US dealers installing non-JCW performance packages?

[MINIAC]

I read somewhere that MINI of Sterling is installing an "SX" performance package which includes a CAI, EVOtech ECU, Pulley and Borla Exhaust for $3500 with a warranty.

Anybody had this package installed?

Any other dealers doing this?

You'd think that MINI USA would "frown" on this since the Works Kit is the approved package.

[TomM]

MINI of Sterling in the DC Metro area is installing this package. They also sell each product individually if you want. They use the MINI-Madness CAI, the EVOTech ECU, Alta Pulley(soon), and the standard Borla.

That's about all I know.

[CHRYSt]

Found this thread while doing a search for Mini of Sterling.

The package name is "SE." I've ordered it, but not recieved my mini yet, and so can't really comment. The Pulley's not offered, (at least not yet) but the rest is correct.

It's $2500 for the kit, and adds 3 days to the waiting period, since the installation is done offsite.

Mini of Sterling claims a 30 hp increase. Somehow I doubt this, but can they make that claim without it being true?

[plugot]

The Denver area MINI dealership I spoke to about a month ago said they were excludsively offering MiniMania upgrades instead of the JCW package. They said when they dinoed the Works it didn't produce the advertised HP. They got better results with the Mania add-ons. They are also offering a full warranty on their upgrades. Doesn't do too much for those of us outside the Denver metro area though.

[minimc]

What would you do if you were in Randy's home town & trying to sell Works kits?

This really strikes me as funny, and I see it as a sign of (possibly grudging) respect for Randy/his business. AND as a significant admission of defeat for JCW in the USA.

Why?
Because of BMW corporate's suffocating official position regarding dealers installing non-JCW performance kits. Up to the point I'd read this BMW/MINI USA were totally against mods like EVOtech ECU reflashes. ...Now I see this.

Mini of Sterling officially states that they can not or will not install pulley's, but how long do you think that will last? Is it even the truth? Would you tell anyone on open forum if they would do it for you? ...I sure wouldn't bite that hand!

I can't help but think that MINI of Sterling has

a) been feeling the pressure Webb Motorsports success & proximity.
OR
b) Is having Webb Motorsport perform the tuning work. (Randy's facility is the 'off site' location?)

...No... ? ...Just idle speculation? Ah well, it sounds good anyways.

[stryder]

Quote: Originally Posted by plugot

The Denver area MINI dealership I spoke to about a month ago said they were excludsively offering MiniMania upgrades instead of the JCW package. They said when they dinoed the Works it didn't produce the advertised HP. They got better results with the Mania add-ons. They are also offering a full warranty on their upgrades. Doesn't do too much for those of us outside the Denver metro area though.

In denver, I wouldn't be surprised if any car modification gave advertised HP increases. There's just less oxygen, the car won't run the same, especially on a forced induction car.

It still is good that some dealers are willing to step out on their own though, but I seriously doubt BMW would market something that doesn't do what its supposed to, especially since they clearly sell the cars stock with more then the advertised HP just to cover themselves in all situations.

[TomM]

Crystal at Sterling is well in-tune with the aftermarket and was one of the first cars to ever have the EVOTech ECU on her car. They have strong ties with MINI-Madness as they provide some parts for their Grand-Am STII MINI. Webb Motorsports has nothing to do with them or the package.

[minimc]

Quote: Originally Posted by TomM

...Sterling...Webb Motorsports has nothing to do with them or the package.

Well, that's Sterling's loss

[TomM]

How is that Sterling's loss?

[plugot]

Quote: Originally Posted by stryder

In denver, I wouldn't be surprised if any car modification gave advertised HP increases. There's just less oxygen, the car won't run the same, especially on a forced induction car.

I was told that BMW had sent some engineers to the Denver dealer to check out why the JCW wasn't delivering the advertised HP. They apparently were puzzled by the results. Take it for what it's worth.

[stryder]

Quote: Originally Posted by plugot

I was told that BMW had sent some engineers to the Denver dealer to check out why the JCW wasn't delivering the advertised HP. They apparently were puzzled by the results. Take it for what it's worth.

If i lived in Munich, or Oxford/Coventry England and I had to go to denver to figure out why something wouldn't work I'd be puzzled too. I can't imagine anyone who is not intimately familar with the environment (Randy/A Sherpa from Everest?) would be effective at achieving performance out of anything that uses oxygen.

I'm just leery of one dealer out of 70 saying JCW doesn't perform, and that is one of 2 we've seen so far that instead sell some other version, they've obviously got an agenda. Not that I think they are lying, but still, we all know dealers are in the business to make money.