[tucker217]

I'm thinking about buying a dash mounted JCW R53 Shift Light.

What do you all reckon?
Is it a useful gadget, or is it just a flashing toy?

[chris.lamb]

Depends on the price.
FREE=useful
££££££££=flashing toy

[grodenglaive]

Quote: Originally Posted by chris.lamb (original)

Depends on the price.
FREE=useful
££££££££=flashing toy

My sentiments exactly. I'd like one too, but not at $300.

[MarkW]

depends on your driving style, on road waste of time, on track very useful why else would they be used in motorsport

[beken]

Unless you have your car on the track a lot, probably not worth it unless you like that kind of bling.

My other car came with a shiftlight. It was smart enough to analyze how you were driving and pick shift point based on how hard you were driving. The light would come on early to save fuel if you were driving really lightly, and if you were driving hard, it wouldn't come on until you were almost at the rev limiter. Nice piece actually. After awhile, especially at night, it just became an annoyance, especially when the bulbs (it's an old car now) started burning out rather frequently. I just stopped replacing the bulbs after awhile so it doesn't come on anymore. I don't miss it.

[*Vikki*]

I got mine but its mostly just a toy, which never flashes as its set too high..

[Jordan210]

Quote: Originally Posted by Chilli21 (original)

I got mine but its mostly just a toy, which never flashes as its set too high..

Would it not be set for racing ?

It is a cool toy, Jacked Ups one was wicked when in his car, But it is expensive to buy and get fitted

[Mini-Trainer]

Quote: Originally Posted by tucker217 (original)

I'm thinking about buying a dash mounted JCW R53 Shift Light.

What do you all reckon?
Is it a useful gadget, or is it just a flashing toy?

NOOOOOOOOO

[feenaldo]

They crop up on ebay from time to time. Last one went for £70 BNIB.

[Posts001]

They are amazing and when I have some money I getting a set.

Check out this link

YouTube - MINI Cooper JCW Shift indicator light

[Jordan210]

That looks like the r56 one but it looks like its fitted in an R53 !

[r1_kde]

I have one and I don't see it flash all that often, I know when to change but everyone who gets in loves it. makes my day sometimes as I have it mostly for fun

[MarkW]

the r56 fits the r53 with some mods, alta do one with instructions for r53 iirc

[Posts001]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jordan210 (original)

That looks like the r56 one but it looks like its fitted in an R53 !

I think that it is, it looks really good.

What sort of mods?????

[MarkW]

MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring - ALTA / JCW Shift Indicator DIY for the R53/GP

basically you remove the r56 light from the supplied steering column trim, fit the lights to a slightly modified r53 version and tap into a couple of wires

[Ant FR]

yes i have one and it looks good. For 80 quid its a nice little mod and one of the most commented things on my car. You can have it on or off, there is a little button on the top too turn it off.

Easy to fit on early dashes would'nt want to mess around on a later one. As for silly billy on here saying that it comes in too early etc. There are jumper settings on the underside of the unit which can be changed depending on model of car and when you want the limit set, is done in blocks of 250rpm so is fully adjustable. If you want the settings guide let me know. I found it easy to fit, just needed a few wires from the OBD socket, oh and the measuring on the dash to drill the 3 holes int he right place was a little nerve racking. but once fitted its amazingly OE looking. Also note it is visible from the rear of the car by the car behind you.

Do i use it? no i use the rev limiter.....lol But does it look good yes, and does it get your car more attention, yes it does! You name me another car that offers this feature as a dealer supplied part.

[GTT 280]

i use the rev counter and engine noise and my superior, posterior, and horizontal canals to sense when i should change gear not a flashing light.

Cheers,
K.

[Ant FR]

Quote: Originally Posted by GTT 280 (original)

i use the rev counter and engine noise and my superior, posterior, and horizontal canals to sense when i should change gear not a flashing light.

Cheers,
K.

bet if GTT released one you'd have it though


ooooohhhhhh that was below the belt......lol Just joshing mate

But in all seriousness Karl is right. i mean how many times do you look at the rev counter and think " right time to change" i think its just there as a bit of a gimmick. But it does look different.

I like the way it tests all the LEDs when you turn the ignition on. Sad i know

[coded2112]

Like it for pose but it would drive me bonkers in the end i think!

I will stick with ears and rev limiter!

[Posts001]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ant FR (original)

bet if GTT released one you'd have it though


ooooohhhhhh that was below the belt......lol Just joshing mate

But in all seriousness Karl is right. i mean how many times do you look at the rev counter and think " right time to change" i think its just there as a bit of a gimmick. But it does look different.

I like the way it tests all the LEDs when you turn the ignition on. Sad i know

I agree with you that is one of it's best features, I think that they should of had the Gear Number in the middle, so it is more like a propper F1 Shifter