Ask MF (Guest Host Edition): Is JCW A Good Idea for an Older MINI?
After last week’s Ask MotoringFile marathon, we realized we still have a couple more that needed to be answered. However for today’s edition, we’ve got some professional help. The question comes courtesy of Dustin:
>Is the R53 JCW kit a good idea to refresh your higher milage stock MCS? Providing that the R53 JCW engine kit still available at dealers (which I don’t know if it is or not, or how long MINI plans on producing them if they are) It would seem that the new head and SC fitted to a MINI at say the 100K mark would make the mechanicals sound for the next 100k (since the expected life of the SC is only 150k), plus the new HP would breathe new life into a car for a loyal owner.
Great question Dustin. While we like the JCW upgrade for the R53 quite a bit (and the R56 for that matter) we’re not sure if it’s the best solution if the car isn’t under the factory warranty at this point. Especially considering the cost. So in order to give you a good picture of your aftermarket options, we’d like to turn over this question to Eric Savage, owner of the renowned MINI tuner Helix and longtime friend and supporter of MF. He also knows a thing or two about brewing beer, but that’s a story from another time. Anyway, to the Eric’s answer…
The John Cooper Works package has always been a popular option for new MINI buyers for a couple of reasons: it has the prestige of a factory tuned car, and it carries the factory warranty. As far as I know, retrofitting the JCW kit on an high-mileage car does not extend the warranty on the car (or the new parts, for that matter) which makes it less attractive for the high-mileage MINI owner. The big knock on the JCW package has been its nearly $6000 price tag once installed. It is for that reason that companies such as Helix Minisports has made a living tuning our favorite cars. We can do what the JCW package does–and much more–for substantially less money.
The JCW package consists of a new supercharger (with smaller pulley), a lightly worked cylinder head, an intake, injectors, software and exhaust. All of these parts play well together to produce a fun boost in engine performance, if not an M3 eater on the highway. What I typically recommend is to address the performance of the total vehicle, so that you can easily dispatch that M3 in at least the twisties. Simple is always safer when tuning MINIs, so I’ll typically make two recommendations, one performance package that will accelerate with, and out-handle a JCW upgraded car, and one that will leave the JCW car panting. (Both can be put together and installed by any of MINI focused aftermarket tuners you see advertise on the pages of MotoringFile)
Package #1:
– Upgraded rear sway bar
– High quality summer performance tire
– 15% reduction supercharger pulley
– Free flow intake
– Good ECU tuning file
Your total cost including installation should run you about $1800 depending on who sells the parts and does the installations.
Or you could go for what I like to call the Full Monty in Package #2:
– Upgraded rear sway bar
– High quality summer performance tire
– 15% reduction supercharger pulley
– Free flow intake
– Good ECU tuning file
– High flow cylinder head
– high flow complete exhaust system
– high temperature street/track brake pads
– high temperature brake fluid
Package #2 could cost you approximately the same as a JCW kit, but in return you’ll get a car capable of laying a MINI smack down on everything but the most expensive sports cars, and you’d leave the JCW car in the dust, all while retaining excellent drivability and reliability. All of these parts are of course sold a la carte by any number of shops, so that you can tailor the car to your specific needs and desires. Be sure to speak to an expert to be sure that all of the performance parts you are considering work well together. And you can always contact me below.
Does Guest Host = Infomercial?
But the entire feel of the JCW package is more refined. This is something the aftermarket was never able to reproduce.
Actually, that article was the answer to the question I had not yet asked, but have been mulling over lately. My ’06 MCS is just about to turn over 50,000 miles, and I’m beginning to sense a difference in the feel of the car – the engine is running a little rougher, some of the pep is starting to fade a bit. Nothing unexpected, given the mileage on the car and my heavy right foot, but something I will definitely want to address in another year or two.
I noticed that Eric’s package #1 didn’t really address the “refresh” issue, just added on upgrades, so I’m left wondering what other work is involved in that process that would revitalize the existing powerplant. Rings, injectors, valves, etc… what does an aging MINI need to regain its lively youthful character?
Good tempting info.
I do have an additional question.
I am out of the “Factory” warranty. I have 47,000 miles on my ’04 MCS. I’m now into my Credit Union extended 100,000 mile warranty. If I did do your upgrade, either one, would that leave me warranty-less?
Or, is it safer, yet expensive, to do the JCW/MCS with factory approved, I presume, specs?
I’m sure many here would prefer yours, as I probably should, but I don’t want to void my extended that cost me a few bucks.
RB
I think the question here is…. Can you still get your hands on the R53 JCW package?
As I plan to keep my MCS 9-10 years I also have been re-visiting this topic from time to time. However, even after my warranty expires next year, I’ll probably go the JCW route if possible.
I am not expecting to add resale value to the car, just a new level of enjoyment, not that I am not having a blast on my stock car as we speak..
The way I see the JCW things is two fold:
Refinement
Parts and components that were co-developed between JCW and MINI. Thousands of testing miles behind these parts. In sort, while the aftermarket will no doubt give out for bang for the buck, the perfect integration of JCW components and expected durability/reliability more than justifies the higher admission price.
Nuvolari–I don’t think so. Read the post–no specific product plug, recommendations for general mods, and he notes that the mods can be done by others.
😉
While the JCW kit may be a little more refined than an aftermarket solution, refined is not the main selling point of the car. MINIs are unique, and the aftermarket allows you to continue that. I am very happy with the relationship I have built with my car as I have added upgrades. My unique combination may not be the best out there, but it is what I have grown to love. I become more a part of the car with each upgrade as I explore what each upgrade does. Not to mention that I have saved a lot of money that has allowed me to do even more.
nice article eric – and great looking car in the shot… ; )
<blockquote>Does Guest Host = Infomercial?</blockquote>
One person’s informercial is someone else’s information.
Didn’t seem like he answered the question to me. I read the question as asking would it make more sense to replace these parts which will eventually be warn out with a factory backed high performance package. Not what go-fast parts could be added on. I don’t see anything in the answer that addresses the eventual failure of the supercharger. If anything, it’s suggested that he add a part to make it run faster which in turn could/would shorten it’s lifespan.
My ’05 just hit 50k miles. I’m doing the CAI,15% pulley,and exhaust. Pondering the idea of Unichip…. Even with the chip I’m under $1500 including labor. And that should put me(from what they say) in JCW territory.
I had an ’05 JCW and loved it. Can’t wait to compare the two. One thing I wonder if I buy an ’08 MCSC should I go JCW or aftermarket if the setup I currently am adding pleases me. We’re talking a saving of $4500+. If I have a repair in the first 50k miles I’m likely to be ahead of the game. Aftermarket stuff does not automatically void a warranty. The dealer has to prove that the issue at hand was caused by the add ons. So if these things are as benign as they say everything should be cool.
I agree, the question was if adding the JCW parts would extend the life of the parts that are wearing out.
I like how nothing was said about the question itself – refreshing the engine. Everything was about mods and making the MINI faster, and there was no talk of ensuring the engine and supercharger lasting another 100k miles.
Gabe just to let everyone know MINI warranties any MINI accessories installed on a persons car by the dealer for two years/ unlimited miles or the balance of the factory warranty. Whichever is greater. Someone installing this should know that they do have a guarantee with these items in spite of their car being out of factory warranty.
<blockquote>Gabe just to let everyone know MINI warranties any MINI accessories installed on a persons car by the dealer for two years/ unlimited miles or the balance of the factory warranty. Whichever is greater. Someone installing this should know that they do have a guarantee with these items in spite of their car being out of factory warranty.</blockquote>
That’s what I was told by the dealer when I bought my MINI. I asked about it specifically. The plan rattling around in the back of my head was to if I could afford it have the JCW kit installed on my engine as essentially a two year warranty extension of those drive train components. That’s still the half-plan at this point.
There’s no telling what’s going to fail in an engine, but there are LOTS of moving parts in the valve train and we all know the supercharger has a finite life span. Sure it’ll cost more and there will always be something out there in the after market that will go a tenth faster on the quarter mile. But if you’re out to combine a performance upgrade with some extra warranty, it might not be a bad way to go.
I’m with others, I really don’t think this answers the question. Can you put a JCW kit on a high mileage car and will it have any impact on the longevity of the engine either positively or negatively?
I don’t think Eric understood the question, it is still unanswered. The question was not “how can I make my car as fast as a JCW”.
<blockquote>Didn’t seem like he answered the question to me. I read the question as asking would it make more sense to replace these parts which will eventually be warn out with a factory backed high performance package. Not what go-fast parts could be added on. I don’t see anything in the answer that addresses the eventual failure of the supercharger. If anything, it’s suggested that he add a part to make it run faster which in turn could/would shorten it’s lifespan.</blockquote>
I agree. As the person whos asked the question, I appreciate the answer from Eric and it is a very good list of mods for performance, However I am more intrested in the viability of replacing the SC and head with the JCW kit for long term reliability as a MINI lover who would like to get 200k or 300k from the car. Aftermarket products are generally great for performance but that performance usually diminishes reliability somewhat. To me the idea of replacing the known wear issues, and unlocking a new facet of the cars performance at a point when we may be getting bored with the car at 100k is very appealing……but is it possible or plausible?
back to the JCW vs. Aftermarket argument.
To take eric’s post further….look at it this way:
Base RWM Head: ~$2000
Used, Low mile SC: ~$600? (guess)
15% pulley: $120
Injectors: ~$300
Install: ~$1000? (guess)
RWM Tune & Dyno Time: ~$500-ish
Give or take, replacing the same parts that the JCW kit would replace, all for around $4500-ish or so?
Ok, you won’t get a badge for your grill, but that would replace the same parts, “extending the life” and also get a LOT more bang for the buck.
But, I have always been a “DIY” guy…..YMMV
In neither package 1 nor package 2 did Eric include any suspension upgrade/handling improvements except for a rear sway bar and sticky tires. Interesting.
I noticed that both option one and two included replacing the rear sway bar. I have a low milage factory original 2006 Cooper S with all the JCW options, including the suspension. Are there any modifications I could make, that would improve the already great performance without compromising the “refined” performance mentioned in another post?
Also by “summer performance tires”, it is suggested that an option to Run Flats, be considered?
Thanks.
There is a write on MF about adding a rear sway bar to the JCW suspension. It was liked very much. It’s over there on the right, under Performance Accessories.
Non-run-flat tires will give you better grip, but there is a minority of Mini owners that likes the quicker turn-in you get with run-flats.
Yeah, really need to include injectors as part of the packages too. And wasnt there talk once about fitting a different super charger on as well?
Chris asked; “Also by “summer performance tires”, it is suggested that an option to Run Flats, be considered?”
What he was refering to was specifically a non-runflat tire.
bee1000 said; “Non-run-flat tires will give you better grip, but there is a minority of Mini owners that likes the quicker turn-in you get with run-flats.”
He is absolutely correct. However there are some summer tires that offer stiff sidewalls and quick turn-in such as the Falken Azenis. These are a fantastic tire. DOT approved, 200 treadwear rating, sticky as all getout. Decent treadwear.
Jimbo – Agree that there is (was?) a different supercharger with the JCW package which apparently has teflon-coated vanes. From what I understand the JCW upgrade also requires that the dealer keeps the old cylinder head and the old supercharger (!)
Does anyone have any figures on approximately how long an R53 MCS engine’s lifespan is, providing that it is maintained in accordance with the BMW service schedule? I’ve heard of R53 MCS owners maintaining the engine’s feel and quality by performing more regular oil and oil filter changes. Is this true?
<p>Hi there,</p>
<p>i need some advice, i want to buy the JCW 210 Kit for my MSC Auto..</p>
<p>but im worried that the AUTO Tranmission will be able to handle the power..</p>
<p>please help me..
thanks</p>