JCW Automatic Kit US Release Delayed
A few weeks back we reported that some US owners of the automatic R56s were getting the new 192bhp JCW kit installed at some dealers. At the time we recommended against the install as the auto kit was not officially released and the manual version of the kit had different ECU software. However several commenters reported having the kit installed by dealers who somehow would successful in ordering the auto kit from MINI. In fact we’ve verified one of these cases and will be featuring a short reader review in the days ahead.
But we wanted to get the official word so we decided to do some research ourselves. Instead of going to the dealers we thought we’d go straight to the top and chat with people in the know at MINI corporate. We were once again assured that MINI USA has not officially released the JCW Tuning Kit for the automatic as of January 2008. Our source went onto say that, while has been released in other markets, MINI USA still hasn’t received approval from environmental engineering for the US market.”
Furthermore, we’ve obtained a bulletin from MINI USA just went out to dealers this morning reminding that the JCW Tuning kit can only be installed on the manual:
>Reminder: As per bulletin M 11 01 07 the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit can only be installed on MINI Cooper S with manual transmission. Even if the parts do fit MINI Cooper S with automatic transmission, the kit is not released for these cars. We still need to obtain approval from our environmental engineering before we can release the kit for MINI Cooper S with automatic transmission in the US market. We are trying to get this approval as soon as possible.
And for those who may have missed our earlier report on the factory 210+ bhp JCW kit and it’s compatibility with the automatic option, here’s the short answer; not going to happen.
well this is awful news to start my week
Good news though that they will eventually release the stage 1 kit for the US.
oh boy…here we go again…
<blockquote>And for those who may have missed our earlier report on the factory 210+ bhp JCW kit and it’s compatibility with the automatic option, here’s the short answer; not going to happen.</blockquote>I guess some things still remain sacred. 🙂
<blockquote>the factory 210+ bhp JCW kit and it’s compatibility with the automatic option … not going to happen.</blockquote>I guess some things still remain sacred. 🙂
darn WordPress errors, making me think it didn’t submit properly… please delete one of the above posts (and this one)
Really dissapointing that automatic MCS owners always get the shaft when it comes to the JCW performance upgrades. Poor logisitics IMHO.
Don’t believe that the Auto owners are getting the shaft on this one C4. I just believe that the cost of developing this kit for the auto in mind also would drive its cost through the roof. Likely it would require not only an adaptation of the proposed kit but a completely new development of many components.
This information is dissapointing but at least we have an official word. I am probably alone hear but I ordered my Cooper S after reading about Gabe’s car and the JCW Tuning Kit and Suspension. I have the suspension but obviously not the Tuning Kit because I have an automatic. I would have never bought my Mini unless I could add all JCW performance packages. I never wanted a standard Cooper S but the JCW Tuning Kit sounded like the answer so I bought the car. I will give the kit a few months and then my dealer who showed me the kit and the fact I will be able to order it as a selling point will be sorry they ever sold me this car. As a business owner I am always afraid of the guy who has to much time on his hands and maybe I will become that guy.
Really, really, really disappointed. So for the people who’s dealers (Morristown MINI) installed the kit fully knowing that they shouldn’t be, what happens when the actual Auto kit comes out? Am I the sucker that has to buy a whole new kit? Or will my ECU software be upgrade free of charge?
Unless I hear back from my e-mails into MINI very soon, it might warrant a trip to the actual dealership to collect on this issue and everything else they owe me (still haven’t gotten my JCW wheels & tires, they never fully put on my badging and my car was delivered with two scratches on the bumper).
i can’t imagine they sell many automatics MCS outside of North America and even in North America most MCS are manual.
So that is a very small market for a already small market for the upgrade.
Ordered my JCW Kit for my (Krutted and Krashed) R56. It’ll be installed once they finish the body repairs.
Anybody who thinks the Stage Two JCW will be here in June as reported will be lucky if they see it in September. No surprise to me if it’s ’09 before it gets here.
210HP? Last I heard 212. And that was a reduction from the original figures. Sounds like the “bang for the buck” is diminishing.
>210HP? Last I heard 212. And that was a reduction from the original figures. Sounds like the “bang for the buck” is diminishing.
A – It’s 210bhp plus.
B – Whatever figure they provide will be conservative.
C – You haven’t even heard about the best bits yet.
>Don’t believe that the Auto owners are getting the shaft on this one C4. I just believe that the cost of developing this kit for the auto in mind also would drive its cost through the roof. Likely it would require not only an adaptation of the proposed kit but a completely new development of many components.
That’s it. There are other major components in the factory kit that would have to be re-engineered for it to be available on an auto MCS.
I called Morristown Mini regarding the issue of JCW Kit on Auto Car and despite referencing a customer who had a JCW Auto Car that they sold they had no answer and I never got a response from anyone who knew anything. If there is no demand for the kit BMW should determine that before saying it will be available. Some people may actually choose the car based on their statement.
So if you don’t intend to offer it from the get go, then keep your mouth shut and don’t tease your customers.
Gabe:
As a journalist of sorts you posted in the JCW Press Release originally for the manual and in it the release stated auto kit coming by end of 2007. To now make a statement it is expensive and implying this is a justification to cancel or permanently postpone the product is defending the wrong people. If it is delayed like they said for enviornmental approval that means they have developed the proper parts and are waiting for approval. If they did not they should state cancelled not delayed. WE ARE GETTING THE SHAFT as I stated before I no longer want my mini if I can’t finish the kit and would not have bought the car in the first place if they did not officially say it would be released. I will be contacting the person at BMW who told me in writing the kit was released and be the advocate for those who want answers. Gabe in your opinion according to your previous post about no market and expensive parts is the kit really delayed or are we being screwed again and is it permenently delayed. Maybe we will all just wait a year rather than go on to our second choice maybe alta, or something else. If it is not going to happen we should know. This is the last I will write on the subject unless I get some answers from BMW Corporate. Gabe remember you report BMW Info but you do not work for them your last excuse for them was not justified
Post
Don’t believe that the Auto owners are getting the shaft on this one C4. I just believe that the cost of developing this kit for the auto in mind also would drive its cost through the roof. Likely it would require not only an adaptation of the proposed kit but a completely new development of many components.
Gabes Response
That’s it. There are other major components in the factory kit that would have to be re-engineered for it to be available on an auto MCS
Proper Response
Although they may not make as much prophet it should now be the responsibility of BMW to do their best regardless of prophet made or lost on the project in order to live up to their commitments. If it is not possible to revamp the kit and meet enviornmental standards they should let their customer base know officially and immediately.
I don’t think anyone who did not want a JCW Car and Only a JCW car can truly understand my frustration. I would have never spent the money on the suspension and body kit if BMW would have not said I could finish it off with the Tuning Kit. Would someone like an M3 without emblems and stock 16 inch 3 series wheels if they could pay 57000.00 instead of 60000.
> As a journalist of sorts you posted in the JCW Press Release originally for the manual and in it the release stated auto kit coming by end of 2007. To now make a statement it is expensive and implying this is a justification to cancel or permanently postpone the product is defending the wrong people.
My response was referring to the factory JCW kit that was mentioned in an earlier comment – an entirely different beast than the dealer installed version.
I have nothing but sympathy for people waiting for the auto version of the dealer kit.
Thank you for the clarification. It seems you realize your black R56 is a great complete package but if you had spent all the money on the Susp, Body Kit , you would be upset not to have the tuning kit to complete the package. I read you earlier post about no emblems with the Susp kit and I agree. The spirit of John Cooper lies in the customer who chooses the suspension kit as it is the more extreme of the performance components and therefore should come with emblems.
Mark I don’t believe at anytime Mini or Motoringfile has said the Factory car will be available on anything but the manual variety. I also have to say I would much rather them develop Factory car that doesn’t add 10/15k over stock price just so its available on a few automatics that would choose to go that path. Nobody that has already bought a automatic should be upset by this since its already has been said that the factory car will not be dealer installable.
From my read on the story above what I get is that the automatic stage 1 kit is likely to come to the stats but is just waiting until environmental impact needs to be completed.
The official Press Release posted on Motoring File and everywhere else clearly stated JCW Auto Tuning Kit for the automatic transmission would be available by the end of 2007. You can look through the archives and pull up the press release. I would never expect it if they did not say it but since they said it and I banked on it in ordering the car and parts I now do.
Just to make it clear Motoring File did not state the kit would be available BMW did.
I hope we are talking about the same thing. All of my posts are only in reference to the stage 1 kit.
It looks like the JCW for the Auto R56 is being held up just like the JCW convertibles. It’s probably just delays in dealing with the EPA or CARB.
@MarkD: thanks for giving them a call. Around 4pm EST today I received an e-mail back from Ed, the manager there and he said he forwarded my e-mail to Fred, their service manager, to see what kind of ECU software my JCW kit had.
Obviously, not the answer I was looking for and obviously, according to this post, my car doesn’t have the correct JCW kit on it. I’ve asked Ed what the next steps are to make sure, when the Auto kit does come out, that it gets put on my car as I was under the impression I was ordering.
In all my e-mail correspondence, I’ve been CC’ing Paul Macerone at MINI USA. Dave Dobler, my Motoring Advisor (who I don’t even think is at Morristown MINI anymore), told me that Paul is the area manager for Open Road Auto Group that runs/owns Morristown MINI. He has yet to comment or offer any type of solution.
Safe to say, if tomorrow passes without any progress on MINI’s end, I’m heading straight to the dealer after work.
<blockquote>
A – It’s 210bhp plus.
B – Whatever figure they provide will be conservative.
C – You haven’t even heard about the best bits yet.
</blockquote>
Back about 2-3 weeks before Christmas on White Roof Radio we were once again teased with the statement that we can expect more concrete news on the JCW factory car, “within the month”. Can I assume this means before the end of the week? Pretty please.
Why does the site look so different??
i for one do not like it one bit. But then I absolutely adore the simplicity.
Yeah its simple.. but looks incomplete.
MarkD,
“I would have never bought my Mini unless I could add all JCW performance packages.”
What a crock of BS. Who would pay 30k+ on a car betting on being able to add a few “official” HPs later down the road if they didn’t like the car already? The JCW engine pack isn’t going to add that much HP. Having the “whole JCW enchilada” isn’t going to add to the resale value like having a GP.
<em><strong>You have one helluva a fun/good looking car as it is. </strong></em>
The JCW engine package adds power buts it’s not a helluva lot. My Alta PNP ECU piggy back makes the car faster than a JCW (verified by back to back comparisons). Sure it might void the warranty <strong>IF </strong> I was stupid enough to take it in for service with it on. Give Alta time (just like give MINI some time) amd it’ll be available for the automatic.
Pedigree? You’ve got that already.
Are you looking more for the power boost or just for the badge?
The JCW not being approved has more to do with emissions than anything else. Same as for the R53. Hopefully it will be approved soon.
I’m not even going to get into the “purity” of the matter since you have an automatic.
<blockquote>Back about 2-3 weeks before Christmas on White Roof Radio we were once again teased with the statement that we can expect more concrete news on the JCW factory car, “within the month”. Can I assume this means before the end of the week? Pretty please.</blockquote>
most of the new features of the factory workskit have been mentioned on motoringfile already. there are just one or two additional things which will show up, but again: wait a couple of more weeks for the final factory-works-setup.
i took one of the factory works r55 for a spin about two months back. to put it in one word: AWESOME!
<blockquote>C – You haven’t even heard about the best bits yet.</blockquote>
Gabe, you’ve hinted at this in the past…when will the cat be out of the bag?
Hopefully it’s along the line of great sport seats, Challenge wheels without run-flats, and carbon fiber roof (like the new M3) along with the 210hp motor (with functional scoop?), JCW suspension, and the multi-piston brakes (with floating rotors?) we’ve seen in spyphotos.
Hopefully it’s not i-Drive selectable electronic suspension and steering settings (like the new M3). Or, god forbid, AWD.
Robble
1. I do think having the total package will help resale.
2. Asking someone who has a JCW Suspension if they just want the badge is probably not appropriate. If I just wanted a badge and not all around performance I would just get the Tuning Kit.
3. As a weekend Auto X and track day guy as well as a Sponsored RC Touring Car Driver I liked the JCW Kit because of the reviews of how it makes the power more linear and not flatten out. I just sold my 2005 Steeda Mustang GT and really appreciate the balance of a car put together by one Tuner. I was hoping the total JCW Package would have the same balance. As for Auto I rowed through gears in my last two cars and since the auto coopers are faster than the manual ones I found very little compromise in owning my first automatic car.
I realize this is an information forum and not a typical debate forum so I will not respond further. I hope you now realize my perspective
C-“best bits”? Come clean Gabe.
Gabe. It looks like you need to address the “R56 automatic is faster than manual” hoax again.
For those who are concerned about the Auto JCW Kit this information backs up Gabe’s news but also gives Auto owners hope it won’t be to long.
Hi Mark, I am sorry for all the confusion. The information I provided previously was not completely correct. The kit has been developed, however it has not yet been given a part number nor has it been released to the dealers. At this time, we are waiting for the kit to pass regulations. We hope to be able to offer the JCW kit to you very soon. If there are further questions I can assist with, please feel free to drop me an e-mail. I will be happy to lend a hand. LET’S MOTOR. Amber WoodMINI Customer Relations and ServicesRepresentative866.ASK.MINI (275-6464)
Mark – I agree with everything you said except:
>since the auto coopers are faster than the manual ones I found very little compromise in owning my first automatic car.
In no measurable way is the auto faster than the manual. All other manual vs auto debates aside (and yes the auto is a fine car), in the MINI, the manual is the faster of the two.
>C-“best bits”? Come clean Gabe.
I’d love to but I can’t.
The kit for auto trans cars (as suggested by Gabe) has been released in other markets and apparently just awaits release in US for the stated reasons.
For John Ratcliffe-Lee, you will find impressions of the auto kit on min2.com and NAM under drivetrain upgrades.
Should help you decide which kit you have on your car. The difference should be obvious especially if you can drive a “non JCW auto” MINI back to back with your car. If indeed your car has only 3-5 more hp than stock, you will be able to tell.
For those hoping to have a factory auto JCW, this has been clearly noted from day 1. Apparently the big issue is the mandatory LSD which will not fit on auto cars or it would be an option. I doubt this is a conspiracy to demean auto trans owners. BMW is in this for the $$$ and these upgrades are likely very profitable.
Just wanted to give everyone a quick update. Spoke with Fred Gallo, the service manager from Morristown MINI, and he said that my JCW kit is tied specifically to my VIN # and build. That the only thing in question is if it has the ECU software for manual or automatic transmission.
This pretty much contradicts all the information in this thread but I wanted to keep you updated. I’m bringing my car in on 1/22 to address everything. I’ve pointed Fred to the information in this post and I’m waiting to hear back from him.
>This pretty much contradicts all the information in this thread…
I don’t think this contradicts anything reported above. The product has not been officially released but obviously a few slipped out late last year.
This is odd news, because as a Southern California MINI dealership Motoring Advisor I am staring at an automatic JCW in the showroom as I type this. It’s actually been in here for quite some time. It was port installed in November I believe. I couldn’t tell you if it was added by mistake, but I can tell you that I have personally driven it, and it is quite nice.
Gabe:
When you say faster do you mean on a road course of drag strip. I know without an LSD the auto could not carry as much corner speed. I read in Car and Driver and Motortrend the Auto Ran 14.8 in both and the only manual tested was in Car and Drive and it ran 15.0. I always take published E.T’s wiht a grain of salt but this is the only semi-official info I had. I am not writing this in the interest of defending my comments but rather I am just curious because my buddy may be buying a Cooper S and may use the same justifications I did. If the manual is indeed faster I think he would go that route. Just as a side note. I have been gathering info from your site since I bought my car Nov 07 and this is the first subject I have posted on (Auto JCW Kit). I really enjoy your site because without all of these posts from your readers we would all be in the dark still.
MarkD. There’s a “badge” for the suspension. Well, OK, a sticker (in the door well). But that’s more than we got on the R53 JCW suspension.
Mini has always been promising good stuff for one date that actually hits much later. R56 JCW tuning was promised for July ’07 in the US, actually hit in September.
Don’t worry. It will be here before spring. I don’t know if you live in a cold weather area, but it’s no good in snow.
It will be worth the wait. It’s a dramatic improvement in performance. Really freekin’ fast. Forget the 17HP thing. It does something else to the engine that is magic. Better value at $2100 than the $6200 R53 Works.
@Gabe: My oversight, apologies. I’m guessing I’m just looking for someone at MINI USA or Morristown MINI to in fact confirm this (that my car is one of these that ‘slipped out’) and that the ECU software upgrade is all I’ll need to actually have a legit JCW auto.
no worries John. I have no doubt Morristown will take care of you. They’re as good as it gets from my experience.
Gabe,
Much appreciated. They have been great so far. Also, thanks to you for your insight as well as for MotoringFile being such a great resource and contributor to the MINI community.
>When you say faster do you mean on a road course of drag strip. I know without an LSD the auto could not carry as much corner speed. I read in Car and Driver and Motortrend the Auto Ran 14.8 in both and the only manual tested was in Car and Drive and it ran 15.0. I always take published E.T’s wiht a grain of salt but this is the only semi-official info I had. I am not writing this in the interest of defending my comments but rather I am just curious because my buddy may be buying a Cooper S and may use the same justifications I did. If the manual is indeed faster I think he would go that route. Just as a side note. I have been gathering info from your site since I bought my car Nov 07 and this is the first subject I have posted on (Auto JCW Kit). I really enjoy your site because without all of these posts from your readers we would all be in the dark still.
The manual is faster in every measurable way in <em>almost</em> any situation. However I have personally seen the auto beat a manual once. It was actually at the press launch of the R56 and it was a hot 1/4 drag strip. The manual’s clutch wasn’t ideal and the auto was able to put down the power a little better in that specific case.
However in all other situations the manual was quicker than the auto. In fact you can hear my drives of both cars back to back in this podcast I did from the event: <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2007/02/04/r56-audio-review-gabe-drives-the-r56/" rel="nofollow">Audio Review: 2007 R56 Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper S Auto</a>
Just in case anyone is still following this thread, I wanted to update everyone on where my situation stands now.
Morristown MINI took it in and determined that my engine indeed has the ECU software meant for a manual transmission. There will be no foreseeable physical parts difference between the JCW kits out there now and the auto kits, once confirmed. Essentially, as mentioned previously, MINI USA is either still waiting for the emissions output on the auto kits/cars to be approved or they’re still testing.
Everyone I spoke to seems to anticipate, when the auto transmission ECU software is released, that it will means a performance reduction on my car as it stands now. Hopefully this won’t happen but usually a restriction on emissions goes hand in hand with performance downgrade.
Thank you for the update. have you ever driven a regular Cooper S auto. What is the difference. Is it something you can feel
@MarkD: I haven’t, actually. At least not the new ’07/R56 ones (my girlfriend has an ’06 Cooper S). When I originally test drove a MINI at Prestige, it was only a regular Cooper and the loaner car that Morristown gave me was a regular MINI.
After everything I’ve gone through with this ordeal…I can definitely tell something is missing w/ the incorrect ECU software. Although, maybe it’s just the fact that I have an auto compared to a manual.