MF Comparison: Modded R53 vs JCW R56

We’ve done several R53/R56 comparisons over the past year but one thing we’ve never done is tested two (almost) identically equipped MINIs back to back. Along with that, we’ve never had the right opportunity to equally assess both cars over the right roads and in the right conditions. And while MotoringFile has been the host of multiple articles comparing the two cars, I always felt they missed a little something without back to back drives. This comparison was to be different. We’d be focusing on driving the cars rather than talking about styling, price and all the other hotly contested debates that we’ve hosted on these pages previously.
So the plan was hatched; we’d drive from Chicago to Kalamazoo Michigan with a detour to the Indiana Lakefront. Here we’d find some of the best (and largely unknown) roads in the entire region. Once back on the highway we’d finish with a two hour blast up I94 to Bell’s Brewery, home of one of the most celebrated micro-brewed beers in the US. Along with the two MINIs being tested would be another R53 (’03 vintage) and a chase car in the form of a Porsche 911 Turbo (996).
But why travel two hours to buy a case of beer and bring it back? About a year ago the distributor of Bell’s in Illinois sold the rights to distributor that the Bell’s management found rather unsavory. Instead of dealing with this new company, Bells decided to simply pull out of Illinois and the entire Chicago market. But as a tip of the cap to it’s Chicago clientele, Bell’s decided to offer a discount to anyone purchasing beer at the brewery with an Illinois driver’s license. Thus the 2007 Bells Beer Run (aka East bound and Up) was born.
Now onto the cars. Our goal was to test two cars that were seemingly equal in performance. So we needed one of the last R53s made and it had to have all of the popular modifications that have become commonplace with MINI enthusiasts. Thus our 2006 R53 test car came equipped with the following:
– Astro Black on Astro Black
– Miltek Exhaust
– Webb Motorsport Intake
– Webb 15% Reduction Pulley
– 18″ 16lbs OZ Ultraleggera Wheels
– JCW Steering Wheel
– JCW Brakes
– w/some of the toe “dialed out” by a local garage (the owner was adamant it makes a difference with turn-in)
Power = 185hp +
Torque = more than stock…
This particular R53 was one of the last made and it was is excellent condition with fairly low miles.
With the R56 we wanted a similar wheel/tire combination and modifications that upped the power in a similar fashion. Luckily I just happened to have the perfect car… sitting in my garage. On paper my 2007 MCS matched up particularly well with our R53 test car due to the newly released dealer installed JCW Kit. Here are the full specs:
– Astro Black on Astro Black
– JCW “Stage I” Engine Kit (Exhaust/Intake/ECU)
– JCW Suspension Kit
– 18″ 16lbs OZ Ultraleggera Wheels
– JCW Steering Wheel
– JCW Pads (other brake components are identical to JCW brake kit on the R53)
Power = 189hp (192bhp)
Torque = 200ft lbs
We started out from Chicago on the newly re-opened Dan Ryan expressway. Immediately it was obvious that the modded R53 had a ton of power in the mid range and top-end. While the R56 could hold it’s own, it certainly wasn’t dramatically faster. And the sound of the R53 from behind was fantastic. Just a hint of Supercharger whine and the growl of the Miltek exhaust gave the car one hell of a presence.
In contrast the R56 JCW MCS had a less complex note to it but was (surprisingly) equal in aggressiveness if heard from outside the car. Driving behind the JCW R56 you’re immediately struck by the difference. The JCW kit adds a note that is deeper than on the R53 even with the Miltek. The exhaust itself was also louder both in and outside the cabin on the highway. Under cruising speeds we found it fairly subdued (it didn’t drone as some aftermarket exhausts do), but move the pedal at all and sound returns with a vengeance.
Having owned basically an identical car to the R53 we tested, I can vouch for its quickness. Whether around a track or on the highway, the car was exceptionally fun. However the highway wasn’t always it’s most ideal setting. Above triple digits, the R53 had a tendency to become a little less planted and lose some critical steering feel. In other words the front end became a little too light for comfortable high-speed cruising.
In contrast to this the JCW MCS (equipped with the JCW aero-kit) felt noticeably more confident than both the R53 or the R56 I tested at 140mph + on the German Autobahn. In fact, above tripple didgets it felt close to the GP in composure. The conclusion one has to reach is that the wind tunnel study done on the optional JCW aero-kit does effectively increase front down-force and provide a better experience at high speeds. While I had heard this said to me by more than one person at MINI over the last year, I had never felt this first hand until now.
As we neared the Michigan border, it was finally time to get off the expressway and head for the shore. There are a few hidden gems around the Beverly Shores area that seemed ideal to put these cars to a proper test. And with the help of the GPS in the 2007, we finally found them.
First up, the JCW R56.
“Insanely fast,” were the first words out of Matt’s mouth as we walked away from the R56 after a short drive. I’ll agree it’s fast, but insanely fast? Yes the R56 has loads of torque. And with the JCW kit it has a bit more power too. With the meat of the power-band starting low and going all the way near redline, acceleration seems to be effortless. But what makes it all the more enjoyable is the engine’s ability to rev so quickly.
The JCW kit not only increases the power noticeably but gone is the annoying flat spot where torque seems to disappear in the stock R56 MCS. In it’s place is a clean upsurge in power that starts when you touch the pedal and doesn’t seem to stop until redline. And there’s now so much torque on tap (officially 200ft lbs) that you don’t really dare burry the throttle for more than a moment unless you’re truly prepared for triple digit speeds. But it’s not that there’s a huge number disparity between the two cars tested here. The difference is really how and when the JCW R56 applies the power. Which is to say with efficient vengeance and all the time.
There’s little question that this particular R56 has the edge in handling due to the JCW Suspension kit installed (also available on the R53/R50). But you can’t really appreciate the difference until you drive the two cars back to back. Where the stock suspension in the R53 felt stiff and ready to play, the R56 seemed to swallow corners with a shrug and a “what’s next?” sort of attitude. It allows for more composed motion through the corners and thus more control at the limit. It also gives you more traction coming out of corners. There’s less of that weight shift to the rear that you’d normally get in a quick FWD car like the MINI. The combination of the JCW suspension, updated DSC (standard on the R56) and the optional limited slip made the R56 feel almost faultless in the corners despite the cold leaf covered pavement.
But enough of the new car. Let’s get behind the always familiar R53 JCW steering wheel and get reacquainted with the car that built the new MINI’s reputation. Immediately it’s painfully obvious that both the throttle response and the power delivery are second rate to the R56 – even more so to the JCW R56 tested here. At best you could describe it as… delayed. At worst it’s alarming after a drive in the R56. But if you wait just a bit, you’re rewarded not only with some impressive pull but with a sound that is completely addicting.
You can hear everything in the R53. The intake, the exhaust and the supercharger whine is startling at first if you’re not used to it. And this is coming from someone who’s owned essentially the same car for two years. You have to love the sound to be able to tolerate it all day. Luckily I do. And then of course there’s the glorious exhaust popping. On this car (equipped with a Miltek exhaust) that back-pressure popping has a classic car feel that is addicting.
Then I turned the wheel and things got better. The R53 has an immediacy in it’s steering that (for better or worse) the R56 can’t quite match. It’s been said before, but I’ll say it again; the R53 simply has more steering feel than the R56. While the ’07 JCW MCS doesn’t ever seem lacking, it just doesn’t quite match the purity that you get from apexing at speed in a 2006 MCS. But somewhat surprisingly the steering is also noticeably lighter than the R56. It lacks the weighted and on-center feel that I begin to take for granted in the R56. While it’s especially evident off of the twisties, it’s also obvious in the tight stuff as well.
One change that I hadn’t noticed as clearly before was the pedal placement. Where on the R56 I could heel-to-toe with just a little flick, on the R53 it was more of a concerted effort. It didn’t take long to adjust to the set-up but it was surprisingly noticeable. However it’s worth keeping in mind that heel-to-toe style shifts are something much easier practiced in the R56 due to it’s ability to rev quickly. The R53 (with it’s supercharger all the baggage that comes with it) seems to rev at glacial speeds in comparison. Because of this, the naturally aspirated R50 Cooper (not tested here) was always quicker to rev.
Beverley Shores is one of my favorite areas in Northern Indiana. It’s located on Lake Michigan on dunes that centuries ago became overcome by forest. For enthusiasts that means two things; elevation changes and corners. For everyone else it means a gorgeous lake-shore with Lord of the Rings style forests. Due to this, it’s also the location that was used to display the famed “World’s Fair Houses” from the 1933 Chicago World’s fair. The homes were built in Chicago by a handful of the most well known architects of the day and once the fair was completed, disassembled and shipped (via boat) across the lake to Beverly Shores.
Alas the years were not kind to the houses. Several were taken by the lake during storms and the others simply fell into dis-repair. Thankfully the state of Indiana stepped in last year and the remaining homes are being refurbished and/or rebuilt to the original specifications by individual owners. So before leaving the area a stop had to be made to pay our respects to the seemingly unbridled enthusiasm that these homes represented 75 years ago. And who doesn’t want to see the first electric garage doors?
As we headed back onto the highway I was almost in disbelief. The extent to which the cars were different shocked both of us. I had driven the two back to back before, but never with so little time in between and through such demanding roads.
There was little question that it was the R53 that had the edge in steering feel and that its turn-in was quicker. While the R56’s on-center feel and better weight made it feel a little more grown-up, it was still eager to play. But it felt like it lacked the last 10% of feel that made the R53 so pure.
But it was the power of the new “Prince” engine and the smoothness of the new transmission that stood out in my mind as the huge differentiators. The R56 was just plainly faster on every facet of the test. Once more, while it lacked some of the R53s steering feel, there was also little question that the JCW suspension gave the car inspiring grip and control in the corners.
And with that, we were back on the highway. With three Valentine One’s in the group, we made pretty good time. Although I got the distinct feeling that the 911 Turbo in the group was just toying with us staying back in the pack. Perhaps he knew, if anyone was getting a ticket (and potentially jail-time), it would be the guy with the word “Turbo” on the back of this car.
After another hour or so we finally made it to Bells Brewery. We saddled up to the bar and ordered a pint (just one) and some lunch. And that’s where the debate started. Or not. As it turned out, Matt and I pretty much agreed from the first words out of our mouths. There wasn’t much mystery about it. Sure the debate gets cloudy when talking about things like styling preferences but discussion on performance was pretty cut and dry.
Once we got packed up and said our goodbyes to all that is Kalamazoo, we headed back out onto I94. One hour and 45 minutes later we were in Chicago. I won’t go into how this was possible but I can tell you it even included an unscheduled detour through the wonderful metropolis of Gary Indiana.
As we were heading into Chicago I reflecting on how different the two cars are. The power and speed of the R56 had always been masked due to it’s smoothness. Then there’s the R53’s lighter steering and inferior on-center weighting that didn’t seem all that bad when I owned one. And of course the wonderful immediacy of the turn in with the R53, something the R56 can’t quite match.
Then it hit me. The R56 is a product purely designed and engineered by BMW. Even the engine is 100% BMW engineered. It truly is the better car of the two, no question. The R53 on the other hand is a product of, well basically an unhappy marriage. It was designed and engineered by BMW and Rover outcasts (talented as they may have been) as the BMW Group was going through one of the worst periods in it’s history with the Rover losing millions daily. And yet it turned out to be an exceptional, capable car with (above all) loads of personality. Part great people and quite possibly part luck, the R53 (R50 and R52 included) will forever be remembered as special cars for resurrecting a brand the right way. But today, it’s second best.
And then, as I was turning off the highway I heard something in the JCW R56. A rattle, just in-front of the sunroof. 4500 miles and this was the first signs of imperfection. Maybe these cars aren’t all that different?
78 Comments
Nice review (just skimmed for now).
I got an R56 Cooper S loaner (auto) when my MINI was in for Inspection 1. I have to say, even though it was an automatic with a base configuration, it was sure nice to drive.
Gabe,
Assuming that you probably knew you were eventually going to have the JCW suspension installed, did you order your R56 with the standard or sport suspension?
And, given that choice, what were original wheels (and tires) that came on your R56?
Thanks.
Great review. I have always loved the look/style of MINI’s and their quick reflexes however the term insanely fast is not something I would apply to any MINI. Quick? Yes. Fun to drive? Yes. Insanely fast? No. Maybe he had a turn in the 911 turbo and got confused.
In conclusion…
The R53 feels and drives more like a real Mini. The gifted child out of a troubled marriage that excels at everything and it was blessed with a timeless design that will go down in history as one of the best conceived and designed cars of the early 21st century.
The R56 feels and drives more refined. At its very core, it is a FWD BMW, packaged and sold as a BMW. It is a car aimed squarely at the BMW customer and for a market demographic that found the R53 to be too raw, too visceral and too harsh. Give me the cool factor of a MINI without all the harshness and Roverness, please.
Looks? They are all subjective, but without getting too much into the details, we all know who takes the prize for the best looking, best designed machine of the two. Hint: You can point your headlights to the stars…
Great review, great read.
Impressive return trip considering Google maps allows over 2.5 hours from Kalamazoo to Chicago.
“insanely fast”
the coming out of my R53 to the R56 i was blown away at how much quicker the R56 was. i had expected much and had them exceeded. there’s a mountain of torque absent in the R53 that pulls from tip in. couple that with the instant throttle response (comparatively) and the engine’s willingness to rev, i was shocked at how quick the JCW’d R56 got up to speed. add to the equation the suspension and R56 is capable of maintaining much higher speeds and is much more composed in the corners. let’s say 6/10’s in the R56 will get you in more trouble than 6/10’s in the R53. climbing back into my R53 after a quick blast in the R56 and my “cocker-spaniel on crack” felt positively lethargic.
be that as it may. i love my R53 and can’t see replacing it with an R56. adding a factory JCW R55 is another question, however.
Nice write up! But why not take a R53 equally equipped with the JCW stuff as the R56? So also the JCW kit and suspension? Please forgive me, as a R53 die-hard I’m biased. The outcome would maybe be the same because Prince Turbo is nice torque engine although there are some downsides in noisiness of the Prince engine, especially when cold. And I can’t get used to that R56 big nose, which by the way bothers me less on the Clubman.
As someone on the verge of trading up/down from my R53 to an R56, this article was great.
In the end, I know I will enjoy the improvements of the R56 even if I do end up missing some of the rawness I have enjoyed.
But until I can order the factory JCW kit, I’ll keep my R53.
Ha! A rattle!
The legend lives on…
Very good review. Having never driven an R53, somehow it makes me feel like I’m missing out on something, even if it is “second best.”
Very nice writeup! My only addition is the following: My R53 is an ’04 so I have the taller gearing and am biased nonetheless. I have the same mods as listed for the R53 above – except I’ve also had my ECU dyno tuned, which not only added another 10 whp, and increased and broadened the torque curve, but also greatly improved the throttle response and how my R53 revs. In fact I’d say the improved driveability after the tune is the #1 thing I noticed. I won’t say it revs like an R56 because it doesn’t but it revs much quicker than a (modded) R53 without a tune. I’ve always believed that the tune ties everything together, and many people seem to stop short of this.
Nice review. I know I’m certainly happy with my move from my old ’05 R53 to my new ’07 R56. I just have to “JCW-up” mine 🙂
<blockquote>Nice write up! But why not take a R53 equally equipped with the JCW stuff as the R56?</blockquote>
as far as engine stuff – the r53 jcw kit has ALOT more changes than the r56 – heads and injectors. The test r53 did have the 15% pulley, intake, and exhaust so in a way you could say the R53s engine was more modified than the 07 because of the pulley which increases the boost a good bit. To make a fair comparison for engine power the r56 should have gotten Alta’s ECU mod which is the r56’s “pulley”. evil laugh
Good write-up Gabe, also good to see Matt’s input. No doubt about the Turbo toying with the Mini’s heh. The review really wets my appetite for the Factory JCW. Though I will be still keeping my 06 S.
No doubt the Valentine got a work out too Gabe, even without a “detour” scheduled in Gary Indiana from my calculations you averaged 84.67MPH heh. Having the feeling that the Autobahn followed you home 😉
The 53 will remain the preferred choice regardless of all the implicit promo hype contained in alleged “objective” reviews for countless self-evident reasons. Case closed.
Nice read Gabe! I’d offer to join you and Matt next time.. but I don’t I’d be able to keep up. “insanely fast”.. good one Matt!
Really nice article Gabe. I’d be really curious to see a back to back handling comparison of an R56 with the sport suspension to the R53 with the sport suspension though.
Having owned an R53 with a pulley and exhaust I felt that a stock R56 had loads more useable power and a much more advanced drivetrain. I did miss the whine of the little Eaton though
Mike
Were there no suspension mods at all on the R53, not even a rear sway?
Thanks for the great article Gabe! As an owner of the R56 JCW and former ’05 JCW (with a UNICHIP)I can unequivically state that the stage one JCW is considerably faster than the R53 version. More refinded? You bet!
However, I loved my R53 JCW and still love to drive my girlfriends ’06 MCSC. There are things about both cars I love and things about both I’d change.
Love em’ both people. The car does need to evolve every five years and I think MINI scored in both incarnations.
the R53’s a 4 season daily driver. when we add another car it’ll get a sway, maybe even a JCW suspension, but not until then.
That was a great review Gabe. I also enjoyed your last line.
<blockquote>And then, as I was turning off the highway I heard something in the JCW R56. A rattle, just in-front of the sunroof. 4500 miles and this was the first signs of imperfection. Maybe these cars aren’t all that different?</blockquote>
Btw the pic of Gabe’s and Matt’s Mini together was a really nice perspective shot between the models.
A great read Gabe, thanks for taking the time.
Great article Gabe.
You left out the important details: What beers did you pick up, and do they still offer the IL discount? I had heard they had stopped that.
Jim
>Assuming that you probably knew you were eventually going to have the JCW suspension installed, did you order your R56 with the standard or sport suspension?
Standard. It’s sitting in my garage if anyone wants it.
>And, given that choice, what were original wheels (and tires) that came on your R56?
Thanks.
Crownspokes since I ordered the sport package. I opted that they come with all-seasons and they are now on my car for winter.
>In conclusion… The R53 feels and drives more like a real MINI.
Most people would find it difficult to reach a conclusion for a test that they weren’t a part. Glad to see that technicalities like <em>actually being there</em> hasn’t stopped you.
>Nice write up! But why not take a R53 equally equipped with the JCW stuff as the R56? So also the JCW kit and suspension?
Berthil – it’s great to hear from you. Good question. The R53 JCW kit was much more involved and included many more components (not to mention cost much more). I see it more of a comparison to the upcoming factory JCW kit for the R56. In contrast I see the dealer installed kit comparing well to the pulley, exhaust and intake mods on the R53.
>Ha! A rattle! The legend lives on…
Lol – my thoughts exactly. Truth be told the rattle was fixed by Knauz a few weeks back.
>Very good review. Having never driven an R53, somehow it makes me feel like I’m missing out on something, even if it is “second best.”
You are. Try to get behind the wheel of one if you can.
>My only addition is the following: My R53 is an ‘04 so I have the taller gearing and am biased nonetheless. I have the same mods as listed for the R53 above – except I’ve also had my ECU dyno tuned, which not only added another 10 whp, and increased and broadened the torque curve, but also greatly improved the throttle response and how my R53 revs. In fact I’d say the improved driveability after the tune is the #1 thing I noticed. I won’t say it revs like an R56 because it doesn’t but it revs much quicker than a (modded) R53 without a tune. I’ve always believed that the tune ties everything together, and many people seem to stop short of this.
Having driven an R53 with ECU tuning I’m inclined to agree with you.
>No doubt the Valentine got a work out too Gabe, even without a “detour” scheduled in Gary Indiana from my calculations you averaged 84.67MPH heh. Having the feeling that the Autobahn followed you home 😉
Matt would know better than I but I think that number is actually very close to correct.
>Really nice article Gabe. I’d be really curious to see a back to back handling comparison of an R56 with the sport suspension to the R53 with the sport suspension though.
Me too. Haven’t quite gotten the right cars together at the right time though. I’ve done it briefly and at a high level I think the R56’s SS is better damped (the newer runflats might help too) and has similar roll characteristics to the R53’s SS+.
>You left out the important details: What beers did you pick up, and do they still offer the IL discount? I had heard they had stopped that.
I brought back three six-packs: Winter Ale, Expedition Stout and Best Brown. All the other guys did full cases but I’m not that much of a non-social drinker so I figured a few six packs would do me just fine for a few months. And yes, the rumors are true… they stopped the discount.
Really good write up…now we need to compare the JCW R56 to a modded R56.
awesome write up.I knew the r53 had a better exhaust noise with popping sounds
Good article. You can come up to Kenosha anytime and buy Bells along with tons of other quality MicroBrews.
<blockquote>tBut it was the power of the new “Prince” engine and the smoothness of the new transmission that stood out in my mind as the huge differentiators. </blockquote>
I thought the 06 & 07 transmissions were the same?
<blockquote>The combination of the JCW suspension, updated DSC (standard on the R56)…</blockquote>
I don’t think DSC was standard in 07, at least it was not on my R56. I have no DSC.
>I thought the 06 & 07 transmissions were the same?
Ratios are similar – transmissions are different.
>I don’t think DSC was standard in 07, at least it was not on my R56. I have no DSC.
DSC wasn’t standard – however the updated/improved version came on all R56s with DSC.
Awesome write-up. Wish I had been present. Bell’s is one of my hands-down favorite places. I hope Larry was there – he would have loved your driving stories – quite the character. Winter Ale, Expedition Stout and Best Brown – all good, although their Porter is my favorite!
I never had an R53. Went straight from my R50 to an R56. However, I do miss the rawness of the R50/R53s and whenever I am in/near an R53 I love to hear that supercharger whine!
<blockquote>the_copi Nov 26th, 2007 Link
Very nice writeup! My only addition is the following: My R53 is an ‘04 so I have the taller gearing and am biased nonetheless. I have the same mods as listed for the R53 above – except I’ve also had my ECU dyno tuned, which not only added another 10 whp, and increased and broadened the torque curve, but also greatly improved the throttle response and how my R53 revs.</blockquote>
Which software did you use to tune the ECU?
Or does anyone have a brand to recommend?
Brian – My stock ECU was flashed via the OBDII port using Dimsport software at Lucky Dog Garage in Maryland. It’s a custom dyno tune specifically for my R53 with the mods on it – it’s not a cookie cutter flash nor a piggy back.
Thanks. Went on their site, but they are in Italy.
I’m in Florida and would like to work with someone more local.
But I’m very interesed in the ECU flash since a lot of people say that it helps alot with what has been mentioned on this thread.
Has anyone used the Dinan ECU upgrade?
I owned a stock R53, and now a stock R56, I can concur that even in stock form the R56 is the better car. As much as I loved my R53, I love the new one more. The R53 never tried to yank the steering wheel out of my sweaty palms like the R56 does under hard acceleration, but that only adds to the fun factor. However, I do have a “rattle” in the area of the sun roof, a noise that sounds like plastic rubbing against plastic that the dealer cannot seem to correct after three tries. Otherwise, the car is problem free after 6000 miles. It is also worth noting that I am getting almost 5 miles more per gallon with this car. More efficient, quicker, more refined, quieter, better riding….I can’t wait to try a Clubman which could become my wife’s next car.
Having gone from an ’05 JCW to an ’07 (with stage 1) I’d have to agree with most of the review conclusions – yes the R56 is better but I still think the R53 got under my skin a little more… and no mention of torque steer?
While other things are important, steering feel maketh the car, imo. I have yet to drive an R56, but this article just adds to my prejudice against it on the steering front.
Had a chance to take a R56 JCW for a ride tonight, all I can say very very impressed, like a few things better than the other on both my 06 R53 S and the R56 JCW.
Really chomping at the bit now for more info on the Factory car. I can hardly imagine how good this is going to be after being very impressed with the dealer JCW tonight.
Great write-up, good pics, interesting ending…
Great review! Thanks!
Is there a chance we could enlist Todd to add his comments as discussed on WRR last week? I know his comparison would not be based on the same models, but at the time you guys talked, he had a notably different perspective on the R56 (compared to his GP), especially regarding throttle response. Did his opinion change after more time in the R56?
<blockquote>Is there a chance we could enlist Todd to add his comments as discussed on WRR last week? I know his comparison would not be based on the same models, but at the time you guys talked, he had a notably different perspective on the R56 (compared to his GP), especially regarding throttle response. Did his opinion change after more time in the R56?</blockquote>
Stay tuned for my full review in the next couple of weeks. The demo R56 JCW is undergoing some further mods (suspension and aero kit) for a more “matched” comparison, if you will.
I will leave you with this thought from my first stage of back to back comparisons of the R56 JCW and the GP – going from the GP to the R56 made me feel like the GP was quicker and more responsive. After driving the R56 and getting back into the GP I was not so convinced. A full review will be coming as soon as the R56 gets the additional updgrades and I get some time to drive the cars back to back again.
I’ve spent an hour or two behind the wheel of a stock R56 MCS and compared to my R53 MCS (ALTA 15%, ALTA CAI, Milltek cat back and MTH Tuner file) I’d have to agree completely with this review. Thanks for making the effort of arranging a decent test.
I have Eibach springs on my MCS and while I love the more agressive stance, gee it’s nice getting in a stock R56 MCS and enjoying the more comfortable ride!
Really look forward to that review Todd. Love the GP so it has my vote. Still should be a very interesting read.
<blockquote>The R53 (with it’s supercharger all the baggage that comes with it) seems to rev at glacial speeds in comparison.</blockquote>
LOL!
Having owned 2 R53 and spent 3 days with an R56 JCW my sentiments concur.
They are both great cars in their own sense. I love my R53 because of its flaws and character. I love the R56 because it is so refined and such an improvement.
I do not doubt that the R56 is the “better” car, but I, for one, will be upgrading to a GP, and not an R56. Heart rules head in my case…
Great review Gabe! I have to concur with one of the above comments regarding the ECU tuning. Driving similar R53 modded cars with & without the tuning back to back really highlights the differences. Response and feel, not to mention, the over kick in the pants is amazing. Also I believe having some lowering springs on the R53 helps the high speed tightness that you may have been experiencing. The ’06 R53s definitely had a softer and more raised ride height compared to the earlier cars. I am one of those guys that keeps on going back and forth debating if it’s time for an R56. But every time I jump in my car the overall feeling I experience is so electric that I’m afraid I’m going to miss it. I’m going to have to see if my dealer will loan me a JCW R56 for the weekend to see if it will change my mind.
<blockquote>I do not doubt that the R56 is the “better” car, but I, for one, will be upgrading to a GP, and not an R56. Heart rules head in my case…</blockquote>
Bravo!
Nice write up. No matter how much better the R56 is over the R53 I still have a problem with the “blurby” front end, even though yours is the nicest I’ve seen.
Great Write up!
Have to say that personally I don’t think you can go wrong in a R53 (Coupe or Convertible), R53 JCW, GP or any of the R56’s either. Love the R50,R53, and R56 about the same. None of them are perfect cars, and each of them seem equally adept at capturing their owners affection.
Oops! I just bought a GP. #1325
….brilliant article that Gabe…
I was recently on the brink of swapping my R56 for a convertible with a JCW (or even an Audi TT) as I really am not happy with the interior or the tightness of my R56… now this has got me thinking again and I may hang on to it (I took delivery of mine in December 2006) and get a full factory installed JCW convertible when it hits the showroom in a year or so…
By the way your photos are excellent, the side on view in front of House of Tomorrow, makes the car look fabulous. Well done mate.
Thanks for the review.
As for the sunroof rattle, you’ll notice the trim is barely hanging on so should be easy to fix. The rattle in the speedo (at least on nav equipped cars) when it drops to 0 is there to stay.
I had my R56 up to 130mph (on the Autobahn, of course) with no aero kit, and it was rock solid. It felt more like 70 than 130.
I have had my ’04 MCS with no aero kit up to close to 3 nickels, here in CA. I didn’t really feel much difference 70 and that speed in straight line handling until I hit a major crease in the asphalt. Then it was scarry!
I also have never felt comfortable with the stock set up of this car while doing any high speed long sweepers. It never feels that planted in the bum.
Could a full factory ’06 JCW R53 be a bit quicker/smoother than a modded one? This is the best review of it’s kind I’ve read to date, and I’d love to read a matchup like this between the two most refined of the models. Anyone done this yet?
> This is the best review of it’s kind I’ve read to date, and I’d love to read a matchup like this between the two most refined of the models. Anyone done this yet?
I’d be happy to do the same if someone in the Chicago area wants to give me their ’05/’06 JCW MCS next spring for a day. It would need LSD and preferably JCW brakes for a equal test. JCW suspension would be a bonus.
As an aside I have driven the R53 JCW extensively – having had both a GP and a ’06 JCW for a week each. I can tell you from experience (not a back to back test mind you) that the R56 JCW still feels faster. Especially in the first half of the rev range.
However I think what we have here is the natural comparison though. The previous JCW Kit will match up better with that is coming from the factory next year.
Looking forward to an eventual comparative review between a GP, R53 JCW, R56 Dealer JCW, and a R56 Factory JCW. Think that would be the coolest read. Each car very likely to be great but would be interesting to see how they compare and contrast.
I have an ’06w/ all components: motor, suspension, LSD, brakes, etc., and I’m dying to drive the R56 counterpart to mine.
I can’t believe I’ve yet to see dyno stats on the stage one much less someone’s 0-60 times.
I recall a while ago someone posted 0-60 times as low as 5.7 with a stock R56 MCS. I would guess stage one would know a few tenths of a seconds faster.
Put’m both on a track with the same driver and then we’ll see. I’ve read over and over that the new motor “feels” way faster, but is in fact not…it’s possible to play with drive-by-wire and trick the fanny dyno into thinking a car is faster. I think posted 0-60 and 1/4 miles times are pretty close if we refer to the big three magazines.
>Put’m both on a track with the same driver and then we’ll see. I’ve read over and over that the new motor “feels” way faster, but is in fact not…it’s possible to play with drive-by-wire and trick the fanny dyno into thinking a car is faster. I think posted 0-60 and 1/4 miles times are pretty close if we refer to the big three magazines.
To answer your question – Here’s my MCS before the engine kit install passing all sorts of cars (including an R53 with a pulley) at a recent BMWCCA track day. And before you ask, both cars had track experienced drivers behind the wheel. <em>BTW don’t pay attention to the ever-changing gap on the straight-away as I was trying to give people in front of me plenty of room going into turns one and two which can be a bit tricky as they carry so much speed.</em>
[ <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/01/gabes-track-weekend-video/" rel="nofollow">2007 MCS at the track (BMWCCA HPDS)</a> ] MotoringFile
5.7 seconds for a stock mcs is purely bs.
Its more around 6.7-7.5 depending on how fast of a shifter you are.
Of course the turbo is gonna feel faster because of all the low end torque, but guess what, it still revs as high as the R53.
If they gave it a 7K rpm redline, it’d be faster for sure.
I know im biased towards hondas, but go drive a new si, redline it at 8k, and tell us honestly which is faster. low end torque dosent mean much in race cars as long as you have top end
great review. This type of discussion reminds me a LOT of the discussions between the NA 1.6L, NA 1.8L and NB 1.8L miatas.
All great cars, but as the miata grew up and got faster, she also got a lot more refined. Better? Always a debate….
Pete. Most publications who have tested the R56 MCS are saying 6.2 0-60. I doubted the posting on this site that stated 5.7, however, many postings seem to feel it was from a reliable source.
Shouldn’t be too hard to find in the R56 archieves.
I loved the look of the R53 but the ride wasn’t bumby, it was back jarring and the center pole was too tight to my leg. Long rides killed me. The R56 is head and shoulders above my old R53, not even close.
<blockquote>I can’t believe I’ve yet to see dyno stats on the stage one much less someone’s 0-60 times.
I recall a while ago someone posted 0-60 times as low as 5.7 with a stock R56 MCS. I would guess stage one would know a few tenths of a seconds faster.</blockquote>
5.7 0-60 times were posted by Grass Roots Motorsports and SCCA Autocross driver, Per Schroeder. And 5.7 was the average, He had a couple runs that were even LOWER!!! You can check out all their R56S experiences at <a href="http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/news/category/project-cars/current-project-cars/2007-mini-cooper-s/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/news/category/project-cars/current-project-cars/2007-mini-cooper-s/</a>
If you want to see R56S JCW dyno charts there are both US and UK spec ones here: <a href="http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120528" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120528</a>
Ha! Some back up! So it wasn’t a fig newton of my imagination. Like to see what these guys time a stage one at.
Great comparison review.
Regarding turn-in, where the old r53 come out (or goes in) first, I’d like to read a review after installing camber/caster plates.
it would be interesting to review the R53 JCW (210bhp) vs R56 JCW (192bhp)
What a great article. Very informative and to the point. I have an R53. Even though I lack in power I can vouch for the more than impressive steering that you get. I love my car and everyone freaks out when that get inside.
Next time you make the Beer Run ot Michigan, Come and play on some of the rare twisties in NorthWest Indiana (Granted this is INDIANA not North Carolina or Tennesee). We have them on the NorthWest Indiana MINIacs web page, <a href="http://www.nwiminiacs.com" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.nwiminiacs.com</a> and click on MINI Roads
Beverly Shores is actually in Northwest Indiana.
<p>I own an R53. I agree 100% with the steering review but I believe that the power curve is much better in the R53 than the R56S. It’s much more linear – something that you don’t get in the new one. Both are great cars.</p>
<p>I’ll always own a MINI. They’re just spectacularly great.</p>
<p>The R53 is the better car if you’re going to go haul around a tight circuit of lower-speed corners, rapidly negotiate a busy downtown or do some autocross on a Sunday. It just feels so much more raw and connected through the controls and responses.</p>