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.
<p>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.</p>
<p>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?</p>
<p>Manual transmission only – beginning to look like the JCW may never appear for the auto MCS …</p>
<p>Nice. Finally, putting the customer ahead of the dealer…</p>
<p>God i want one.. but dang it’s gonna be one expensive car.</p>
<p>Gabe: Great news indeed. Any word on if it will be available starting with the September production?</p>
<p>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?</p>
<blockquote>
<p>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?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>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.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Gabe: Great news indeed. Any word on if it will be available starting with the September production?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Starting with 10/05 production – as stated in the above article ;-)</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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!</p>
<p>Now I’m confused. So the “06” will be supercharged and the “07” turbo??
How will JCW change for the turbo MCS.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Any word on pricing?</p>
<p>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?</p>
<p>I’m with revwillie. Time to start selling everything else I own…</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>Not sure I’d pay $4k for it, but I’d be tempted. :)</p>
<blockquote>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?</blockquote>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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. “</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>OK…maybe it doesn’t have an LSD. I re-read Gabe’s posting and maybe I was confused the first time around.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>OK…maybe it doesn’t have an LSD. I re-read Gabe’s posting and maybe I was confused the first time around.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>LSD is included in the kit.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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!</p>
<p>Gabe,</p>
<p>Any mention of the JCW suspension being part of the package or of the the lightweight special edition?</p>
<p>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!</p>
<p>My guess is that the cost will be upwards of $36,000 for sure.</p>
<p>I just hope I can talk myself out of selling my soul to purchase an 06′ JCW MCS</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>What am I thinking? I just got the 2005!</p>
<p>Any word if the MC (non-S) JCW exhaust and/or suspension will be available from the factory?</p>
<p>I just saw a fully loaded MCS-JCW with a sticker (shock) of 46k at a MINI showroom. Only original MINI parts. Any takers?</p>
<p>I think it will be a little less expensive, just to compete with the Dinan package.</p>
<p>“I just saw a fully loaded MCS-JCW with a sticker (shock) of 46k at a MINI showroom. Only original MINI parts. Any takers?”</p>
<p>Is that the silver one that’s on ebay?</p>
<p>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. :)</p>
<p>In Germany we habe allready the Pricelist for the 10/05 production…</p>
<p>in Germany the JCW Package costs 4650,- Euro so that may give you a hint…</p>
<p>you can download the new pricelist on
<a href="http://www.mini2ig.de/forum" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.mini2ig.de/forum</a></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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?</p>
<p>If 4650 Euro includes the LSD and SP, it’s a good price.</p>
<p>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</p>
<p>If the JCW brakes need a minimum of 17 inch wheels, can they be fitted to my 17 inch bullet spokes?</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>I see that there is talk about JCW suspension possibly coming out for the Cabrio. I may have to have that!!!</p>
<p>I have been waiting for this bit of news to know when to place the order. </p>
<p>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 </p>
<p>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</p>
<p>$38K for a new MINI?</p>
<p>Don’t think so.</p>
<p>I paid $22K for my ’05 MCS.</p>
<p>To each thier own I guess.</p>
<p>Here’s a link to the Germany 2006MY price list (in German of course, and does not include the cabrio):
<a rel="nofollow" href="http://dl4.rapidshare.de/files/2962079/45028412/mini_stand_september_2005.pdf"><a href="http://dl4.rapidshare.de/files/2962079/45028412/mini" rel="nofollow ugc">http://dl4.rapidshare.de/files/2962079/45028412/mini</a><em>stand</em>september_2005.pdf</a></p>
<p>Sorry about my previous link. It’s a free sharing site and you have to start here:
<a rel="nofollow" href="http://rapidshare.de/files/2962079/mini_stand_september_2005.pdf.html"><a href="http://rapidshare.de/files/2962079/mini" rel="nofollow ugc">http://rapidshare.de/files/2962079/mini</a><em>stand</em>september<em>2005.pdf.html</a>
Scroll down and click on the “Free” button. Then the next page, scroll down to he bottom and click where it says “Download: mini</em>stand<em>september</em>2005.pdf”</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>very interesting, the key piece of information will be the price</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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 ; )</p>
<p>cheers – drew</p>
<p>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).</p>
<p>Hey Greg W. You can’t say that stuff here. If you think the whine of the JCW supercharger is loud…..</p>
<blockquote>
<p>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).</p>
</blockquote>
<p>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.</p>
<p>BTW the LSD will actually be part of the kit… that’s probably why it wasn’t mentioned.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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</p>
<p>Greg and GregW,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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?</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>BTW it’s people like yourself that have made me appreciate the availability of the auto.</p>
<p>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!</p>
<p>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! </p>
<p>Cheers!</p>
<p>if the price stays in the $5000 range with all included … will spring for it.</p>
<p>Greg W., you are wrong.</p>
<p>Here in our local club <a href="http://www.minisofmiami.com" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.minisofmiami.com</a> we have 1 classic Mini equipped with a factory 3-speed automatic transmission. The car is right hand drive and the paintwork is black.</p>
<p>It is one of the most beautiful classic Minis we have in our club.</p>
<p>Do your research first.</p>
<p>It is absolutely insane that people pay that much for such little performance. I’m sorry, but those parts aren’t worth 1/2 of what they charge, and are easily outperformed by the aftermarket.</p>
<p>What a well-said argument against the “manual only” snobbery (I don’t have another word for it, sorry) that I have witnessed on this forum as well as others. I have a manual transmission in both my MINI (2005 MCSc) and my 1996 Audi A4Q. It is by the grace of god that I am able to drive them.
Good for you, that MINI would give you and others similarly disposed (due either to disablily or inablity)to own an automatic version of such a fun car!
I sincerely hope that you own one someday, and have the opportunity to enjoy it as much as the rest of us!</p>
<p>I think it’s all a matter of preference and I doubt there will ever be clear agreement on whether the JCW performance justifies the price.</p>
<p>The MINI attracts such a varied audience. You’ll see someone shopping for a performance car in the $50-60K range buy a JCW MCS or MCS. Next to that person in the showroom, you’ll see someone ordering a $23K MCS or MC for is zip, looks, and economy. There are so many things that go into the feeling a driver has behind the wheel.</p>
<p>I test drove a 2005 MCS and it was fantastic. No arguments. Great car. I bought a JCW MCS and it’s worth every penny to me. Is it any better? Well, that’s subjective. The cost-benefit equation is based on what features the person behind the wheel felt were needed to put that smile on their face. And from what I have seen, every MINI driver has a smile so the equation is always different.</p>
<p>amen paul – and if you’re ever in nyc and want to test drive an mcsa with the jcw air intake, exhaust, brake kit and 18 inch wheels…my keys are yours.</p>
<p>cheers – drew</p>
<p>Gabe, there isn’t anything fundamentally “JCW” about the LSD, and perhaps MINI Germany is simply packaging their JCW kit differently from the expected US configuration. I do think it is a bit odd for them to include 16 inch wheels! Not bling enough for the typical JCW buyer.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Gabe, there isn’t anything fundamentally “JCW” about the LSD, and perhaps MINI Germany is simply packaging their JCW kit differently from the expected US configuration.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>No there is nothing different that I know of. 2nd question – I would doubt it. I am guessing that the inclusion of LSD for the US market was a decision made by engineers in Germany for the entire production worldwide. Just my guess though.</p>
<p>My apologies to all above re the Auto thing. In fact I drive a Cooper Auto with paddles myself (yellow with black roof and sunroof). So I take your points.
But excuse me but there was no such thing as a three-speed Classic Mini from the factory – the auto box was unique as it had a stick shift for 1, 2, 3, 4, D, R positions – at least in RHD English markets – made by Automotive Products (AP) in 1968. I should know cause I worked on them!</p>
<p>GW</p>
<p>Paul, great post, but I don’t think the argument was against the auto-MINI, but against the JCW-auto-MINI.</p>
<p>Most top-line-trim performance cars are not offered in auto (MB-AMG is a distinct difference, but I think they cater to tastes more concerned with luxury than performance). Look at Corvette Z06, Evo 8 or 9 or whatever they’re at now, Acura NSX, last-gen Mustang Cobra, etc.</p>
<p>While I understand your situation (as much as I can), there’s something to be said for performance cars staying true to their race-car roots.</p>
<p>Jag,</p>
<p>The JCW on Ebay was in NJ so I guess it’s not the same one. It’s priced at 48k and doesn’t have navigation!</p>
<p>Anyway, I hear you about the lottery. My pockets aren’t that deep yet.</p>
<p>If the JCW costs 5k more I might have to reconsider it depending on what it includes. I’ll just have to wait and see.</p>
<p>I can think of a few other “top of the line” cars that have what one would term automatic transmissions – the new BMW M5 & M6 were initially offered with SMG only options – it was the outcry from the US market that forced BMW’s hand to put in manual transmissions. Ferrari also comes to mind, and I am sure this trend will only continue. These are certainly performance cars….</p>
<p>I would certainly not call SMG or the F1 gearbox an automatic. It’s actually a traditional manual transmission with a computer controlled clutch. Very different from a traditional auto.</p>
<p>Gabe – I would agree that SMG & F1 gearboxes are not traditional autos – I guess my point was that there are a number of performance cars that do have non – manual transmissions, and some of the purists (as we all know )are very vocal about that fact.</p>
<p>Gotcha. BTW it should be interesting to read reviews of the M5 and M6 with the manual compared the SMG. My guess is that most journos will much prefer it.</p>
<p>Can’t wait to see the pricing on this. I’m totally rethinking what I might be doing (and now probably going to have to wait another month to order).</p>
<p>Just an idle thought: the JCW factory installed is a double whammy for the dealer–not only do they lose the markup for installation, but depending on the price, this could cut in to their aerokit sales too–I’d wager a significant number of people would choose the JCW kit over the aerokit if the price is right. There are so many posts at NAM and mini2 in that vein on which to spring for, the aero kit or JCW…</p>
<p>I hope the aerokit is offered from the factory too, that would be outstanding.</p>
<p>That’s the thing that irks me about the “aero kit”… there is absolutely NO performance benefit, it’s all about the bling. The name suggests some kind of aerodynamic improvement, but all it does is add weight.</p>
<p>If someone has to ask the question of “JCW or aero kit?”, they are clearly very confused individuals.</p>
<p>Put simply, what’s more important? Real performance or fake “style”?</p>
<p>It seems to me the Mini is about style more than performance, so I don’t think that’s a fair statement. Can’t blame people for balking at spending $6000 for another 1/2 second off their 0-60.</p>
<p>Chris,</p>
<p>I am not saying that style has no place on the MINI… that would be absurd. I’m saying that I can’t understand how someone would ever be confused about which choice to make. They aren’t anywhere near the same ballpark, in price OR purpose.</p>
<p>Different strokes for different folks–some people may prefer the looks of the aerokit versus the performance of the JCW, especially if money is an issue. I personally am not a fan of the aerokit, but I can understand how someone else would be. My whole point was that if the dealer installed aerokit comes close to the same price as the factory installed JCW, I’ll bet the factory JCW will take a big ‘ol divot out of the dealer installed aerokits–we’ll have to see what all the final pricing is.</p>
<p>The german list price show 4’680 € (with 16% taxes) for the JCW package.</p>
<p>A motoringfile citing Motoring Advisor told me the other day that the Factory JCW may not be available in the states. Did I miss something?</p>
<p>Dear Frank,
Check out this site below for a desciption of the AP 4spd Auto trans as fitted to 1968-on Mini, Austin America, and Metro range.
<a href="http://members.tripod.com/austin_america/id72.html" rel="nofollow ugc">http://members.tripod.com/austin_america/id72.html</a></p>
<p>Cheers
GW.</p>
<p>I’m realy pleased with my new cooper s cabriolet apart from one important factor why do they make the seats so hard i cant travel much more than 100 miles in the car without getting severe backace.The lumber support realy bruses my back is there anyone else that has the same problem</p>
<p>I am hoping to order a JCW car before it is offered as a factory option… and this forum raised a question. When installed as an aftermarket item, the vehicle owner would retain take-off parts, would they not? I’d like to order 18″ JCW wheels but use the Sport Package 17″ wheels for winter snows.</p>
<p>If the factory JCW production begins in October, when should I submit my order to ‘get in queue?’</p>
<p>Any news on the JCW Auto kit? Is that even coming out in the U.S.?</p>