16th, 2005 Link

Hey again, for pics of the new JCW swaybar, it is on eBay, item #8000621310

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MINI-COOPER-S-STRUT-SWAY-BAR-OEM-JCW-WORKS-NEW-R95-R90_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33591QQitemZ8000621310

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