Small JCW Problem - Advice Please

[MINI-stir]

Quick backstory: So, my JCW kit was installed on 8/11/03, everything except the various stickers, emblems and badges. When I picked up the car on 8/14/03, I of course noted to the dealer that all these things were missing. Next day, they were located, (except for the rear badge, that was missing, appparently)-- The story I was fed was that the installing tech had hidden the other badges to prevent them from being stolen.

Anyway, short of it is that the dealership installed the front JCW badge on the left side of the car (as you face it). I have noted the JCW installation instructions (Rev. 3/03) indicate it should be installed on the right.

So, to JCW folks (and anybody else), does it really matter? Should I demand that they move the badge to the other "correct" side when the rear badge comes in? (This may mean putting on (and probably waiting for) a new piece of Aero Kit grill work, since holes may have be drilled to install the badge on the "wrong" side)

Obviously, I'm a pretty anal guy. I'm essentially asking for advice on deciding whether left or right is better. Leaving aside whether having badges at all is important (it is to me, end of story) should I just loosen up and enjoy the mechanical functionality of the kit, and deal with the badge where it is?

[Jones]

Well put it this way, you will be different from the rest and that is the major concern with most mini owners....individuality!

[Root Ginger]

Well for me I would get it moved.

The first thing that would enter my head if I saw a JCW with the badge on the wrong side would be "fake".

It's the badging and details that mark it out as the real thing. It would annoy me if I'd had a badge installed wrong. I expect your missing badge is now firmly fixed to the back of another MINI somewhere after being sold through the back door!

It's quite common for dealers to sell badges onto consumers who want to make their lower spec cars look like the genuine article. BMW's M badges are a case in point.

BMW were getting so many orders for replacement badges that in the end they said that customers had to provide their V5's to prove they owned an M series car!

[LMB]

I'd get it changed.

[Andy@Ross-Tech.com]

I heard it voids TLC is the badge is on the wrong side.

[Paul]

I'd get it moved too, it would annoy the hell out of me being on the wrong side!

[Ratty]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINI-stir

Quick backstory: So, my JCW kit was installed on 8/11/03, everything except the various stickers, emblems and badges. When I picked up the car on 8/14/03, I of course noted to the dealer that all these things were missing. Next day, they were located, (except for the rear badge, that was missing, appparently)-- The story I was fed was that the installing tech had hidden the other badges to prevent them from being stolen.

Anyway, short of it is that the dealership installed the front JCW badge on the left side of the car (as you face it). I have noted the JCW installation instructions (Rev. 3/03) indicate it should be installed on the right.

So, to JCW folks (and anybody else), does it really matter? Should I demand that they move the badge to the other "correct" side when the rear badge comes in? (This may mean putting on (and probably waiting for) a new piece of Aero Kit grill work, since holes may have be drilled to install the badge on the "wrong" side)

Obviously, I'm a pretty anal guy. I'm essentially asking for advice on deciding whether left or right is better. Leaving aside whether having badges at all is important (it is to me, end of story) should I just loosen up and enjoy the mechanical functionality of the kit, and deal with the badge where it is?

Given the amount you have had to pay for the JCW conversion everthing should be absolutely right. Insist on all of the correct badging in the right place. BTW the badges are held on with adhesive, there is no drilling, but it might be difficult to remove and re-stick.

A question, you mention the JCW installation instructions (Rev. 3/03), are these available somewhere ? I have had a conversion done but would be very interested to read the installation instructions.

Good luck getting your problem resolved.

[Hobbe]

Tell them to fix it. You´ve paid for it.

[Cypher]

It depends what you want from the kit.... i ask my dealer not to badge my mini after conversion... i got the 2 badge and the N° plate in a box with my car ...maybe i ll place the plate but not the badges If People knows a bit about Minis they will recognise the exhaust... for the others... pffff i don't care... i know what i've onder my bonnet But if you 've asked nothing, they have to do it acceptably ... what matters is the pleasure you get for driving it... and it does it perfectly

[gtt19]

i'd just take them all off...and leave the engravings on the top of the dual exhaust pipes...since that's all anyone else will be seeing if they decide to try and "fun" with you

[MINI-stir]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ratty

A question, you mention the JCW installation instructions (Rev. 3/03), are these available somewhere ? I have had a conversion done but would be very interested to read the installation instructions.

Good luck getting your problem resolved.

Thanks. Don't remember where I found the JCW installation instructions. Pretty sure I got to them through this site. I bet a couple searches here will turn something up. Sorry I can't be more help.

BTW, I've actually decided to have the dealer remove the badge from the car and surgically implant it in my forehead. Shiny.

[bigbaddaboom]

The instructions are in the MINI2 Technical - OEM Fitting guides, here:

http://www.mini2.com/guides/pdf/John...CooperSKit.pdf

As for the badges, having it in the middle of the forehead will definitely invalidate your warranty.

[miniPete]

I would worry about the lack of attention to detail. That would make me suspect the rest of the installation.
As far as the installation instructions are concerned, the dealer gets those with each installation, so he might still have yours.

[mhoutman]

I just love this topic;-)

[Smurfn]

I'd get it fixed. I tend to agree that it would look fake if it was wrong. You spent a lot of money on it, they should do it right.