MINI USA Officially Releases the R56 JCW Kit

Sections: JCW | Official News | R56 (Coupe) Aug 28th, 2007 34 Comments

MINI USA has officially sent dealers information on the new US Specification JCW Engine Kit. There is one key difference between the US version of the kit and the version sold in Europe. While the normal kit gets a new “exhaust manifold”, the US version does not. Why you ask? Apparently the US cars have been getting the upgraded exhaust manifold all along.

JCW Kits meant for demo cars were sent to a handful of US dealers late last week and should be ready for test drives later this week. Among the dealers chosen by MINI USA to debut the car are MotoringFile sponsors Knauz MINI and Prestige MINI.

Here’s an excerpt from the official release sent to dealers:

We have already launched a wide range of sport accessories for the R56 under the John Cooper Works Brand. However, a tuning kit, the product which made JCW so successful in the US was missing in the product line. Aftersales is therefore very pleased to announce the release of the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the (model year ‘07) MINI Cooper S hardtop with manual transmission.

The new John Cooper Works tuning kit drives the MINI Cooper S to completely new heights of performance. The kit boosts the output of the Twin Scroll turbocharged engine to 189 hp (SAE) (141 kW). The maximum torque is 185 Nm between 1750 and 5000 rpm. In fact, with the over boost function, temporary peak values of as much as 200 lb-ft are possible in the range from 1750 to 4500 rpm.

The tuning kit for the R52/R53 was somewhat costly and required very labor intensive installation. The new R56 tuning kit has been developed more towards an Aftersales Dealer installation. The new tuning kit has a MSRP of $2,100 and a recommended installation time of 2hrs.

The new kit includes for improved power output new air filter housing and new exhaust system whitch improves exhaust guidance flow. The combination of the new air filter and the exhaust provides sportier interior and exterior sound. For a more aggressive look, the tips of the dual exhaust are significantly larger than the stock exhaust tips. A special ECU programming provides faster throttle response, leading to an increased performance feel. John Cooper Works badging on the front grille, the boot lid and on top of the air filter are obvious signs that the car is powered by a JCW engine.

Sales features/Benefits

Improved performance

Sporty Sound

Optical differentiation through the exhaust and the John Cooper Works badges

Limited New Vehicle Warranty is maintained

John Cooper Works tuning kits are designed and developed according to the guiding philosophy that only serious tuning can satisfy the high requirements of the BMW Group. This particularly applies in terms of endurance, effect on other components and compliance with statutory regulations. After all, tuning is not just a question of improved performance but also of quality and safety. John Cooper Works tuning kits are set apart from many other tuning kits available on the open market.

Customers may ask why the kit produces only 189hp as the R53 kit produced 207hp. First of all the kit is priced lower with a significantly lower installation time. Tuning the R56 engine to higher hp and maintaining the Limited New Vehicle Warranty would require the change of additional components which would raise the installation time as well as the price of the kit. The best way to sell the kit to a customer is the comparison of the acceleration times on both models. The JCW R56 meets the same 6.5s from 0 to 60 as the 207hp R53. This is possible due to significantly higher torque at low and medium revs.

	R56 JCW	R53 JCW
0-60 mph	6.5s	6.5s
50 â€“ 75mph (4th gear)	5.3s	6.4s
50 â€“ 75mph (5th gear)	6.6s	6.7s
50 â€“ 75mph (6th gear)	7.6s	8.9s

Warranty

The consistent overall technical concept also means that the JCW tuning kits have successfully passed the extreme loads of extensive hot and cold endurance tests conducted by the BMW Group development departments. As a result of these tests the MINI New Vehicle Limited Warranty is retained.

The JCW Tuning Kit is a genuine MINI Part covered by the two-year / unlimited mile MINI Parts and Accessory Warranty if installed by an authorized MINI dealer. In addition, it will be covered for the remainder of the MINI New Vehicle Limited Warranty, whichever is greater.

ORDERING OF the Tuning Kit

To make sure all John Cooper Works Tuning Kit installations are registered with the warranty department, the tuning kits need to be ordered VIN specific. Every kit comes with a CD containing a release code (VIN number specific) allowing the installation only for that specific car. The release code is required to install the John Cooper Works ECU software. The CD is protected by a special seal. If the seal is broken, the tuning kit can not be returned to the RDC for credit.

John Cooper Works Tuning Kit Part #: 11 12 0 440 236

Written By: Gabe

34 Comments

gwalsh Aug 28th, 2007 Link

The US spec cars already have the manifold installed from the factory.

TSizemore3 Aug 28th, 2007 Link

What’s with tieing the ECU software to a specific VIN? It sounds like most of the increased power will come simply from the software upgrade. I guess MINI figures that people will soon find that out and were afraid that people would simply borrow the CD of ECU software from someone who did buy the kit and then combine it with lower cost aftermarket intakes and exhaust systems.

I can forsee some problems with this scheme down the road. In a few years,what happens if you find a wrecked JCW car in a salvage yard and want to try to transfer the kit to another car. Will they provide the release code for another car?

I think I’d wait for the stage 2 kit.

drew Aug 28th, 2007 Link

well that explains the 2007 jcw monster car i saw being assembled at prestige yesterday… the certificate was kit #00047. the car was red, looked exactly like the car in the jcw brochure and completely decked out with every jcw doodad you could ever imagine. i also saw the jcw suspension kit sitting next to it (still in the box) so i would guess this car is going to be the holy grail of jcw demo cars.

Gabe Aug 28th, 2007 Link

I can forsee some problems with this scheme down the road. In a few years,what happens if you find a wrecked JCW car in a salvage yard and want to try to transfer the kit to another car. Will they provide the release code for another car? I think Iâ€™d wait for the stage 2 kit.

BMW would certainly work with dealers in a situation like that. I don’t see why that hypothetical situation alone would make you steer clear of this kit.

glenn Aug 28th, 2007 Link

I look forward to a review detailing the measurable performance improvements and, maybe more important, the change in driving feel. Coming soon, Gabe?

Gabe Aug 28th, 2007 Link

I look forward to a review detailing the measurable performance improvements and, maybe more important, the change in driving feel. Coming soon, Gabe?

Soon-ish. I wish I would have had it for my BMWCCA track weekend at Putnum Park this past Saturday and Sunday. The combination of the suspension and extra power would have been interesting. More power up high would have certainly changed a shift-point that I debated about all weekend. That said, the stock car with the JCW suspension wasn’t exactly a push-over. I passed every generation of M3 ever made. In fact the only thing that was outright faster once I got acclimated to the track on the second day was a 997 GT3. There may eventually be some video of it elsewhere on the web if you look hard :)

Josh Wardell Aug 28th, 2007 Link

I wonder if the new JCW exhaust tips are the same size as the old JCW tips. I find I don’t like the R56 exhaust design and the JCW is much nicer, but I would think they would need to be much larger in diameter or else they would look smaller than the standard ones.

nuvolari Aug 28th, 2007 Link

So, about $2400 installed for an intake, exhaust and ECU flash. I calculate that to be about $1000 too much.

jas cooper Aug 28th, 2007 Link

They probably got the VIN number thing from Harley. It’s a way of protecting intellectual property and making sure if you get another MINI down the road, you have to spend the $2000+ again.

MINI MAN Aug 28th, 2007 Link

GREAT INFORMATION. I MANAGE A MINI PARTS DEPT. AS OF 8/28 I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY OF THIS INFO OR HOW TO ORDER THIS WITH VIN #. ICALLED 2 OTHER DEALERS IN CALIFORNIA AS WELL. THEY BOTH TELL ME THAT THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION EITHER. I KNOW MINI USES MOTORING FILE FOR FREE ADVERTISEMENT BUT IF GABES INFO WAS NOT AS THOROUGH IT WOULD DEFENITELY MAKE MY JOB HARDER. I HAVE USED YOUR WEB SITE OVER AND OVER AGAIN FOR ADVANCED PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE. THANKS AGAIN GABE AND PLEASE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

LannyMCS Aug 28th, 2007 Link

Hmmm…..the acceleration numbers on the chart demonstrate the superior torque of the the R56 JCW package, but I’m not going to drag anybody from 50-75 in 4th gear, let alone 6th. Why didn’t they include a 3rd gear pull? Because the R56 would LOSE……

cct1 Aug 28th, 2007 Link

I’m not so sure it would lose in third gear. It looks like the R56 JCW has significantly more pull down low than the R53 JCW (Which I own), and this would be very welcome on the track. I’m holding on to my R53 for awhile though–its so much fun on the track, I can’t justify changing to the R56 just yet. The Stage II JCW will probably be the thing that gets me out of my current MINI, especially if some of the things I don’t like visually on the R56 are addressed, which I suspect they will be.

robble Aug 28th, 2007 Link

LannyMCS Aug 28th, 2007 Link Hmmmâ€¦..the acceleration numbers on the chart demonstrate the superior torque of the the R56 JCW package, but Iâ€™m not going to drag anybody from 50-75 in 4th gear, let alone 6th. Why didnâ€™t they include a 3rd gear pull? Because the R56 would LOSEâ€¦â€¦

How do you figure? 0-60 the same and every other pull is faster. Sounds like someone is hitting the crack pipe of jealousy.

LoL

mikeyjaro Aug 28th, 2007 Link

I wonder what LannyMCS drives.. Lucky for him – he got the last good MCS JCW.. sorry for the rest of us.. its all downlhill (in 4th, 5th and 6th).. ;) C’mon MINI – bring back the old days.. Maybe MINI can make a Delorean… bring it up to 88 and then I can snag an R53 MCS.

U.S. R56 MINI Cooper S owners finally get the JCW treatment-- Ride Care Depot Aug 28th, 2007 Link

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Autoblog : U.S. R56 MINI Cooper S owners finally get the JCW treatment Aug 28th, 2007 Link

Scott Davidson Aug 28th, 2007 Link

I’m wondering if this lower powered JCW kit will be available on the R56 with an automatic.

emtrey Aug 28th, 2007 Link

looks like they screwed up the torque figures in the release– 185 nm torque ( 1750-5000 rpm) then 200 ft/lbs on overboost.

maybe the 0-60 time should have said 5.6…wouldn’t that be nice ?

Beecher Aug 28th, 2007 Link

hmmm, well, so this is basically a JCW sound kit for the new S then. Kind of interesting. Other than the manifold, which US cars already have anyway. Im a big JCW fan, so that doesnt bother me, i just find it interesting that the new s “kit” is basically the “old” cooper sound kit, for all intensive purposes.

and talking about porsches, my friend in his 03 JCW literally chased one off the track in a corner, haha, he wishs he had is camera rolling for that one!

Beecher

Gabe Aug 28th, 2007 Link

hmmm, well, so this is basically a JCW sound kit for the new S then. Kind of interesting. Other than the manifold, which US cars already have anyway. Im a big JCW fan, so that doesnt bother me, i just find it interesting that the new s “kit” is basically the “old” cooper sound kit, for all intensive purposes.

Not really. The “Sound Kit” gave essentially no power gain. The new R6 MCS JCW kit adds quite a bit of power and torque.

I wonder if the new JCW exhaust tips are the same size as the old JCW tips. I find I donâ€™t like the R56 exhaust design and the JCW is much nicer, but I would think they would need to be much larger in diameter or else they would look smaller than the standard ones.

Yes they are quite a bit larger.

Iâ€™m wondering if this lower powered JCW kit will be available on the R56 with an automatic.

We’ve written about this before. Be sure to check the “JCW” section for details.

todd Aug 28th, 2007 Link

Just to throw a little JCW GP comparison into the mix – the GP’s “official” 0-60 mph time is 0.1 sec. faster at 6.4 sec. (0-62 mph in 6.5) with 184 lb/ft torque, nearly identical to the new JCW torque of 185 lb/ft. So for this comparison the JCW GP is still faster with 25 more hp – 214 vs. 189.

BTW the GP’s 50-75 mph times are identical to the R56 JCW, theoretically, due to the identical torque figures.

All this being said, it is impressive that the R56 JCW with 13 percent fewer hp is nearly a match the the JCW GP. The stage II JCW next year should put the car over the top of the GP for sure.

Revhed Aug 28th, 2007 Link

…the acceleration numbers on the chart demonstrate the superior torque of the the R56 JCW package, but Iâ€™m not going to drag anybody from 50-75 in 4th gear, let alone 6th

I would guess that the 3rd gear figures are similar given the 0-60 times. Having owned both an R53 JCW and an R56 I really miss the top end power – I hope the kit addresses this somewhat.

I passed every generation of M3 ever made.

So Gabe are you suggesting that the R56 with JCW suspension is faster than the current and previous generation M3’s (!) …or that you are an awesome driver… ;-)

Gabe Aug 28th, 2007 Link

So Gabe are you suggesting that the R56 with JCW suspension is faster than the current and previous generation M3â€™s (!) â€¦or that you are an awesome driverâ€¦ ;-)

:-)

I think that 99% of MINI owners(!) vastly under-estimate their own car’s track prowess. Completely stock the 2007 MCS (and to a very slightly lesser extent the previous version) are extremely capable on the track. I think this talk of a tenth here and a tenth there plus all the countless hours wasted on auguring about modifications can be pretty laughable when you actually spend quite a bit of quality time on the track with professional instruction. It can be fun to debate but at the end of the day these cars are very capable straight from the factory. I’ve found that 99% of the time the limiting factor is what is between the driver’s ears.

nuvolari Aug 28th, 2007 Link

Revhead, I can give you one data point. I was able to consistently outpace an 2004 M3 on the track in my R53 JCW+ (without LSD). The recent M3s are bloated luxo-barges, at nearly 3800lbs. That is a lot of mass to slow down and turn.

Gabe Aug 28th, 2007 Link

Revhead, I can give you one data point. I was able to consistently outpace an 2004 M3 on the track in my R53 JCW+ (without LSD). The recent M3s are bloated luxo-barges, at nearly 3800lbs. That is a lot of mass to slow down and turn.

Totally agree… but for the record the E46 weighs in at 3400lbs in the US. As a comparison my E46 3 Series wagon only weighs in at 3362lbs (less than the new 135i as well!). The Iron block on the E46 M3 is where most of the added weight comes from.

Brian Aug 28th, 2007 Link

Gabe

You would not happen to know if there are any JCW packages being sent into the houston area? I know there is a prestige Mini in houston, but are they the same Prestige?

Brian

LannyMCS Aug 28th, 2007 Link

How do you figure? 0-60 the same and every other pull is faster. Sounds like someone is hitting the crack pipe of jealousy.

I think there’s plenty to like about the R56, and the price of this package is a welcome surprise; now you can do a stripped S with just LSD and the JCW tune and be at around 24K, which wasn’t remotely possible with the R53.

But, I guess I’m just used to the next gen cars being demonstrably better than their predecessor, and I would have expected a bigger leap in acceleration than what we’re seeing here. I’m certainly not jealous if by some chance this R56 JCW is a tick or two faster than my car; with the light weight and what we’ve seen from other turbo designs, I would have expected this car to be way faster…….plus I’ve still got the burble ;=]….

Brian Aug 28th, 2007 Link

O.K. Im wrong there is no prestige in houston. We have Momentum. Anyways I’ll just have to wait and see if we get a dealer with a package to atleast feel the difference.

cct1 Aug 28th, 2007 Link

I think that 99% of MINI owners(!) vastly under-estimate their own carâ€™s track prowess. Completely stock the 2007 MCS (and to a slightly lesser extent the previous version) are extremely capable on the track. I think this talk of a tenth here and a tenth there plus all the countless hours wasted on auguring about modifications can be pretty laughable when you actually spend quite a bit of quality time on the track with professional instruction. It can be fun to debate but at the end of the day these cars are very capable straight from the factory. Iâ€™ve found that 99% of the time the limiting factor is what is between the driverâ€™s ears.

This is true to a degree, depending on the track (Long straightaways are the bane of the MINIs existence)–all the mods in the world won’t make a bit of difference if you don’t take the time to learn to drive. In the novice class, (despite not being all that great of a driver, I’m still in early learning mode), I recently passed a GT3 multiple times (Highlight of my day), Boxster S, and 5 series BMW, Z3, and would have caught an RX8 given more time. I did however get passed by a very, very fast (older) M3, and the car that ran the fastest in our group was a well driven GTI (never passed me but would have if he’d had enough time), a car closer to the the MINI than a GT3 (This was on a track less than two miles long with 12 turns). OK, OK, I know you’re not supposed to be concerned about passing at HPDE’s, but its kind of hard not to…

But again, this is only true to a degree–get in the intermediate and especially advanced classes (A Mini was running advanced), where the driving equalizes a bit, and all of the sudden this goes out the window.

But I agree the Mini is about as good as it gets for a car out of the box to take to the track and learn in–from my limited experience, you can push the car and actually learn from an instructor safely and quickly; its actually harder to learn how to drive fast in a novice group in something with significantly more torque/HP than most people can handle initially. It is surprising how well it holds its own especially for people just starting out (By the end of the day the guy driving the 5 series was serious about buying a MINI; he was impressed at how well my car, and especially the guy running in advanced handled the track–although he wasn’t as fast as most of the other cars, he wasn’t exactly getting blown out of the water either. Got to sit in his passenger seat for 20 minutes–that was jaw dropping).

But talking about the track really isn’t a good idea–its addictive, and regardless what level of driver you are, you’ll find yourself looking at ways to get more out of your car (Adjustable camber plates and a stiffer rear sway bar are next on my list).

Gabe Aug 28th, 2007 Link

But again, this is only true to a degreeâ€“get in the intermediate and especially advanced classes (A Mini was running advanced), where the driving equalizes a bit, and all of the sudden this goes out the window.

Great points and I agree with everything you mentioned above except for the previous sentence. I did all my passing in an extremely fast intermediate group this past weekend. Yes it depends on the track but even with Putnam Park’s long front straight, it only took me a turn or two to get back even with the E46 M3 in my group.

I know there is a prestige Mini in houston, but are they the same Prestige?

Different Dealer. Prestige is located in NJ.

gmini Aug 29th, 2007 Link

I missed something. Did they make use of the faux intake cowl?

Mark Smith Aug 29th, 2007 Link

Ha ha. Of course not. but more power = Good! Brotha GMINI.

greg Aug 29th, 2007 Link

I have no doubt something is coming eventually for the hood scoop. Just look at the design under the bonnet. It will be a CAI for $700 for 5hp. Bank on it that Mini knows they can squeeze more bucks out of us down the road. Hey, I’ll do it (sucker).

gmini Aug 29th, 2007 Link

suppose the cowluse may be non-europe only, as the space beneath the hood is pedestrian crash mandated.

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MINI USA Officially Releases the R56 JCW Kit

Sections: JCW | Official News | R56 (Coupe) Aug 28th, 2007 34 Comments

Written By: Gabe

34 Comments

gwalsh Aug 28th, 2007 Link

TSizemore3 Aug 28th, 2007 Link

drew Aug 28th, 2007 Link

Gabe Aug 28th, 2007 Link

glenn Aug 28th, 2007 Link

Gabe Aug 28th, 2007 Link

Josh Wardell Aug 28th, 2007 Link

nuvolari Aug 28th, 2007 Link

jas cooper Aug 28th, 2007 Link

MINI MAN Aug 28th, 2007 Link

LannyMCS Aug 28th, 2007 Link

cct1 Aug 28th, 2007 Link

robble Aug 28th, 2007 Link

mikeyjaro Aug 28th, 2007 Link

U.S. R56 MINI Cooper S owners finally get the JCW treatment-- Ride Care Depot Aug 28th, 2007 Link

Autoblog : U.S. R56 MINI Cooper S owners finally get the JCW treatment Aug 28th, 2007 Link

Scott Davidson Aug 28th, 2007 Link

emtrey Aug 28th, 2007 Link

Beecher Aug 28th, 2007 Link

Gabe Aug 28th, 2007 Link

todd Aug 28th, 2007 Link

Revhed Aug 28th, 2007 Link

Gabe Aug 28th, 2007 Link

nuvolari Aug 28th, 2007 Link

Gabe Aug 28th, 2007 Link

Brian Aug 28th, 2007 Link

LannyMCS Aug 28th, 2007 Link

Brian Aug 28th, 2007 Link

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