Damm! When I priced mine with all the goodies like leather, JCW suspension kit and aero kit and GPS it was 39,200 not including install. I am looking at 1 45,000 MINI including taxes. I just don’t know if that’s worth it. I really want all the extra bits, so i think I will stick to my idea of just a regular R56 and try to forget about the JCW. It’s hard to decide. You have JCW which is like the hot girl you want to date but R56 is the nice sensible girl you could bring home to see your mum. In the end we all want the hot girl.
>However based on MINI sources we can now definitely confirm that the new JCW MINI will come from the factory equiped with the “standard†suspension. That means if you want the optional sport suspension you’ll need to order it as part of the sport package or as an a la carte option. The same goes for those wanting the ultimate suspension choice, the JCW dealer installed suspension kit. Like the JCW aero-kit and the JCW accessories, it’ll have to be ordered as an accessory from your dealer and installed after the car is delivered.
oh jcw….why have you failed us? you were supposed to be something both alluring and great. but instead, with your lack of options that should’ve been standard, now you are just and overpriced callgirl. and for that money, i would rather talk to your roomate with that RWD action going on down there.
and that article DB referenced shouldn’t count because it was posted on the 1st of april this year. there needs to be a law.
DB, I’d like to see a comparison, or talk of a comparison, between the factory R53 JCW (like mine) and the new R56 JCW. All the usual banter between the legendary 3 MF experts would be quite nice.
JFS: I checked the Press release and it states that the JCW Cooper’s consumption is 6.9L/100km (34 US mpg) and the JCW Clubman uses 7.0L/100km (33.6 US mpg).
Even though the JCW stuff has been put online… it does seem to be running with lots of errors. Could just be my POS computer… (man I can’t wait for my Mac to get here!).
Did anyone else notice that for all this extra power and cost A JCW Clubman achieves a 0-60 time of 6.5 sec, which is only .2 seconds quicker than a Clubman S. $7+k is a lot of money to gain .2 seconds, and it weights more as well. Granted the car has upgraded components like brakes and wheels, but still, this car is not have much of a value proposition.
I am so glad that I decided against this car, just set and designed a black on black JCW and what a shocker that I could see this car in the real world by checking out shots of Gabe’s car!
Rather funny to think about spending 35k just to look like everybody else. Oh well, time to go give GP0509 a wash 🙂
Lol Slay, not bashing anybody over looking at the new factory car. Just for me a partially built sports car is somewhat a mystery. I think the issue is this leaves the question what a JCW Mini is very muddy, it can be a car with a soft suspension with a normal Mini look or a high end spec with a solid suspension and a lowered stance.
I have no doubts that the new car will be quicker than my GP and with a “real” suspension its likely to handle very well too. I just feel that they are approaching this still with the mentality of a kit. I think they would have been much better off handling if more like a baby M car.
I say buy what ever car floats your boat, just the JCW mini is not personally interesting.
Well, we all know that the JCW suspension is the the best (oem) option… but just how good (or bad) is the “Sports” suspension in comparison? I mean, how well is the JCW Clubman going to handle/perform vs the Clubman S?
And I agree with you on this one Jon, the JCW car has got to be the most anti-climactic release yet, what with no Aero-Kit/suspension, etc.
Hey Jon… I see your point. The only visible difference between a JCW and any other combination would be the badges (which can be bought I’m sure). I reckon one could consider a JCW as a stealthed MINI in that from the outside it could look rather unassuming; but with the right performance options it will really mix it up! 🙂
I came up $33500 with std suspension. Would definately go aftermarket to slam this thing and attempt to create the “go cart” feel. If this had come out right away I might have kept my R56 instead of dumping my stage one after 2500 miles.
+2 Using the same DSL connection my MAC will not view the JCW link even when I type in the link. My MS XP laptop see’s all the JCW links. Anyone know what’s up?
The MAC (Safari) can view the JCW stuff only if I pull a JCW configuration from the ‘Saves Creation’ file
I hear what your saying Slay, I have more than a few friends that like sliding under the radar. However from a marketing side imagine selling any sort of general product that the expensive version looks like the entry level version. Yes its true that there are a few products like that but they are very rare.
I think part of what they did right with the GP is from across the street or down the block a person seeing it would notice that is something different. I think this is a selling point. One that the M division has realized long ago, along with every other manufacturers that is trying to sell a more expensive variety of a car.
I still believe these cars (once they have a proper suspension) are going to perform very nicely.
I just priced out my current MCS as a factory JCW. My car has the JCW dealer engine kit, JCW aerokit, JCW suspension plus just about every JCW accessory – not to mention almost all other option including nav and lounge leather: 39k without installation costs. Wow.
Im sure the factory JCW makes sense for some people but for me I’d so much rather get a more well rounded car for less money. Sombody is going to get a hell of a deal when I sell this thing.
“a more rounded car” i.e. a car with a roundel heh.
What your saying Gabe makes perfect sense to me, have a feeling that in order for the JCW Mini to perform with yours its going to need a suspension that is likely to already bring it closer to the price of your car. Hard to believe somebody hasn’t snapped that up yet, a very good looking car.
If I were in the market right now I would be looking for a kit JCW long before I would ever buy the partially built JCW Mini.
Next question… maybe this is a subject of a new post… How do JCW options affect the value of a MINI? I know mods from other tuners such as Alta actually lower the value. That’s really the point of my incessant questions. 🙂
Gabe. I am awaiting delivery of my fourth Mini in three years. If (or when because I can read between the lines)you score this thing this will be your fourth too. Right?
For those of you doing the configurator, I can tell you first hand only order the accessories you gotta have because they are $s right down the drain when you sell it. “Stripper” cars hold their value the best and sell quicker than the ones with all the cool things slapped on my ’07 stage one that I though would be so attractive.
My ’08 JCW/MCSC has all three packages and that’s it (well I did splurge for the aux gauges and windscreen). And there will be aftermarket suspension doo dads.
If one is prudent you actually can do the stage two jcw well equipped for well under $35k. Especially if you’re content with the $500 sport suspension. Sorry Gabe, I didn’t think the JCW suspension was worth half what I paid.
I have to say from what I’ve seen for prior Mini’s being sold is that JCW options do not really add to the value of the car. Most people that I know that have sold a JCW optioned car normally strip it of most JCW components and sell those as solo items.
Not trying to speak for Gabe but I have the feeling that Gabe was referencing a 135i as a more rounded car than the JCW Mini.
>Gabe. I am awaiting delivery of my fourth Mini in three years. If (or when because I can read between the lines)you score this thing this will be your fourth too. Right?
No – i’m on my third and it’ll be my last for awhile due to a number of reasons not related to how much I love my current MINI.
>If one is prudent you actually can do the stage two jcw well equipped for well under $35k. Especially if you’re content with the $500 sport suspension. Sorry Gabe, I didn’t think the JCW suspension was worth half what I paid.
That’s the first time I’ve ever heard that opinion. Having tested and tracked all suspension configs for both generations I’d have to completely disagree.
>Is the frightening cold start issue resolved on this thing?
To the best of my knowledge it’s not affecting all cars. Mine has been fine and I know quite a few other owners who have never heard it. I’m guessing if it hasn’t been resolved it soon will be and MINI will release a bulletin on the issue for those affected.
1st msh441 other interior option are available. I just sold my 05 JCW and ordered the 09. I just felt for the money you still cannot get a car with the performance , (handles so good in twisties) fun, sport-ness, and still very much a eye catcher for the less then enthusiast, even though for us enthusiast it does not present itself as anything different untill you hit the throttle. One is right though, it is very difficult to get your JCW $ back unless your seller is looking for a JCW. I found the JCW to the average joe was not worth the $ over the cooper s and to many even the cooper.
This post is old enough that I doubt I’ll get a response, but I’ll ask anyway… for those who say that the JCW add-ons can hurt resale value how do you think the factory car will be affected? Will it retain value since it’s a factory model or will it lose value because it’s a “Sport” model and aimed at the enthusiast?
I can build a JCS R56 for under $30K. Mainly because my only “gotta have” option is the MFSW. With more of a “daily driver” option spec, I can keep it under $35K.
Not including the aero kit doesn’t bother me. For the first time with any car, I like the aftermarket kits from Hamann and AC Schnitzer more. Even the stock suspension doesn’t bother me as it leaves more options to go aftermarket. I’ve installed suspensions on too many MINIs to pay for it.
As far as resale, it’s still hard to say. Thus far, there hasn’t been a hard, fast rule regarding values of factory R53 JCW cars. Some sell for reasonably more than std cars… some about the same. I don’t think the JCW add-on help resale much with book-value, but I would think they dobn’t hurt resale as much as aftermarket mods would in the real world. Personally, I would not buy a pre-modded R53 or a JCW, but that has more to do with what I would want the car for.
Damm! When I priced mine with all the goodies like leather, JCW suspension kit and aero kit and GPS it was 39,200 not including install. I am looking at 1 45,000 MINI including taxes. I just don’t know if that’s worth it. I really want all the extra bits, so i think I will stick to my idea of just a regular R56 and try to forget about the JCW. It’s hard to decide. You have JCW which is like the hot girl you want to date but R56 is the nice sensible girl you could bring home to see your mum. In the end we all want the hot girl.
What the deuce…the JCW aero kit is not standard? Judging from all the press release photos I thought it was standard.
It’s not. We’ve covered this in great detail already. From <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2008/04/01/mf-exclusive-jcw-mini-to-get-standard-suspension/" rel="nofollow">this post</a>.
>However based on MINI sources we can now definitely confirm that the new JCW MINI will come from the factory equiped with the “standard†suspension. That means if you want the optional sport suspension you’ll need to order it as part of the sport package or as an a la carte option. The same goes for those wanting the ultimate suspension choice, the JCW dealer installed suspension kit. Like the JCW aero-kit and the JCW accessories, it’ll have to be ordered as an accessory from your dealer and installed after the car is delivered.
oh jcw….why have you failed us? you were supposed to be something both alluring and great. but instead, with your lack of options that should’ve been standard, now you are just and overpriced callgirl. and for that money, i would rather talk to your roomate with that RWD action going on down there.
and that article DB referenced shouldn’t count because it was posted on the 1st of april this year. there needs to be a law.
DB, I’d like to see a comparison, or talk of a comparison, between the factory R53 JCW (like mine) and the new R56 JCW. All the usual banter between the legendary 3 MF experts would be quite nice.
Is the JCW MPG rating similar to the MCS’s (R56)?
When should we expect to see the first test-drive report?
Any insight into the JCW MPG ratings?
The MINIUSA site states “Not Yet Rated.”
JFS: I checked the Press release and it states that the JCW Cooper’s consumption is 6.9L/100km (34 US mpg) and the JCW Clubman uses 7.0L/100km (33.6 US mpg).
Where did it go?
Even though the JCW stuff has been put online… it does seem to be running with lots of errors. Could just be my POS computer… (man I can’t wait for my Mac to get here!).
I ran through and built a $38K Clubman last night with nary a hitch.
Did anyone else notice that for all this extra power and cost A JCW Clubman achieves a 0-60 time of 6.5 sec, which is only .2 seconds quicker than a Clubman S. $7+k is a lot of money to gain .2 seconds, and it weights more as well. Granted the car has upgraded components like brakes and wheels, but still, this car is not have much of a value proposition.
The difference between my ‘built’ Mini Cooper S and the JCW is $5300. I don’t think the JCW is $5300 more fun as much as I dig everything about it.
DB, I knocked out a 39k one myself just a couple of hours ago… but now it appears to have been dropped from the site as mnicpt mentioned?? 🙁
I just checked and it’s still there for me.
doubtful, but maybe they are blocking non-US ip addresses?
I am so glad that I decided against this car, just set and designed a black on black JCW and what a shocker that I could see this car in the real world by checking out shots of Gabe’s car!
Rather funny to think about spending 35k just to look like everybody else. Oh well, time to go give GP0509 a wash 🙂
And paying 35K to look different than everyone else is more rational???
Did it ever occur to you that maybe people are willing to pay 35K for the car THEY WANT… how it looks compared to everyone else be damned?
Go enjoy GP0509 and let those folks who want a JCW enjoy their moment without your condescension.
39k + installation for me… Gonna stick with the 07 MCS. JCW steering wheel is enough for me right now!
The option 386 Roof Rails are not in the #6 option page but the 325 rear spoiler is. Sure would like to see what those roof rails look like.
doubtful, but maybe they are blocking non-US ip addresses?
Well, I got through at home from my Deutsche account?? Oh, and the configurator comes up, just without the JCW options. Weird…
ooooh. That might be either a caching thing or possibly dns related.
OK, well if it could be DNS related… then it probably IS DNS related (Lowest bidder and all) :-/
Lol Slay, not bashing anybody over looking at the new factory car. Just for me a partially built sports car is somewhat a mystery. I think the issue is this leaves the question what a JCW Mini is very muddy, it can be a car with a soft suspension with a normal Mini look or a high end spec with a solid suspension and a lowered stance.
I have no doubts that the new car will be quicker than my GP and with a “real” suspension its likely to handle very well too. I just feel that they are approaching this still with the mentality of a kit. I think they would have been much better off handling if more like a baby M car.
I say buy what ever car floats your boat, just the JCW mini is not personally interesting.
Well, we all know that the JCW suspension is the the best (oem) option… but just how good (or bad) is the “Sports” suspension in comparison? I mean, how well is the JCW Clubman going to handle/perform vs the Clubman S?
And I agree with you on this one Jon, the JCW car has got to be the most anti-climactic release yet, what with no Aero-Kit/suspension, etc.
Hey Jon… I see your point. The only visible difference between a JCW and any other combination would be the badges (which can be bought I’m sure). I reckon one could consider a JCW as a stealthed MINI in that from the outside it could look rather unassuming; but with the right performance options it will really mix it up! 🙂
Something’s up with the site. The JCW stuff is gone (for better or for worse). Anyone know what’s up?
Extortion, I say!
I just called the Frau to have her check and apparently, she can see the JCW info at the house… but I see nothing at work 😕
I came up $33500 with std suspension. Would definately go aftermarket to slam this thing and attempt to create the “go cart” feel. If this had come out right away I might have kept my R56 instead of dumping my stage one after 2500 miles.
I do like the wheels!
+2 Using the same DSL connection my MAC will not view the JCW link even when I type in the link. My MS XP laptop see’s all the JCW links. Anyone know what’s up?
The MAC (Safari) can view the JCW stuff only if I pull a JCW configuration from the ‘Saves Creation’ file
I hear what your saying Slay, I have more than a few friends that like sliding under the radar. However from a marketing side imagine selling any sort of general product that the expensive version looks like the entry level version. Yes its true that there are a few products like that but they are very rare.
I think part of what they did right with the GP is from across the street or down the block a person seeing it would notice that is something different. I think this is a selling point. One that the M division has realized long ago, along with every other manufacturers that is trying to sell a more expensive variety of a car.
I still believe these cars (once they have a proper suspension) are going to perform very nicely.
I just priced out my current MCS as a factory JCW. My car has the JCW dealer engine kit, JCW aerokit, JCW suspension plus just about every JCW accessory – not to mention almost all other option including nav and lounge leather: 39k without installation costs. Wow.
Im sure the factory JCW makes sense for some people but for me I’d so much rather get a more well rounded car for less money. Sombody is going to get a hell of a deal when I sell this thing.
<blockquote>Sombody is going to get a hell of a deal when I sell this thing.</blockquote>
Why do you say that? Just curious.
“a more rounded car” i.e. a car with a roundel heh.
What your saying Gabe makes perfect sense to me, have a feeling that in order for the JCW Mini to perform with yours its going to need a suspension that is likely to already bring it closer to the price of your car. Hard to believe somebody hasn’t snapped that up yet, a very good looking car.
If I were in the market right now I would be looking for a kit JCW long before I would ever buy the partially built JCW Mini.
Well it’s not officially for sale yet 🙂
No, I mean, why will it be a deal?
>No, I mean, why will it be a deal?
Just because to buy a car like this new would be quite pricey and I intend to give someone a pretty good deal at the point when I sell it.
Next question… maybe this is a subject of a new post… How do JCW options affect the value of a MINI? I know mods from other tuners such as Alta actually lower the value. That’s really the point of my incessant questions. 🙂
Gabe. I am awaiting delivery of my fourth Mini in three years. If (or when because I can read between the lines)you score this thing this will be your fourth too. Right?
For those of you doing the configurator, I can tell you first hand only order the accessories you gotta have because they are $s right down the drain when you sell it. “Stripper” cars hold their value the best and sell quicker than the ones with all the cool things slapped on my ’07 stage one that I though would be so attractive.
My ’08 JCW/MCSC has all three packages and that’s it (well I did splurge for the aux gauges and windscreen). And there will be aftermarket suspension doo dads.
If one is prudent you actually can do the stage two jcw well equipped for well under $35k. Especially if you’re content with the $500 sport suspension. Sorry Gabe, I didn’t think the JCW suspension was worth half what I paid.
I have to say from what I’ve seen for prior Mini’s being sold is that JCW options do not really add to the value of the car. Most people that I know that have sold a JCW optioned car normally strip it of most JCW components and sell those as solo items.
Not trying to speak for Gabe but I have the feeling that Gabe was referencing a 135i as a more rounded car than the JCW Mini.
>Gabe. I am awaiting delivery of my fourth Mini in three years. If (or when because I can read between the lines)you score this thing this will be your fourth too. Right?
No – i’m on my third and it’ll be my last for awhile due to a number of reasons not related to how much I love my current MINI.
>If one is prudent you actually can do the stage two jcw well equipped for well under $35k. Especially if you’re content with the $500 sport suspension. Sorry Gabe, I didn’t think the JCW suspension was worth half what I paid.
That’s the first time I’ve ever heard that opinion. Having tested and tracked all suspension configs for both generations I’d have to completely disagree.
>Is the frightening cold start issue resolved on this thing?
To the best of my knowledge it’s not affecting all cars. Mine has been fine and I know quite a few other owners who have never heard it. I’m guessing if it hasn’t been resolved it soon will be and MINI will release a bulletin on the issue for those affected.
OK… is it just me, or are the only interior options black cloth, leatherette, or beige leather?
I hate to be petty… but that’s a deal breaker for me. If I can re-order with Redwood Red Leather, I’m out!
Hopfully this is just an oversight in the configurator that will be corrected over time.
1st msh441 other interior option are available. I just sold my 05 JCW and ordered the 09. I just felt for the money you still cannot get a car with the performance , (handles so good in twisties) fun, sport-ness, and still very much a eye catcher for the less then enthusiast, even though for us enthusiast it does not present itself as anything different untill you hit the throttle. One is right though, it is very difficult to get your JCW $ back unless your seller is looking for a JCW. I found the JCW to the average joe was not worth the $ over the cooper s and to many even the cooper.
This post is old enough that I doubt I’ll get a response, but I’ll ask anyway… for those who say that the JCW add-ons can hurt resale value how do you think the factory car will be affected? Will it retain value since it’s a factory model or will it lose value because it’s a “Sport” model and aimed at the enthusiast?
….there is a problem on the website. I tried to save mine in the config. but it still would not shows up. I hope it will be fixed soon.
I can build a JCS R56 for under $30K. Mainly because my only “gotta have” option is the MFSW. With more of a “daily driver” option spec, I can keep it under $35K.
Not including the aero kit doesn’t bother me. For the first time with any car, I like the aftermarket kits from Hamann and AC Schnitzer more. Even the stock suspension doesn’t bother me as it leaves more options to go aftermarket. I’ve installed suspensions on too many MINIs to pay for it.
As far as resale, it’s still hard to say. Thus far, there hasn’t been a hard, fast rule regarding values of factory R53 JCW cars. Some sell for reasonably more than std cars… some about the same. I don’t think the JCW add-on help resale much with book-value, but I would think they dobn’t hurt resale as much as aftermarket mods would in the real world. Personally, I would not buy a pre-modded R53 or a JCW, but that has more to do with what I would want the car for.