[nonsequitur]

The new MINI Motoring Accessories 2004 You-ification Workbook includes an approved-for-Cooper-CVT cat-back exhaust system. Page 11, part no 18 10 0 141 760, $675.

This is supposedly the John Cooper Works exhaust component from the Kit marketed elsewhere for the 5-speed Cooper. By fitting only the exhaust side, "calibration" of the gearbox/motor/software remains accurate and the Works "ear-catching sound" qualities are brought to these cars. Very good marketing idea, MINIUSA.

[nonsequitur]

Confirmation received today that this item in the new accessory catalog is the cat-back exhaust system from the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the MINI Cooper. It's in the catalog, with a part number, and full MINI warranty coverage.

This action is creative marketing. It preserves the MINIUSA decision not to bring the full Kit to the US Market, while building unit volume for JCW fabrication, and after-market sales for US dealers. The installation "will improve the sound" although like most cat-back systems, performance will not change significantly.

There is also a separate JCW Motorsports product for the Cooper that apparently gives 3bhp improvement but it runs afoul of the MINI warranty protection.

New info: The full John Cooper Works Kit for the Cooper is now available in the US for the 5-speed cars only. This decision was apparently made at the same time as the catalog entry of the cat-back exhaust. MINI doesn't expect lots of orders for the full kit, but it is here and available now. Not for the CVT.

[niggelig]

if have got it installed last week.
in germany they sell is as a special mini sports excaust for one/cooper.
no special edition for cvt.
dealers says: its the same as from jcw-kit for cooper.

there is a little bit more sound - little !
and no change in overall performance.
but: car is now taking gas really smooth.
no more anoying stumble with warm motor,
and only little when cold.

cu,


added 29.July.04

i observe that rpms are about 200-250 units lower generally.
before at 100 km/h exactly 3K, now about 2,7K.
when speeding: not 5,5K, but at first 5,2K and then slowly going up to 5,5.
seems to consume about 0,5L/100KM less.
next time i get there i ask my dealer, whether there should
have been an additional coding for the exaust in software.

added 22.Aug.04
there is no coding of the exaust in controller software necessary.

[jazmini]

I've heard it is a really good quality catback exhaust from a post by Gabe at Motoringfile.com. When I ordered my MINI exactly one year ago, I tried to get it and told the dealer about it. At first they said it was not available, then when I showed them the part number in the catalog, they told me they would put it on my car. Then, when I picked up the car, they had instead put on the MINI Madness one, without telling me. Last year there was a problem with getting the dealers to understand that it was available. Don't know why and can't believe it really. Made no sense to me. At any rate, things are supposed to be ok now, but don't know. But I like the Madness one just fine, but would prefer an even larger tip. Both tips look similar, but still are small enough that people don't know it's a performance one and I prefer that look.

[cafemoc]

Madness exhaust is same as Rogue? I have Rogue installed, also using silencer on exhaust tip.
I wish I could order Sport Exhaust system, but I am happy with what I have.
As for performance, honestly I can't tell much of difference(with/without silencer). 3,500 rpm and above I can feel MINI pulling little harder, but that is about it. But looks pretty though

[jazmini]

Yes, the MINI Madness cat back exhaust is named the Rogue exhaust. I like it a lot too. Am very happy with it.

[Vanwall]

I went for the Remus, after seeing a bit aboout it on Gabe Bridger's site, and later hearing his sound-file of it. I'm not looking for HP in any serious quantity, but it sure sounds nice and has a great looking tip. It has made a difference in the driveability, as well - there are a few long, moderately steep hills that now can be taken a few hundred rpms lower, like there's a little extra torque in the mid-range. It was breeze to install, and is lighter than the rather bulky stock muffler. There are a coupla Remus dealers who have a great deal on it, 'specially compared to some of the similar, but much more expensive exhausts. The JCW wasn't available at the time, and I'll wager it isn't any better - Remus has top-grade products. I'm thinkin' the JCW is overpriced for what you get materially, but the caveat is it's factory approved, which is a big deal to some people. It would be one way to add the JCW brand-name on your CVT, tho. ;-)

BCNU,
Rob in Dago

[jazmini]

I originally wanted the Remis and had heard many good things about it. The dealer preferred the Madness and installed it, and I have no complaints.