R56 JCW Kit Stage 1 Update
As anticipation builds for the release of the new (dealer installed) JCW kit for the R56, more details are starting to trickle out. And thanks to one of our trusty sources, we now have the full parts list of the kit to share with you.
* JCW air filter system
* Stainless steel exhaust (with less restrictions as compared to the stock unit)
* Exhaust manifold (for operation at higher temperatures)
* Turbocharger air filter air guide (to allow better cooling)
* Modified engine electronics system
* Activation code for engine control unit (specific to VIN)
* JCW emblems for front grille and tailgate
* JCW engine badge with serial kit number
* JCW certificate of authenticity
It may be worth noting that the “Activation code for the engine control unit” is reportedly the thing holding up the kits from being sold and shipped to dealers at this time. Once that is cleared up, the kits should be available in early August.
In other JCW news, we’ve also learned that official fuel economy figures are expect to remain identical to the standard Cooper S. We’re told that, while the engine is more powerful, the new components are just as efficient as the parts they replace.
Mike Cooper says this will be the fastest MINI ever (officially) made, as where it is down on power compared to the R52 JCWs, it makes up in torque. I wonder if that also includes the GP??
Either way, it’s going to be an awesome bit of kit for a mere €2000. I just don’t know if my finances will stretch to the Clubman S, let alone the extra two grand for the JCW kit 🙁
Mike Cooper actially was referring to the GP when he metioned that to us during our interview.
I wonder if the exhaust is a full turbo back or just a cat back? Also any word on how large the piping will be Gabe?
Mike
I have no information other this this photo I took of the system:
<img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1397/587111985_61ee691584.jpg" alt="JCW Exhaust" />
I’m sorry but from the looks of the exhaust pic, it looks like they just replaced the tips.
Get a Milltek full exhaust system if you really want to feel it in the seat of your pants. 200+ hp solely from this system.
New MF Logo? Trademarked too? You like to keep it fresh don’t you. Nice job.
Speaking of logos, whatever happened to the JCW logo redesign?
>I’m sorry but from the looks of the exhaust pic, it looks like they just replaced the tips.
That’s incorrect – It’s an entirely new exhaust system including the exhaust manifold (as mentioned above). Seeing it person it was visibly larger than the stock exhaust.
>Speaking of logos, whatever happened to the JCW logo redesign?
Look for it sometime in 2008.
Have you heard anything in regards to the weight of the new exhaust system? As in will it weigh less than the stock system so as to provide a bit of weight reduction to the vehicle?
Ah, non Clubman news like a breath of fresh air. Fastest factory Mini ever. Funny we have not heard from the “GP will always be the fastest Mini until the next GP” guy in FLA for comment.
Can’t wait for your remarks regarding the stage on Gabe. I am holding off ordering either a ’07 MCSC/JCW Sidwalk or MCS/Stage One JCW coupe until I hear the report. Will be a tough decision especially know that stage two lurks in the future.
Mmm, very tempting. And the price is right too so, very dangerous for my wallet!
check out the Peugeot 308 RC Z concept for Frankfurt this car according to the specs has a 218bhp version of the 1.6 litre engine the 308 shares with the MINI. Is this the Stage 2 JCW motor?
So speaking of which, how is MINI currently addressing the high bonnet temperatures being reported in the Turbocharged cars after runs?
I read over at MINI2.com a guy from Georgia, took out an infrared thermometer and measured the heat coming out of his ’07 MCS engine bay after a “run”…245F That is enough temperature to cook eggs and bacon or seriously burn the hands of an unsuspecting child touching the hood.
He also owns a R53 and in contrast, the Supercharged cars highest reported engine bay temperature under similar conditions was no more than 140F.
I think MINI has a problem with the heat management of these engines. Right now, this is concerning enough for us not to order a Clubman S, but go with the standard Cooper Clubman.
This post is not meant to be bashing. Rather, since MINI is already upgrading the power rating of these engines, how do they plan to address the problem with high engine temperatures?
-Nigel
Any idea on the installation cost of this kit? The kit itself is about $2k, right? Since it’s a full exhaust including manifold, installation is a bit more involved than i had previously thought it would be.
>Any idea on the installation cost of this kit? The kit itself is about $2k, right?
No change from what was reported last spring. <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2007/06/08/mini-usa-prices-the-r56-stage-1-jcw-kit/" rel="nofollow">The JCW kit will retail for $2100</a> in the US w/2 hours of suggested labor for installation.
>Have you heard anything in regards to the weight of the new exhaust system? As in will it weigh less than the stock system so as to provide a bit of weight reduction to the vehicle?
I don’t have any figures but I would be surprised is the weight savings is anywhere near what it was with the R53 JCW kit or other R53 aftermarket exhausts. The R56’s stock exhaust so much more efficiently designed that there simply isn’t a lot of weight left to shed. If you’ve ever picked up an exhaust from an R53 you’ll know what I mean. It is one of the heaviest and most contorted looking systems I’ve ever seen. Picking up a R53 SuperSprint system was like night and day.
“Turbocharger air filter air guide (to allow better cooling)”
What exactly does this entail?
Not to open a whole can of worms ,but any idea of when the auto jcw stage 1 will be ready?
Is the JCW exhaust for the R53 lighter than stock?
Gabe, do you have any idea what effect this will have on the sport button? since that is also controlled by the ECU.
>New MF Logo? Trademarked too? You like to keep it fresh don’t you. Nice job.
Yes – new MF logo. It’s been in my head for a long time and I finally had a couple hours to sketch it out lastnight.
>Gabe, do you have any idea what effect this will have on the sport button? since that is also controlled by the ECU.
It will quicken the response even more with the sport button “on” than with the standard MCS. A JCW MCS with the sport button in the “off” position will be close to the “on” mode in the standard car.
Isn’t a manifold synonymous with a header? Or is it with the R56 that the exhaust manifold is one cast piece, similar to an intake manifold vs 4 pipes welded together?
If that’s the case the exhaust parts of the kit would be the manifold, old (or new) cat and new exhaust which is good. Otherwise the kit would had been overprice (for only an intake, ECU, air diverter and catback). Stage I and II are going to be monsterous none the less.
“we’ve also learned that official fuel economy figures are expect to remain identical to the standard Cooper S”
Aaaaaaahhh! Music to my ears! I was very curious about that, and nobody has mentioned anything about it until now. Great news!
So, you’ve obviously seen the exhaust system Gabe, but have you heard it? Is it nice? Ricey at all? I’d hate to drop $2,100+ on this system and have it sound like a Honda. : (
Any word on availability for the Clubman? The only difference would be a longer exhaust system, correct?
If the JCW Stage I is quickly applied to the Clubman, I may have my next MINI lined up… plus it’d more than help for the Clubman’s small but significant weight gain.
Thank you for the info!
R56 Cooper S Manual / Auto version will be installed possible??
Any idea how this kit will impact mpg?
Screw the mpg. It’s a performance package. So what kind of performance does it deliver? Most of it seems to be badging and we all know badging is only good for a few mph. 🙂
>Any idea how this kit will impact mpg?
Re-read the last paragraph above.
>R56 Cooper S Manual / Auto version will be installed possible??
<a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2007/06/13/r56-jcw-engine-kit-auto-availability/" rel="nofollow">Your answer</a>
>Any word on availability for the Clubman? The only difference would be a longer exhaust system, correct?
The dealer installed kit <em>should</em> be available in 2008.
<blockquote>No change from what was reported last spring. The JCW kit will retail for $2100 in the US w/2 hours of suggested labor for installation.</blockquote>
2 hours? That is a suprisingly reasonable estimate for BMW. I would have thought they’d suggest 2 hours for the exhaust header replacement alone…
We will be eagerly awaiting the report when yours is installed, Gabe. When?
>So speaking of which, how is MINI currently addressing the high bonnet temperatures being reported in the Turbocharged cars after runs?
I’ve tracked R56s (both MCSs & MCs with both transmissions) on several occasions now and haven’t had any issues with high bonnet/engine temps. Actually we lifted the lid during one of the sessions and didn’t notice anything unusual. I’ll keep an eye on it since I’ll be doing an entire weekend of track-days coming up.
>We will be eagerly awaiting the report when yours is installed, Gabe. When?
I’ve been told (tentatively) early August.
Gabe, what do you think of the newly released Alta turbo back exhaust? Alot of power for about half the price of the JCW stage 1, and all that power is coming strictly from their exhaust!!!
Our club tuner (Netherlands) made a R56 cooper-s with 214hp with only the Modified engine electronics system for €325,- (clubprice;-) But had the same heating problems.. otherwise it would be more power, this is save they say. But that is a lot more power for less money..
But having the performance kit entirely under warranty is phenominal, and the reason that I’m going for the kit.
I too am curious about the specifics on the “exhaust manifold” as well as the “turbocharger air filter air guide”. Hearing about some of the high engine temps, both seem to have the potential to address these issues and make for a cooler running car.
As far as the manifold goes, I’m praying for it to be the turbo-to-exhaust down pipe. A free-er flowing cat would be a huge step in reducing exhaust temps (and therefore a cooler turbo=more power).
… and an “air filter air guide”? I was imagining just a replacement panel air filter… but does this suggest eaither a partition for an exposed mass air filter/CAI? Or possibly somthing that pulls fresh air from the currently phony-balogna scoop?
Very interesting to see how all the specifics shake out.
Lastly… some specifics on what you did see and photograph, Gabe: Were they slash cut tips like the previous gen. JCW? JCW logo on the top side of the tips? Did you hear it run at all?
Badging…we don’t need no steenkin’ badging. Yes Gabe you’ve been quite mysterious regarding the fact that you did see Stage One JCWs in the flesh over in Transylvania. Come clean and tell us what you know!
Nice detective work, Gabelations. Please give us the straight skinny on how well this kit performs when you find out. Sounds like an attractive performance upgrade, but will it be worth the price?
>Gabe, what do you think of the newly released Alta turbo back exhaust? Alot of power for about half the price of the JCW stage 1, and all that power is coming strictly from their exhaust!!!
Looks good to me. Keep in mind that there are positives to lots of different products out there. The Alta will surely be a great product and if I hadn’t committed to the JCW treatment with my new MINI, I’d probably taking a very close look at it. Hell, I may still 🙂
>Badging…we don’t need no steenkin’ badging. Yes Gabe you’ve been quite mysterious regarding the fact that you did see Stage One JCWs in the flesh over in Transylvania. Come clean and tell us what you know!
Honestly all I know is on these pages – I swear 🙂 I did not drive or see the car driven. However I didn’t speak with the head of JCW accessories and he had just driven one from Munich to Amsterdam. He felt it was faster than any previous JCW product. When I asked him how it sounded, his face lit up… “it sounds fantastic” were his words.
>Lastly… some specifics on what you did see and photograph, Gabe: Were they slash cut tips like the previous gen. JCW? JCW logo on the top side of the tips? Did you hear it run at all?
This should give you your answer:
<img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1191/586920637_26c3ecd6ac.jpg" alt="JCW Exhaust" width="468px" />
<img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1372/587293770_6065809bcf.jpg" alt="JCW Exhaust" width="468px" />
And yes, that’s a new Carbon Fiber bit there on the bumper. It’s available now at your dealer. I believe <a href="http://www.knauz-mini.com/" rel="nofollow">Knauz MINI</a> has it on special – just call ask for Glen and then ask for the MotoringFile discount 🙂
Interesting shot you got there Gabe, I assume that was the car Mike Cooper drove in? Still love the JCW logo on the exhaust tips, always been very classy looking to me.
I completely agree that the Alta product is likely to be really nice, all my new Mini’s to date have had plenty of Alta parts on them, and I haven’t been disappointed with any of them.
Can’t wait to see your new black toy all decked out, going to look really sharp.
>I assume that was the car Mike Cooper drove in?
Nope. I won’t give away the name but he’s German and as MINI enthusiasts, we’re lucky to have him working on the car.
Hmmm… so with those subtle hints, I’d guess Gert or Dr. Kay.
Thanks for the additional exhaust pics. That was exactly what I was looking for.
>Hmmm… so with those subtle hints, I’d guess Gert or Dr. Kay.
Nope 🙂 Sorry to be so coy. You most likely wouldn’t know him.
<blockquote>2 hours? That is a suprisingly reasonable estimate for BMW. I would have thought they’d suggest 2 hours for the exhaust header replacement alone…</blockquote>
Take a look at the install guides for any other product….Dealers will charge at least twice what the book says so expect at least $500 to install…Frankly I am suprised that more complaints have not been made to MINIUSA about rampant overcharging at dealers for installation
<blockquote>Frankly I am suprised that more complaints have not been made to MINIUSA about rampant overcharging at dealers for installation</blockquote>Can either the JCW tuning kit or suspension kit be installed at the VDC?
Gabe, what is the hold up on the suspension kit? They said it would be out in July and its already into August with no word on whats going on?
Fussner, I know what ya mean. I got in contact with a motoring advisor from a dealership in florida, who had ordered the kit for himself, but had already installed aftermarket springs and sway bars, so decided to sell the kit, and I was lucky enough to get in contact and purchase it….coming on tuesday!!
Sorry to restart this discussion…
I am currently weighing up a few things… first, should I get the stage one kit, or wait for what could be the stage two kit soon? and secondly, I have an Alta CAI installed – should I get the stage one kit minus the new air intake box to make it cheaper (i am thinking that it won’t…) and to also allow better tuning when they update the ECU? or should I slap the original filter back on and then change over to my Alta CAI (gotta love the ka-chish!) when I get the beast back after the JCW install?? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
<p>i own an 03 mini cooper s with the john cooper works body kit and engine upgrade, It has all the revelant badges and serial numbers. I do not have the authenticity certificate. Is it possible to obtain this and does anyone know who to get in touch with. Thanks</p>