[abs0lutely]

Got my MCSC JCW back today!

Faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaabulous! Wow! Whoah!

Feels like it should have felt when I got it to be honest; as someone else said, it's as if the factory model has been de-tuned! The noise of the engine is deeper and more satisfying, the popping of the exhaust smoother and more powerful, and the whine of the turbo louder and higher. Delightful.

The car surges forward on each tap of the accellerator just like it does on the BMW M3, which is a lovely feeling. The difference is as pronounced and impressive in the lower gears as in the high, and the complete package just has that *WoW* factor.

Unfortunately mine is making a nasty metallic "boing" noise when I go over bumps. I had them put it back on the ramp straight away and they said it was a problem with the alu plate that covers the exhausts. They adjusted it, but now it's worse. Guess where my MINI's going next week!

Still, it hasn't spoiled it too much, absolutely amazing, would recommend it to anyone who wants their MCSC to have that ultimate rush. Wow, 210BHP through the front wheels. Amazing! Just can't wait until the drizzle stops and I can give it a nudge with the roof down. Woah, now that'll be fun.

*beams*

Did I mention how much I love the 18" JCW wheels?

[eddie_DV52_CCZ]

your car not only looks cool but drives amazing then.

seen as you own one.. which looks better...

The roof down or roof up?

if you like the normal one more with the roof up, does it compensate?

i guess it does. but worth it?

[abs0lutely]

With the roof up it's definitely much darker inside than if you're in a tin top. The rear visibility is also terrible. However, this little car has parking distance sensors as standard, so it's really not very hard to park, and the bigger rear view mirror compensates a lot.

The appearance with the roof up from the outside has grown on me hugely. When you look at other fabric-topped convertibles on the road, including BMW's convertible 3 series, you appreciate just how good the MINIs looks.

However, the obvious thrill is when the roof is down. What an amazing car to drive topless. It's going to seem like a long winter knowing that I wont be able to have the roof down as often, but then next spring and summer will be totally amazing. It's definitely more fun having the ability to lose your roof at the touch of a button.

Still, convertibles aren't for everyone. For practicality and other reasons (such as rattles) convertible cars can quickly lose their shine to some people. It's really down to your personal preferences. Now I couldn't possibly imagine having a tin top again - it just wouldn't seem right :\

P.S. really glad you like my car! I'll take pictures of it now it's got it's tuning kit on soon. Visually there isn't much difference, as I'm not having an aero kit, but the JCW badges and exhaust look terrific!

[minimememe]

abs0lutely, you're JCW kit sounds awesome! Just reading your praises makes me consider installing the kit on my soon-to-arrive MCSC, even though it would set me back $6500 USD ($4500 for kit, $2000 for dealer installation). I would love to see more pics, especially under the hood and the exhaust, if possible. Of course, I wouldn't object to see those cool rims again either.

Enjoy your ride...it's a beauty!

[rentagas]

Under the bonnet pics in "performance and tuning"

[normalizer]

I've got three suggestions for when you get the car back -

Air Intake, Airbox mod, and Throttle Body.

I've got a standard '02 MCS with the works kit and added the ProMINI air intake kit. Looks good, chrome never hurt an engine compartment as far as I know, and the sound is much improved as well as a better seat of the pants feel. Now that it's available, you might consider the Dinan or soon to be released John Cooper Works cold air intakes. About the same price as my ProMINI, with better HP gains and sound.

In addition to the air intake, I took my trusty dremel and cut a hole in the plastic firewall between the engine compartment and the windshield, allowing more air in to the filter. This would NOT be necassary with the Dinan intake though. Makes the engine sound MUCH better and I do believe it made a few ponies.

Finally, I installed the Dinan throttle body. AMAZING change, subtle but amazing!

Due to the gearing changes from the original MINI and the new ones, yours will be much quicker - so if you get the same increase as I did your call will be a real killer.

Am considering trading for a cabrio, wish I could afford to do so. Waiting for that winning lottery ticket before ordering.