[MiniLuvr]

Hi All-

Just a quick question to all of you concerning the JCW upgrade. Has anyone gotten an update as to when this option will be arriving at local MINI dealerships here in the States? I spoke with someone last month over at MINI of Sterling who informed me that, contrary to what we're all hearing on the Forums about it's eventual arrival, they have been told by MINI that it's not bound for the States at all (yeah, right....even Edmunds.Com says otherwise). Any idea of a timeframe?

Thanks-

Tony

[S2000&CooperS]

I'm now hearing mid-May or early June (contrary to sometime this month which is what I think we all heard at first)

[AirSix]

FWIW, I spoke at some length yesterday with MINI's press rep, and the JCW kit will most definitely be available here. No time yet, but he even tried to sell me one.

jj
Automotive Editor, WTOP
(and soon-to-be Mini owner)

[MiniLuvr]

Quote:

Originally posted by AirSix
FWIW, I spoke at some length yesterday with MINI's press rep, and the JCW kit will most definitely be available here. No time yet, but he even tried to sell me one.

jj
Automotive Editor, WTOP
(and soon-to-be Mini owner)

Great!! I'll keep my ears to the ground and try to stay up to date on this.

BTW - Am an avid WTOP listener. Great station you guys have there!

[S2000&CooperS]

Today I was quoted $5300 including 10 hours of labor at Crown MINI of Richmond. No kits have arrived yet

[AirSix]

A little update (or clarification) that may explain why some have heard the JCW package won't be available here:

The JCW package available in the States will be for the S. JCW has also developed a package that upgrades the normally-aspirated Mini Cooper; that one will not be available in the States, at least through authorized channels.

And thanks for the kind comments about WTOP. It's good to know someone's listening!

jj, just beginning the order process

(MCS, PP, CP, DSC, Y/W/White 16s. Someday. I hope.)

[MiniLuvr]

Quote:

Originally posted by AirSix
A little update (or clarification) that may explain why some have heard the JCW package won't be available here:

The JCW package available in the States will be for the S. JCW has also developed a package that upgrades the normally-aspirated Mini Cooper; that one will not be available in the States, at least through authorized channels.

And thanks for the kind comments about WTOP. It's good to know someone's listening!

jj, just beginning the order process

(MCS, PP, CP, DSC, Y/W/White 16s. Someday. I hope.)

Good point re. the two kits. Had known that the one for the S was U.S.-bound, but I can see where there might be a lot of confusion regarding the two.

You'll have to let us know how your ordering journey goes, eh? Are you going through Mini of Sterling?

[AirSix]

>Are you going through Mini of Sterling?

I expect so, since Arlington won't be open in time, and I've heard mostly good things. The only question is what to do for a car until it arrives...

[MiniLuvr]

Quote:

Originally posted by AirSix
>Are you going through Mini of Sterling?

I expect so, since Arlington won't be open in time, and I've heard mostly good things. The only question is what to do for a car until it arrives...

Oh, that's an easy one, J.J. Just get the station to let you use one of the 'TOP News Mobiles for a while. Tell'em you're doing some research for a story and will need it for official business for the next 6-8 months!

[AirSix]

Quote:

Originally posted by MiniLuvr
Oh, that's an easy one, J.J. Just get the station to let you use one of the 'TOP News Mobiles for a while.

Unfortunately, the "WTOP News Mobiles" are made by Huffy. But it's a good thought.

Anyway, back to Minis. I have no reason not top go with Sterling, unless anybody has anything especially good to say abpout another place...? I'm willing to buy from a great distance, but the prices and queue positions don't seem to be that different.

[MiniLuvr]

Quote:

Originally posted by AirSix
Unfortunately, the "WTOP News Mobiles" are made by Huffy. But it's a good thought.

Anyway, back to Minis. I have no reason not top go with Sterling, unless anybody has anything especially good to say abpout another place...? I'm willing to buy from a great distance, but the prices and queue positions don't seem to be that different.

Huffy's eh? Wow...

Am with USA TODAY myself...

Re. Mini of Sterling, have heard only great things about them. I drive by there almost every morning these days as I drop my wife off at work close by (Worldcom...I, er...uh...mean MCI) and have been tempted to make that left turn onto Pacific and drive on up to the show room. But, am still getting all of my cash together first before stopping in to place my order. Am looking forward to it.

[Mike & Donna in Ca.]

Quote:

Originally posted by MiniLuvr
Huffy's eh? Wow...

Am with USA TODAY myself...

Re. Mini of Sterling, have heard only great things about them. I drive by there almost every morning these days as I drop my wife off at work close by (Worldcom...I, er...uh...mean MCI) and have been tempted to make that left turn onto Pacific and drive on up to the show room. But, am still getting all of my cash together first before stopping in to place my order. Am looking forward to it.

Hey Tony! I work for MCI too!!! What's your wifes name - I can look her up - we could do a little girls MINI chat - heheh

Chow!

Donna

[Mike & Donna in Ca.]

This is just an FYI about the JCW package. We spoke at length with one of the Kerry at Sterling. He says it's not worth the $$$

With other much less costly upgrades - you can get almost the same hp - and save yourself tons of money.

Chow!


Donna

[Mike & Donna in Ca.]

Wow - bad english in that last post - sorry - it's early - I started one thought and typed another

It should read "We spoke in length with Kerry"


Chow!


Donna

[MiniLuvr]

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike & Donna in Va.
Wow - bad english in that last post - sorry - it's early - I started one thought and typed another

It should read "We spoke in length with Kerry"


Chow!


Donna

Had heard the same thing from John Myers there at Sterling MINI. Have been reading that the JCW kit is priced at $4500, plus labor. You can get roughly the same type of upgrades for about half that price, without paying for the "designer name".

[TomM]

I'll second that the JCW isn't worth it. You are paying 3g's more for mods which should cost barely more than $1500-$2000 tops. Warranty you say? If you buy from a reputable company, their products will most likely work flawlessly and with the numerous people on these forums you'd have to be blind to miss any problems with a product.

Tom

[Uncle Clem's Mini S]

I am in the process of getting a Mini S with the JCW upgrade. It is $5500 extra and can be reto-fitted anytime. I Am waiting until it comes in to have the dealer do it all in one shot. I'll give updates.

[Uncle Clem's Mini S]

You may be right, but it is a great car that is relatively inexpensive so why not splurge a little and get the upgrades, but at least that is how I feel.

[Mike & Donna in Ca.]

Just a little FYI - Mike & I stopped by Sterling MINI for our weekly "Hello". Guess what they have??

That's right - an MSC Chili Red/Black JCW car. It's not for sale as they just got it in and have no paperwork for it. MINIUSA delivered it - surprise

We had the pleasure of driving it - gotta say - we honestly don't think it's worth the extra money. I mean - yes - it has a bit more umphhhh - and the cool little insignias that say "Cooper Works" on the front grill, back tailgate, & under the bonnet. Nothing different on the interior.

But - like many others have said, you can do a bunch of mods yourself for a lot less money and get the same results.

Just my 2 cents

Chow!


Donna

[Uncle Clem's Mini S]

Well I certainly appreciate the feedback. I may have to do some re-arranging on my deal now. If that is the case I'll do the mods myself and save some $$$$$. Thaks again.

Craig