Question regarding the JCW package

[Rono174]

I was on the Mini site building a mini, and I noticed the option of selecting sport package, premium package, and all that jazz. At the very end, I saw the JCW selection of suspension, aero kit and much more. This may sound like a stupid question to some of you so forgive me, but is the JCW package such as the suspension, brakes, aero kit really worth getting instead of the regular sport package, is there a huge difference? I'm too lazy to make an account on northamericanmotoring.com, I dont know much about minis nor do i own one, so I figured I'd ask my buddies on bimmerforums.

[Alpine535i]

We have an 04 sport, w/ cvt, and we have the JCW Aero Kit, it is perfect. The suspension is a little stiff sometimes for the city but it is great on the highway. We love it and get around 30-33 mpg everytime we fill up. The Aero kit is well worth it, stunning and the car gets a lot of looks.

[Rono174]

What about the JCW tuning kit is that worth the money as well?

[mbcoops]

If you're talking about the R56 - it seems you can get similar power from the aftermarket for less money, but that was the case with the R53, too. Check out motoringfile.com - they have all the info you need. Also, as you mention, you can search on NAM and find lots of people with the very same dilemma.

JCW gives you BMW engineering, BMW warranty, and what most say is a more integrated feel. Aftermarket can give you bang for the buck and in some cases more performance. Also, it seems the JCW kits do NOTHING for resale value, in case you care about that.

mb

[Rono174]

thanks for help

[gjhsu]

The biggest sell point for the JCW tuning kit (in my opinion) is that it retains the factory warranty and maintenance plan. If and whenever I get around to getting it, it's worth it, I think.

[bgregg]

Opted to go with the sport suspension as part of one of the packages (swaybars and 17" wheels/tires and aero kit), the JCW Engine Tuning Kit, and the JCW cross-drilled rotors. The limited slip differential is also an option to get.

Did not get the JCW aerodynamics body kit or the JCW suspension, which are also available. I was tempted though. The opinion on the JCW suspension is over on motoringfile.com if you want to read that. A harsher ride is one tradeoff. Haven't driven one equipped that way myself, so I cannot comment.

I do like the Engine Tuning Kit, and basically a lot more torque is available over a wide band of RPM compared to stock. Peak hp increase is only in the upper RPM range compared to stock.

I guess eventually Dinan will get on the bandwagon for the R56 mods, so for now the JCW is the only factory warranty option.

[MINIGURU]

The JCW kit works, but the aftermarket stuff make more power for less $$$. As for Warranty I can tell you that 90%+ of my customers have never had problems with a dealer and the mods I did to their car. So the JCW stuff and warranty I don't worry to much about.

As for the Aero kits and stuff I can tell you they DO fit the best. But it really comes down to your personal taste